Japan Has Changed | Top 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan in 2025 |Tax-Free Ending, etc

Japan Has Changed | Top 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan in 2025 |Tax-Free Ending, etc

Hi, I’m Toshi from Japan and tourist guide for foreigners. In this video, I will show you 9 New Things Japan has changed in 2025. Japan is hotter than ever—literally and figuratively! In April 2025, over 3.9 million tourists visited Japan, marking a 28.5% increase from last year and the highest monthly number ever recorded. With that boom comes big changes—some exciting, some challenging. In this video, I’ll break down 9 important updates you need to know before traveling to Japan. From tax-free shopping changes, to a new tipping culture for foreign tourists, and even why some travelers are suddenly canceling their Japan trips this summer. These updates will help you avoid surprises and make your trip smoother, easier, and way more fun. Plus, I also offer guided tours in Japan, travel itineraries based on trip duration and area, and recommendations for unique cultural experiences. You can find more information in the description below. So, let’s get started. No1.Tokyo Metro Launches Luggage Delivery Lockers Here’s a game-changer for anyone traveling light in Tokyo. Starting May 27, 2025, Tokyo Metro has introduced a new type of smart locker service called “Tokyo Metlocker.” It’s starting at Oshiage Station—right by the Tokyo Skytree—and will gradually expand to 20 major stations across the city. But this isn’t just another coin locker. These lockers offer luggage storage, online reservations, and same-day delivery to your hotel. If you drop off your luggage by 2 p.m., it’ll be delivered to your Tokyo hotel—one of about 500 partner locations—by around 7 p.m. You can reserve a locker for just 100 yen, and hotel delivery costs between 1,900 and 2,800 yen depending on the locker size. Honestly, that’s super affordable. As I mentioned in a previous video, Japan’s tourist hotspots are more crowded than ever, and dragging heavy bags through busy stations is not fun. This new service can make your travel day so much easier. So take advantage of this system, travel hands-free, and enjoy Tokyo without the weight on your shoulders—literally! No2.New Shinkansen Rule Previously, as I mentioned in an earlier video, if you were bringing oversized luggage—like a big suitcase—on the Shinkansen, you had to reserve a special luggage space in advance. If you didn’t, you’d be charged a 1,000-yen fee when boarding. This system was introduced to prevent issues when people without reservations used the limited luggage space, causing trouble for those who did reserve. But now, starting in July 2025, that rule is being relaxed. You no longer need to book luggage space in advance for oversized bags. Honestly, this is a big relief. I’ve had tour guests stress out at the station, unsure if their suitcase was “oversized” or not, rushing to ask staff at the last minute. With this new change, that stress—and the extra 1,000 yen—is gone. However, keep in mind that this is a trial policy. Depending on how things go, they may bring back the reservation system in the future. So before your trip, always check the latest baggage rules on the official websites to avoid any last-minute surprises. No3.End of Tax-Free System? Japan’s tax-free shopping system for tourists is going through major changes—and possibly even disappearing altogether. As we mentioned in a previous video, Japan has already announced that starting in November 2026, the current tax-free system will shift from an “instant discount” at the register to a refund-based process. This means you’ll pay consumption tax at the time of purchase, and then get a refund when leaving the country. Why? Because some visitors have been abusing the system—buying tax-free items and then reselling them inside Japan for profit. But here’s the new, more drastic update: The Japanese government is now considering completely abolishing the tax-free system for foreign tourists. Their reasoning? Since tourists benefit from public services—like transportation, emergency care, and public safety—the government believes it’s fair for them to contribute through taxes. If this happens, it would be a major downgrade for travelers coming to Japan. I’ll keep you updated with any new information, so please subscribe to my channel. No4.Japan’s Overtourism Problem and Where to Go Instead In April 2025, Japan saw 3.9 million international visitors—a 28.5% increase from the previous year and the highest monthly total ever recorded. But with this boom in tourism comes a growing problem: overtourism. According to Japan’s official tourism agency, one of the top complaints from foreign visitors is overcrowding at major tourist spots. And that’s no surprise—most travelers follow the same route: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. This path is known as the “Golden Route.” If you’re not a fan of crowds, I have a tip: consider exploring beyond the usual spots. Cities like Nagoya, or entire regions like Tohoku in the north or Kyushu in the south, offer rich culture, great food, and unique experiences—without the overwhelming crowds. Not only will your trip be more comfortable, but it’ll also be more affordable, more local, and more memorable. I’ve covered some of Japan’s best countryside destinations in another video, so please check it out. No5.Why Tourists Are Canceling Japan Trips? Did you know there’s a widely shared prediction that a massive earthquake will hit Japan on July 5, 2025? This prediction comes from a 1999 Japanese manga called “The Future I Saw”, which has gone viral with hundreds of millions of shares globally. It’s gaining traction because, as we explained in a previous video, Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, and the Japanese government itself warned in August 2024 of an 80% chance of a major earthquake occurring within the next 30 years. Concerns are especially strong in Southeast and East Asia—including Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and China—where many social media users are posting things like “We should avoid Japan for now” or “Let’s delay our July trip.” Even one of our tour guests, a Filipino traveler living in the U.S., mentioned they came early to Japan specifically because of this prediction. Some travel agencies are reporting over 30% drops in bookings for July, and flights from Hong Kong to places like Sendai and Tokushima have already been cut back. Whether or not you believe this prediction is totally up to you—but if you don’t, this could be the perfect time to visit Japan, since fewer tourists may mean less crowding, especially in places struggling with overtourism. What do you think about this prediction? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. No6.Tipping Culture in Japan? In Japan, there has traditionally been no tipping culture—you don’t need to tip at restaurants or hotels. I even covered this in a previous video. But now, things are starting to change. More and more major restaurant chains across Japan are quietly introducing Tip Boxes, especially in tourist hotspots like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. This is because these areas welcome a large number of international travelers, many of whom come from tipping cultures. I’ve personally guided over 200 foreign tourists on tours, and several have asked me things like:
“I really appreciated the service—how do I show gratitude in Japan if tipping isn’t a thing?” The simple answer is: just say “Arigato”, which means “Thank you” in Japanese. That’s more than enough. However, this new trend suggests that tipping might slowly start becoming part of Japan’s service culture, especially in places that cater to foreigners. This could have a big impact on your travel experience—and possibly your budget. I’ll keep you updated with any new information, so please subscribe to my channel. No7.Seven-Eleven Just Got Smarter for Tourists If you’ve ever traveled to Japan, you probably know that convenience stores—especially 7-Eleven—are a tourist favorite. 7-Eleven is the most popular and widespread chain here, and many of my tour guests are shocked by the variety, quality, and affordability compared to the stores in their own countries. But there’s one challenge: the shelves are full of unfamiliar products, and it can be hard to tell what exactly you’re buying. Starting this April, to solve this, 7-Eleven Japan has launched a new multilingual support feature just for foreign visitors. Here’s how it works: Download the Payke app, scan the barcode on any 7-Eleven product, and instantly get detailed product information in seven languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean. Unlike traditional translation apps, Payke pulls info directly from 7-Eleven’s own database—so you can learn about product features, ingredients, reviews, and even hidden gems that aren’t printed on the packaging. It’s a smart way to enhance your shopping experience in Japan and make sure you know what you’re buying. So next time you walk into a 7-Eleven, try the app—and enjoy the convenience of Japan even more! No8.Free Gundam Show Lights Up Tokyo If you’re a Gundam fan—or even if you’re not—here’s a must-see attraction in Tokyo. Starting recently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has launched a free projection mapping show featuring none other than Gundam. This iconic anime series is beloved worldwide, and Japan is home to life-size Gundam statues in places like Odaiba and the Osaka Expo site, which attract millions of fans each year. But now, you don’t need a ticket or reservation to enjoy a high-quality Gundam experience—because it’s completely free! This show is projected directly onto the walls of the Tokyo Government Building and follows the success of previous shows featuring Godzilla and Pac-Man, which drew over 520,000 viewers in one year. I’ve personally seen it, and I was truly impressed by the quality—especially considering it’s free! That’s why I always recommend it to my tour guests. The best part? It’s held in Shinjuku, right in central Tokyo, and is easily accessible by train or foot. The show is usually held every clear evening, but the schedule may vary by season. So, before you go, make sure to check the official Tokyo Government website for the latest info. No9.Ghibli 3D Exhibit Opens Many of my YouTube viewers and tour guests often ask about visiting Ghibli Park or the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. But here’s the issue: Ghibli Park is hard to book and far from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. So many fans tell me, “I wanted to go, but it just didn’t fit into my trip.” Well, good news! From May 27 to September 23, 2025, Tokyo will host an amazing exhibition called “Studio Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition”—a 3D art experience that recreates famous scenes from classic Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Whisper of the Heart. You’ll walk through life-size dioramas that make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a Ghibli movie. It’s more than just looking—it’s immersive. Tickets are 1,900 yen for adults and must be reserved in advance. I checked the official website, and many dates are still available, so now’s your chance! Whether you’re a die-hard Ghibli fan, an anime lover, or someone who enjoys art and culture, this is the perfect way to make magical memories during your trip to Japan. How was today’s video? If you would like to request a guide in Japan or have any questions regarding your travel itinerary, please contact me from the link in the description section. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and like button. See you in my next video, bye!

Japan is hotter than ever—literally and figuratively! In April 2025, over 3.9 million tourists visited Japan, marking a 28.5% increase from last year and the highest monthly number ever recorded. With that boom comes big changes—some exciting, some challenging.
In this video, I’ll break down 9 important updates you need to know before traveling to Japan. From tax-free shopping changes, to a new tipping culture for foreign tourists, and even why some travelers are suddenly canceling their Japan trips this summer.
These updates will help you avoid surprises and make your trip smoother, easier, and way more fun.

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⭐️CHAPTERS⭐️
0:00 Opening
1:11 1.Tokyo Metro Launches Luggage Delivery Lockers
2:26 2.New Shinkansen Rule
3:36 3.End of Tax-Free System?
4:43 4.Japan’s Overtourism Problem and Where to Go Instead
5:54 5.Why Tourists Are Canceling Japan Trips?
7:18 6.Tipping Culture in Japan?
8:26 7.Seven-Eleven Just Got Smarter for Tourists
9:41 8.Free Gundam Show Lights Up Tokyo
10:59 9.Ghibli 3D Exhibit Opens

⭐️Related Videos⭐️
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Japan Has Changed | Top 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan in 2025

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Essential JAPAN UPDATE: Should you CANCEL your Japan trip? | Is it safe in Japan? | Megaquake 2025

JAPAN UPDATED | 40 Must Know JAPAN Travel Tips (and what NOT to do) FULL GUIDE! | Travel Update 2025

⭐️Information⭐️
Japan’s tourist arrivals soared 28.5% in April to hit record 3.9 million
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/21/japan/society/foreign-visitors-april/
Japanese restaurant chain installs tip boxes in response to foreign tourists leaving tips; sparks debate
https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/japanese-restaurant-chain-installs-tip-boxes-in-response-to-foreign-tourists-leaving-tips-sparks-debate
Tokyo Metro launches a new service to deliver baggage from a station storage locker to 500 hotels in Tokyo
https://www.travelvoice.jp/english/tokyo-metro-launches-a-new-service-to-deliver-baggage-from-a-station-storage-locker-to-500-hotels-in-tokyo
Reservations for Seats with an Oversized Baggage Area
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/
International visitors to Japan with problems in long time waiting for immigration increase by 2.4 times
https://www.travelvoice.jp/english/international-visitors-to-japan-with-problems-in-long-time-waiting-for-immigration-increase-by-2-4-times

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