Tag: Japan

New data shows that tourists are returning to Japan in numbers that are approaching pre-pandemic levels. However, Japan isn’t returning the favor. Despite holding one of the strongest passports in the world, many in Japan are opting for domestic travel instead. Here’s why. T...

Step foot in Japan, and it won’t take long to conceive of just how powerful its drinking culture is. Venues catering to those wishing to get sloshed abound: izakaya (Japanese pubs); top-shelf classic cocktail dispensaries; ten-seater snack bars; British and Irish pubs; standing ...

Whenever I tell people back home in Singapore that I live and work in Japan, people become somewhat envious of me — at least superficially. But I have sacrificed a lot to walk this path, and it’s not one that I can recommend to many. Quite a number of those who move to Japan init...

This year, I have decided to do the best thing in my life: I travelled to Japan. Travelling to Japan has been as if entering in a new world. I know, you say, Western ethnocentrism. And you are right. Travelling to Japan has opened my eyes. Now I know that behind Europe, the world doesn’t end. ...

The precursors for change were several- the arrival of the US in the form of Commodore Matthew Perry (NOT the actor from Friends), Japan’s capitulation to America’s demands for trade, and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854. But foreign trade brought with it probl...

Have you ever wondered why green (midori) is blue (ao) in Japan? In Japan, Japanese people wait on red, go slow on yellow, and go on “blue”. Before 1930 the word for green was Midori. However, it was 1930 in March when the first traffic light was placed in Hibiya and it was then wh...

Japan has many tasty dishes, but Kaisen Donburi is special. It’s a seafood bowl that everyone visiting Japan should try. Kaisen Donburi is a classic Japanese food, it is one of many Japanese rice dishes to try while traveling in Japan. It has fresh fish, sushi rice,...

Do you find yourself saying “I just can’t afford the time!” or “I don’t know what I can do to help those in need…” whenever the thought of volunteering comes to mind? A common misconception people have is that volunteering takes too much time; they’re...

I actually had an advantage over my other colleagues who were enrolled in the program, because I grew up speaking Japanese, and have visited the country on multiple occasions. I’m also half-Japanese if that matters. But I feel like this multi-cultural background that I have ended up becoming o...

It’s been a while since I visited Yokohama. After enjoying lunch at Chukagai, I strolled around the Yamate area. For me, when I think of Yokohama, the Red Warehouse or Minato Mirai come to mind first, as they have a strong Yokohama vibe. In contrast, the Yamate area sounds much more sophistica...

Japan is a country that is known for its unique culture, traditions, and history. It is a land of contrasts where modernity meets ancient traditions. Japan is an island nation located in East Asia, with Tokyo as its capital. In this blog post, we will explore some amazing facts about Japan that you ...

Located at the base of Mount Asama, Japan’s most active volcanoes, Karuizawa is a well-known resort town in Nagano. In the fall of 2021, I left my job in Tokyo and moved to Karuizawa for several weeks before returning to Europe. Since I first came to Japan, I had wondered what it would be like...

Japan has been a top-of-the-list travel destination for a lot of people after it opened up for tourists in April 2023. And for a good reason! My wife and I recently visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara; a wonderful experience! While planning our trip, we did a bunch of research — YouTube v...

If you are pregnant, congratulations! I hope my story will help you feel more confident and empowered in your ability deal with however the process unfolds for you. This is the story of how my beautiful little girl was born at a hospital in Tokyo. Overall, the expectation of labour and deliver...

In Japan, ballet dancers are underpaid. An article in Japan Times in 2012 reported that the salary of a 41-year-old ballet dancer in a major Japanese ballet troupe was 2 million JPY per year. She will get no pension after retirement, which is paid in some countries. This may sound a lit...

Japan is a confusing place, that much should be obvious to anyone who has spent any time in the country. Take one look at the language and you’ll realise that having three writing systems is probably two too many. But it’s not the language, the mascots, or the difference between burnable...

“Hey Chris, hope you’re doing well! How’s Japan?”. This, or some variation of this, is a message I have received numerous times since my arrival in Japan, and always struggled to answer. How do you condense an entire country into one sentence, let alone the one word people...

The moment I heard the news, I made the spectacular decision to hop a flight to one of my favorite places on the planet. I hope some insights from my recent trip inspire you make your Japan travel dreams come true. There is good news and some not perfect news. All is not ‘back to normal&rsq...

In the first two parts of our series, we covered the trips to Singapore and Shanghai and shared our learnings. In this part, the focus will be on the Japan leg of the Smart City tour and some insights gained from that visit. In Singapore, we saw how a small and develope...

We flew into Tokyo this morning, 5am local time. The flight was uneventful, unless you count being comfortable in economy an event. First off, it was less than half-full, so Yuanyuan and I got three seats for the two of us and spent the flight doing acroyoga, trying to find all the comfortable sl...

Tokyo is amazing in that shrines with such a long history stand casually. It was founded by the Great Monk Genzo (Jiei), the founder of Hieizan and the originator of the Kakudaishi bad luck talisman. Genso Daishi is a Buddhist monk. He was said to have had spiritual power since childhood and was c...

Dim sum, the popular Cantonese cuisine that has spread throughout the world, has found a special place in the hearts of Japanese food enthusiasts. The culinary tradition of dim sum has steadily gained popularity in Japan, and its appeal only seems to be growing. So what is the reason behind this gro...

Tech Japan, Inc.(Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Naotaka Nishiyama), an HR Tech Startup specializing in highly skilled Indian talent in the technology sector, is pleased to announce to be as an ambassador company and exhibit at the global innovation event “City-Tech.Tokyo”, held at the Tokyo Internat...

In May 2019, I set out to do a rather ambitious journey: running across Japan. Not really running across Japan, but rather, several segments of different cities, villages and mountains, while still taking public transportation from major city to major city. Here’s the deal. Running and...

Being a foreigner in Japan comes with its own set of challenges, similar to the experience of expatriates in many other countries. Here are some of the more prominent downsides that you might find noteworthy: Language Barrier: -Technical Proficiency: While English is taught in schools, th...

Visiting Japan is an enriching experience that combines tradition with modernity. However, it’s crucial to understand the local customs and etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable trip. Here are some essential rules and conducts tourists should be aware of: Public Transportation: ...

Kyoto is often considered the cultural heart of Japan, known for its historic temples, traditional tea houses, and beautiful gardens. Kyoto provides a glimpse into Japan’s traditional way of life. Things to do in Kyoto include renting a kimono and strolling the streets of the Higashiyama Ward ...

Introduction Japan, a country rich in history and bursting with modern wonders, is a traveler’s dream. Planning a 10-day itinerary might seem overwhelming, but with a little organization, you can experience a blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. Here’s a guide to help...

As of writing this, it seems like it’s difficult to purchase a Suica card, but that’s OK because the Pasmo card is still available (and it’s pretty much the same thing without the cute penguin). We recommend getting a Pasmo card as soon as you leave the airport. You’ll need o...

One evening, our landlord’s real estate woman came to our door and announced without fanfare, “The owner wants you to move out so his son can use the house.” So what do I do, calm person that I am? I look at my busy spring schedule filled with days away leading tours and get int...

Seeking a contemplative counterpoint to karaoke, conveyor belt sushi, and talking toilets? Zen meditation retreats are a chance to slow down and immerse yourself in a fundamental part of Japanese inner life. Let go of your preconceptions of an unflinching Zen master cracking the wh...

To a lot of people looking to join the tech industry in Japan, it may seem that the country is oversaturated with companies that are barely distinguishable from each other. But Dropbox isn’t just another tech company. Our offices in Tokyo and Osaka are home to some of the best minds in the ind...

In spite of the frequent eruptions, people have lived on the volcano since ancient times. Shell heaps, made of shells discarded after their contents were eaten, dating from the Jomon Era (14,000–600BC in southern Kyushu) have been uncovered by archaeologists. Although more than 20,000 lived...

I’ve lived off and on in Japan since the 1970s, in various places. Most recently I’ve lived in Kyoto. The longest place I’ve ever lived is Tokyo. I think the shoe situation in Japan has changed in the last few decades, as Japanese people have gotten larger over the years, but when ...

Once you visit this amazing country of the rising sun, you won’t forget it. I must admit that Japan is really another world, special, unique and unbelievable. People in Japan are living in peace and have many rules, apart from that they are the most polite people I’ve ever met. After 14 ...