Answers to Common Questions for First-Timers
First Time in Japan , Life in Japan
Ever wondered about vending machines or all the cute characters on signage in Japan? What's up with capsule toys? Tokyo Girls' Update has some insight into simple aspects of Japanese life that can surprise first-time visitors.
What To Wear: Women Working in Japan
It can be hard for women to know exactly what is appropriate (or not) to wear in a Japanese office. Get the lowdown on the basic rules to follow to avoid faux pas without having to resort to a penguin suit.
The Weird Art of Everyday Life
This Japanese artist uses their keen photographic eye to capture strange, intimate moments of everyday life found on city streets.
How to Save Money in Japan in 5 Easy Ways
Get more bang for your yen with these tips for saving money while traveling or living in Japan!
Where to Work Remotely in Tokyo
Working in Japan , Secret Tokyo
Looking to set up an important meeting but don’t have a permanent office? Or maybe you want to avoid the crowds of popular cafés like Starbucks. If you work remotely, Tokyo is chock-full of work spaces to help get your creative juices flowing!
Big in Japan: A Look at the Price of Fame
Australian and self-professed human guinea pig Dave Elliot-Jones packed his bag for Japan to interview foreign celebrities that have made it big in the Land of the Rising Sun, and try to find his own way into the limelight.
Japanese Umbrella Etiquette
When rainy season comes to Japan, it's a good time to invest in a sturdy umbrella. But good manners when it comes to using umbrellas are appreciated year-round!
How Many 'Kanji' Should You Learn?
Learning Japanese , Life in Japan
Studying 'kanji,' Chinese characters used in Japanese, can be time-consuming and difficult for many learners. The sheer amount of characters is intimidating—combine that with multiple readings, and it's hard to know where to start! We're here to help.
Essential Japanese Words for Weather Warnings
Understanding what is happening in an emergency is very important, but the Japanese terms for natural disasters and dangerous weather can be confusing! This easy guide is a handy cheat sheet to help you stay safe and be able to make smart decisions.
Japanese Beach Basics: Rules, Tips & Etiquette
Looking to soak up a little sun on one of Japan's gorgeous beaches? Check out our helpful tips to make the most of your time by the seaside! Plus, get recommendations for beaches near Tokyo and Osaka.
12 Key Phrases for Getting By in Japan
Learning Japanese , Life in Japan
Whether you're visiting for the first time or staying for a while, these simple phrases can help you get around in Japan without getting lost—or lost in translation!
10 Tidy Tips for Rainy Season
A month of near-constant rain and intense humidity can make cleaning a real chore. But these simple tips can help you keep you and your home clean and tidy during rainy season.
How to Get a Permanent Resident Visa in Japan
The Permanent Resident visa, or 'eijuken,' is the Holy Grail for many foreign workers in Japan. So how do you get one? Once you've met the time requirement, it's actually pretty easy!
10 Ways to Enjoy a Rainy Day in Japan
Don't let rainy weather dampen your day—there are still plenty of ways to have a good time!
How to Sit on a Japanese Cushion
If you live in Japan, there's a good chance you'll eventually have to sit on a Japanese cushion, or 'zabuton.' So how do you do it? There's more to it than just plopping down your bum!
Stranger than Fiction: 5 True Tales from Tokyo
Want to learn more about Tokyo? These 5 nonfiction novels examine different aspects of Japanese life and culture in the country and its colorful capital.
7 Tricky English to Japanese Translation Fails
Learning Japanese , Life in Japan
Communicating in a foreign language isn't just a matter of translating what you want to say word for word. If you do, you might end up conveying a completely different meaning than your intended one!
'Itadakimasu!' Basic Japanese for Dining Out
First Time in Japan , Life in Japan
Japan has an almost overwhelming amount of delicious food to choose from when dining out, but the language barrier can be intimidating. With these helpful phrases for navigating Japanese restaurants deciding what to eat will be the hardest part!
How to Bring Medicine into Japan
Traveling to Japan with prescription medication? Find out how to enter the country properly and hassle-free!
5 Popular Japanese Foods (Besides Sushi)
Although sushi might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Japanese food, it's actually an irregular part of the Japanese diet. The following five foods are consumed far more frequently. Have you tried them all?
