If you’re keen on exploring one of Japan’s lesser-known getaways, look no further than Ine, a quaint fishing village in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Nestled along the Ine Bay between the mountains and the sea, Ine was once part of the ancient trade route between China and Kyoto. On a visit to Ine, you’ll find locals heading out for a day’s work upon the lapping waves, casting their lines and fishing nets. The year-round stillness of the sea makes Ine’s distinguishing characteristic possible: funaya, wooden boat houses that sit directly on the water. Enjoy Ine Like a LocalIt’s believed that funay...
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If you’re looking to work in Japan, check back here each week as we review our database of top jobs posted to GaijinPot and showcase some of the most interesting ones. You can apply directly to these companies by creating a profile on GaijinPot Jobs! Localization Game TesterCompany: Lionbridge GamesSalary: ¥1,250 / hour, project-basedLocation: Kanagawa, JapanEnglish: FluentApplication: Must currently reside in JapanLionbridge enables more than 800 world-leading brands to increase international market share, speed the adoption of products and effectively engage their customers in local markets ...
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Pursuing a career as an English teacher is one of the fastest ways to live and work in Japan—provided you meet the requirements. However, the drawbacks to this convenience are the industry’s competitiveness and relatively low pay. According to insights from Japanese job boards and our own GaijinPot Jobs, the average English teacher salary in Japan is approximately ¥280,000 per month, totaling around ¥3.38 million annually (roughly $21,763). Let’s look at the recent trends and compare English teacher salaries in Japan. Average Starting English Teacher SalariesNot all English teachers are the sa...
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When looking for a place to live in Tokyo, you should consider your closest train lines. A train line is more than just your commute to work or school. It’s your connection to the city’s social, commercial and entertainment worlds. With abundant overland and underground routes, you’ll want to make the best choice from the beginning. Our Best Train Lines for Living in Tokyo series has made exploring your options easy. Today, let’s take a look at Tokyo Metro’s Ginza Line: OverviewThe commutePopular neighborhoodsBest three Ginza line stations for living in TokyoGinza Line OverviewThe Ginza Line h...
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With one of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji, Arakurayama Sengen Park shouldn’t be missed on trips to Yamanashi Prefecture. For a dash of nature and shrines amidst an incredible backdrop, head to Arakurayama Sengen Park. Arakurayama Sengen Park was opened in 1959 and covers over four hectares. Located at the base of Mount Arakurayama, this park is famous for its fantastic views of nearby Mount Fuji. At the entrance to the park, you’ll see a large red torii (gate) welcoming you. Next, there are two main paths to take. The longer one winds up the mountain to Chureito Pagoda and the Observatio...
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Working as an assistant language teacher (ALT) is a common occupation for native English speakers in Japan. Not only does it provide a secure way to move to Japan and start working, but there are always plenty of English teaching jobs available at schools and at eikaiwa (English conversation schools). However, many people who start as an ALT might want to transition to a different role. Though job hunting in Japan can be tricky, the current labor shortage means that foreign workers are increasingly in demand. There are so many other options besides a career as an English teacher. Read on to le...
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Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, with a seemingly endless supply of sights, sounds and experiences to enjoy. But amidst all the excitement and energy, it can be easy to overlook some of the city’s hidden treasures. One such place is Gokokuji Temple, a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple that’s off the beaten path but well worth a visit. Temple BackgroundThe temple was founded in 1681 by the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in honor of his mother. Gokokuji Temple is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Tokyo. It survived numerous earthquakes and air raids that had previously d...
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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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Are you thinking about starting a new career in Japan? Understanding the country’s job market (and finding a better job) demands insight into industry trends. But your most important question is probably, what is the average salary in Japan? Data from Japan’s National Tax Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggest that, in 2024, the average salary in Japan is ¥4.58 million, approximately $29,589. However, the median is likely closer to ¥3.6 million, equivalent to $23,268. But how do salaries differ across various sectors? Do factors like age or gender influence earnings? Let’...
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Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in central Tokyo and is an important religious site for many Japanese people. The shrine was constructed to pay homage to the soldiers who served their country. It is a place of remembrance and contemplation, where visitors can show their respect to those who fought for Japan. However, during the 1970s, the shrine became a subject of controversy when it enshrined some of the A-listed war criminals alongside other soldiers. The shrine is also well-known for celebrating Tokyo’s spring every year and is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees. Expl...
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