Why work part-time in Japan? Benefits beyond just earning money Although it might just be a part-time job, it can provide enough money to fund your travels or spend on things you enjoy without disrupting your daily life. Especially in today’s economy, where everything feels expensive, even as a MEXT scholar receiving a monthly stipend, […]
The Tamagawa Elementary school is about 40 minutes away by train and walk from Ookayama Campus. In the morning, I met up with members of the Hippo Family Group at the station, and we walked together to the school. Upon entering, the first thing that caught my eye was the shoe cabinet (Photo 1). Just […]
Visitors to Japan usually start with Tokyo, go around the main areas downtown, then go to Kansai, Hokkaido or sometimes Fukuoka — yet Yokohama is right there, and they skip it. I can understand this to some extent, though, since visitors only get a few days or weeks and are trying to maximise their experience. […]
DAILY LIFE SECTION: sharing my experience on daily life 1. Kakaku website（価格.com） Kakaku.com is a very well-known price comparison and shopping information website in Japan, with the main functions of: With Kakaku, a credit card, and your phone number, you can buy most types of goods and services online at a low price (even insurance […]
ARRIVAL SECTION: procedures you need to finish >> This blog can be regarded as the supplement to my blog written in November 2023 [ here ] 1. Credit card (optional, before departure) I highly recommend preparing a credit card that can be used in Japan. Having a credit card will make it easier to shop […]
Exploring Christmas markets Despite the lack of a dedicated Christmas break, Tokyo hosts numerous festive markets throughout the month of December. Some are free to enter, while others require an entrance fee. I love to check the information on Tokyo Cheapo as well as photos and reviews on Google Maps before visiting each market. Be […]
After receiving the exciting news of my acceptance to Institute of Science Tokyo, I began preparing for my move to Japan. From previous trips, I knew about the strong appreciation for coffee in Japan, but I wasn’t prepared for the depth and variety of its coffee culture. Japan offers something for every coffee enthusiast. Even […]
What is the Seishun 18 Kippu? The Seishun 18 Kippu is a ticket (“kippu”) that allows unlimited travel on all local JR trains, and even some ferries! Until August 2024, the ticket could be used for 5 days, and unlike other train passes, it could be used on non-consecutive dates as long as it was […]
Shuji club One great option is joining the Shuji Club, where you can learn Japanese calligraphy. This is a great way to relax, improve your Japanese language skills, and experience a traditional Japanese art form. You can find the Shuji club on both campuses. It is located at International Student Lounge, West 1 Building for Ookayama […]
Living in Japan means not just enjoying its stunning seasons and scenery, but also understanding the realities of natural disasters. Japan’s climate, unique topography, and location on the Pacific Ring of Fire contribute to frequent seismic activity, earthquakes, typhoons (which occur normally from May to October, reaching peak season from August to September), and volcanic […]
