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Japan Linked
  • Travel Guides
  • Visas & Entry
  • Transportation
  • Living In Japan
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Disclaimer

Hiroshi Tanaka

Hi, I am Hiroshi, I'm a native Tokyo resident passionate about sharing authentic Japanese culture with the world.

I have spent over a decade writing about traditional arts, modern lifestyle trends, and the nuances of Japanese society.

I like writing on seasonal festivals, business etiquette, and cultural insights that have helped thousands of visitors and expats to better understand Japan.

My goal is to help you make the most of you Japan trip.
Why Can't You Have Tattoos in Japan? Ancient Stigma Meets Modern Ink

Why Can’t You Have Tattoos in Japan? Ancient Stigma Meets Modern Ink

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan has a fascinating and complicated relationship with tattoos that spans centuries. While many countries have embraced tattoos as a form of self-expression, Japan continues to maintain a complex attitude …

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How Many Knives Can I Bring Back from Japan? Sharpen Your Knowledge on Legalities, Limits, and Rules

How Many Knives Can I Bring Back from Japan? Sharpen Your Knowledge on Legalities, Limits, and Rules

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan maintains strict regulations regarding knife ownership and public carry, which can initially seem daunting to visitors hoping to purchase traditional Japanese cutlery. However, bringing knives back from Japan is entirely possible …

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Can You Use Amex in Japan? Your Best Guide to Hassle-Free Spending

Can You Use Amex in Japan? Your Best Guide to Hassle-Free Spending

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan presents a fascinating paradox for international travelers. Despite being one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, it remains surprisingly cash-dependent. This creates a natural question for American Express …

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Can You Take Food to Japan? Your Ultimate Guide to Customs Cuisine

Can You Take Food to Japan? Your Ultimate Guide to Customs Cuisine

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan maintains some of the world’s strictest food import regulations, creating a formidable biosecurity shield that protects the country’s delicate agricultural ecosystem. For travelers wondering “Can you take food into Japan?”, …

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Can You See Japan from Korea? Unraveling the Myth of Cross-Strait Sightings

Can You See Japan from Korea? Unraveling the Myth of Cross-Strait Sightings

Hiroshi Tanaka

The geographical relationship between South Korea and Japan is defined by the Korea Strait, a narrow body of water that separates the Korean Peninsula from the Japanese archipelago. At its …

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Can I Use T-Mobile in Japan? Everything You Need to Know

Can I Use T-Mobile in Japan? Everything You Need to Know

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, you can use T-Mobile in Japan, but with several important limitations depending on your specific plan. Most T-Mobile postpaid plans include international roaming capabilities that automatically activate when you …

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What Can You Buy with 100 Yen in Japan? Budget Treasures & Hidden Gems

What Can You Buy with 100 Yen in Japan? Budget Treasures & Hidden Gems

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan’s iconic 100-yen shops have become a cultural institution, but their history reveals a fascinating evolution that mirrors Japan’s economic journey over the past few decades. These stores—known as “hyaku-en shoppu” (百円ショップ) …

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Can You Wear Joggers in Japan? A Tourist's Guide to Blending Comfort and Culture

Can You Wear Joggers in Japan? A Tourist’s Guide to Blending Comfort and Culture

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan’s approach to fashion and personal presentation goes far beyond mere aesthetics—it reflects deeply held cultural values and social expectations. For visitors wondering if they can wear joggers in Japan, …

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Can You Tip in Japan? Unlock the Secrets of Showing Appreciation Like a Local

Can You Tip in Japan? Unlock the Secrets of Showing Appreciation Like a Local

Hiroshi Tanaka

In Japan, the absence of tipping isn’t merely a quirk of etiquette—it’s a profound reflection of cultural values that have shaped the nation’s service industry for centuries. Unlike Western countries …

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Can You Get Tattooed in Japan? Unraveling the Myths, Laws, and Cultural Taboos

Can You Get Tattooed in Japan? Unraveling the Myths, Laws, and Cultural Taboos

Hiroshi Tanaka

For decades, the legal status of tattoos in Japan existed in a peculiar gray area. Until recently, getting inked in Japan was technically illegal unless performed by a licensed medical …

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Where to Buy a SIM Card in Japan: Complete Guide for Travelers

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Japan: Complete Guide for Travelers

Hiroshi Tanaka

In a country where technology seamlessly blends with tradition, staying connected while traveling through Japan is not just a convenience—it’s practically essential. From navigating the labyrinthine subway systems of Tokyo …

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What Age Can You Get Married in Japan? Your Ultimate Guide

What Age Can You Get Married in Japan? Your Ultimate Guide

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan’s marriage laws underwent a significant transformation in April 2022, marking one of the most substantial revisions to the country’s marriage age requirements in over a century. As of this …

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Can You Fly a Drone in Japan? A Complete Guide to Drone Laws

Can You Fly a Drone in Japan? A Complete Guide to Drone Laws

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, you can fly a drone in Japan, but you must navigate a complex web of regulations that have become increasingly strict in recent years. Japan maintains comprehensive drone laws …

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Can You Bring Tea to Japan? Steep Yourself in Customs Know-How

Can You Bring Tea to Japan? Steep Yourself in Customs Know-How

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, you can bring tea to Japan, but there are specific regulations you need to follow depending on whether it’s for personal use or commercial purposes. Japan maintains strict biosecurity …

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Can Opener Japan: How a Simple Tool Became a Cultural Icon

Can Opener Japan: How a Simple Tool Became a Cultural Icon

Hiroshi Tanaka

In a country renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship, even the most humble kitchen tools are elevated to works of functional art. Japanese can openers stand as …

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How Much Can I Bring to Japan? Your Ultimate Guide to Customs Limits

How Much Can I Bring to Japan? Your Ultimate Guide to Customs Limits

Hiroshi Tanaka

When traveling to Japan, understanding the cash declaration threshold is crucial for a smooth entry into the country. Japan has specific regulations about how much money you can bring without having to …

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Can You Travel Japan on Your Own? A Solo Explorer's Ultimate Guide

Can You Travel Japan on Your Own? A Solo Explorer’s Ultimate Guide

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan stands as one of the most solo-traveler friendly destinations in the world. The answer to “Can you travel Japan on your own?” is a resounding yes – not only is it possible, but …

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Can You Import Cars from Japan? A Complete Guide to JDM Imports

Can You Import Cars from Japan? A Complete Guide to JDM Imports

Hiroshi Tanaka

The allure of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide, creating a thriving import market for these unique automobiles. From the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R to the nimble Honda …

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Can You Get a Flight from Japan to Arizona? Unlocking Your Transpacific Travel Options

Can You Get a Flight from Japan to Arizona? Unlocking Your Transpacific Travel Options

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, you can get a flight from Japan to Arizona, though there are currently no direct nonstop flights between the two locations. All journeys require at least one connection, typically …

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Can You Get a Flight from Japan to Nevada? Complete Guide to Your Travel Options

Can You Get a Flight from Japan to Nevada? Complete Guide to Your Travel Options

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, you can definitely get flights from Japan to Nevada, with options ranging from direct flights to connecting routes through major West Coast cities. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need …

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Can You Use Uber in Japan? The Complete Guide for Travelers

Can You Use Uber in Japan? The Complete Guide for Travelers

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, Uber does exist in Japan, but it operates quite differently from what international travelers might expect. Unlike in most countries where Uber connects riders with independent drivers using their personal …

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Can You Drink the Water in Japan? Your Ultimate Tap Water Guide

Can You Drink the Water in Japan? Your Ultimate Tap Water Guide

Hiroshi Tanaka

Is Tap Water in Japan Safe to Drink? Yes, tap water in Japan is safe to drink. In fact, Japan boasts some of the cleanest and highest-quality drinking water in the …

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Can Aftermarket Downpipes Pass Shaken? Ultimate Guide for JDM Enthusiasts

Can Aftermarket Downpipes Pass Shaken? Ultimate Guide for JDM Enthusiasts

Hiroshi Tanaka

Shaken (車検), officially known as the “Automobile Inspection and Registration System,” is Japan’s mandatory vehicle inspection program that ensures all vehicles on Japanese roads meet strict safety and environmental standards. Unlike …

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Can You Retire in Japan? A Complete Guide for Foreign Retirees

Can You Retire in Japan? A Complete Guide for Foreign Retirees

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan’s serene temples, picturesque mountain landscapes, efficient public transportation, and world-renowned healthcare system make it an increasingly popular retirement destination for foreigners seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. With …

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How Early Can I Send My Luggage in Japan? Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Travel

How Early Can I Send My Luggage in Japan? Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Travel

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan’s luggage delivery system, known as takkyubin (宅急便) or “hands-free travel,” is one of the country’s most convenient services for both travelers and locals. This system allows you to send your luggage …

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Can You Rent Ski Clothes in Japan? Ultimate Guide to Hassle-Free Winter Gear

Can You Rent Ski Clothes in Japan? Ultimate Guide to Hassle-Free Winter Gear

Hiroshi Tanaka

Planning a ski trip to Japan’s world-renowned powder paradises? One question that frequently comes up is: “Can you rent ski clothes in Japan?” The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s often the smarter …

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Can You Go Into University Without Decided Major in Japan? Exploring Flexible Options

Can You Go Into University Without Decided Major in Japan? Exploring Flexible Options

Hiroshi Tanaka

The Japanese higher education system operates quite differently from what many international students might be familiar with, particularly those from Western countries. In Japan, university education is structured around a faculty-based …

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Can You Eat on Trains in Japan? A Tasty Guide to Rail Dining Etiquette

Can You Eat on Trains in Japan? A Tasty Guide to Rail Dining Etiquette

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan’s train network is a marvel of efficiency, punctuality, and cleanliness that leaves many first-time visitors in awe. From the lightning-fast Shinkansen (bullet trains) to the intricate web of local …

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Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan? Understanding Your Rights

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan? Understanding Your Rights

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Japan with virtually no legal restrictions based on nationality or residency status. Unlike many Asian countries that limit foreign ownership, Japan offers equal property rights …

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Can I Use My Phone in Japan? Everything You Need to Know

Can I Use My Phone in Japan? Everything You Need to Know

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan, a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, welcomes millions of international visitors each year. Whether you’re planning to navigate Tokyo’s intricate subway system, translate a restaurant menu, …

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Can I Use My Phone from Japan in the US? Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected

Can I Use My Phone from Japan in the US? Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected

Hiroshi Tanaka

If you’re planning to bring your Japanese phone to the United States, understanding the underlying compatibility issues is crucial before you pack your bags. Japanese and US mobile networks operate on …

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Can You Wear Hiking Pants in Japan? A Cultural and Practical Guide

Can You Wear Hiking Pants in Japan? A Cultural and Practical Guide

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan offers a fascinating blend of ultra-modern cities and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. As you plan your Japanese adventure, you might wonder about …

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How Much Cash Can You Take to Japan? Your Guide to Customs Rules

How Much Cash Can You Take to Japan? Your Guide to Customs Rules

Hiroshi Tanaka

When planning your trip to Japan, understanding the country’s cash declaration requirements is essential to avoid potential legal issues at customs. Japan has specific regulations about how much cash you …

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Can You Move to Japan Without a Degree? A Guide for Your Japanese Dream

Can You Move to Japan Without a Degree? A Guide for Your Japanese Dream

Hiroshi Tanaka

Why Japan Traditionally Favors University Graduates? Japan’s immigration system has historically placed significant emphasis on academic credentials, particularly university degrees. This preference isn’t arbitrary but reflects deeper cultural and economic …

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Can a US Citizen Buy a House in Japan? Your Guide to Owning Real Estate

Can a US Citizen Buy a House in Japan? Your Guide to Owning Real Estate

Hiroshi Tanaka

Yes, U.S. citizens can legally purchase and own real estate in Japan with virtually the same rights as Japanese nationals. This might come as a surprise to many Americans, as Japan …

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When Can You Ski in Japan? The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Ski Season

When Can You Ski in Japan? The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Ski Season

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan has emerged as one of the world’s premier skiing destinations, drawing powder enthusiasts and winter sports lovers from across the globe. With its legendary “Japow” (Japanese powder snow), stunning mountain landscapes, …

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Where is More Safe: Japan or Canada? A Comprehensive Safety Comparison

Where is More Safe: Japan or Canada? A Comprehensive Safety Comparison

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan and Canada consistently rank among the safest countries in the world, each boasting low crime rates, high quality of life, and robust public safety systems. Yet, they achieve this status …

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Can a Police Station Be in a Mall in Japan? Inside the Surprising World of Kōban

Can a Police Station Be in a Mall in Japan? Inside the Surprising World of Kōban

Hiroshi Tanaka

Japan’s police system features a distinctive two-tier structure that combines centralized authority with community-based policing. This approach has become a model studied by law enforcement agencies worldwide for its effectiveness …

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Where to Buy Sonny Angels in Japan: A Collector's Guide

Where to Buy Sonny Angels in Japan: A Collector’s Guide

Hiroshi Tanaka

Nestled in the vibrant world of collectible figurines, Sonny Angels have captured the hearts of collectors worldwide with their distinctive charm and whimsical appeal. These adorable 3-inch baby figurines, each wearing nothing …

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Where to Buy Condoms in Japan: The Complete Guide

Where To Buy Condoms in Japan: The Complete Guide

Hiroshi Tanaka

In Japan, condoms are widely available and purchasing them is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, an expat settling into life in Osaka, …

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Can You Lane Split in Japan? The Surprising Truth for Motorcyclists

Can You Lane Split in Japan? The Surprising Truth for Motorcyclists

Hiroshi Tanaka

For motorcyclists around the world, navigating congested traffic efficiently is a key advantage of choosing two wheels over four. Lane splitting and lane filtering are practices that many riders employ, but their legality …

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Recent Posts

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  • Can You Buy SIM Cards at Japanese Airports? Your Complete Guide
  • Can Americans Retire in Japan? Your Guide Retiring in the Land of the Rising Sun
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  • Can I Multi Entry Japan with a US Passport? A Guide to Hassle-Free Travel
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  • Can You Ship a Katana from Japan to USA? Your Samurai Sword Import Guide
  • How Can I Get a Working Visa in Japan? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success
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