Japan Has Changed | Top 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan in 2025
Japan is currently seeing a massive surge in popularity among foreign tourists. In 2024, the number of visitors reached an all-time high of over 36 million, a staggering 47.1% increase compared to 2023—that’s more than 10 million additional tourists in just one year!
With this influx of travelers, many changes have taken place in Japan, both positive and negative, that you should know before planning your trip.
On the positive side, the Suica transportation IC card has been improved, making it even easier to get around. There’s also been an expansion of direct international flight routes to Japan and the introduction of ride-sharing services in Osaka.
However, there are some downsides as well. For instance, tax-free shopping rules have changed, making it less favorable for tourists. The recent yen appreciation due to interest rate hikes may increase your travel costs, and cities like Kyoto have introduced new accommodation taxes, adding to your expenses.
In this video, I’ve summarized the 9 most important updates about traveling to Japan in 2025. Watching this will help you have a smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable trip to Japan.
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⭐️CHAPTERS⭐️
0:00 Opening
1:43 1.Japan’s New Tax-Free Rules
3:12 2.New Hotel Tax in Japan: Big Changes for 2025
4:30 3.New SUICA : Perfect for Tourists
6:21 4.Record-Breaking Tourism in Japan
7:52 5.Cheap Japan Travel Could Be Ending? : Here’s Why
9:01 6.Essential Tips for Visit Japan Web
10:34 7.Ride-Sharing Finally Comes to Japan
11:45 8.Japan’s Airlines Expand Routes in 2025
13:00 9.Ride Japan’s Anime Bullet Trains
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Japan Has Changed | Top 9 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan in 2025
⭐️Information⭐️
Japan smashes annual record with more than 36 million tourists in 2024
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/japan-overtourism-tourists-record-b2679883.html
“Welcome Suica” IC card goes digital in 2025
The duty-free procedure will be shifted to ‘refund method’ on November 1 2026, abolishing the maximum amount of a purchase
https://www.travelvoice.jp/english/the-duty-free-procedure-will-be-shifted-to-refund-method-on-november-1-2026-abolishing-the-maximum-amount-of-a-purchase
Kyoto to raise accommodation tax up to 10,000 yen a day
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15578374
One Piece Shinkansen
https://www.jr-onepiece-shinkansen.jp/en/
Wonderful Dreams Shinkansen (Disney Shinkansen)
https://recommend.jr-central.co.jp/wdshinkansen/
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14 Comments
just got back from japan last week, cant wait to go back in spring! this last trip i mostly hung out with local friends i made and it was fun staying away from touristy areas. the ride share i think is slowly rolling out because i would use uber to get a taxi (couldnt create a GOtaxi account as i dont have a japense phone number) and i saw an option to ride in someones personal car but i still went with a taxi
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Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!
I went to Japan few times. The last one was in October and when entering I use visit Japan web application and got through without issue. Do you mean the visit Japan web app cannot be used anymore as of 2025?
Tokyo already getting expensive…last year my favourite uni platter was ¥5k+ went back few days ago its now ¥11k… Bought a cup of handrip coffee for ¥5k and spend ¥20k on coffee beans 😅
YAY! Our fave tour guide posted!
Thankful for the 20 over years of holiday in Japan.
Hoping i can go in November. 😢
Hey toshi I had a suica card it’s linked to my suica app is it possible get new card just want get get one in case my phone goes out
Hi, Mr, Toshi, amazing video as usual. I love see your videos, because help me a lot to planning our family trip in October. One thing, where I can find the new routes from Japan since United States that JAL and ANA will open? Maybe I can take one of those. Once again thank you for your videos.
I hope the yen stays decreased for the time being until after my trip 😂
Dude, if a change comes in November 2026 or March 2026 then traveling in Japan did not change in 2025.
Went last year and had a lot of fun. Planning to go back at the end of October this year so these tips will really come in handy
No Samurai Champloo themed bullet train? Aw…shucks Toshi
Hi. For the new tax refund system, I wonder whether it obliges one to take the tax free item in hand carried baggage? Or would the tax refund takes place at air side (post passport check) area or land side (pre passport check)?