◇ Field notes · Tokyo, Japan
Things that should already be databases but somehow aren't. Field notes from one editor in Tokyo, added in batches.
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The clusters this site goes deepest on — with the receipts counted.
◇ Latest field notes
Japan's 2026 autumn leaves are forecast later than normal: Hokkaido from mid-September, Tokyo late November, Kyoto late November into December. Region-by-region timing from the published forecasts.
Solo: eSIM wins — ¥4,350 for 7 days unlimited vs ¥9,900 for a 7-day WiFi rental, nothing to return. Three or more phones sharing one router: pocket WiFi wins. Math on published Sep 2026 prices.
Suica and Pasmo work identically; the real choice is deposit vs tourist card. Welcome Suica / Tourist PASMO: 28 days, no deposit, no refund. Regular: ¥500 deposit, ¥220 fee. iPhone app: 180 days.
Mostly no: the 7-day JR Pass is ¥50,000, but a Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka loop costs about ¥31,000 in regular tickets. Worth it only for long-haul routes — and prices rise again October 1, 2026.
Airalo vs Ubigi for Japan, on published Aug 2026 plans: Airalo sells unlimited day plans (3GB/day full speed), Ubigi cheaper fixed-GB data on NTT Docomo + KDDI 5G. Here's which to buy.
A pre-purchase review of the Klook Japan eSIM based on its official listing: Softbank 5G/DOCOMO networks, QR or in-app activation, tethering allowed, refund terms — and what Klook doesn't publish.
§ Long reads
Klook vs Airalo vs Ubigi vs Sakura Mobile for Japan, compared on official listings and policies: networks, prices, throttles, tethering, refunds. One default pick, one rural pick, one long-stay pick.
The only English guide to all 63 Tokyo bathhouses certified under the WELCOME! SENTO campaign — by ward, by sauna, by tattoo policy, by hours, with the half-price coupon explained.
Yes, foreigners can drink in Golden Gai — at the right doors. 18 bars checked open for 2026, with cover charges, English level, vibe, and how to read the door before you push it open.
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I'm an engineer in Japan. After my second trip's worth of weird notes piled up in my notes app, I built this. It's the second-trip site. The one you read after Tokyo Cheapo.
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