Independent English guides to Japan
Travel deeper into Japan, one useful guide at a time.
THIS IS JAPAN helps international readers understand Japanese travel, food, culture, anime, and everyday language with practical guides that answer the question quickly, then add local context.
Editor picks
Popular Japan Guides
Food guideJapanese Kit Kat Flavors: 204 Matcha, Regional & Limited EditionsThe high-traffic snack archive, rebuilt for travelers and souvenir hunters.
Travel food7-Eleven Japan Guide 2026Best foods, prices, services, and konbini tips.
EtiquetteWhy No Shoes in Japan?Genkan, tatami, slippers, and what travelers should do.
CultureJapanese Gift-Giving CultureOmiyage, wrapping, and polite mistakes to avoid.
JapaneseBeer in JapaneseHow to order beer naturally in Japan.
Japan Travel
- 7-Eleven Japan Guide 2026: Best Foods, Prices & Konbini Tips
- Japan in December 2026: Best Winter Events, Illuminations, Christmas & New Year Guide
- Discover Japan’s November Magic: Top Events and Festivals in 2026
- Unmissable October Events in Japan 2026: Festivals, Foliage, and Cultural Gems
- Japan in September 2026: The Asian Games, Thrilling Festivals, and the Quiet Magic of Early Autumn
Food & Konbini
- Mayonnaise in Japanese Cuisine: Why Mayonēzu (マヨネーズ) is Japan’s Favorite Condiment
- Beer in Japanese: How to Say Biiru, Order Draft Beer & Toast in Japan
- Why Are Japanese Fruits So Expensive? A Traveler’s Guide to Japan’s Premium Produce
- Why Are Non-Alcoholic Drinks Booming in Japan? Trends, Reasons, and Must-Try Options for 2025
- Asahi Beer’s “Night-Only Sparkling Water” Revolution: Tapping into the Sober Evening Market with Wilkinson Tansan Tag Sober
Learn Japanese
- Oseji Meaning in Japanese: Flattery, Compliments & Politeness
- 25 Heart-Wrenching Goodbye Lines from Anime That Left Japanese Fans in Tears
- 25 Adorable Ways Anime Characters Say “Otsukaresama” and Other Everyday Phrases That Will Melt Your Heart
- 25 Most Badass Japanese Villain Quotes That Became Memes in Japan
- 25 Flirtiest Japanese Pick-Up Lines You Only Hear in Romance Anime
- What Does “Yokkorase” Mean in Japanese?
Anime & Pop Culture
- Yasuke (弥助): The Legendary African Samurai Who Shaped Japan’s Feudal History
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc Becomes the Highest-Grossing Japanese Film Ever
- Japan’s Government Boosts Anime and Film Support: Aiming to Triple Global Exports by 2033
- Japanese Singer-Songwriter eill Thrills Fans with New EP ‘ACTION’ and First Major Asia Tour in 2026
- Erika Toda Takes on the Role of Iconic Fortune Teller Kazuko Hosoki in Netflix’s Gripping Drama ‘You’ll Fall into Hell’
- Why Are Anime and Manga So Popular in Japan Among People of All Ages and Genders?
Fresh reads
Latest Articles
- 7-Eleven Japan Guide 2026: Best Foods, Prices & Konbini Tips
- Japanese Gift-Giving Culture: Omiyage, Oseibo & Etiquette
- Why No Shoes in Japan? Genkan, Tatami & Shoe Etiquette Explained
- Oseji Meaning in Japanese: Flattery, Compliments & Politeness
- 25 Heart-Wrenching Goodbye Lines from Anime That Left Japanese Fans in Tears
- 25 Adorable Ways Anime Characters Say “Otsukaresama” and Other Everyday Phrases That Will Melt Your Heart
- 25 Most Badass Japanese Villain Quotes That Became Memes in Japan
- 25 Flirtiest Japanese Pick-Up Lines You Only Hear in Romance Anime
- What Does “Yokkorase” Mean in Japanese?
- 30 Killer Yandere Lines in Their Original Japanese That Still Terrify Japanese Fans
- 25 Heart-Melting Confessions & Love Phrases from Anime That Japanese People Secretly Love
- 20 Japanese Swear Words & Insults You Hear in Anime