Planning a Japan Trip in 2025? 9 Things You Should Know

Planning a Japan Trip in 2025? 9 Things You Should Know (YouTube link)

Did you know that Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka, Japan? It's a great time to plan a visit to Japan in 2025. This article summarizes nine tips based on Toshi Guide for planning your trip to Japan.

Expo 2025 in Japan

Japan will be organizing the next World Expo in Osaka, Kansai, from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Osaka is hoping to welcome 28 million visitors to Expo, which will focus on the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives. Some 150 countries and 25 organizations will take part.

9 New Things in Japan from Toshi Guide:

1. Japan's ESTA System: With research and development already in progress, the Japanese government plans to launch the system by 2030. This will streamline entry for approved travelers.^[5] 
2. Shinkansen Changes: No non-reserved seats on Nozomi trains between Tokyo-Osaka from Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025.^[4] Book Shinkansen tickets well in advance during this period.
3. Tax-Free System Update: A potential shift from a tax-free shopping system to a tax-refund system, estimated for 2025, to combat misuse.
4. New Travel Planning Service: Personalized tour guides and curated travel itineraries offered by the Toshi's service.
5. Donkey Kong Adventure at USJ: Opens on December 11th, 2024, offering a thrilling jungle adventure ride based on the Nintendo game.
6. Tokyo Skytree First Sunrise Event: Watch the first sunrise of 2025 from the Skytree observation deck (limited tickets available, reservations open Dec 2nd).
7. Japan Autumn Foliage Update: Peak season for red leaves in Tokyo and Osaka is expected around December 5th and 8th, respectively (later than usual).
8. Japan's Sake Brewing Recognized by UNESCO: Traditional sake brewing techniques to be recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
9. Life-Sized Gundam Returns: The GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION will showcase the 18-meter tall Gundam statue from April 2025.^[3]

Additional Readings

1. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website - 万博
2. Tokaido Shinkansen (東海道新幹線, Tōkaidō Shinkansen)
3. Full-size Gundam unveiled at Osaka Expo venue
4. Japan’s National Holidays in 2025
5. Japan to Introduce U.S.-Style Electronic Travel Authorization: 71 Nations Affected
• JESTA will apply to travelers from 71 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Singapore, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. Once implemented, these travelers, who currently enjoy relatively hassle-free entry, will need to complete the online authorization process before their trip.