livinginjapan
Japan is known for its efficient and far-reaching transportation system. With several train lines and a vast network of buses, it’s easy to get around. However, driving is your best bet if you want to take the road less traveled. For this and many other reasons, having a driver’s license can be handy. Applying for a driver’s license in Japan may seem complicated, but it’s all about knowing what to prepare and going through the proper steps. Whether you’re using an international driver’s license, converting your license from your home country or learning how to drive altogether, here’s how to g...
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June has arrived, and with it comes a contender for the worst month of the year. Surely, other times test our limits. Japan’s most important holidays are Golden Week from late April to early May, Obon (commemorative days for remembering ancestors) in mid-August and the New Year holidays. Vacationing during these periods can be chaotic as the number of travelers explodes, especially in major cities. But, at most, they only last for about a week and life returns to normal. But not in June. June in Japan is unique for its impact on our daily lives, from choosing our outfits for the day to going t...
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Traveling around Japan doesn’t have to be intimidating as long as you’ve made the necessary arrangements. In cities like Tokyo or Osaka, there are endless booking portals that let you reserve hotels, hotels and even ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in English. However, if you venture out into the countryside or try to make reservations too late into high season, you might not find yourself as lucky. In times like these, calling hotels directly and making reservations in Japanese can come in handy. In this post, let’s go over the basics of making reservations in Japanese so you can get out of...
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Like many places, volunteering rates in Japan tend to rise in the aftermath of disasters. By the third anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, according to a study by the Japan National Council of Social Welfare, more than 1.3 million people volunteered in the disaster-struck area. From vulnerable individuals and groups to animals and nature, there are plenty in need of support throughout the year. Japan has a variety of organizations you can contact if you’re looking to help out. If you want to try volunteering in Japan, here’s a list of groups where commitments can vary from d...
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Are you doing laundry in Japan wrong? You might ask, “How hard can mastering a washing machine in Japan be?” Washing your clothes isn’t hard, but you might use the wrong detergents if you’re still learning Japanese. It usually won’t hurt. Mistaking fabric softener instead of laundry detergent will make your new clothes (even if they’re thrifted) feel ridiculously soft and scented. However, the wrong kind of bleach may necessitate buying a new wardrobe. These scenarios can be avoided by equipping oneself with some vocabulary for doing laundry and becoming familiar with detergent brands. Laundry...
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When you’re considering moving to or within Tokyo, the nearby train line can make or break a potential new home. Although the city has an extensive rail network, not all lines will be the right fit. For many people, access to work, entertainment and necessities are the most important features of any place to live and rightfully so. Luckily, you’ve got the Best Train Lines in Tokyo series to help you! Today, let’s take a look at the Chiyoda train line in Tokyo: OverviewThe commutePopular neighborhoodsBest three Chiyoda Line stations for living in TokyoChiyoda Line OverviewThe initial planning p...
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Japanese air conditioners are essential home appliances because of their cooling, dehumidifying and heating functions. But unlike other appliances, which you can shine up with elbow grease, cleaning an air conditioner requires a little more technical know-how. While removing and cleaning your air conditioner’s filters is easy, giving your unit a deep clean requires careful preparation. It’s ideal to deep clean your air conditioner before periods of high use, like the summer and winter seasons. A deep clean is also necessary if you see dust or mold on the rotating fan blades inside your unit. H...
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Japan once had a reputation for having a high cost of living. Previous surveys such as the one by global consulting firm Mercer, have shown that Tokyo has dropped ten spots. Currently, Tokyo holds 19th place, well behind Hong Kong (1), Singapore (2) and Shanghai (12) for the most expensive cities to live in. Despite the lower ranking, the question remains for people who want to move here: “Can I afford to live in Japan?” The answer is still “yes!” Here’s what you need to factor in to understand how much it costs to live in Japan. Calculating the Cost of Living in JapanThe cost of living measur...
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Everyone wants to live in Tokyo, but not everyone can afford a high-rise apartment in Shibuya. Not everyone is willing to commute from the inaka (countryside) either. To help you get the most out of your rent money, let’s go through the average cost for different neighborhoods in Tokyo and some tips for finding the right place to live—for the right price. Is Tokyo expensive?Average cost by wardWhich ward should I live in?Can I afford central Tokyo?Central Tokyo’s border wards are a good middle groundWhat are the cheapest wards in Tokyo?Outside the 23 wardsIs Tokyo expensive?Tokyo is no longer ...
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If you have yet to embrace the convenience of mobile Suica or Pasmo in Japan, you’re missing out. Suica or Pasmo cards streamline your commute by allowing you to tap in and out at train stations or buses and use them at convenience stores, eateries, and vending machines. However, getting an IC card has become more complex. Due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage, physical cards are less readily available. Tourists still have options, though, with special versions of these cards available. Additionally, digital alternatives are better than ever, offering flexibility in how users access these ...
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