Travel

Sit Down but Don’t Pedal: A New Mobility Option Comes to Japan

With its extensive network of rail lines, trams, monorails and buses, Japan is well known for having a wide array of public transportation choices. There is still room for improvement, however, and new and complementary mobility options to…

Visitors to Japan from 11 Countries and Regions Can Make Cashless Payments by Using PayPay’s QR Codes

2023 was a banner year for tourism in Japan as COVID-19 subsided and Japan re-opened its borders. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, visitor arrivals to Japan in December 2023 were 2.734 million, a record high for Decemb…

Tabist GINZA: Affordable and Comfortable Accommodation with Special Amenities in the Heart of Tokyo

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions made 2020 to 2022 a difficult time for hotel businesses in Japan. Amid this challenging time, Tabist, a SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) group company, was launched to offer new experiences tai…

Live in Japan and Plan to Travel to the US? Enjoy Unlimited Data Usage with “America Flat-rate”

For users of SoftBank Corp.’s ‘SoftBank’ mobile service in Japan thinking of traveling to the United States, there’s a unique service that may be of interest. Called “America Flat-rate” (or “America-houdai” in Japanese), the service gives …

HELLO CYCLING Bike-sharing Platform Gathers Speed as a Transportation Alternative

An extensive and efficient network of trains and buses often comes to mind when Japan’s transportation infrastructure is mentioned. To avoid crowded trains and get to locations between stations and bus stops, however, bike-sharing is gaini…

OYO Japan Rebrands as Tabist to Offer New, Localized Travel Experiences

On March 16, 2022, OYO Japan held a virtual press conference to announce it will re-launch under a new brand name, “Tabist.” OYO Japan’s President and Chief Executive Officer Ryota Tanozaki unveiled the new brand and company name that will…

OYO Hotels Japan Updates the Traditional Japanese Inn with “OYO Ryokan”

OYO Ryokan inns are furnished with newly designed furniture and accoutrements In Tokyo on March 18, 2020, OYO Hotels Japan announced “OYO Ryokan,” a new brand for Japan that follows the ethos of omotenashi--the country’s unique approach to…

How Technology is Helping to Uphold a Legacy of High-quality Green Tea

Whether relaxing at home or entertaining important guests, nothing is more refreshing than green tea in Japan. Although popular since ancient times, in recent years green tea plantations have come up against a major issue: a lack of succes…