EXPAT INFO
Discover essential information for expats living in Japan. Our guide offers valuable tips on settling in, understanding local customs, navigating everyday life, handling official documents, and finding the best attractions. Whether you're new to Japan or looking to enhance your experience, we provide practical insights to help you thrive in your new home.
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Onsen Etiquette in Japan: Rules and Manners
Nothing beats the soothing effects and cultural experience of visiting a Japanese hot spring (Onsen). A trip to an onsen in Japan is a highly recommended experience appreciated by visitors and new for…
What is Japan Rail Pass and How to Get One
This page contains affiliate links. The Japan Rail Pass is a joint offer by the 6 Japan Railways Group (JR) companies and is a great value and convenient ticket for rail travel throughout Japan for to…
Furusato Nozei: How to Benefit from Japan's Hometown Tax
Furusato Nōzei, or the hometown tax, is a system by which taxpayers can pay their income or residential tax to a regional area, rather than the area in which they actually reside. Why pay tax somewher…
Kendo Dojos in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. Kendo, or the "Way of the Sword," is a Japanese sport descended from the samurai swordsman style. A contest consists of two individuals armed with bamboo swords cal…
Taxi Apps in Japan: Your Gateway to Seamless Urban Mobility
In the heart of Tokyo and across major cities in Japan, taxis serve as a convenient and reasonably priced mode of transportation. They are particularly useful for tourists or when navigating unfamilia…
What to Know about Japanese Noodles and Etiquette
This page contains affiliate links. When talking about Japanese cuisine, it is inevitable that noodles will enter the discussion at some point. As one of the staple foods of Japan, noodles have been s…
Catching A Taxi in Tokyo: Everything you Need to Know
Despite how convenient the train system is, there will be times when you will need to take a taxi in Tokyo. While taking a cab long distances will still cost you significantly more than other modes of…
Japanese Consumption Tax (VAT)
In Japan, the current consumption tax is 8-10%. In this article, we cover the following aspects regarding Japanese Consumption Tax. Rental Apartments & Houses in Tokyo Listings of popular and l…
What are the Requirements for Foreigners to Work as Cab Drivers in Japan?
This article is contributed by Asahi Research Institute LLC. In Japan, there is a serious shortage of cab drivers. Therefore, many rules have been changed to allow not only Japanese but also foreigner…
From July 1, 2023, Some E-Scooters No Longer Require a Driver’s License
This page contains affiliate links. In Japan, a driver’s license used to be required to ride an electric scooter, but due to the revision of the law, some e-scooters no longer require a driver’s licen…
Navigating Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payments for Pension: A Guide for Foreigners Departing Japan
This article is contributed by LOOK UP ACCOUNTING. Individuals who have been enrolled in the Employees’ Pension or the National Pension (and meet certain eligibility requirements) can be paid back for…
Where to Buy New and Used Bicycles in Tokyo
This page contains affiliate links. Having a bicycle in Tokyo is convenient when you need to get somewhere that’s a little far to walk, to do some shopping, or to bring your child to and from school.…
Japanese Verbal & Nonverbal Communication for Business
When it comes to business, Japan has a vastly different way of communicating compared to many Western countries; and those who fail to account for that difference often find themselves lost in the dis…
Exploring the Enigmatic World of Japanese Noh Theatre: Ancient Masks to Modern Marvels
Noh is to modern Japanese theatre what Shakespeare is to English theatre, and then some. It is the oldest form of masked theatre (like Kabuki, Noh opts for the “theatre” spelling of the word) in the w…
Tokyo Ninja Experiences: Learn the ways of the Shinobi
This page contains affiliate links. Ninjas (also known as shinobi) have gained international fame over the centuries, both within Japan and abroad. Ironically, the very traits of secrecy and stealth t…
Discovering Kabuki: A Guide to Kabuki Theatres, Tickets, and Cultural Insights
So, what is Kabuki theatre, really? To the first timer, it is oftentimes remembered as a jumble of color, fast action and archaic language few can understand. Plots are mysterious and centered largely…
Minimizing Food Loss: Finding Supermarkets in Japan that Sell Expired (Expiring) Food
Japan is one of the world's leading countries in food loss. Expressing "equivalent to every citizen throwing away one bowl of rice every day" is an effective way to convey the magnitude of the problem…
How to Reduce Food Waste in Japan: Steps to Sustainability
Like many other countries, Japan faces a severe problem with food waste. This issue occurs throughout the entire process of food production and consumption, leading to economic losses, environmental i…
What is Kodomo Shokudo? - Kids Cafes in Japan
Kodomo Shokudo (a Kids Cafe / Kodomo=kids, Shokudo=cafe) provides nutritious meals and a welcoming environment for children from low-income backgrounds or those who eat alone. These services are offer…
Japanese Business Manners and Etiquette
In Japan, there are rules of etiquette suitable for interactions between acquaintances, between customers and shop assistants in shops and in all other social situations. These rules and customs are a…
