Tag: life in Japan

  • Jiyugaoka: Ultimate Guide to The Fancy Side of Tokyo

    Jiyugaoka: Ultimate Guide to The Fancy Side of Tokyo

    This is a bit of a long one! But it’s a light read – it’s all about the highlights of the area of Jiyugaoka, Tokyo. The area is heavily westernised, so it has a lot of interesting architecture and cultural fusion going on. But whether you’re looking for a bowl of vegan ramen, or a…

  • 20 Best Towns to Enjoy the Winter Snow in Japan

    20 Best Towns to Enjoy the Winter Snow in Japan

    I think, at least in the west, Japan is too often stereotyped by Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s either modern or traditional, and there’s nothing else special about it. But in reality, given how big Japan is, there’s this huge variety of interesting cultures that are often heavily influenced by their climate. These beautiful towns are…

  • How to Rent a Car in Japan

    How to Rent a Car in Japan

    I’ve rented a car a fair few times in Japan, but if it’s your first time it can be a little confusing. Here are a few basic tips to help you go on your first drive around Japan! https://blog.gaijinpot.com/how-to-rent-a-car-in-japan/

  • Illumination Events in Japan for Christmas 2022

    Illumination Events in Japan for Christmas 2022

    In recent years, Japan has gone all out with its “illumination” events around Christmas time. These events usually take places in parks or large facilities, and are decked out with colourful lights and wintery music. A few of them took a break during the pandemic, but a lot of them are back with a bang…

  • Beginner’s Guide to Onsen in Japan

    Beginner’s Guide to Onsen in Japan

    Winter is the time for a hot bath and relaxation! But onsen in Japan are a little different to your run-of-the-mill bath, so here I look at some of cultural and linguistic tips for an enjoyable hot spring trip: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/beginners-guide-to-onsen-in-japan/

  • Warming up to onsen: The quirks and customs of public baths

    Warming up to onsen: The quirks and customs of public baths

    Admittedly it took me a long time to get used to bath culture in Japan, but now in this cold weather it’s pretty much all I can think about. But there are a lot of confusing words and customs associated with the hot springs, so I put a few of them together in my latest…

  • What are Sushi Plates? 9 Things to Know about Sushi Platters

    What are Sushi Plates? 9 Things to Know about Sushi Platters

    Believe it or not, sushi has its own form of tableware. When you think about it, it makes sense, because you wouldn’t want your sushi rolling around on the edges of a curved plate! Find out how to serve your sushi beautifully in my latest piece for Japan Objects:https://japanobjects.com/features/sushi-plates

  • Japanese Work Culture: Are the Stories True or False?

    Japanese Work Culture: Are the Stories True or False?

    There are a lot of stereotypes and media-hyped stories about Japan’s crazy work culture. Having lived through it myself, here are the truths and untruths about it all:https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2022/10/japanese-work-culture-true-or-false/

  • Becoming a Funeral Director in Japan with Robert Hoey

    Becoming a Funeral Director in Japan with Robert Hoey

    In Japan, you’re likely to come across a whole host of interesting jobs in the international sphere, but one you might not see so often is an embalmer. I interviewed Robert Hoey on his work in the funeral industry in my latest piece for Jobs in Japan:https://jobsinjapan.com/living-in-japan-guide/becoming-a-funeral-director-in-japan-with-robert-hoey/

  • I know Japanese. Why can’t I read signs in Hokkaido?

    I know Japanese. Why can’t I read signs in Hokkaido?

    Place names in Japanese are difficult to read, because they combine kanji characters you wouldn’t see together in other situations. Once I finally started getting used to the combinations on Japan’s main island, I was dumb-struck by the names up north in Hokkaido. The combinations were highly unusual, and often used characters I’ve never seen…