What are the 8 macro-regions of Japan featured on JapanJoy?

JapanJoy features all 8 official macro-regions of Japan: Kanto (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba), Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara), Chubu (Mount Fuji, Nagoya, Takayama), Hokkaido (Sapporo, Otaru), Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori), Chugoku (Hiroshima, Miyajima), Shikoku (Matsuyama, Tokushima), and Kyushu & Okinawa (Fukuoka, Naha).

What cultural etiquette rules should travelers follow when visiting Japanese shrines and onsens?

At Shinto shrines, perform the Temizuya purification ritual (wash left hand, right hand, rinse mouth, tilt ladle). Follow the 'two bows, two claps, one bow' protocol. At Onsen hot springs, always wash thoroughly with soap and water before entering bath pools; never immerse towels in the hot spring water. On Shinkansen bullet trains, keep phones on silent manner mode and refrain from loud conversations.

What is Joy AI and how can it plan my trip to Japan?

Joy AI is an intelligent travel assistant integrated into JapanJoy. It crafts custom day-by-day itineraries tailored to your duration, traveler type, budget in Japanese Yen (JPY ¥), Shinkansen transit routes, and travel interests across all 47 prefectures.

Is JapanJoy affiliated with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)?

No. JapanJoy is an independent AI-powered digital travel guide and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), or the Japanese Government.

Japan Tax-Free Shopping (10% Consumption Tax Exemption) Digital Passport Guide

Spend ¥5,000 or more (excluding tax) at participating department stores, Don Quijote, Bic Camera, and Uniqlo across Japan to enjoy 10% tax-free savings upon presenting your original passport or Visit Japan Web Tax-Free QR. (Primary source: National Tax Agency Japan nta.go.jp, last verified: October 17, 2026).