Japan is safe and fascinating, but it also has some unusual regulations that surprise visitors. From carrying your residence card to unexpected smoking bans, this guide highlights 12 weird rules in Japan that foreigners should know to avoid fines, confusion, and cultural faux pas.

Unlike drugstores in many other countries, Japanese drugstores (ドラッグストア) sell far more than over-the-counter medicine. They’re a category of their own — part pharmacy, part beauty counter, part snack aisle — packed with affordable skincare, everyday essentials, and snacks you won’t find anywhere else. That makes them a lifesaver, especially if you’re not quite ready […]

Using a bike in Japan is convenient, but getting one a lot more tedious than it sounds — after you buy it, you need to register it.

Whether you’re a Japanese language, university, or vocational school student, coming to Japan as a student often means that you will eventually need to head to the immigration office and extend your visa to continue your studies, as this specific visa is often only valid for a certain period — even before your expected graduation […]

For a lot of foreigners from certain nationalities, Japan’s working holiday visa program allows them to live, work, and experience Japan for a specified length of time without needing to get sponsorship from an institution, such as an employer or school. But what happens if your visa expires and you’re not ready to leave? Or […]

Japanese 100 yen stores like Daiso and Cando are common in Japan. Learn all the cool things you can buy in Japan’s dollar store!

Japan is preparing to raise several immigration-related fees — including visa renewals, status changes, and permanent residency. This 2025–2026 update explains what’s changing, why it matters, and how to prepare before the new prices take effect.

How do you start the process of studying in Japan on a student visa? As a Japan study abroad service, Coto School Finder has helped hundreds of students apply for a Japanese language school and obtain a student visa, although the process varies depending on your background, nationality, and even age. In general, you can […]