howtojapan
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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In today’s digital landscape, protecting our online privacy has become paramount. That’s where virtual private networks (VPN) like NordVPN and password managers like NordPass come into play. Using NordVPN in Japan, I found it a robust tool offering security and seamless browsing experiences. Its features, performance and standing among competitors make it a great value for expats. I also tested NordPass, a password manager by the makers of NordVPN, to see if this would add a layer of security to my credentials. NordVPN encrypts web traffic throughsecure servers, shielding users from threats li...
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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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Kintsugi (golden joinery) is a distinctively Japanese technique of restoring broken pottery and ceramics using urushi (lacquer) with metallic powders to give the appearance of gold and silver lining where the cracks once were. The original technique has been meticulously preserved for centuries to prolong the life of ornate pottery pieces. Nowadays, kintsugi is a widely available and trendy hobby enjoyed on your own or with the help of guidance from a master at a workshop or class in Japan. Moreover, it’s pretty easy hobby to pick up, so here’s everything you need to know to start the timeless...
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In your first interactions with Japanese culture and kanji, you may well come across the ancient art of shodo, Japanese calligraphy. Watching calligraphy masters can be almost hypnotic, with their brushes gliding along with the paper in such a way that it looks easy. So you give it a go and…splat. The ink splotches on the paper, and your first kanji looks more like a deformed stick man. That’s where most people give up. They’ve tried it. It was fun, but not for them. But not you. You revel in the challenge, pick up the brush again, and try to make art. Now it’s time to get serious with shodo. ...
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Life can be tough for us gals, especially when you’re on your own trying to find somewhere to live among Japan’s seemingly endless bureaucracy. So, here’s a guide to help all the single ladies find a place they can feel safe and comfortable. The first thing to consider is what type of place you want and where you want to live. That being said, let’s look at the pros and cons of share houses and apartments for single women in Japan. Living in a share houseShare houses are a popular option for first-timers in Japan, mainly because of their lower initial move-in and monthly costs. You have a bedr...
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The average size of a Tokyo apartment is typically pretty small, especially for single residents. For example, a typical 1K apartment (one room and kitchen) is around 25-meters. When I lived in a 17-meter place with my partner, what drove us up the wall wasn’t sleeping on a futon or a tiny balcony—it was making dinner in the one-meter-long kitchen. My life consisted of one-pot meals, stacking cups like Jenga and appliances like our microwave doubling as a cutting board. Don’t even get me started on the no-oven situation. After moving to a bigger place, I am now blessed with a—ahem—generous two...
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