IwVoyage

10/20/2026

Heading to Snow Monkey Park with a suitcase?

Plan where to leave it before you start the walk.

Yudanaka’s staffed railway luggage service is suspended. The separate Nagaden Bus office offers storage, but confirm they accept bags and the pickup time. If you’re returning through Nagano, it may be easier to leave your bag there.

If you have any questions, let us know.

10/20/2026

Measure it before booking your Shinkansen seat.
Add the height, width, and depth. If the total is more than approximately 63 inches and up to 98.4 inches, you need a seat with an oversized baggage area. A regular seat reservation does not automatically include that space.

Check the baggage-seat availability before settling on a departure, especially if you want to sit together. 🚄🎌

10/15/2026

Your suitcase was fine when you landed in Japan. Then you went shopping. 😅
Sending it ahead to the airport can save you from hauling it through stations during your last few days. Just don’t wait until the night before your flight. Yamato’s standard airport service needs at least two days, or three in some areas.
We put together what to ask your hotel, what to keep with you, and where to collect your bag before check-in.

“Read ‘Sending Luggage to a Japanese Airport’ on IWVoyage. You’ll find our website link on our page.”

10/13/2026

Flying to Japan? Check how your headphones connect to the plane’s screen before you pack. Having Bluetooth headphones doesn’t mean the seatback system supports Bluetooth. Bring a compatible audio cable and check whether you’ll need an airline adapter.

Considering Bose QuietComfort? Here’s what to know about connections, battery life, and comfort before buying:

https://www.iwvoyage.com/posts/bose-quietcomfort-headphones-for-long-flights-to-japan/

The article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

10/10/2026

Landing late at Narita with two suitcases? Plan the whole journey to your hotel before you fly.

A private transfer can simplify the evening, but a late bus or an airport stay may fit your trip better. The details that matter: when you clear arrivals, whether your luggage fits, what waiting time covers, and how you’ll reach the hotel after the airport journey.

Our Narita late-arrival guide walks through all three choices, plus the train option if your timing works. It includes the questions to ask before booking and the late-check-in details worth checking.

Read the guide: https://www.iwvoyage.com/posts/arriving-late-at-narita/

Arriving at Narita late at night? Compare trains, airport buses, private transfers, and airport stays to plan a smoother trip to your Tokyo hotel.

09/24/2026

Oktoberfest in Japan: Quick Facts + Tips 🍺

There are several events in Japan similar to Oktoberfest that include German draft b**r, food, live music, and group 'Prost!' toasts. In 2026, the Tokyo events will take place at Shiba Park and Toyosu, and the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse will also host its own Oktoberfest.

Before you go, here are a few suggestions: bring some cash, since some festivals use a refundable glass-deposit system and may still ask for cash even if you pay for food and drink by card or digitally. Weekends tend to be more crowded, so getting there earlier generally makes things simpler. Also, check the official event website before you leave, as hours may change due to the weather.

Here's a travel tip: attending Oktoberfest is a great way to vary your schedule in Japan by doing something different from visiting temples, museums, and tourist attractions.

09/23/2026

Did you know you can experience Oktoberfest in Japan? You sure can.

One of the best things about traveling is discovering surprises along the way.

Japan celebrates Oktoberfest with b**r, food, music, and a lively festival vibe, all with its own Japanese twist.

It’s a fun way to take a break from visiting temples, exploring neighborhoods, shopping, and sightseeing.

Are you planning a trip to Japan?

📩 Send IW Voyage a message and we’ll help you plan a trip full of memorable experiences.

09/04/2026

Planning to see the snow monkeys in Japan this winter?

We just updated our Snow Monkey Park guide with the latest 2026 ticket information, admission prices, opening hours, and visitor tips.

Online tickets are now available, and they are tied to a specific visit date.

During busy winter periods, visitors without advance tickets may have to wait, and entry can become limited if the park gets too crowded.

Read the guide here:
https://www.snowmonkeypark.com/blog/snow-monkey-park-tickets-hours-admission/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snow_monkey_winter_2026&utm_content=tickets_day1

07/30/2026

Japan is really hot right now. 🥵🌞

You can still visit, but you’ll need to adjust your plans.

Try to do your outdoor sightseeing early, take a real break during the hottest part of the afternoon, and head back out after sunset.
Walking around Tokyo or Kyoto all day in this heat isn’t a good idea. It feels more like a challenge than a vacation.

Japan has had extreme heat and heatstroke alerts across the country, so this advice is timely and not just for attention.

Would the summer heat make you think twice about visiting Japan?

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07/22/2026

Japan is an incredible place for a honeymoon.

Imagine exploring Tokyo at night, enjoying slow mornings in Kyoto, relaxing in a private onsen, savoring delicious food, and spending a few days just the two of you, away from it all.

That’s the idea behind JapanHoneymoon.com. 🇯🇵

🥰🥰