JAPAN HAS CHANGED | TOP 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan 2025

JAPAN HAS CHANGED | TOP 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan 2025

Hi, I’m Mang from Tokyo. In this video, I will 
share with you the top nine new things to know before traveling to Japan. In Japan, crowd control 
measures and draw pricing are become more common. We’ll also cover Kyoto’s latest bus rules as 
well as upto-date information on autumn foliage and illuminations. We also offer private tours in 
Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto and a small group tour in Sukiji out market. If you’re interested, please 
contact us through the link below. All right, then let’s go. Number one, Japan’s new tourist 
rules. Inbound travel to Japan has been rising year after year since the pandemic. It’s great for 
the country, but it also brings challenges like traffic congestions and litter in some areas. In 
response, authorities are stepping up over tourism measures. Here, over tourism doesn’t mean entire 
cities. It refers to overconentration at specific spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. popular temples, 
shopping areas, and photo locations. First, the departure tax. Everyone, foreign visitors and 
Japanese citizens, pays a 1,000 fee when leaving Japan. An increase is under public discussion, 
but the amount and timing are not decided yet. We are waiting for official announcements. Next, 
Kyoto’s launching tax. Starting March 2026, Kyoto plans a major revision, a graduated increase 
by room price with the highest price range up to 10,000 yen per person per night. Loing taxes also 
apply in other areas including Tokyo and Osaka where the amounts are lower. Sometimes the tax is 
included at booking. Other times it’s collected at checkin and some properties are cash only. If 
you’re unsure, confirm with your hotel and carry a small amount of yen. For the latest updates 
and practical rules to know when you travel, check out my previous videos. Number two, draw 
pricing. Recently, more and more places in Japan have started introducing draw pricing systems 
where admission fees default for locals and non-locals. For example, in Himiji City, the world 
famous Himeiji Castle announced that starting in March 2026, ticket prices will be divided between 
residents and non-residents. Residents will pay 1,000 yen while no residents will pay 2,500 yen. 
I’ve been to Himi Castle before and it was truly an incredible experience. The castle has steel 
wooden floors that have lasted for hundreds of years. I remember being deeply moved by the 
history preserved there. Next time I visit, I will have to pay the 2,500 admission fee because 
I’m not a Himei resident. I’m living in Tokyo. Honestly, it feels a little disappointing to 
see the price go up. But when I think about how important it is to preserve such a valuable 
culture site, I can understand why this change is necessary. Another example is the new theme park 
Jangya in Okinawa, which opened in July this year. They’ve also set different ticket prices for 
Japanese visitors and foreign tourists. Some foreign visitors criticized the idea, but others 
said they were satisfied with the experience. I personally hope to visit someday. Have you 
been there yet? We are also starting to see a few restaurants introducing special prices for 
foreign visitors. So why more places in Japan adopting this kind of draw pricing? This is just 
my personal opinion, but I think more than half of Japanese people actually supports the idea to some 
extent. Perhaps it’s because Japan has a strong sense of being one nation rather than a collection 
of local regions. So people naturally tend to think in terms of Japanese and non-Japanese. 
[Music] Number three, Kyoto traveler warning. When visiting Kyoto, one of the first things many 
travelers wonder is whether to get around train or bus or taxi. I think using the train is generally 
the better option whenever possible. But in Kyoto, many of the main tourist spots are not easy 
to reach by train alone, which is why so many visitors end up using the bus. Buses are 
affordable and convenient, especially if you’re not traveling solo or as a pair. But keep in mind 
that buses in Kyoto can get extremely crowded. And since they stop at multiple locations along 
the way, it often takes much longer to reach your destination compared to taking a taxi. If 
you are traveling with family or in a group, or if your budget allows, taking a taxi will make 
your trip much more comfortable. It saves time, reduces stress, and allows you to enjoy tourist 
spots at a more relaxed pace. That said, if you still plan to use the bus to save money, there 
are a few important things to keep in mind. First, don’t bring large suitcases or bulky luggage. On 
busy routes, drivers may refuse boarding if your luggage takes up too much space. Also, if you miss 
a bus, the next one might not come for 30 minutes or more, so be sure to allow extra time in your 
schedule. Kyoto city has been trying to address these issues, but due to a shortage of fast 
drivers, it’s difficult to increase the number of buses in operation. So, if you’re planning 
to visit Kyoto, I highly recommend planning your itinerarally in advance and moving around with 
a clear schedule to make the most of your trip. Number four, Shinkansen new rule. Here’s the good 
news. Booking the Shinkansen is about to get even easier. Until now, different railway companies in 
Japan have run their own reservation services. The best known are Smart EX and Ekinet. If you’re 
only traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, remembering Smart EX is usually enough. But if 
you’re heading farther, say Kanazawa or Hiroshima, things get trickier. You’ve had to book on 
separate company websites which is honestly a hassle. Now the poor Shinkansen operators have 
announced they will gradually integrate these online systems. For example, on a trip Sendai to 
Tokyo to Kyoto, you used to book Sendai to Tokyo on Ekinet. Then switch sides and login again to 
book Tokyo to Kyoto on smart ex. Going forward, you will be able to recharge trains from multiple 
companies on a single website seamlessly. Checking your reservations will also be easier. 
Until now, bookings made on Ekinet could only be viewed in Echinet. After integration, either 
service will show all your reservations in one place. The rollout begins in October 2025 
and will continue through physical year 2027. I will keep you updated as new details are 
announced. Number five, full outbreak alert. This was mentioned in the previous Japan update. Japan 
has officially entered its full season this year, about a month earlier than usual. I actually 
got my full shot just last month, shortly after giving birth. If you start feeling sick or tired 
during your trip, you can buy over-the-counter medicine at mostarmacies. Common fever reducers 
like Tylenol Kona are widely available across Japan. If you need to find an English-speaking 
hospital, the official government website, J&T’s medical support page is very helpful. For 
example, if you’re in Tokyo, you can select the Tokyo area and download a PDF list of hospitals 
that provide English language support. Another option is a service called Hotel Doctor 24. It’s 
available at some partner hotels and allows you to consult an English-speaking doctor online 
directly from your hotel room 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s a great option if you feel 
unwell and want to avoid going to a hospital in person. But keep in mind that medical costs in 
Japan can be expensive, so it’s highly recommended to have some travel insurance before your trip. 
Number six, more flights to Japan. This winter, getting to Japan is about to become easier than 
ever. Japan’s best known airlines, Jaloo and Anna, have announced a significant increase in 
international flights starting October 2025. First, Jaloo will boost its Narita Maribou route 
from three weekly flights to daily service for the winter travel season and it will resume the Narita 
Shanghai route. That means smoother access to Japan from Australia and across Asia. Meanwhile, 
Anna plans to increase its total international operations by about 6% yearoveryear for the same 
period. On high demand routes like Hong Kong, flights from both Narita and Haneda will see 
major increases. Narita to Peru goes daily and services to Mumbai and Brussels will also get more 
frequencies for travelers. This is not just about more options. It could also help stabilize or even 
lower airfares as added flights mean more seats and better availability. That said, winter through 
spring is still pig season for Japan travel. If you planning a trip from next year, book your 
flights as early as you can to lock in the best schedules and fairs. Number seven, Autumn Polage 
Night. In November, Page events take place across Japan with Kyoto drawing the more attention. First 
up is the Kiomiz night illumination. You can take in the temple stage, the city night view, and 
even a blue beam of light piercing the sky. A classic Kyoto experience. To avoid cross, aim for 
right after opening or just before closing. Next is cold. The highlights are the reflections 
in Mirror Pond and the garden illuminations. It’s within walking distance of Ki Mizella, 
so it’s easy to combine the two. In addition, Toji and Duro also hold night illuminations. Dates 
and admission procedures can vary by ear, so check the official websites if you are interested. In 
Tokyo, while the fame is not on Kyoto’s level, there are calm, beautiful options for autumn night 
illuminations. Nikugian typically runs from late November to early December and the Shaw Kin Park 
event is scheduled through the end of November. If these catch your eye, please confirm the latest 
details on the official sites before you go. Number eight, Tokyo Winter Lights. Starting 
in November, here are three must-see winter illuminations in Tokyo. First, Tokyo Mega 
Idumi at Oi Racecourse. It runs November 1st, 2025 to January 11, 2026 and opens only on non-ra 
nights. The bus tracks transforms into a glowing garden. Unlike many free lights up, this one 
charges admission weekdays 1,000 p.m. for adults, 500 p.m. for children with higher prices on 
weekends and holidays. Next, the classic Marunoji illumination from the area around Tokyo 
station down Marinoji Nakadori. About 1.2 2 kilometer of trees simmer in champang gold. 
The season runs November 13, 2025 to February 15, 2026. It’s perfect to slot in before or after 
shopping and dinner as a quick evening stroll. Lastly, Raongi Kayaka illumination from November 
4th to December 25, 2025. Enjoy the signature snow and blue view. An arrow of light stretching 
straight with Tokyo Tower in the background. Number nine, new open info. The Solikica food 
stone at Haneda Airports Terminal First reopened after renovations in September 2025. You can reach 
it for free via Indra Air Road transfers from terminal 2 and three where international flights 
operate. It’s perfect for a quick taste of classic Japanese foods, ideal right after arrival or after 
a late night flight. Kyoto’s permanent digital art museum team love bioortex Kyoto opened in October 
2025 created by the well-known team love. It’s an immersive weather friendly experience within 
walking distance of Kyoto station. Advanced online reservation is required. Now here are 
upcoming highlights. The new theme park Poke Park KTO inside Yomi Land is scheduled to 
open in spring 2026. It’s easy to access from central Tokyo and a mustwatch for Pokemon 
fans. The Imperial Hotel Kyoto is set to open in March 2026. The Imperial Hotel is one of Japan’s 
flagship luxury brands, long established in Tokyo and Osaka and is finally coming to Kyoto. Check 
out the new hotel if you’re interested. That’s all for today. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the 
like button. See you at the next video. [Music]

Planning a trip to Japan in 2025–26? New tourist rules and overtourism measures are in the spotlight, including possible departure tax changes and the Kyoto hotel tax. Some attractions are also testing dual pricing. In Kyoto, remember the bus luggage rule. For trains, watch for the Shinkansen reservation integration in 2025 and the existing oversized-luggage rule. Seasonal picks: Kyoto autumn leaves at Kiyomizu-dera and Kōdai-ji, plus Tokyo winter illuminations at Roppongi Keyakizaka, Marunouchi, and Tokyo Mega Illumi. New and upcoming spots include teamLab Biovortex Kyoto and the Sora chika food zone at Haneda Airport (T1), and there are more flights to Japan with JAL/ANA. Keep an eye on Japan travel updates to build your best Japan itinerary 2025–26.

Time Stamp
0:00 Opening
0:30 1. Japan’s New Tourist Rules
1:54 2. Dual Pricing
3:36 3. Kyoto Tourist Alert
5:24 4. Shinkansen New Rule
6:45 5. Flu Outbreak Alert
7:57 6. More Flights to Japan
8:42 Correction: Narita to Perth (Not Peru)
9:10 7. Autumn (Fall) Foliage Night
10:18 8. Tokyo Magical Winter Lights
11:27 9. New Open Information

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Autumn Leaves Night
https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
https://www.kodaiji.com/saiji.html
https://toji.or.jp

Tokyo Magical Lights Info
https://www.tokyomegaillumi.jp
https://www.roppongihills.com/sp/christmashills/102/

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