Konnichiwa! 🎎

Welcome to Moshi Moshi Travel Japan, your one-stop newsletter for discovering Japan's hidden gems and beauty. Our newsletter includes travel itineraries and tips for your upcoming and future trips to Japan. If you have any specific topics you'd like us to cover, questions, or need consultations about your travel to Japan, please contact us at [email protected].

• Please support our sponsor and partners. They provide valuable information for you and me.

• If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider sharing it with your friends and family by clicking the button below. ⬇️

Japan in 2025 is more than just a destination; it's a dynamic journey through time, culture, and innovation. As the country gears up for unprecedented tourist numbers, significant transformations in taxation, transportation, and tourism management are setting the stage for an entirely new travel experience. With new taxes on luxury accommodations, mobile payment options for transit, and the introduction of ride-sharing in major cities, travelers need to be more prepared than ever. This newsletter will guide you through these pivotal changes, ensuring you're ready to explore Japan with ease, whether you're chasing the latest anime-themed bullet train or seeking the serenity of lesser-known regions. Dive into the future of travel in Japan with us, where every visit promises to be more enriching and exciting than the last.

Links We Like

expo2025japan

View more on Instagram

Japan in 2025: What Every Traveler Needs to Know

As Japan continues to evolve as a premier travel destination, 2025 is set to bring significant changes that visitors must prepare for. From new taxes and transportation upgrades to shifting economic conditions and record-breaking tourism, the landscape of travel in Japan is being reshaped.

In this newsletter, we explore the latest updates affecting travelers, ensuring a smooth and informed journey to Japan.

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

If you're frustrated by one-sided reporting, our 5-minute newsletter is the missing piece. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you comprehensive, unbiased news—free from political agendas. Stay informed with factual coverage on the topics that matter.

Join for free today!

Tourism Boom and Overcrowding

In 2024, Japan recorded over 36 million foreign visitors—a 47.1% increase from 2023—making it the busiest year for tourism in the country's history. With projections aiming for 60 million visitors by 2030, Japan is actively expanding its tourism infrastructure.

However, this unprecedented surge has led to severe overcrowding in major tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Asakusa. To counteract this, the government is encouraging travelers to explore lesser-known regions, such as Tohoku and Kyushu. New accommodation taxes are also being introduced to help manage the impact of mass tourism.

While Japan remains an attractive destination, tourists should be prepared for busier streets, increased lodging costs, and potential restrictions in some heavily visited areas.

New Tax-Free Shopping Rules

For years, Japan’s tax-free shopping system has made it a favorite destination for international shoppers. However, to combat widespread abuse, the government is overhauling the system.

Key Changes Effective November 1, 2026:

✅ Refund-Based System – Visitors will now pay the 10% consumption tax upfront and receive a refund upon departure. This is similar to tax refund systems in Germany and France.
✅ Removal of Special Packaging Requirement – Previously, consumable tax-free items needed to be sealed. This rule is being eliminated to streamline store operations.
✅ 50,000-Yen Purchase Limit Removed – There is no longer a minimum spending requirement for tax-free shopping, though purchases over 1 million yen will require product serial number registration.

These updates aim to prevent tax evasion while maintaining a seamless shopping experience for genuine tourists.

Kyoto’s New Accommodation Tax: Luxury Hotels to See Significant Hike

Kyoto, one of Japan’s most visited cities, has announced a new accommodation tax structure beginning in March 2026.

🔴 Budget & Mid-Range Hotels – No significant changes.
🔴 Luxury Hotels (100,000 yen+ per night) – New tax rate of 10,000 yen per night (previously 1,000 yen).

While Japan remains relatively affordable compared to Western luxury destinations, travelers opting for high-end stays in Kyoto should account for this additional cost. Similar taxes are being considered in Hokkaido and Okinawa to manage the increasing strain on local infrastructure.

Welcome Suica Goes Mobile: A Major Transportation Upgrade

The Welcome Suica, Japan’s popular prepaid transportation card for tourists, is undergoing a major digital transformation in Spring 2025.

What’s New?

📱 Mobile Version Available – Travelers can now use Welcome Suica on their smartphones, reducing the need for physical cards.
⏳ Extended Validity – Balance expiration extended from 28 days to 180 days, making it more convenient for repeat visitors.
🚄 Integrated Shinkansen Access – Non-reserved Shinkansen seats can now be accessed directly via smartphone tap-in, eliminating the need for separate tickets.

💡 Note: Foreign Android users may still face compatibility issues and may need to opt for physical Suica cards.

This upgrade significantly enhances Japan’s transportation system, making it more tourist-friendly than ever before.

Is Japan’s "Cheap Travel" Era Ending?

For years, Japan has been a budget-friendly destination, largely due to the yen’s depreciation. However, in January 2025, the Bank of Japan raised interest rates to 0.5%, marking its first increase in 17 years.

How This Affects Travelers:

💰 Stronger Yen – Foreign travelers will find Japan more expensive as currency rates stabilize.
💸 Higher Accommodation Costs – Combined with rising hotel taxes, Japan's affordability is gradually decreasing.
📈 Fluctuating Airfare Prices – With increased international routes, some flights may become more competitive, while others may rise due to demand.

For those seeking the best value, visiting sooner rather than later is advisable before further economic shifts take effect.

Ride-Sharing Finally Arrives in Japan

Japan has long resisted ride-sharing services like Uber due to strict transportation regulations. However, with the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, ride-sharing will officially launch in Osaka from April 2025.

🚖 Why Now?

• Osaka faces a shortage of over 3,000 taxi drivers daily during the Expo.

• The government is testing ride-sharing as a solution for high-demand events.

If successful, this pilot program could pave the way for ride-sharing expansion to other cities, finally modernizing Japan’s taxi-dependent transportation system.

Expanding Airline Routes: More Ways to Visit Japan

With record-breaking tourism numbers, Japan’s major airlines are introducing new international routes in 2025 to accommodate growing demand.

✈ Japan Airlines (JAL) New Routes:
✔ Tokyo Narita → Chicago, San Diego
✔ Osaka Kansai → Los Angeles
✔ Nagoya Chubu → Honolulu

✈ All Nippon Airways (ANA) New Routes (Starting Oct 2024):
✔ Tokyo Narita → Perth
✔ Tokyo Haneda → Milan, Stockholm, Istanbul

With increased flight options, accessibility to Japan will improve for travelers from Europe, North America, and Australia. Increased airline competition may also lead to more affordable airfare options.

Japan’s Newest Tourist Attraction: Anime-Themed Bullet Trains

Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains are getting a pop culture makeover with anime-themed trains launching in 2025.

🚄 One Piece Shinkansen – Running between Osaka and Kyushu, celebrating the world-famous manga and anime series.
🚄 Disney-Themed Shinkansen – Operating from February 21 to September 2025, offering a magical travel experience for Disney fans.

These limited-time trains are expected to attract domestic and international anime fans, so be sure to check schedules in advance if you want to experience them.

Conclusion: What These Changes Mean for Travelers

Japan in 2025 is more accessible, technologically advanced, and vibrant than ever before. However, rising costs and shifting policies require travelers to be more informed and strategic when planning their trips.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Expect more crowds in major tourist areas—exploring lesser-known regions is highly recommended.
✅ New tax rules and accommodation fees could slightly increase travel expenses.
✅ Mobile Suica & expanded flight routes make travel more convenient than ever.
✅ Ride-sharing in Osaka may transform Japan’s transportation system.
✅ The yen is strengthening, so travel costs may rise—consider visiting sooner rather than later.

Japan continues to be a top global destination, blending rich traditions with modern innovations. By staying updated on these latest developments, travelers can maximize their experience while avoiding unnecessary challenges.

📩 Stay Updated with Exclusive Japan Travel Tips!

Want to get insider travel tips, money-saving hacks, and the latest updates on Japan’s evolving travel scene?

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter today and receive expert guidance on how to navigate Japan like a pro!

🌏 Sign up now and start planning your dream trip to Japan! 🎌

We're here to help you plan your Japan trip based on your preferences and budget. It's free—message us at [email protected], but don't forget to subscribe! ⬇️ 

That’s it for this episode!

Thank you so much for reading today’s email! Your support is the only way I can write this email for free daily.

Kindly give us feedback in the poll below and share the newsletter with other investors if you find it valuable!