6 Sublime Views in Tohoku
The northeast region of Honshu, Tohoku, is a destination for all seasons. If you're looking to see nature at its finest, head north!
10 Easy Phrases for Shopping in Japan!
Learning Japanese Holiday Shopping
Reviewing these 10 phrases can make your Japan shopping excursion that much easier!
Getting Permanent Residency in Just One Year
The Ministry of Justice in Japan is cutting the wait time for permanent residency and that, depending on several factors, could potentially narrow the wait time down to one year.
My Life in Japan as an Openly Gay Foreigner
Homosexuality has a long and documented history in Japan, but somehow most people who identify as LGBT would still rather keep their sexuality under wraps. Allow us to share with you one person's perspective on the coming out experience here.
A Japanese Home is a (Small) Sanctuary
A home in Japan is a comfortable place that will likely only be seen by a small, select group of people—and probably too cramped to host more than a handful of guests at a time! But this lies at the heart of the 'uchi' vs. 'soto' concept in Japan.
4 Things I Wish I'd Brought to Japan
First Time in Japan Life in Japan
Don't know what to bring to Japan before you move here? Here's some handy advice from a self-described cheapo on how to make the best of your precious luggage space.
Life in Japan for a Trans Woman
As part of our 'Life in Japan' feature, we endeavor to feature people in Japan from all different walks of life. And we were very lucky to learn about the daily life and challenges of a transgender woman living and working in Tokyo.
8 Ways to Do Personal Hygiene at the ¥100 Shop
You can do plenty of personal hygiene at the ¥100 shop. But while most cheapo products in Japan hold up pretty well, ¥100 hygiene tends to come with a few trade-offs.
How to Become a Japanese Citizen
Like Japan? Love Japan? Love Japan so much that you want to become a citizen? You may have heard it's impossible for the average person, but that's not true—I know, because I am a naturalized citizen of Japan!
Finding an Apartment in Japan
If you're considering moving to Japan, or even just looking to get out of that share house, read on to learn about your options!
6 Geothermal Days in the 'Land of Fire'
Spend a day hugging the edge of one of the world's largest calderas, meander through eight boiling 'hells,' let yourself get buried in steaming hot sand, and even visit Hello Kitty—there's an incredible array of things to be done in Kyushu!
33 Survival Kanji for Japan First-Timers
Learning Japanese Life in Japan
Coming to Japan, but don't know any kanji—or what kanji even means? Take a deep breath, relax and we'll get you started along the way!
Don't Be Surprised by Japan, Be Prepared!
Japan is full of many surprises and challenges that might catch you off guard during your first time here. But, we're here to give you a quick overview of how to prepare for your new life here.
When Do You Wear a Yukata at a Japanese Inn?
Before bathing? After bathing? As soon as you arrive? Or not at all? Find out when most people usually change into 'yukata' when staying at a ryokan.
Memoirs of Being a Black Sheep in Japan
One of our writers recounts his experiences living in Japan as an African-American, how he is perceived in society, and how life here compares to life back home.
7 Oddly Useful Items from the ¥100 Shop
These hot items, remarkably only ¥100, are sure to improve the quality of your life—or at least make it a little more interesting!
¥100 Shops: What to Buy & What to Avoid
Don't be blinded by that ¥100 tag, some things just aren't worth it!
A 'Heart to Heart' Primer on Japanese Manners
First Time in Japan Life in Japan
Manners are a big part Japanese culture and society, but a first-time visitor or new resident will likely be surprised to learn many of these rules are unspoken, but understood. Therefore, we'd like to introduce a few to help you fit in while in Japan.
Why You Should Get a Line Pay Card Now
Are you really tired of paying those cash-on-delivery fees every time you order something online because no credit card company will accept you? If you have a Japanese phone number, the solution is right at your fingertips!
Explore Kyushu on a Sightseeing Train
There are many sightseeing trains in Kyushu, with a wide variety of entertaining events going on in the trains and around the stations. We'll show you how to have much more fun than just looking out the window!
