USD/JPY Extends Toward ¥157

Now that we're in a new month, it is time to take a little peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen. This should be of particular interest to those planning on taking a vacation trip to Japan this month.

According to Trading News:

USD/JPY Extends Toward ¥157 as Japan’s Finance Minister Warns of “Non-Fundamental” FX Swings and Markets Eye Intervention

The USD/JPY pair traded close to ¥156.70 after Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that recent yen volatility “is not moving based on fundamentals.” Speaking on Fuji TV, Katayama emphasized that stability reflecting economic reality is essential, signaling Tokyo’s rising discomfort with the yen’s slide. The remark followed a sharp monthly depreciation that erased earlier gains and positioned the yen near its weakest level since the summer, as traders priced in persistent policy divergence between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

To read more, go here. 

Ishiro Honda Documentary To Screen In New York

Above, Jonathan Bellés, Yoshikazu Ishii and yours truly in Tokyo in 2014.

Jonathan Bellés's documentary on Godzilla director Ishiro Honda will be screening in New York on December 16.

According to Rue Morgue:

It’s a heartfelt celebration of the kaiju king.

ISHIRO HONDA: MEMOIRS OF A FILM DIRECTOR will have its first commercial U.S. showing, following screenings at Sitges, G-Fest XXX and other festivals, on Tuesday, December 16 at 7 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady, New York. Tickets can be ordered here. Written and directed by Jonathan Bellés and distributed by SRS Cinema, the documentary focuses on the director whose genre career began with the seminal 1954 GOJIRA/GODZILLA and encompassed seven more movies starring the Big G, as well as further classics like RODAN, MOTHRA, FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD, WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS and others. Later in his career, he worked alongside Akira Kurosawa on films such as KAGEMUSHA and the Oscar-winning RAN.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo's Yamanote Line Marks 100 Years of Operation

Above, a Yamanote Line train in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Tokyo during my eight trips to Japan, I have used the Yamanote train line many times. The Yamanote Line encircles central Tokyo and is quite handy in exploring the city.

According to Kyodo News, the train line has reached 100 years of operation.

They begin with:

TOKYO - JR East on Saturday marked exactly 100 years of operation of the iconic Yamanote loop line train that encircles central Tokyo.

Connecting with private railways entering from the outer suburbs, bustling commercial districts formed around hubs such as Shinjuku and Shibuya stations, and laid the foundations for the capital's development.

Redevelopment continues along the line today and its status as the main artery of Tokyo, carrying huge numbers of people daily, remains unchanged.

JR East held a commemorative event using a train enveloped in a past train design that departed from Ikebukuro Station and made a complete circuit in about an hour. 

To read more, go here. 

Trump Meets Emperor Naruhito (Video)

 President Trump is welcomed at Japan's Imperial Palace in Tokyo and meets with Emperor Naruhito.

Japan's Entry and Exit Fees To Rise

Above, the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Hall from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those taking a trip to Japan will find that doing so will be a little more expensive starting next year.

Various fees will be hiked on foreign visitors to help pay for infrastructure needs and airport security.

Time Out reported:

Japan is an amazing place to visit. It’s bursting with culture, great food, and fascinating history – and its capital Tokyo is home to the world's coolest neighbourhood for 2025. However, if you’re currently planning a trip to Japan for 2026, there are a few things you should know, and a few extra costs you should account for.

As of next year, the government has announced a few changes to visas and fees for tourists. This includes increasing the exit tax, and the cost of single and multi-entry visas. According to Japanese financial newspaper the Nikkei, the money raised will go towards improving infrastructure and security in airports, as well as fund national projects like making high school free.

This will be the first time the exit tax will increase since its introduction six years ago, and the first upping of visa fees since 1978. No official announcements have been made yet about exactly when these new fares will be introduced. 

To read more, go here. 

Godzilla Is Coming To Tokyo's Haneda Airport

 

Above, an artist rendering of the Godzilla display at Haneda Airport.

Godzilla will be greeting travelers at Tokyo's largest airport.

The Big G will be on display at Haneda Airport from December 2025 to December 2026 according to Gizmodo.

They reported: 

The Haneda Airport in Japan is getting a kaiju-sized new feature in the form of a big-ass Godzilla installation. The King of the Monsters is packing his bags to move into position at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 as part of a partnership between Toho Co., Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., and the Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Considering Hiking Visa Fees For International Visitors

Above, Tokyo's Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign visitors to Japan may end up paying more in visa fees.

This is one way the Japanese government is considering to fight overtourism, which, by the way, was of their own making.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya says that the government is considering raising visa fees for foreign visitors, as current fees remain low compared with those in the United States and European countries.

The government is reviewing visa fees, Iwaya told a press conference when asked about a report that Japan plans to raise them to levels seen in the United States and Europe as early as fiscal 2026.

"The details of the review are undecided, but we are considering various factors, including a possible impact on inbound tourism," the top diplomat said Friday. "We'll examine the fees set in other countries. I believe Japan's fees are quite low at present."

The number of foreign visitors to Japan from January to September rose 17.7 percent from a year earlier to around 31.65 million, marking the fastest pace on record for surpassing 30 million within a year, a government report showed Wednesday.

To read more, go here. 

Godzilla: The Monster That Defined Japan’s Pop Culture

Above, Godzilla peers over Shinjuku buildings in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's pop-culture has numerous characters to choose from.

They run the gamut from giant monsters, anime, Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Ultraman and others. But the one character that started it all was the King of the Monsters: Godzilla.

According to an article by Takashi Nagaya at Vocal Media's Geeks website, Godzilla defined Japanese pop-culture starting in 1954. Last year, Japan celebrated Godzilla's 70th anniversary.

The article begins with:

How a Nuclear-Age Beast Became a Global Icon

Few movie monsters are as instantly recognizable as Godzilla. For over seven decades, the towering kaiju has stomped through cities, battled rival creatures, and captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. But Godzilla is more than just a movie monster—it is a cultural phenomenon that reflects Japan’s history, anxieties, and creativity.

Above, yours truly with the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in 2010.

To read more, go here. 

Japan’s Summer Holiday Travel Rush Is Here

Above, the famous Miyajima Island torii gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The summer travel rush in Japan has just started. 

Tourists, foreign and locals, are flocking to places around the country and filling up bullet trains and other public transportation.

According to Travel and Tour World:

Japan’s summer travel surge is here, and it’s feeling hot literally and figuratively. Trains and planes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka are sold out. Families are reuniting, tourists are sightseeing, and everybody is moving, moving, moving. Long check-in lines, crammed concourses, and sold-out flights tell you this season is all systems go.

Last Saturday, JR Tokyo Station buzzed loud. Every Nozomi shinkansen seat zooming to Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka disappeared. Travelers formed long queues for unreserved seats on other lines, turning platforms into crowded waiting zones. Doesn’t stop there: expressway bumper-to-bumper jams sent drivers cursing. Many ducked into waiting rooms and concourses, seeking A/C relief from the summer furnace.

I have been to Japan during the summer once (that was the first G-TOUR in 2004) and it was very hot, especially in Kyoto. My preferred seasons for Japan travel are spring and autumn.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Becomes Top Pick For Global Tourists In 2025

Above, Asahi Beer Hall and Golden Flame in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is not so surprising that Japan is becoming a top pick for global tourists this year. This has been the case when pandemic-related restrictions ended.

This has prompted Travel and Tour World to post an article on Japan's booming tourism.

They begin it with:

In 2025, Japan is enjoying a robust tourism and travel boom, owing to more than 28.5 million international visitors in just the first half of the year, and projections now exceed 40 million for the whole year. This comes off the back of Japan’s cultural wealth, travel-friendly infrastructure, and international events such as World Expo 2025 in Osaka. This increase in tourism is also attributed to the demand for culturally immersive activities, Japan’s favorable exchange rates, and the fact that it caters to everyone from luxury seekers to solo and family travelers—making it one of the top travel places this year.

To read more, go here. 

Yen Falls To Four-Month Low Against Dollar

Now that we're in a new month, it is time to take a little peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in foreign exchange.

According to Nippon.com:

Tokyo, Aug. 1 (Jiji Press)--The yen fell to hit four-month lows past 150.50 per dollar in Tokyo trading Friday morning, with market players believing that the Bank of Japan is cautious about an early interest rate increase.

At noon, the dollar was at 150.75-77 yen, up from 149.38-40 yen at 5 p.m. Thursday.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors

Above, a gate at Tokyo's Asakusa Senso-ji temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations today.

It is easy to see why. It is a first world nation and the current currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen is a big draw.

Forbes has posted ten must-know Japan travel tips for first-time visitors.

They begin it with:

Japan is one of the most popular international destinations right now.

In April 2025, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million international visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). One of the most tourist friendly destinations, there is a learning curve to traveling here, and knowing how to navigate and plan accordingly will ensure a better travel experience.

From basic etiquette and can’t miss public transportation tips to planning the best time of year to visit (and knowing best time of year to avoid), here are ten essential travel tips every first time traveler needs to know to plan the best visit possible to Japan.

 To read more, go here.

Foreign Visitors To Japan Set New May Record

Above, an advertising sign for Asahi Beer in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign visitors to Japan set a new record for May.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan in May rose 21.5 percent from a year earlier to 3.7 million, a record for the month, government estimates showed Wednesday, as travel demand remained strong even after cherry blossom season.

By country and region, South Korea topped the list with 825,800 visitors, up 11.8 percent, followed by China with 789,900, a 44.8 percent increase, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

To read more, go here. 

Dollar At ¥144

As we are now in a new month, it is time to take a little peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in foreign exchange.

This is of great interest to Americans planning to travel to Japan.

According to FXEmpire:

Trade headlines, hawkish Fed signals, and uncertainty about the timing of a Bank of Japan rate hike drove USD/JPY higher in the week ending May 30.

However, the gains were modest as US court drama left trade developments center stage. The USD/JPY pair rose 1.04% to close at 144.038. USD/JPY dropped to a low of 142.10 before recovering.

To read more, go here. 

Survey Asks Foreign Tourists What Bothered Them In Japan

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from Tokyo City View in Roppongi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's tourism boom isn't showing any signs of abating. Foreign travelers are still flocking to the Land of the Rising Sun in droves.

That doesn't mean that there aren't a few things that those travelers find bothersome.

A survey found some interesting responses. SoraNews24 posted the results.

They begin with:

Japan’s unprecedented inbound international travel boom isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, and it’s been going on long enough that it’s clear tourists are really enjoying themselves during their time in the country. But no travel destination is perfect, and so the Japan Tourism Agency, part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has been conducting interviews with foreign travelers as they finish up their journeys in Japan to see what kind of problems they encountered.

Between July and December of 2024 the agency interviewed 4,189 foreign travelers prior to their departures from Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Fukuoka, and New Chitose Airports, Japan’s largest international air gateways. When asked what sort of things had bothered, troubled, or annoyed them during their trip, 6.1 percent said they’d had difficulty finding free Wi-Fi and public Internet service, and 8.6 percent had complaints about immigration processing upon their arrival in Japan, with how long it took for them to go through the process after landing being the primary problem.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Hotel Prices Rise, Battle Brewing Between Foreign and Domestic Tourists

Above, Tokyo's Hotel Asia Center of Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the huge influx in foreign visitors along with Japan's domestic travelers, hotel prices are rising in Tokyo and other metropolitan areas. This is leading to a "battle" for hotel rooms between those domestic and foreign tourists.

According to The Mainichi:

TOKYO -- The cost of staying at hotels in metropolitan Tokyo and regional Japanese cities keeps rising amid a surge in foreign visitors, with a survey by a Tokyo-based corporate analytics firm showing rates at key lodgings had risen by as much as over 50% year-on-year last fall.

A poll of room rates in October to December 2024 by Tokyo Shoko Research Ltd. (TSR) covering 15 hotel brands across 13 publicly traded operators showed an increase from the same period of the year prior for all companies, as much as 1.6 times. "With room prices expected to rise further, the battle for room reservations between domestic travelers and inbound tourists is expected to intensify," the company commented.

The average rate per room at eight business hotel brands for which prices can be compared before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was 13,986 yen (some $98), up approximately 45% from October-December 2019. Rates at four higher-priced "city hotel" brands also increased by some 35% to 20,897 yen (around $146), exceeding 20,000 yen for the first time in the last five years as occupancy rates, which had slumped to the 20% range due to the coronavirus disaster, recovered to over 80%.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Crosses 10 Million Visitors Through March

Above, a view of the Tokyo Skytree from Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those of us who have interests in Japan remember the days when the country sought to get at least 10 million foreign visitors to the country in a year.

They have well exceeded that long-ago goal. They've done it in three months this year.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - Japan crossed the 10 million visitor mark at the fastest ever pace this year, reaching that level already in March, official data showed on Wednesday, as the weak yen propelled an unprecedented tourism boom.

Arrivals of foreign visitors for business and leisure reached 3.5 million last month, bringing the total through the first quarter to 10.54 million, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) showed.

Last year, Japan reached 10 million visitors in April.

 To read more, go here.

Top Things To Do In Tokyo

Above, finding food at a bargain is easy in Tokyo like this restaurant in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one is going to Japan on a vacation trip, there are many places to see and things to do around the country.

However, if one is short on time or on a limited budget, just staying in Tokyo is an option. There plenty there to fill the times.

National Geographic posted a list of top 7 things to do in Tokyo or nearby (such as Kamakura).

Above, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They begin it with:

Forget the notion that Tokyo is nothing but a concrete sprawl, neon and crowds—that tells only a small part of the city’s story. From centuries-old festivals and calming gardens to cutting-edge galleries and culture classes, these seven experiences will help you discover the many other sides of Japan’s capital. 

To read more, go here. 

Japan's "Golden Route" For First-Timers

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Japan, there are several websites that will greatly aid in one's vacation planning. 

One such site has posted an article on "The Golden" route that is aimed to first-time visitors. It was posted by Japan Today.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s modern and historical sites. This route is ideal for first-time visitors as it provides a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. The entire journey typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on how long you stay in each location.

The Golden Route is well-connected by the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, making travel between major stops fast and convenient. Local train lines, buses and subway networks will also make accessibility a breeze in each city. Many travelers opt for the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen services, making it a cost-effective option.

This guide provides a summary of each destination in the order you would travel, including practical travel information.

To read more, go here. 

Dollar At ¥149.62 In Tokyo

We're now in a new month (no, this is not an April Fool's joke) and it is time to see how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo trading.

According to Jiji Press:

As of 5:00 p.m. on the 1st, the yen was trading at 149.62 to 149.63 yen per dollar on the Tokyo foreign exchange market, down 48 sen from the previous day (149.14 to 14 sen).

This is still great for American travelers to Japan as their dollars will get them more yen.

To read more, go here.