About Japan Intelligence
We are a small team of long-term Japan residents based in Tokyo. Between us, we have spent over 20 years navigating Japanese daily life — from figuring out which eSIM actually works on the Shinkansen to finding the ramen shop that locals line up for at 6 AM but no English guidebook mentions.
Why We Built This
Every time a friend visited Japan, we found ourselves writing the same long messages: which rail pass is actually worth it, where to exchange money without getting ripped off, which pocket Wi-Fi to skip. Japan Intelligence started as a way to put all of that advice in one place — honest comparisons, real prices, and the kind of local knowledge you only get from living here.
Our Culture Articles
Our Local Culture Guide goes beyond surface-level travel tips. We write about the things that surprised us when we first moved here — the etiquette rules nobody tells you, the seasonal foods that disappear after two weeks, the festivals in neighborhoods most tourists never reach. Each article draws on firsthand experience and conversations with local friends, shopkeepers, and craftspeople.
The Team
Japan Intelligence Team
Based in Tokyo
A team of Japan residents and travel enthusiasts sharing authentic insights about Japanese culture, food, and hidden experiences. Our contributors include food writers, licensed tour guides, and everyday residents who have made Japan home. We cover everything from rail passes and eSIMs to the best tsukemen in Ikebukuro.
Get in Touch
Have a question, correction, or a hidden gem you think we should know about? Reach us at hello@japan-intelligence.com.