Lost Without Japan

About Lost Without Japan

A Bi-Weekly adventure on all things Japan, our lost without moments and so much more.

Publisher

Michael Schuelke

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Sept 2021

Latest episode

26 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

170 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Oct 2026

   Lost Without Japan — Changes Coming to Japan: What Travelers Need to Know Season 5 Ep 156

   Lost Without Japan — Changes Coming to Japan: What Travelers Need to Know Season 5 Ep 156 Japan is always changing, and for those of us planning our next adventure, there are a few things worth knowing before we pack our bags! In today's episode of Lost Without Japan, we're taking a look at some important changes affecting visitors, from departure taxes and tax-free shopping to train tickets, Suica cards, and railway fares. Don't worry, Scones Club! These changes aren't reasons to rethink that dream trip. They're simply things we can prepare for so we can spend more time enjoying everything we love about Japan. Whether you're visiting for the first time or planning your next return, come along as we break down what is changing and what it means for your journey. What We Discuss in Today's Episode Japan's International Tourist Tax: The increase to ¥3,000 per departure, exemptions, and how the tax is collected. Tax-Free Shopping: The November 1, 2026 change to paying consumption tax upfront and receiving eligible refunds after customs confirmation. Shopping at Don Quijote and Other Retailers: Why refund fees and methods matter, and what to check before purchasing. Train Tickets: How seven railway operators are introducing QR-code tickets beginning in spring 2027. Railway Fares: JR East's fare changes and what they mean for travelers. Suica and Welcome Suica: Understanding the differences between visitor cards, mobile options, and regular Suica. Helpful Links and Official Resources: Japan's International Tourist Tax Find the current departure tax rate, exemptions, and collection details through Japan's National Tax Agency. https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/indirect/basic_knowledge.htm Japan's New Tax-Free Shopping System Japan Customs explains the refund system beginning November 1, 2026, including qualifying purchases, inspections, and the 90-day departure requirement. https://www.customs.go.jp/kaigairyoko/taxrefund_e.html Customs procedures and refund instructions: https://www.customs.go.jp/kaigairyoko/tetsuzukishousai_e.html National Tax Agency — Detailed Tax-Free Shopping Guidance: https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/shohi/menzei/202506/pdf/0025006-106.pdf Shopping and Refund Policies Don Quijote / PPIH Group: Official October 2026 announcement outlining its refund fee policy, including the exception for airport cash refunds. https://ppih.co.jp/news/pdf/news_261005_refund.pdf Shimamura Music: Information about tax-free shopping, refund processing, and applicable fees. https://www.shimamura.co.jp/taxfree/index.html Shimamura Music — AEON Mall Nagakute: https://www.shimamura.co.jp/update/shops/nagakute/guitar-bass/99376/ AEON Mall Hiroshima Fuchu — Shopping Directory: https://en.aeonmall.global/mall/hiroshimafuchu/shops-entertainment Remember that refund procedures and possible fees can differ between retailers. It's worth asking about the refund method before making a large purchase. Trains and Transportation Seven Railway Companies — QR Ticket Announcement: https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2026/20261013_ho01.pdf JR East — 2026 Fare Revision: https://www.jreast.co.jp/2026unchin-kaitei/index.html Welcome Suica — Official JR East Guide: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/welcomesuica/purchase.html Welcome Suica Mobile: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/welcomesuicamobile/ A Few Tips Before Your Next Visit Check your transportation options before arriving, allow extra time for customs if you're claiming shopping refunds, and confirm individual stores' policies before making major purchases. Most importantly, remember that Japan is still waiting to be explored! A little preparation goes a long way toward making those unforgettable travel moments possible. Join the Scones Club! Have you experienced any of these changes yourself? Are you planning your first visit or making another return to Japan? I'd love to hear from you! Email: lostwithoutjapan@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostwithoutjapan/ And join us on Instagram for our new Drama Friday, where we'll share Japanese and Korean dramas worth discovering! Listen to Lost Without Japan on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lost-without-japan/id1583155978

2. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Audio: Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You: Hidden Tokyo Day Trip to Nishi-Ogikubo | Lost Without Japan Season 6 Ep. 155

   Audio: Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You: Hidden Tokyo Day Trip to Nishi-Ogikubo | Lost Without Japan Season 6 Ep. 155 THIS episode is inspired by Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You; we're heading to Nishi-Ogikubo in Tokyo's Suginami Ward for a Lost Without Japan day trip built around the little moments that can make exploring Japan unforgettable. Rather than trying to force an anime pilgrimage to a location that hasn't been officially identified, we're creating our own Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You -inspired adventure in one of Tokyo's more lived-in neighborhoods. We'll start at Nishi-Ogikubo Station beneath the neighborhood's giant pink elephant before settling into the long-running Coffee House Soleil kissaten. From there, we'll visit Summit Store Nishi-Ogikubo Station South — our unofficial Super S stand-in — and, yes, pick up a bag of chips and a drink for later as a little nod to Sasaki. Along the way, we'll explore Nishiogi's antique district, secondhand and vintage shopping, and make an optional stop at Amaikko for traditional Japanese sweets. We'll also take a short train ride to Ogikubo for a break and a view from Lumine Ogikubo's Green Terrace before returning to Nishi-Ogikubo for dinner at Mogame Shokudo and its highly recommended chicken nanban. And if you're not ready for the night to end quite yet, we have an optional stop at BAR 1956 before looking at two very different places to stay — a practical hotel option in Kichijoji and our "I feel like splurging in Japan" choice in Shinjuku. As always, this isn't about checking attractions off a list. It's about getting a little lost, wandering somewhere you might not otherwise have visited, and hopefully finding one of those places or moments that ends up becoming yours. Come along with Lost Without Japan for our Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You inspired day trip through Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami, Tokyo. Have a question, a Japan travel story, or your own Lost Without Japan moment? You can reach the show at lostwithoutjapan@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lostwithoutjapan. The timestamp for the start of our Nishi-Ogikubo sits in Suginami Ward (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kSezQ49wkQcbW2e18) talk in this episode is 9:38. Our show's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostwithoutjapan/ Stephy: ko-fi.com/stephysaysjapan and @stephysays.japan Please Consider Kindly Supporting Our Crowd-Funded Show By Supporting Us Through Our Show's Patreon: https://patreon.com/lostwithoutjapanpodcast?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Google Shared Maps for This Episode: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DjRttXdDpFFC9GLb9 Australian International Driver's License:  https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/australia.html United States International Driver's License:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/driving-and-road-safety.html

3. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Video: Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You: Hidden Tokyo Day Trip to Nishi-Ogikubo | Lost Without Japan Season 6 Ep. 154

   Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You: Hidden Tokyo Day Trip to Nishi-Ogikubo | Lost Without Japan Season 6 Ep. 154 THIS episode is inspired by Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You; we're heading to Nishi-Ogikubo in Tokyo's Suginami Ward for a Lost Without Japan day trip built around the little moments that can make exploring Japan unforgettable. Rather than trying to force an anime pilgrimage to a location that hasn't been officially identified, we're creating our own Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You -inspired adventure in one of Tokyo's more lived-in neighborhoods. We'll start at Nishi-Ogikubo Station beneath the neighborhood's giant pink elephant before settling into the long-running Coffee House Soleil kissaten. From there, we'll visit Summit Store Nishi-Ogikubo Station South — our unofficial Super S stand-in — and, yes, pick up a bag of chips and a drink for later as a little nod to Sasaki. Along the way, we'll explore Nishiogi's antique district, secondhand and vintage shopping, and make an optional stop at Amaikko for traditional Japanese sweets. We'll also take a short train ride to Ogikubo for a break and a view from Lumine Ogikubo's Green Terrace before returning to Nishi-Ogikubo for dinner at Mogame Shokudo and its highly recommended chicken nanban. And if you're not ready for the night to end quite yet, we have an optional stop at BAR 1956 before looking at two very different places to stay — a practical hotel option in Kichijoji and our "I feel like splurging in Japan" choice in Shinjuku. As always, this isn't about checking attractions off a list. It's about getting a little lost, wandering somewhere you might not otherwise have visited, and hopefully finding one of those places or moments that ends up becoming yours. Come along with Lost Without Japan for our Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You inspired day trip through Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami, Tokyo. Have a question, a Japan travel story, or your own Lost Without Japan moment? You can reach the show at lostwithoutjapan@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lostwithoutjapan. The timestamp for the start of our Nishi-Ogikubo sits in Suginami Ward (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kSezQ49wkQcbW2e18) talk in this episode is 9:38. Our show's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostwithoutjapan/ Stephy: ko-fi.com/stephysaysjapan and @stephysays.japan Please Consider Kindly Supporting Our Crowd-Funded Show By Supporting Us Through Our Show's Patreon: https://patreon.com/lostwithoutjapanpodcast?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Google Shared Maps for This Episode: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DjRttXdDpFFC9GLb9 Australian International Driver's License:  https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/australia.html United States International Driver's License:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/driving-and-road-safety.html

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

3,096

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

15 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 73 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

88

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

77

Contact Lost Without Japan

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.