In this article, we will share with you several options for tattoo friendly onsen close to and within Tokyo. Much more than simple traditional local sento baths! This article includes our recommendations for the best onsen and sento in Tokyo and Yokohama available to tattooed guests. We will also teach you what you can search […]
The traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (茶道, sadō or chadō, lit. “the way of tea” or 茶の湯, chanoyu. “hot-water tea”) has its history rooted in the principles of Zen Buddhism. It is an aesthetic way of welcoming guests. During this welcoming ritual – everything must be done according to an established order. It has lost its place […]
Are you looking for an Apartment in Tokyo? Do you already live in Japan? If you are a foreign resident in Tokyo you may have already experienced the headache of trying to find an apartment that matches your needs. In this blog, we have a suggestion for you as a foreign resident. The Best Kept […]
Kyoto is world famous for its Gion District and the Geisha that work there. If you would like to take pictures of Geisha or Maiko – there is a polite way to ask for a photo with them. These days there has been somewhat of a backlash against tourists taking photos of Maiko or Geisha […]
How to leave a crowded train in Japan – Getting off the train in Japan If you live in Japan, you are probably used to rush-hour trains. In the above VIDEO we break down politely getting on and off the train in Japan. What to do when leaving the train in Japan When getting off […]
If you’ve lived in Japan for a few years, you might eventually consider applying for a Permanent Resident visa. And it’s easy to see why. Unlike a regular working visa, a Permanent Resident visa in Japan allows foreigners to work freely without needing to renew their residence status every few years. It also makes it […]
Did you know that not until the Meiji era (1868 – 1912), Japanese surnames did not exist to ordinary men and women? Today, Japan has a shockingly high number of 100,000 surnames in total! During the Meiji era, the government required all citizens by law to register under a surname. While many decided to choose […]
Japanese Driver’s License? Most drivers in Japan drive in an orderly manner because of the strict process to obtain the driver’s license. To drive in Japan, you need to get a Japanese driver’s license in Japan. An international driver’s license issued by a signatory to the Geneva Convention or a driver’s license issued by a […]
Looking for a quiet place in Tokyo to study Japanese without having to pay any money? Want to be able to loan free study materials – such as Japanese learning textbooks, and dictionaries? If you are a short-medium term resident with a resident card in Japan – you can register for a free library card […]
Navigating pregnancy and childbirth in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially in a city as busy and diverse as Tokyo, if you are not familiar with the local language. From prenatal checkups to hospital visits and birth planning, knowing the right Japanese vocabulary can make communication with doctors, nurses, and support staff much smoother. Expecting a […]
