How this guide is made
Editorial policy
Japan Understood publishes decision-oriented guidance from traceable sources. Fluency is not evidence; every material factual claim must be supportable.
Source order
- Japanese national and local government
- Official tourism, transport, museum, and cultural institutions
- Merchants and programs for their own features, prices, and policies
- Original research and high-quality reference publications
Review and corrections
Articles show a review date and list their sources. Material changes to a commercial offer can pause its recommendation. Corrections should identify what changed, why it mattered, and which source now controls the conclusion.
Culture and travel claims
We distinguish common etiquette, venue policy, and law. A practice in one onsen, temple, restaurant, city, or region is not presented as a universal Japanese rule.
Image provenance
The launch hero photograph, “a train station with people waiting,” is by Jezael Melgoza. It was published on Unsplash on July 28, 2022 and is used under the Unsplash License.