JAPAN HAS CHANGED | TOP 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to JAPAN 2026

JAPAN HAS CHANGED | TOP 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to JAPAN 2026

Hi, I’m Meg from Tokyo. In this video, 
I will share the top nine new things you should know before traveling to Japan in 
late 2025 and early 2026. Here, I’ll cover key updates like upcoming Suika changes, the 
new year shinkansen reservation only period, and record-breaking tourist numbers. We 
also offer private tours in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. So, feel free to contact us through the 
link below. All right, then let’s go. Number one, Suika will change. JR East Japan has announced 
that it will update mobile Suika and launch a new code payment service called Tepe starting 
in fall 20126. This is an important update for anyone planning to visit Japan multiple times or 
live here long-term. If you’re unfamiliar with Mobile Suika, please check out this previous video 
first. There are four main points you should know. First, Teepe will be integrated directly into the 
existing mobile and mobile Pasmo apps. There’s no need to install a new app or create a separate ID. 
You’ll be able to use code payments right from the home screen of the app you already use. The fact 
that Suika and Pasmo will now be connected through the same code payment system is also a significant 
change. Second, it will support higher payment amounts. Previously, transportation IC cards 
had a charge limit of 20,000 yen. But with Tepe, you can charge up to 300,000 yen, which means you 
can use it for purchases that exceed 20,000 yen. Third, money transfer and charging functions 
will be enhanced. You’ll be able to send your Teepe balance to family and friends and transfer 
balances between mobile Suika and mobile Pasimo. Fourth, it will integrate with online payments and 
local campaigns. This is a campaign style service aimed at people living in Japan, so it’s not 
really relevant for travelers. As I mentioned in a previous video, the Suika Penguin is graduating 
and now mobile Suika itself is evolving. It will be interesting to see just how convenient life 
becomes with Tepe once it launches. Number two, Tokyo Hotel Tax Hike. In Japan, a lodging tax 
may apply when staying at hotels or Rioan ins. This tax is collected by the hotel or Rioan and is 
often included in the total accommodation fee. The rules for this lodging tax are set to change 
significantly in Kyoto and Tokyo. In Kyoto, the lodging tax is expected to increase starting 
in March, potentially reaching up to 10,000 yen, approximately $64 per person per night. Meanwhile, 
in Tokyo, the tax is currently not applied for stays under 10,000 yen, and a flat 200 yen 
is charged for stays of 15,000 yen or more, regardless of the actual room rate. However, 
going forward, the tax-free threshold will be raised from 10,000 yen to 13,000 yen. And for 
stays above that amount, a flat 3% lodging tax will be applied to the room rate. For example, 
a 15,000 yen room would incur 450 yen in tax, while a 100,000 yen luxury hotel room would 
see 3,000 yen added as tax. In other words, it’s easier to think of it this way. The more 
expensive the hotel, the higher the lodging tax you pay. Implementation is scheduled for 
fiscal year 2027, so it’s still a little way off. However, if you have a luxury hotel you’ve 
always wanted to stay at, going before the new system starts might be a bit more economical 
than in the future. Number three, record-breaking tourists. By 2025, the number of visitors to 
Japan is projected to exceed 40 million. So, what does this mean for you? In short, Japan is 
becoming a great value but very crowded country. With the yen remaining weak, Japan still looks 
cheap when converted into dollars or euros. However, this also means that popular areas 
and peak seasons will see even bigger crowds, higher hotel prices, and reservations that are 
harder to get. So, here’s what I recommend. Try to visit famous tourist spots on weekdays 
whenever possible. Then, on weekends, when many Japanese people also travel, focus on lesserk 
known areas or local neighborhood walks instead. For example, you could visit Asakusa, Tokyo 
Skytree, and Shibuya altogether on a weekday and then spend the weekend exploring old 
downtown areas or local hotring towns where there are fewer crowds. By simply shifting your 
travel days, destinations, and timing like this, you can significantly reduce crowd stress and 
enjoy your trip to Japan much more. Number four, measures for trash bin shortages. In Japan 
today, the issue of there not being enough trash cans is often discussed. The background to 
this is that after the 1995 subway siren attack, placing trash cans in public spaces came to 
be seen as a security risk and their numbers were gradually reduced. As part of this trend, 
the number of trash cans and the places where they’re installed have also decreased in train 
stations and at convenience stores. To be honest, convenience stores and restaurants also have 
their own reasons for not wanting to provide many trash cans. People who aren’t customers often 
bring trash from outside and dump it there without permission. On the other hand, with the increase 
in inbound tourism, cases where people simply throw trash on the street because they can’t find 
a trash can in the first place have become more noticeable. This problem is particularly severe in 
the busy nightlife districts of Tokyo and Osaka. In response, Shibiaward has launched new counter 
measures to reduce littering in busy areas. It has introduced a policy that requires convenience 
stores, takeout restaurants, and vending machine operators to install trash cans and manage them 
properly. Violators can face fines of up to 50,000 yen, and a new 2,000 yen fine has been introduced 
for individuals called littering. It’s a slightly stricter rule than before. New measures have also 
started in the Domori area of Osaka. It might sound a bit old-fashioned, but they’ve installed 
trash bins with automatic compactors on weekends and holidays to prevent overflowing garbage 
from spilling out onto the streets. Many people associate Japan with the image of clean streets. 
But behind the scenes, there are ongoing efforts like these rules and new initiatives to keep the 
cityscape clean. Number five, busy season alert. End of December to early January is a time of 
nationwide travel in Japan as many people return to their hometowns or go on a vacation. Foreign 
tourists should keep a few important things in mind during this period. First, transportation 
tends to be very crowded. The Shinkans and bullet trains, local trains, buses, and airplanes 
are all heavily congested, and even cabs and cars are likely to get stuck in traffic jams. 
Accommodation prices are also higher than usual, so booking in advance is especially important. 
This is also the time of year when department stores and other commercial facilities sell lucky 
bags called fukubukuro. These are similar to large-scale annual sales and are extremely popular 
because they offer great deals on merchandise. As a result, stores and other surrounding areas can 
very crowded. Additionally, many Japanese people visit shrines and temples during the new year, a 
custom known as hats moldi. This event draws large crowds every year, especially at famous shrines 
and temples, so visitors should be prepared for heavy congestion and exercise caution when 
you visit. New Year’s in Japan is a unique culture experience, but careful planning is key 
to navigating the crowds and making the most of your trip. Number six, safety tips for winter in 
Japan. Here are four simple points to keep in mind to safely enjoy winter in Japan. First, infectious 
diseases like flu and corona virus. Japan’s winter air is extremely dry, so it’s a prime season 
for colds and flu outbreaks. Wash your hands frequently, and if you’re worried, wear a mask 
or use throat loenes to protect your throat. Masks and throat lozenes are easily available at 
Daiso, a 100 yen shop chain. You can find Daiso in many shopping malls and station buildings 
nationwide, so keep an eye out for one. Second, slips and falls due to snow and icy roads. 
In Hokkaido and other snowy areas, roads and stairs can get extremely slippery. Choose shoes 
with good traction and walk slowly and carefully, especially on stairs and station platforms. Also, 
driving without snow tires is very dangerous, so if you plan to rent a car, make sure to check 
this in advance. Third, delays and cancellations in public transportation. Japanese trains are 
famous for their punctuality, but in winter, snow, strong winds, and icy roads can cause flights and 
trains to be delayed or cancelled. On top of that, outbreaks of flu or corona virus can lead to 
driver shortages, which may result in bus and train service being suspended. Especially when 
you’re traveling from Tokyo to other areas by Shinkansen or limited express trains, try not to 
pack your schedule too tightly. If you allow a little extra time, you’ll feel much more relaxed. 
Fourth, be mindful of sudden temperature changes known as heat shock. In Japan, your room 
can be warm, but hallways or bathrooms can suddenly feel very cold. Most standard hotels 
have reliable heating and air conditioning, so it’s usually not a big problem. However, in 
older Rioan in or homestyle accommodations, there can be big temperature differences between rooms. 
When taking a bath, don’t jump straight into very hot water. Instead, slowly ease your body into the 
bath. Number seven, Tokyo Winter Lights. Starting in November, here are three must-see winter 
eliminations in Tokyo. First, Tokyo Mega Idomi 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 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 eight, Kyoto 
luggage rule. 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 nine, new Shinkansen rule. There’s a thing to keep in mind 
when using the Shinkansen, especially if you’re planning to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, where 
Osaka and Fukuoka from late December to early January. Normally, there are two types of seats 
on the Shinkansen, reserved seats and non-reserved seats. Non-reserved seats are free seating areas 
where you can sit in any available spot as they don’t have assigned seat numbers. However, during 
crowded sections, you might not be able to find a seat. Reserved seats, on the other hand, allow 
you to book your seat in advance. The fair for reserved seats is usually about 500 to 1,000 yen, 
higher than non-reserved seats, but it guarantees you a place to sit during the peak season from 
December 27th to January 5th. Unreserved seats are not available on the Shinkansen Noi. This means 
that if you don’t reserve a ticket in advance, you might not be able to board the train. So 
planning ahead is essential. If you are unable to secure a reservation for the noomi, you can 
consider alternative trains like the Hikari or Kodama. While these trains take longer to reach 
their destinations, the fair difference compared to the Noi is minimal. There is another rule 
when riding the Shinkansen. On trains like the Nomi and the Hikari, if your luggage is larger 
than 160 cm in total when you add up the length, width, and heat, it’s best to book a seat called 
seats with an oversized baggage area in advance. The luggage space is right behind the last row of 
seats, and only people with a reservation can use it. If you bring a big suitcase without booking, 
you will have to pay an extra 1,000 on the spot. Up until now, some people without reservations 
use this space without permission, which caused problems. Since July 2025, a new oversized baggage 
compartment has been introduced on a trial basis. It’s free to use and works on a first come, first 
serve basis, so there’s no guarantee you will get the spot. That’s why making a reservation online 
ahead of time is still the safest option. For more details, watch my Shinkansen travel guide 
video. I explain everything step by step. 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 late 2025 or early 2026?
This video covers the most important Japan travel updates you need to know, including major rule changes, cost increases, and travel tips that will directly affect your itinerary, hotel bookings, and transportation plans.

We explain how SUICA will change with the introduction of a new code payment system, what the New Year Shinkansen reservation-only period means for traveling between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and why record-breaking tourist numbers are making Japan more crowded than ever. You’ll also learn about the Tokyo hotel tax hike, upcoming lodging tax changes in Kyoto, and how rising costs may affect where and when you should stay.

This guide also covers practical Japan travel tips many visitors overlook, such as trash bin shortages and new rules in busy areas, peak travel season alerts, winter safety tips, Tokyo winter illuminations, Kyoto luggage rules, and updated Shinkansen baggage regulations. These are essential things to know before traveling to Japan, especially for first-time visitors planning trips to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

If you’re working on your Japan itinerary, choosing a hotel, checking entry requirements, planning transportation, or simply want to avoid common travel mistakes, this video will help you travel Japan more smoothly and confidently.

We also offer private tours in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, so if you’re looking for a local guide or a customized travel experience, feel free to contact us through the link below.

Time Stamp
0:00 Opening
0:28 1. SUICA will Change
2:10 2. Tokyo Hotel Tax Hike
3:42 3.Record Breaking Tourists
4:52 4. Measures for Trash Bin Shortages
6:45 5. Busy Season Alert
8:07 6. Safety Tips for Winter in Japan
10:16 7. Tokyo Winter Lights
11:25 8. Kyoto Luggage Rule
13:01 9. New Shinkansen Rule

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