Today I learned #086
Golden Gai Cover Charges: Prices & How to Budget
What does a night in Golden Gai cost? Read bars' posted charges, calculate a one- or two-stop budget, and know what to ask before taking a seat.
#golden-gai#tokyo-nightlife
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Today I learned #085
Japan Autumn Leaves 2026: When and Where to See Koyo (Forecast + Timing Guide)
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.
#koyo#autumn-leaves
Today I learned #084
Pocket WiFi vs eSIM for Japan (2026): Which Should You Get?
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.
#esim#pocket-wifi
Today I learned #083
Suica vs Pasmo vs Welcome Suica (2026): Which IC Card Should Tourists Get?
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.
#transit#ic-cards
Today I learned #082
Is the JR Pass Worth It in 2026? The Honest Math, Route by Route
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.
#jr-pass#shinkansen
Today I learned #081
Airalo vs Ubigi for Japan: Prices, Data Caps & Hotspot (2026)
Compare Airalo and Ubigi Japan eSIM prices, data limits, hotspot rules and networks. See when a fixed data plan makes more sense than unlimited.
#esim#sim
§ Long reads
Guide · No.01
Best eSIM for Japan: Klook, Airalo, Ubigi & Sakura (2026)
Compare Klook, Airalo, Ubigi and Sakura Mobile for Japan: current plan examples, data caps, hotspot rules and which option fits your trip.
#esim#japan-travel
Guide · No.02
Tokyo Sento Bible: 63 Foreigner-Welcoming Bathhouses, Mapped, Filtered, and Reviewed
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.
#sento#tokyo
Guide · No.03
Golden Gai Bars for Foreigners: 16 Picks + 2 Nearby
Choose a Golden Gai bar by music, atmosphere and cover charge. 16 district picks plus 2 nearby options, with first-visit advice and photography rules.
#golden-gai#tokyo-nightlife
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