All About Japan

5 Tax-Free Shopping Facts

Here are some helpful facts about Japan's tax-free shopping program to help you during your next shopping excursion!

The Bicycle Culture Center Museum in Tokyo

Calling all bike lovers! Ever been to the Bicycle Culture Center in Tokyo? If not, you'll be surprised to learn it's actually a uniquely designed museum showcasing the history of bicycles in Japan!

English Conversation School 101

Thinking of applying to teach at an 'eikaiwa'? You might want to read up on some things you can expect from English conversation schools in Japan.

An Intro to Japan's 5 Big 'Eikaiwa' Companies

These five English conversation schools have some key differences you may want to study before choosing where to work.

Teaching English in a Japanese Nursery School

Japanese nursery schools, or 'hoikuen,' are day-care centers that take care of children while their parents are at work. Both public and private options are available, accepting kids from less than a year old to elementary school age.

3 Classic Souvenirs from Toyama

When shopping for souvenirs on your first tour of Toyama, you may not be able to make a quick decision about which to select. Here are three representative Toyama souvenirs that can help you make your choice!

Teaching at a Junior High School in Japan

Get all the info you need to decide if teaching at the junior high school level is right for you.

How to Use 'Omiyage' in the Workplace

Effective 'omiyage' use can actually play a big part in getting ahead at work!

4 Notable Tokyo-Centric Omiyage

Tokyo is an international metropolis and the buzzing center of Japan. While there's lots to choose from, here are some interesting 'omiyage' (souvenir) ideas that exemplify the big city!

All About the JET Programme

Have you ever wanted to come to Japan? Would you like to be paid to live in Japan? Check out our guide to the famous JET Programme—and welcome!

Teaching in a Japanese High School: The Basics

You’ve studied the language. You’ve researched the customs and cultural differences. You’ve fallen in love with the sites splashed across your computer screen. It’s time to take the plunge and admit that you’d like to pursue a teaching career in Japan!

5 Freelance Language Teaching Sites

For many, freelance language teaching jobs are the cream of the crop, offering flexibility and comfort unlike any other. But finding students can be a challenge without the right resources. Here are five solid options to get you started!

6 Tips for Shopping in Japan

Japan is definitely not short of shopping malls and arcades, and you're bound to wind up in a store amazed at the amount of cool stuff you can buy! Here are a few tips to guarantee an amazing shopping experience while in Japan.

How to Play 'Jan-Ken-Pon'

In Japan, paper-rock-scissors is known as 'jan-ken-pon.' Children here use it to decide virtually everything—and this means that if you're a schoolteacher, 'janken' is one of the very first skills you need to pick up!

12 Things to Know About Teaching Kindergarten

Teaching English in kindergarten in Japan is a whole different ball game!

Sorry Fellas, This Hotel is for Ladies Only

Are you on the hunt for an inexpensive capsule hotel in the heart of Tokyo's shopping district? Are you also female? Then this just might be the place for you!

Navigating Souvenir Culture in Japan

The word 'omiyage' is often translated as 'souvenir.' But while the concept is similar, the idea of 'omiyage' goes much deeper than the coffee mugs, T-shirts and key chains most people from North America would imagine bringing back from a vacation.

Top 6 Souvenirs to Take Home from Kyoto

Kyoto's deep history makes it one of the best places in Japan to find old-fashioned crafts and handmade goods you won't find anywhere else.

6 Ways to Be an ALT

Teaching in Japan is a big decision, and there are a lot of options available. If you decide ALT is the way you want to go, we're here to help you figure out the path that's best for you.

English Textbooks Get a Manga-Makeover

English teachers and students alike will get a hoot out of these newly designed English textbooks.

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