howtojapan
Japan is a wonderland of conveniences. And yet, there are many Japan life hacks that some foreigners visiting and livinghere—especially for the first time—may not know about. Whether because Japan is a high-context society where things are not always explicitly pointed out or because of the language barrier, plenty of things slip under the radar in our daily existence. That said, here are ten Japan life hacks to improve your time in Japan. While most of these are probably “duh” moments for most, we hope there are at least one or two that will have you smacking yourself and saying, wait, what?!...
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The number of tourists to Japan has been making plenty of headlines this year. However, international students coming to Japan have also been returning close to pre-pandemic levels. According to one study, nearly 280,000 students with foreign passports were in May 2023, up 20% from the previous year. Thus, people need student accommodations in Japan. As an incoming student, one of the first challenges you’ll have to tackle is where to live. Japan has a variety of options to choose from. As you begin to research the best accommodations for you on GaijinPot Apartments or Japan Room Finder, it wo...
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In Japan, there are several cultural signs that summer has arrived. As the rainy season in most of the country ends, scorching temperatures fill the vacuum. Kids go on summer vacation, and parents seek ways to deplete their seemingly boundless energy. The distinctive mating call of cicadas fills the air from parks to tree-lined streets. Fortunately for parents, the cicada and the end of the rainy season provide the perfect outlet for kids: bug catching in Japan. Mushi tori (bug catching) is a quintessential Japanese summer pastime for children. So, here’s an overview of bug catching in Japan, ...
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With the weak yen and the high cost of international trips, many people living in Japan can only travel within the country. Domestic tourism is being promoted and encouraged to Japanese natives and foreign residents alike. This article will explore some of Japan’s best budget travel destinations and cost-effective tips so you can travel to Japan affordably. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these tips will help you navigate Japan’s transportation system conveniently and affordably. They will allow you to explore the country’s diverse regions without breaking the bank. Special Train Passe...
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If you are living in Japan, chances are that you receive your monthly electricity bill from Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which services Tokyo and other areas around the Kanto region. The TEPCO electric bill is all in Japanese, but fortunately, figuring out the amount owed and paying it is as simple as looking for the largest amount on the bill and then going to a convenience store. Deciphering the information on your bill can prove helpful, though. You can learn what kind of plan you have, how much you spent the same month last year and most importantly, the payment due date. This art...
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When moving to Japan from my rather cold and snowy hometown, I had been warned about the high heat and humidity of summer in Japan and did my best to pack for it. Yet I was completely unprepared for the utter damp, sweltering misery I was about to experience. This may seem surprising to those who have never experienced a Japanese summer. After all, in Japan, the leaves change in the autumn, and some places get an alarming amount of snow in winter, so some may assume the summers resemble those of temperate climates. In reality, Japanese summers are less like Canada’s and more like summers in So...
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Can You Afford to Live in Japan? Data from Japan’s National Tax Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggest that, in 2024, the average yearly salary in Japan is ¥4.58 million, approximately $29,589. However, the median is likely closer to ¥3.6 million, equivalent to $23,268. And, according to sourced data, the average monthly cost of living in Japan in 2024 for one person is roughly ¥166,773, or $1,071.24. In this video, we simulate what it’s like to work and live in Japan on an average salary and add a few budgeting tips. From net income to rent and daily expenses, we discuss...
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One of the first things you’ll have to familiarize yourself with when apartment hunting in Japan is the unique terminology used to describe Japanese apartment layouts. On GaijinPot apartments, we offer apartments across Japan to suit your needs. Each unit is listed with numbers and letters to help prospective tenants understand the size. However,the actual apartment size must be understood beyond these numbers and letters using tatami mat (traditional woven straw mat) sizing. This article will review the basics of understanding standard Japanese apartment layouts and types. Japanese Apartments...
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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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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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