<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Mr. Japan]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mr. Japan]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 19:20:51 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.mrjapan.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Emoji - the little Japanese icons that became a global language ]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the greatest inventions to come out of Japan - no less than sushi - is the emoji. These tiny symbols that accompany almost every message today actually originated in Japan, and they reflect key parts of the culture: wordless, indirect communication, politeness, aesthetics… and quite a bit of playfulness. Source: Unsplash What are emoji - and how did it all begin in Japan? ✨ The word emoji combines the Japanese words “e” (picture) and “moji” (character or letter). The first emoji...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/emoji-thelittlejapaneseiconsthatbecameagloballanguage</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d783</guid><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:07:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/782668_4fc97917d40f4c9da9cd503fb632fba0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Yakuza - the story of Japan’s mafia ]]></title><description><![CDATA[The word "Yakuza" evokes curiosity, mystery, and sometimes even fear. However, behind the cinematic image of tattooed men and women lies a rich history of honor, subculture, and a lasting influence on society in Japan. How did it begin, how does the organization operate, and how present is it in modern Japan? Source: Unsplash So what is the Yakuza? In simple terms - the Yakuza is a collection of organized crime groups that have operated in Japan for centuries. The name “Yakuza” actually comes...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/theyakuza-thestoryofjapansmafia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d775</guid><pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:09:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/782668_1d1859ea02394bcfb0c29580d72599eb~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where to Stay in Tokyo - a guide to the main districts and what each offers ️]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tokyo may be a single city, but in reality it’s a massive mosaic of neighborhoods - each with its own atmosphere, pace, and character. If you’re visiting Japan, you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time in Tokyo, so it’s worth understanding the main areas and what awaits you in each one. Alright - let’s begin. Source: Unsplash Shibuya - young, busy, and vibrant The youthful side of Tokyo - where fashion, music, and Japanese pop culture collide. Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/wheretostayintokyo</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d770</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:20:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/782668_edaa01da5d484de6b723b229ca2df5fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where did all the trash cans go in Japan? ️]]></title><description><![CDATA[The story behind the cleanest streets in the world Source: Unsplash If you’ve visited Japan - or even just seen photos of Tokyo - you probably noticed something unusual: there are almost no trash cans on the streets. And yet, Japan is considered one of the cleanest countries in the world. How? And why? Here’s the story behind the “disappearing bins” in Japan - and how it affects us as travelers. ⸻ The historical reason The main reason dates back to a traumatic event in 1995: the Tokyo subway...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/wheredidallthetrashcansgoinjapan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d75e</guid><pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:29:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/782668_e4711a4378c24f0aaa439ad668962e46~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Traveling to Japan with Kids ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Everything you should know about visiting Japan with children Source: Unsplash Yes - you absolutely can travel in Japan with kids. Contrary to what many people assume, Japan is actually a dream destination for families: safe, clean, organized, and full of attractions that suit all ages. Japan’s birth rate may be declining, but when it comes to other people’s children - the Japanese adore them. Expect to hear the word “kawaii” (“cute”) quite often when locals notice your little ones. And what...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/travelingtojapanwithkids</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d772</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:57:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/782668_c242d69c6e1e4226ba8f924d1df38389~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flying a Drone in Japan️]]></title><description><![CDATA[Everything you need to know before flying a drone in Japan Any drone weighing over 100 grams must be registered with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Registration is done online via the DIPS 2.0 system. It’s not the most user-friendly process (very Japanese…), but it’s manageable. Once registered, you’ll receive an identification number that must be attached to your drone, along with activation of Remote ID. For those unfamiliar—Remote ID is a safety...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/flyingadroneinjapan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d75a</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:26:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/782668_fe9a589165e044c4874b35177cc56a2f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Media]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here you could find a collection of Japanese films and media to get you in the mood before your trip :) Source: Unsplash  List of recommendations:  Japanese Culture – Understand Before You Land For those who want to explore Japan’s history, values, and mindset:  Wabi-Sabi  – on the aesthetics of imperfection ️ Tokyo Story  / Rashomon  / Seven Samurai  – classic films with deep cultural insight  Shōgun (2024)  – a modern series set in the samurai era  Human Japan – Emotions,...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/media</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d776</guid><pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:20:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/782668_1783080d356443a49ba6c72d3ed1dba1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Important Emergency Contacts in Japan  ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Travel in Japan is generally smooth and very safe, but it’s always good to be prepared. Here are the key contacts you should know:  General Emergency Numbers in Japan (Can only be dialed from within Japan )  Police – 110 English support is often available—speak slowly and clearly. If needed, an interpreter may be connected.  Ambulance / Fire Department – 119 English-speaking operators are more common in major cities. If you don’t speak Japanese: Clearly say the emergency type:...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/importantemergencycontactsinjapan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d781</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:07:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_3b7cc05b98d6433d8356e0f515a47660~mv2.avif/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Helpful Tips ]]></title><description><![CDATA[‍♀️ Walking &#38; escalators – In Tokyo, stand on the left. In Osaka, stand on the right.  Last trains – In Tokyo, most last trains depart around midnight (00:00).  Trash bins are quite rare to come across – After the 1995 sarin attack, most public bins were removed. You’ll find bins in convenience stores—carry a small bag with you just in case.  You can ship your luggage almost anywhere in Japan from hotels or convenience stores. It’s easy, affordable, and a huge upgrade to your trip....]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/helpfultips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d76a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:26:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_4653072e794d4300a383cfa29f209d42~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Japan Packing Checklist ✅ ]]></title><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/japanpackingchecklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d765</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:56:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4f4030_d6f01284e693414f8f4a4a1f4a30f4f8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Everything You Should Know About Wagyu Beef ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wagyu beef is a premium type of beef known for its exceptional flavor. It typically has a high level of marbling, giving it a rich taste and a very tender texture. The word “Wagyu” literally means “Japanese cow.” Wagyu beef originated in Japan more than 1,000 years ago. The breed was originally used for farm work and transportation, and less as a source of food. Over time, farmers began to notice the unique characteristics of Wagyu beef - its ability to store fat within the muscle fibers,...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/everythingyoushouldknowaboutwagyubeef</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d77a</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:27:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_19141637f23140d99f5d2bf1ee4cd5c2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Vegetarian &#38; Vegan Options in Japan ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in Japan - you just need to know where to look :) Being vegetarian or vegan in Japan can be challenging, mainly because many Japanese dishes are based on meat and fish. In fact, most soup broths often include meat or fish. For example, if you’re a ramen lover—unless stated otherwise, the broth is usually pork-based. That’s partly because pork contains about three times more fat than chicken. The terms “vegetarian”...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/vegetarian-veganoptionsinjapan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d77d</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:42:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_8c73e3cad9fa4b94b12f2bea19bb7cbe~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guide to Booking a Restaurant in Japan ]]></title><description><![CDATA[It’s no secret that Tokyo is a paradise for food lovers. From Michelin-starred restaurants to simple pizza spots, you can find just about everything in Japan. While it’s usually possible to get by without reservations in most places and during most times of the year, if you want to secure a specific restaurant for any reason - it’s recommended to book in advance. There are many areas where Japan is advanced and leading the world, but restaurant reservations is not one of them. So here’s a...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/guidetobookingarestaurantinjapan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d773</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Apr 2023 09:31:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_bc9971b463604ee490d40b2e238e1d73~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taxis in Japan]]></title><description><![CDATA[In general, I’m writing this post to help you avoid taking taxis as much as possible. They’re expensive and usually not more efficient than Japan’s incredible train system. That said, taxis are often the only way to get around once trains and buses stop running around midnight. Using taxis can also make sense in smaller cities, in remote areas, and in Kyoto, where public transportation is a bit less convenient. Even when it comes to getting from the airport to your hotel in Tokyo, in most...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/taxisinjapan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d77e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:21:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_bde80f3fec224bfc9d077293888cb06e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[IC Card –  the Japanese contactless transit card ]]></title><description><![CDATA[“Suica” and “Pasmo” are IC cards  - rechargeable cards that are extremely popular in Japan. They can be used to easily pay for public transportation, as well as for payments at vending machines, shops, and restaurants by simply tapping the card on a reader (similar to other contactless payments). You simply tap the card on the reader for about a second (instead of inserting it into a slot like I did on my last trip during a brief moment of distraction), and the relevant fare will be...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/iccard</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d768</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:46:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_d599e1b06a0e4095a01996ad69989074~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_800,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[JR Pass – the ultimate rail pass ]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a train pass that used to be very cost-effective for long-distance travel in Japan. The pass is available only to foreign tourists and offers unlimited travel on JR trains for 7, 14, or 21 days. When purchasing, you’ll choose between two classes: Ordinary and Green Class. Green Class is essentially “first class,” offering more spacious seats, though the difference isn’t dramatic. Most travelers will likely choose the ordinary class. What does the pass include?...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/jrpass</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d764</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:08:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_bdd3923d8ead4c768b3458ae7ece7f13~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Around Japan ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Getting around Japan is mostly done by train, especially when it comes to major cities and traveling between them. Japan has an incredible and highly organized rail system, so good that even locals don’t use cars in big cities, and many don’t own a car at all. The largest transportation company in Japan is Japan Railways (JR). Until October 2023, most tourists got around using a combination of two main tools: JR Pass  – mainly used for traveling between major cities via the Shinkansen (the...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/gettingaroundjapan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d759</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:33:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_437b5b4a7a274d909abfc431b105ca92~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hostels ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hostels in Japan are nothing to be afraid of! If you’re used to thinking of hostels as something closer to a tent on a school trip - in Japan, things can look very different. Most hostels in Japan (generally speaking) are high quality: clean, well-maintained, comfortable, and affordable. On my last trip to Japan, I stayed in a hostel in Kyoto that turned out to be one of the best places I stayed at during the trip. The price was a joke, the location was great, and the main differences...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/hostels</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d76e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:10:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_f3e837dabc4e473486a4e6d8d6eec793~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_900,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Capsule Hotels ]]></title><description><![CDATA[How did it all start? If you’ve looked into Japanese culture a bit, you’ve probably come across the Japanese work ethic - long hours, extreme punctuality, and a serious lack of sleep. Unlike in Western companies, in Japan it’s not common to leave work before your boss does. And if you do leave, it’s quite common to head out to an izakaya (a Japanese pub) or sing karaoke until the late hours of the night. The thing is, the last trains leave exactly at midnight (00:00). If you miss them, you’re...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/capsulehotels</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d779</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:54:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_113255b25fe947f58b24198b6b91af0e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ryokan – Traditional Japanese Inn ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns found throughout the country. Unlike the Western-style hotels you may be familiar with, a ryokan is a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and lifestyle, including tatami rooms, futon beds, Japanese-style baths, and excellent food. The average cost of staying at a ryokan ranges between ¥15,000–¥25,000 (~$100–170 USD) per person per night. A ryokan may not be cheap, but in my opinion, it’s a must to experience at least one...]]></description><link>https://www.mrjapan.com/post/ryokan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6971f43adac889bfa013d75c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:46:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2855f4_78b707b3484b4f91b44819dccf2d5eb9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Aviv Blumstein</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>