Osaka is known as a popular sightseeing spot in Japan. So, when you visit Osaka, of course, you will want to buy some souvenirs. But you may wonder, what souvenir is a good souvenir to buy in Osaka.

In his article, the staff of MOSHI MOSHI BOX who love to travel, will introduce to you some recommended souvenirs which can be bought in and around Osaka Station.

“Nakanoshima Caramel Scotch recommended by our Spanish staff, Ruki.

It looks like a cookie but it is a snack which includes caramel and almonds.
The crunchy texture of scotch is superb. The blue box is very cute too.

“batondor” recommended by our Hong Kong staff Minimal

ACO GOTOさん(@aco_2612)がシェアした投稿 - 1月 7, 2018 at 11:20午後 PST

“Fueki Pudding” recommended by our Chinese-speaking staff, Banako

ことりっぷさん(@cotrip_official)がシェアした投稿 - 1月 15, 2018 at 7:07午後 PST

“Tenten Hitokuchi Gyoza” recommended by the Miss ID Semi-Finalist Midori

@sonokomatsudaがシェアした投稿 - 12月 4, 2017 at 3:59午前 PST

“Jagariko Takoyaki Aji” recommended by English-speaking staff, Ellie

親父からの大阪土産！！ #じゃがりこたこ焼き味 #じゃがりこ#大阪土産#カルビー

NAOROWさん(@ume_naoki)がシェアした投稿 - 1月 31, 2018 at 5:00午前 PST

"Rikuro Ojisanno Omise - Yakitate (freshly baked) Cheese Cake" recommended by the curator of MOSHI MOSHI BOX Shiota.

もえのあずきさん(@moeazukitty)がシェアした投稿 - 11月 6, 2017 at 2:56午前 PST

A tasteful cheese cake famous in Osaka. You can watch the staff of the shop making cheese cakes! It is recommended to warm this cake up before you eat it. Of course, you can also enjoy the product after cooling it down inside a refrigerator.

How did you like our MOSHI MOSHI BOX staff recommended Osaka souvenirs? Please refer to this article when you are not sure which souvenir to buy. Let’s have fun in Osaka, a city which has lots of delicious food and unique items.

Japan’s 100-yen shops garner much attention even amongst foreign tourists for their massive range of useful items. Their shelves are also filled with plenty of things you would find convenient to have during your trip in Japan. Let’s take a look at some of the travel goods you can pick up there – at a very reasonable price. You’ll be glad you had some of these!

りーこ ♡ RICOさん(@leeco432)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年 7月月26日午前6時07分PDT

1.Pouch

The ¥100 pouch is a convenient little thing to store away items like cosmetics, toiletries and such. If you buy one of the transparent ones, then it becomes even more convenient as you can see the contents and locate what you need without hassle. There’s many to choose from – they come in big and small sizes, and cute-looking ones have been on the increase recently. It’s nice to have so much choice, so pick your favourite!

love.west_rさん(@love.west_r)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年12月月5日午前1時23分PST

2.Zipper Bag

The zipper bags sold at Daiso, one of Japan’s most popular 100-yen shops, have simple, very smart designs. They’re useful for storing bathroom items, chargers and other cords, and other knick-knacks. They’re popular with people not only for travelling but during everyday life too.

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年 8月月24日午前2時05分PDT

3.Vacuum Storage Bags

Vacuum storage bags are an old standby in travelling. There’s ones for grabs with cute designs, and the whole vacuum part of it is a lot of fun. You can pack away bulky towels and clothes nice and compactly. The only problem is that the compaction force wears away gradually on long trips, so be sure to have some backups prepared for peace of mind.

Shoko Miyamotoさん(@shsh_0719)がシェアした投稿 - 2016年 4月月2日午前12時28分PDT

4.Cushion Case

The cushion case protects your electronic devices from damage. They are a must-have for digital cameras, laptops etc. It’s good to check the feel of your cushion case when choosing one. If you pick one extra cushiony then you can rest assured your devices will be safe. There’s a plethora of designs and sizes to pick from!

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年 8月月30日午前1時48分PDT

5.Wet Wipes

You can even buy wet wipes at the 100-yen shop, an absolute must-have even in regular life. Can Do’s bacteria eliminating type wet wipes have kawaii designs like ninja and samurai. They’re even sold at Seria, another 100-yen chain. Those with kids will be pleased with this item.

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年11月月14日午後11時29分PST

6. Eye Mask

We recommend this one for those who struggle to sleep when going on a trip. Can Do have even kawaii-fied eye masks. From standard types to fun, amusing types, sift through the range and pull out one that you like most. They might even make a good souvenir.

🍀なっつん🍀さん(@nattsu_th78)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年 8月月25日午後3時12分PDT

7.Neck Pillow

There’s nothing better than being hugged by a neck pillow when sleeping on a bus or plane. They lighten the load on your neck, so there’s plenty of people that make regular use of them. Choose from pillows filled with beads, cotton, and even ones that you can fill with air which are also convenient for carrying around.

つくもはるさん(@haru2422)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年12月月25日午前5時42分PST

8.Raincoat

If you find yourself in a downfall of rain at your travel destination and are in need of a raincoat but want something cute, then how about taking a trip to Daiso? They sell a mix of different raincoats with cross designs, half-moon designs and more. They’re the perfect thickness too so they’re something you can make use of regularly.

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 - 2016年 8月月18日午前1時42分PDT

9.Selfie Stick & Remote Camera Shutter

Selfie sticks have made their way to 100-yen shops recently, and they even sell remote camera shutters! Get all the tools you need for taking memorable photos at the 100-yen shop.

🇯🇵100均あんちゃん🇬🇧さん(@100yen_shop)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 2月月12日午前6時05分PST

10.Tripod

Tripods for your smartphone? You betcha! They are compact and not a hassle to carry at all. Can Do tripods are stable, and best of all, you can change the angle of your camera freely. Take some fun pics!

Was this list useful? There’s plenty more convenient and useful items where that came from at Japanese 100-yen shops. Make sure you pop into one and stock up.

Restaurants in Japan have a very different list of rules, on-the-house services and etiquette standards compared to other countries. If you enter a restaurant when in Japan without knowing some of these things you might make a mistake!

We’ve put together a list of 10 important points to learn before dining out in Japan.

1.Don’t give tips

The fact that you don’t need to give tips as restaurants in Japan can be bewildering to some foreign tourists. In Japan, there’s normally no service charge, unless it’s a high-end restaurant, in which case it’s possible that a service charge will be added. If you force a tip on the staff, they will get told off by their superiors later, so keep that in mind.

2.Watch out for ‘Otooshi’

Otooshi, also known as tsukidashi, are small appetizers served at bars and establishments that sell alcohol, particularly izakaya. They will be served event if you didn’t order them, and you can be charged for them. There are numerous reasons they give for serving ootoshi, such as ‘proof that we have taken your first order’ and ‘something to eat while you wait for the first food to come out.’ Lots of tourists not accustomed to this practice have felt cheated.

3.Water is free

When you sit down at a restaurant in Japan, you’ll be served water. Many tourists are surprised at the fact that cold water is served all year round the majority of the time in Japan. There are also establishments that serve free hot green tea instead of water.

4.The unexpected things are expensive (or cheap)

It’s not rare for things like delivery pizza or Korean pork belly BBQ, which are extremely cheap and common foods in other countries, to be expensive in Japan. On the other hand, you can eat Japanese foods like sushi, tempura and ramen at a very cheap price.

5.You order alcohol first at an izakaya

It’s not a set rule, but generally when you go to an izakaya, ordering a drink gives you plenty of time to read through the menu. Beer is often ordered before anything else. There’s even a set phrase for it, toriaezu biiru (‘[I’ll have] beer for now’). Try saying it in Japanese when you’re at an izakaya.

6.All-you-can services

Restaurants in Japan often have all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink services. If you pay a set price, you can eat or drink as much as you like. Many places offer this service, including, but not limited to, izakaya, yakiniku restaurants, and sushi bars. We recommend this to people who want to pay a little to get a lot!

7.Oshibori are free

Oshibori, or moistened towels, are given for free at Japanese restaurants. They are wet towels used to wipe your hands and face before a meal. Depending on the restaurant, you may be given a cold or hot towel. Staff at izakaya will also hand them to you. A lot of tourists praise this service as high quality.

8.Rules and menus are different at fast food restaurants

International restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Subway are of course in Japan too. If you’re a tourist bored of Japanese food, you’ll probably want to eat something familiar like fast food. In those times, you’ll be baffled by the differences between a fast food joint in your own country and in Japan. For example, in the case of McDonald’s, the Japanese large-sized drinks are smaller than the medium-sized drinks in the US. There’s also no self-service. Instead, the staff will pour the drink for you.

9.You cannot take food into restaurants (though there are exceptions)

One rule that puzzles a lot of people from Asia that come to Japan is the rule that states you cannot enter a place with food or drink. However, select establishments, such as food courts in large shopping malls, will permit you to do so. Be sure to do some research beforehand.

10.Take your shoes off on tatami

At izakaya and traditional Japanese restaurants, they implement customary Japanese style seating and tatami flooring. If you’re dining at a place with tatami mats, you must take your shoes off before stepping on it. The table seats and tatami are split into different areas even if it’s the same restaurant, so even if it’s OK to wear your shoes at table seats, you’ll need to take off your shoes when using tatami in most cases.

Did you learn something new? Sit alongside the locals when you come to Japan and enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine!

If you have any questions you want answering about Japan, then please be sure to get in touch with us on the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/

Choosing a hotel is not easy and everybody wants to stay in a nice hotel. In this article, I will introduce to you some unique “concept hotels” in Japan.

SAMURAIS HOSTEL ikebukuro (Tokyo / Ikebukuro)

The concept of the hotel is “Samurai/Ninja × Art.” The hotel can be enjoyed as an entertainment facility which offers rooms created under the theme of “wall art” and “castle.” Various events using open spaces, body-armor-wearing/photo-taking experience can be experienced. The fee differs depending on the season but the price range per person is 3,000 yen to 6,000 yen per night. It is a hostel where visitors can enjoy the culture of Japan at a reasonable price.

Detailed information:Enjoy a relaxing stay at the new samurai and ninja-themed hostel which has just opened in Ikebukuro

BOOK AND BED TOKYO（Tokyo / Asakusa)

This is hostel that has two different sections that is, “a book shop where you can sleep” and “a bar where you can sleep.” Full-fledged café bar menus such as original cocktails and coffees will be offered to guests staying overnight and to daytime guests.

Also, cool original pajamas can be rented. It is a special space where you can read books and sleep.

Detailed information: A book store where you can stay overnight, “BOOK AND BED TOKYO” will open in Asakusa

Tune Hakodate Hostel & MusicBal (Hokkaido/Hakodate)

A facility that includes a guest house, a share house and a music bar. The music bar has a stage where performers can hold live concerts. Sound engineers, light engineers and DJ booths are installed and they offer craft beers and wines produced in Hokkaido from 500 yen. They also offer organic vegetables and low-sugar menu items. A cheap accommodation which music fans will love.

Detailed information: Vacant building undergoing renovation in Hokkaido’s Hakodate city will reopen as accommodation for travelers

Hoshino Resort Tomamu (Hokkaido)

Hoshino Resort will offer “Kohri no Hotel (Ice hotel)” for a limited time offer (2018,01,13 to 02,28). The size of the Kohri no Hotel (dome-shaped) is 8.5m in diameter and 3.5m in height, with a wall thickness of 15 to 20cm. The beds, chairs and tables installed inside the hotel are all made of ice. They have sleeping bags which can be used in temperatures of up to minus 30 degrees so you don’t have to worry about the coldness. The hotel is very quiet and therefore you can enjoy a unique stay.

Hotel New Otani (Tokyo)

A new room with a whole new concept “Shin Edo Single” was opened. In this room, you can experience a superb stay with a cypress bath which heals and warms your body with its fresh smell and soft texture. The Japanese garden which is 400 years, used to be the compounds of Kiyomasa Kato who is known as a general during the Sengoku Era, the compounds of the Ii family and  Fushimi Palace.

Detailed information:“Shin-Edo Single Rooms” to be offered at Hotel New Otani. Let’s experience a traditional Japanese bath

Did you find a hotel you are interested in? If so, why not make travel plans and visit one of these unique hotels.

Please check the following article, “Manners you must keep to enjoy hotels in Japan.”

Have a nice trip!

1: What is a transport IC card?

Transport IC cards are IC cards which you can use to pay for your fare in mass transit including trains. You can make a payment just by placing the card on the reader of the ticket collector (the part which is lighted up in blue). You can choose either pre-paid cards or cards where the fare is deducted from your bank account. The types of IC cards differ depending on the area but the most common IC cards/electric money systems are “Suica” and “PASMO.” Since the system of using transit IC cards was established, users of the mass transit can ride on trains and buses with a single IC card.

2: Where can I buy a Suica or PASMO?

Suica cards can be bought at multi-functional vending machines at JR Higashi Nihon Stations and “Midori no Madoguchi” (ticket-selling counters). You can charge 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen at once. A 500 yen deposit must be made at first and this sum will be returned when the card is returned. PASOMO cards can be bought at companies which sell PASMO cards located at train stations/bus stations. It can be bought at vending machines or commuter ticket selling counters too. A 500 yen deposit must be made at first and this sum will be returned when the card is returned. The deposit can be received at the counter of each station and business offices.

PASMO operators should take a look at the URL below：https://www.pasmo.co.jp/area/transport/

3: Where can I use Suica and PASMO?

The cards can be used on trains and busses throughout Japan. These cards can be used as electric money at convenience stores and shops inside stations.

4: How can I charge the card?

Let us discribe the method of charging a PASMO card by looking at the photos.

Suica cards can be charged in the same way.

・Insert your PASMO into a vending machine which allows for PASMO (please note that there are some vending machines that sell tickets only).

・ Press the PASMO button.

・Choose the amount you want to charge and insert the cash.

・ Receive the PASMO. Press the issuance button if you need a receipt.

5: The balance is short and I can’t get out of the ticket collector! What should I do?

In such a case, you can charge your card by using machines such as fare adjustment machines inside the station. The balance will be displayed after you place the card on the ticket collector.

How did you like our Suica and PASMO explanation? Let’s move around smoothly using these IC card systems.

MMN will upload more Q&As regarding Japan. If you have any question about Japan, please contact us at (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FB)♪

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When considering the best modes of transport to take in Japan during your trip, most will agree that trains and taxis are the most convenient. We have compiled and answered a list of common questions and doubts about riding trains, taxis and using Uber in Japan.

1: "I want to be able to use the trains without any problems!"

Everyone can agree that trains in Japan are extremely convenient. Before boarding the the train, you'll need to purchase an IC card. There are different kinds of IC cards for each region in Japan. If you're in Tokyo, then you're going to need to get yourself a SUICA card or a PASMO card. (They both work in exactly the same way, so be sure to pick one up at the train station!).

Once you have your card, you'll need to top it up with cash, which is called "charging" your card in Japan. You can charge your card between ￥1,000 and ￥10,000 at all stations. You can then scan your card by placing it on the "IC" marker at the barriers. This is the best way to pay for your train fair in Japan because it means you don't have to worry about tickets and can beep in and out quickly and conveniently. You can even use your SUICA or PASMO to pay at convenience stores, restaurants, for taxis, and more.

2: "What's a good train app for navigating my route?"

Japan's train system is complex and can be confusing at times with its range of different trains and lines, sometimes making your journey difficult. But that's where apps come in handy - to make your trip around Japan more convenient and therefore stress-free and more enjoyable.

We recommend Google Maps. It sounds like an obvious choice, but it's super helpful. You can search for whatever location you want to go to in Japan by using and it'll show you the quickest way to reach your destination.

However, make sure to check which train you are riding on before boarding. There are different trains at that arrive at platforms, the most common of which are the Local (各駅停車 = kakueki-teisha), Express (急行 = kyuukou), and Limited Express (特急 = tokkyuu). The Local trains stop at each station along a line while the Express will stop at fewer stations, and the Limited Express only at major stations. Each train will also be more expensive depending on the type.

3: "Where can I call a taxi?"

Most train stations in Japan have taxi bays right next to them, so it's easiest to use those. But if you're walking along the street and need to catch a taxi, then simply raise your hand up at any taxi passing by and they will stop for you.

In Tokyo, vacant taxis will have the sign on top of the car lit up, reading "空車" which means 'vacant.' Look out for the glowing sign when you want to ride a taxi and stick your hand out!

4: "How much do taxis cost?"

Taxis in Japan can be quite expensive. In the Tokyo area, the first 1.052km costs ￥410. The price will then increase by ￥280 every 280m.

In other regions, the first 20,000m costs ￥730, and beyond that depends on which location you are in, but generally it will increase by ￥90 every 280m. It will get expensive if you're travelling long distance, so it's best to check how far away your destination is prior to your journey using Google Maps.

Nighttime prices in Japan double between 22:00 and 05:00. If you're stuck in the middle of the night with a taxi as your only option, then it might be cheaper to stay out having fun until morning!

5: "Can you use Uber?"

You can use Uber in Japan with no problem at all. However, it is a little more expensive than a taxi. It's a convenient alternative if you can't find a taxi to wave down, but in most cases it would be better to take a taxi if you can. But for people who prefer to use payment methods that are much more smooth, Uber might be the most convenient.

6: Can taxi drivers speak English?

Unfortunately, most taxi drivers in Japan cannot speak English. However, many taxis in Japan are equipped with Sat Navs which can take you to your place of destination with just the phone number of the location that you are heading to. It's best to have the phone number of your destination to hand with you if taking a taxi. But if you do not have this, then a map explaining your destination will work nicely too.

Did you find this article useful? Make sure you're prepared before your trip to Japan to ensure you have the best trip possible in the most efficient way.

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON will continue to post helpful Q&A that will be useful during your Japan travels. If you have any questions regarding Japan then we'd love to answer them.

Send us a message over on our Facebook page.

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