Kimono, tea ceremony, anime, matsuri, onsen, temples — dive deep into Japanese culture.
5/4/2026 · 7 min read · culture
How to read the kimono you see at a Japanese wedding and at the Shichi-Go-San children's rite in November — shiromuku, iro-uchikake, montsuki hakama, tomesode, furisode, the children's hakama and hifu — and how a visiting family can wear the same styles for a shrine photograph.
5/4/2026 · 6 min read · culture
How to choose where and what to rent in Kyoto, what the plans include and cost, how the dressing and return work, how the season changes the choice, and the etiquette that keeps the outfit — and you — comfortable all day.
4/21/2026 · 20 min read · destinations
Noboribetsu Onsen and Jigokudani (Hell Valley): nine spring types, walking routes and times, bus, train or car from Sapporo, festivals, food and where to stay.
4/21/2026 · 9 min read · tips
A self-study roadmap for Japanese from zero to N1 in 24 months: 6 months/level, Minna/Shinkanzen textbooks, Anki + Bunpro apps, a 3h/day study schedule, and costs under 5 million VND.
4/17/2026 · 9 min read · itineraries
Go deeper than tourist Kyoto. Seven days of temples, private tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops, Nara deer, Ise Grand Shrine, and kaiseki dinners. The introvert's Japan itinerary.
4/16/2026 · 10 min read · tips
A 2026 guide to part-time jobs in Japan for Vietnamese international students: the 28-hour/week rule, pay at konbini/izakaya/supermarkets, Baitoru/Townwork/Hello Work apps, and Japanese interview tips.
4/13/2026 · 12 min read · destinations
First-time onsen visitors, relax! This 2026 updated guide thoroughly explains Japanese onsen etiquette. From pre-bath washing and towel handling to tattoo considerations and specific information on popular onsen towns nationwide, we clearly introduce key points to deeply enjoy Japan's rich onsen culture.
4/13/2026 · 14 min read · culture
2026 Latest Information! A comprehensive guide to must-visit anime and manga shops, maid cafes, gachapon, retro game centers, and duty-free electronics stores in Akihabara, Tokyo. We introduce a fulfilling one-day itinerary packed with specific information to satisfy both beginners and veterans.
4/13/2026 · 8 min read · destinations
Where to be dressed in Kyoto — Kiyomizu and Higashiyama, Gion, the station, Arashiyama, Fushimi — and why the area matters more than the shop; the fourteen plans and their prices; the step-by-step process; the best photo spots by area; and booking advice for cherry-blossom and autumn weekends.
4/12/2026 · 11 min read · tips
2026 guide to the Kazoku Taizai (家族滞在) visa: sponsor requirements, COE documents, minimum income of 300-400 man per year, the 28-hour-per-week limit on part-time work, and annual renewals.
4/5/2026 · 10 min read · tips
Japan nenkin (年金) guide 2026: the 2 types, Kokumin vs Kousei, the Dakkai Ichijikin procedure for reclaiming your pension when returning to VN, a 4-6 month timeline, and how to recover the 20% tax.
4/1/2026 · 16 min read · destinations
The complete guide to enjoying Beppu's iconic “Hell Tour” in one day. Focusing on the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku and the vivid-red Chinoike Jigoku, this guide covers transportation, nearby food, and tips for avoiding common mistakes.
3/28/2026 · 7 min read · culture
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are easy in English; Sapporo and Fukuoka are mixed; rural Kyushu and Shikoku are Japanese-only territory. See the full three-tier city ranking, plus the translation apps Americans actually rely on.
3/28/2026 · 9 min read · destinations
One-day Hakone Round Course: volcanic Owakudani, ropeway, Lake Ashi pirate cruise, and a Mt. Fuji-view onsen. Prices, timing, and real-world tips.
3/11/2026 · 7 min read · culture
Ten Kyoto locations that photograph best in kimono — Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, Gion, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and more — with the best hour for each, what it costs to enter, how to get there in geta, and which ones to save for another day.
3/11/2026 · 9 min read · culture
Tipping in Japan isn't just unnecessary — it can offend. Plus 10 more cultural habits US visitors slip on: slurping ramen, taking off shoes, paying the tray, standing on escalators.
3/10/2026 · 9 min read · tips
A 2026 guide to renting a home in Japan for Vietnamese people: reikin, shikikin, shagashi, upfront costs of ¥50,000–100,000, guarantor companies, 7 apps including Suumo, Homes, and Pitat, and how to avoid scams.
3/9/2026 · 15 min read · destinations
Kurokawa Onsen's ¥1,500 bath-hopping pass: 7 open-air baths to use it on, access, etiquette, the best seasons, plus half-day and Kumamoto day plans.
3/3/2026 · 12 min read · culture
Chureito Pagoda guide: the 398-step climb, the deck view of Mount Fuji, cherry blossom and autumn timing, trains, buses, parking and nearby sights.
2/27/2026 · 10 min read · tips
A 2026 guide to registering your juminhyo (住民票) in Japan for Vietnamese residents: step-by-step procedures at the kuyakusho, required documents, and how to print copies for banks + renting a home + scholarships.
2/23/2026 · 5 min read · destinations
Your complete guide to Noboribetsu Jigokudani, Hokkaido — best times to visit, how to get there, top spots to explore, and practical tips for first-timers.
2/8/2026 · 7 min read · culture
Hatsumōde, Japan's first shrine visit of the New Year, blends incense smoke, orderly queues, and steaming street food into one of the most memorable cultural experiences the country has to offer.
2/8/2026 · 19 min read · destinations
A deep dive into the appeal of Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s three most famous hot spring resorts. From the dramatic Yubatake and traditional Jikan-yu bathing to outstanding local cuisine, accommodation, access, and etiquette, this comprehensive guide is designed for domestic travelers and Japanese-speaking visitors.
1/31/2026 · 20 min read · destinations
The complete guide to enjoying Hakone’s hot springs on a day trip from Tokyo. The OlaChill editorial team covers everything you need for a smooth trip, including access by Romancecar, transfers at Odawara, popular day-use hot spring facilities, local cuisine, sightseeing spots, and recommended accommodations.
