
How to Buy a (Cheap!) House in Japan
Life in Japan , Japan Tips From Locals
Looking for affordable property in Japan? With a few tips (and by thinking beyond Tokyo) you may be able to snag a lovely house, apartment or tract of land for a steal! But of course, terms and conditions apply.

All About Investing for Retirement in Japan
Life in Japan , Working in Japan
In this short introductory guide to investing in Japan, we’ll cover the three main options to invest your hard-earned cash and prepare for retirement... in plain English!

Getting to Grips with Plastic in Japan
Life in Japan , Japan Tips From Locals
Tips on how to navigate and—more importantly—avoid the ubiquitous, single-use plastic you'll find all over Japan.

Updated 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast!
Cherry Blossoms , Life in Japan
According to the latest forecast by the JMC, the first blooms are only a little over one month away!
Winter Tips for Visiting Japan
Life in Japan , Japanese Winter
While Japan is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring, red leaves in the autumn and countless festivals in summer, Japan is also a veritable winter wonderland! Here are some tips for making the most of your time in Japan in its coldest season.
6 Romantic Offbeat Spots to Propose in Japan
Thinking of proposing to your partner during your trip to Japan? These lesser-known spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima are perfect for popping that all-important question!
Kagurazaka: Fusion of Kyoto and Paris in Tokyo
B-Class Gourmet , Secret Tokyo
Kagurazaka is an eclectic mix of Edo Japan and French influences. Although originally known for geishas in the Edo era, it is now a hub for fine dining and delicious street food.
5 Easy Ways to Save Money Living in Japan
Life in Japan , Japan Tips From Locals
It's never a bad idea to try to save a little money! Check out these 5 thrifty tricks to help you save your hard-earned yennies while living in Japan!
Explore the Sumo World at Kokugikan Street
The best place to experience authentic sumo wrestler culture is at Kokugikan Street in Ryogoku. You can learn about sumo wrestling, watch a sumo match, and even eat like a sumo wrestler.
Discover the Secret Life of Grandmas at Sugamo
Retro Japan , Japan Tips From Locals
Sugamo is not typically considered by tourists to be a thriving area, but among Tokyoites, it's known as the "Harajuku of Grandmas."
Talking Trash: How to Toss Your Garbage
Life in Japan , Japan Tips From Locals
Japan is pretty serious when it comes to sorting garbage, and it can be tough to understand if you're new to the country or don't speak Japanese. We're here to help you sort through the rules of sorting and throwing away your trash!
Retro Street Food at Asakusa Denbouin Street
After visiting Asakusa's Sensoji Shrine, enjoy a leisurely afternoon eating traditional street food and finding hidden thieves on the nearby Denbouin Street.
Get a Local Resort Experience at OMO5
Hotels , Japan Tips From Locals
Don't choose between a resort experience and a cultural experience. Get the full experience at the Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka, a chic hotel that focuses on connecting its visitors to the local environment.
JR East to Offer Half-Price Shinkansen Tickets
Trains , Japan Tips From Locals
Good news for anyone residing in Japan; JR East has announced a 50% discount on Shinkansen and limited express tickets until spring next year!
No More Soggy Sushi With This Simple Hack
Despite the discussions surrounding whether to eat sushi with your chopsticks, with your hands, or even upside down, one of our reporters has a simple but effective way to eat sushi without breaking its shape and embarrassing yourself in the process.
10 Tips for a Stress-Free Trip to Japan
First Time in Japan , Japan Tips From Locals
Make the most of your visit to Japan and avoid some serious stress with these tips from a longtime Tokyoite! Find out when to avoid trains, how to find ATMs, when to travel and more.
Enjoy a Public Bath from the Privacy of Home
Some public bath houses in Japan are doing their part to support social distancing by uploading videos of their soothing baths.
LGBT Partnerships in Japan: One Step Forward
Gay marriage in Japan is still not a reality, but partnership systems and certificates are slowly gaining ground. Read on to find out more about options for same-sex couples in Japan looking to tie the knot.
The Importance of Continuing Social Distancing
Although the state of emergency has been lifted throughout the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world the importance of social distancing, as well as consistent hygiene practices.
Discover Secret Scenic Spots in Japan
Minshuku , Japan Tips From Locals
Japan’s natural scenery and local cultural experiences are drawing more and more international visitors off the beaten path.