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.
- Apartments for Rent in Tokyo
- Start your life in Tokyo now! Discover your dream living space with PLAZA HOMES' selection of rental apartments and houses.
Click here to begin your jorney towards an ideal lifestyle!
Sustainable Lifestyles in Edo and Japanese History
In Japan, there has long been a 'mottainai spirit' of taking good care of things, and in the Edo era, people in various professions recycled things to reuse them. Sustainability, which has been attrac…
The Best Way to Learn Japanese: 7 Savvy Strategies
So you're living in Japan and the only Japanese you know involves food names like sushi and tempura or brand names of electronics or cars. Some other expats may jokingly reassure you that you can get…
How to Pay Utility Bills in Japan
Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. In Japan there are many convenient ways in which you can pay your utility bills. Here's some info on the rate structure and the payment methods available to those living in Japan.
By PLAZA HOMES
Driving on Japan’s Highways and Toll Roads
For those new to driving in Japan, using the highways and toll roads can be an exciting opportunity to see some of the best of the country’s destinations that public transportation doesn’t offer convenient access to. It can also be a daunting prospect if you aren’t used to the way Japanese roads work. This guide covers everything you need to know to have a fun and rewarding experience driving on Japan’s major roadways, including information and tips on everything highway related, including toll roads, road signs, accessing highways, and service stations.
By PLAZA HOMES
Japan Traffic Violations: Demerit Point System & Ticket Colors
Whether you have an international permit or a Japanese driver’s license, Japan’s driving rules remain the same — as do the punishments if you’re caught violating them. If you’re concerned about staying on the right side of the law while behind the wheel, keep reading to find out the basics on Japan’s traffic violations and ticketing system, so you don’t get caught unawares and possibly lose your license.
By PLAZA HOMES
Parking in Japan: What to Know before Getting on the Road
As with anywhere in the world, driving to any destination involves finding a parking spot for your vehicle. When driving in Japan, especially in highly populated cities like Tokyo, finding a parking spot make take some time and planning. Drivers who are new to Japan may also need to bear in mind parking rules and practices common to locals. This guide covers information and tips on parking signs, different places to park, rules, and parking etiquette, to help make the end of your journey a stress-free experience.
By PLAZA HOMES
Driving Stickers in Japan
Have you ever seen driving stickers on cars in Japan? There are very specific stickers that are required by law to be placed on cars belonging to certain classes of drivers. The reason you see these is because they are there to tell other drivers to be cautious around vehicles bearing these symbols.
By PLAZA HOMES
How to Sell Unwanted Luxury Brand Goods in English in Japan
HUGALL provides an English-speaking service for purchasing high-end brands, such as watches, clothes, bags, furniture...). Residents in and around Tokyo can request a pick-up service. If you would lik…
Dress Code in Japan: A Guide to Appropriate Japanese Attire
As a largely conservative society, Japan has different standards to Western countries in many aspects of life–including dress code. If you’re keen not to offend and want to be sartorially prepared, keep reading for some practical Japanese dress code tips for what to wear during life’s most important situations.
By PLAZA HOMES
Gas Stations in Japan - How to fill up
If you own a car or for whatever other reason need to drive in Japan, then you have no doubt become acquainted with the Japanese gas station. Originally, Japanese gas stations were full-service only, with a few attendants waiting around for customers and then providing their service energetically with a smile. Self-service gas stations are becoming more and more common these days.
By PLAZA HOMES
What is Japan My Number Card?
In Japan, each citizen has a unique number (called My Number). We would like to introduce you Japan My Number system, particularly for mid- and long-term foreign residents in Japan. All registered inh…
What is White Day in Japan?
This page contains affiliate links. White Day is the day on March 14 when men who received chocolates on Valentine's Day return the favor to the woman. On White Day, the most common sweets are candies…
Japanese New Year Traditions
This article is contributed by Tokyo Central Japanese Language School. This page contains affiliate links. Hello everyone! I'm Eri, a Japanese language teacher. January 1st is the beginning of the new…
My experience applying for a Japanese Public Daycare
Experience of a Japanese Public Daycare
Tokyo Sports Groups and Clubs for English Speakers
Tokyo offers a healthy dose of competition, team building, and sportsmanship for expat families. You can find an activity that suits your needs whether you are a child or an adult. Check out our guide for more information on some of the best sport clubs, teams, and activities in Tokyo.
By PLAZA HOMES
Homemade Baby Food in Japan
It could be very trying to prepare baby food in Japan if you are not familiar with Japanese weaning system. If you would like to try for homemade baby food, here are 3 useful tips to make your “homema…
How to Share, Rent Bikes in Tokyo
In this article, you'll discover about English-speaking shared-bike services, rental bicycles for parents to ride with their children, English-speaking cycling excursions, and cycling groups in Tokyo.
By PLAZA HOMES
A Guide to Getting Married in Japan
Getting married in Japan is not only a wonderful experience, but it is also an important decision that can be both exciting and stressful. In case of a foreign citizen, some additional documentation is required. Our guide will go over the basic requirements as well as the necessary documents for marriage registration in Japan.
English-Speaking Hospitals in Hokkaido
Hokkaido Tokyo Kanagawa Aichi Kyoto Osaka Hyogo Hiroshima Yamaguchi Hospitals with English-speaking doctors and staff across Hokkaido, Japan, along w…
