howtojapan
One of the first things you’ll have to familiarize yourself with when apartment hunting in Japan is the unique terminology used to describe Japanese apartment layouts. On GaijinPot apartments, we offer apartments across Japan to suit your needs. Each unit is listed with numbers and letters to help prospective tenants understand the size. However,the actual apartment size must be understood beyond these numbers and letters using tatami mat (traditional woven straw mat) sizing. This article will review the basics of understanding standard Japanese apartment layouts and types. Japanese Apartments...
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Japan’s postal system is efficient, quick and affordable. Domestic deliveries only take two to three days, which makes sending and receiving mail a breeze. Since deliveries come almost immediately, it’s easy to miss out on receiving your package. If you find a sheet of paper with the courier’s logo in your mailbox, chances are you missed out on having your package arrive. Luckily, it’s just as easy to have your package redelivered. There are several options for having your package redelivered, from phone calls to scheduling through the website. In this post, we’ll explain how to redeliver a pa...
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If you work in Japan, then a payslip or kyuryou meisai is no stranger to you. You receive it either as a physical sheet of paper or a digital file. Upon opening it, you’ll see the breakdown of your salary, from special allowances or bonuses to how many more days of vacation you have. It can be overwhelming at first as it’s full of kanji (Chinese characters with Japanese meaning), but most of these payslips follow a relatively similar template. While they might differ slightly depending on the company, we’ve compiled this short guide on how to read a Japanese payslip. Japanese PayslipsPayslips ...
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Japan is known for its efficient and far-reaching transportation system. With several train lines and a vast network of buses, it’s easy to get around. However, driving is your best bet if you want to take the road less traveled. For this and many other reasons, having a driver’s license can be handy. Applying for a driver’s license in Japan may seem complicated, but it’s all about knowing what to prepare and going through the proper steps. Whether you’re using an international driver’s license, converting your license from your home country or learning how to drive altogether, here’s how to g...
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June has arrived, and with it comes a contender for the worst month of the year. Surely, other times test our limits. Japan’s most important holidays are Golden Week from late April to early May, Obon (commemorative days for remembering ancestors) in mid-August and the New Year holidays. Vacationing during these periods can be chaotic as the number of travelers explodes, especially in major cities. But, at most, they only last for about a week and life returns to normal. But not in June. June in Japan is unique for its impact on our daily lives, from choosing our outfits for the day to going t...
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Japan once had a reputation for having a high cost of living. Previous surveys such as the one by global consulting firm Mercer, have shown that Tokyo has dropped ten spots. Currently, Tokyo holds 19th place, well behind Hong Kong (1), Singapore (2) and Shanghai (12) for the most expensive cities to live in. Despite the lower ranking, the question remains for people who want to move here: “Can I afford to live in Japan?” The answer is still “yes!” Here’s what you need to factor in to understand how much it costs to live in Japan. Calculating the Cost of Living in JapanThe cost of living measur...
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Are you thinking about starting a new career in Japan? Understanding the country’s job market (and finding a better job) demands insight into industry trends. But your most important question is probably, what is the average salary in Japan? Data from Japan’s National Tax Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggest that, in 2024, the average salary in Japan is ¥4.58 million, approximately $29,589. However, the median is likely closer to ¥3.6 million, equivalent to $23,268. But how do salaries differ across various sectors? Do factors like age or gender influence earnings? Let’...
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For many visitors to Japan, where ancient traditions harmonize with modern lifestyles, there lies a definitive Japanese experience: The onsen (hot springs). These natural hot springs, praised for their stimulating properties and serene ambiance, beckon travelers to immerse themselves in soothing waters. Yet, it can quickly fade into disappointment for many visitors with tattoos. Despite tattoos not being outright illegal, there is a cultural barrier associated with a criminal history, often barring those with ink from entry into onsen and sento (community bathhouses). Bathhouses in Japan are t...
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Driving in Japan is one of the best ways to visit places off the beaten track. Even with Japan’s great public transport, some places are only accessible by car. Renting a car in another country is no walk in the park. You need to consider where to get the car, whether your license will work and a few other things. Not to mention remembering to drive on the left! Not to worry, here we’ll outline all the basics you need to know forrenting a car in Japan so you can do all the exploring your heart desires. License and registrationOne thing that you need to think about before you even leave for Jap...
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If you are an American living in Japan, you have probably noticed the breakfast cereal craze never caught on here. Of course, some of us are happy to live a healthier diet and break away from the morning sugar rush, but now and then, I want an unhealthy bowl of Fruity Pebbles. Unfortunately, unlike supermarkets back home with entire aisles dedicated to cartoony mascots peddling cavities to children as part of a complete breakfast, the cereal selection in Japan is sparse. Your options are typically cornflakes, expensive granola or disappointment. So what are we to do when we want some delicious...
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