To chase away the cold, warming dishes like nabe and oden are particularly popular in winter in Japan. Both can be made with a wide range of ingredients, with some of the most popular being in season (or “shun” in…
The Expat's Guide to Japan
Everything you need to know about living and working in Tokyo & Yokohama
Yearly Archives: 2016
Tokyo Takanawa HospitalRecommended
Recommended
Out and In-patient, Health Care Center, International Assistance Desk Tokyo Takanawa Hospital has a specific team to assist all foreign patients. English, Chinese, and Russian interpreters are available.…
Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR
Cancer Institute Hospital is Japan’s first and largest hospital specializing in cancer care. Its Screening Center offers examinations not simply for confirmation of overall health status but focusing on the prevention and the early detection of cancer. The examinations are…
National Center for Global Health and Medicine
The Center Hospital provides the best general healthcare services to overcome diseases and improve health with the aim of contributing to society. As one of the most advanced treatment hospitals in Japan, they provide patients with the best care and…
Asakusa Disaster Prevention Seminar – Report
On Friday 25th November, Expat’s Guide staff attended a disaster prevention seminar at Taito Kumin Kaikan in Asakusa. The seminar included a lecture and a panel discussion, with an aim to increase awareness of both the dangers faced in the…
Matsumotokiyoshi Ginza 5th Store
A drugstore that also sells a wide range of cosmetics.…
How to: Karaoke in Japan
Japan is the birthplace of karaoke, and no trip to the country is complete until you’ve thrown your inhibitions aside and stepped up to the mic. Karaoke machines are common staples at “snack” bars, but by far the preferred setting…
Inside the State Guest House
Visiting Akasaka Palace on one of its open days, you can take a tour through a series of lavishly decorated rooms on the second floor. Signage is in English and Japanese, and audio guides in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean…
Akasaka Palace – The State Guest House
Wander south of Yotsuya station at the south-east corner of Shinjuku ward and you will find the road widens as it splits, towards Akasaka to the left and Meiji Jingu Gaien to the right. In between, behind tall gates of…
Lost in Translation – Wasei Eigo
The mass importation of foreign words into the Japanese language can make communicating in Japan that little bit easier. English words are used for many foods and drinks, household wares, and a host of other items and concepts. However, some…
5 Tips – Buying a Home in Japan
Tokyo rent might not be as expensive as London or New York… but it’s still pretty high! With interest rates in Japan so low now, however, this could be an excellent time to buy. There are a few things you’ll…
SAGEMONOYA
Looking for antique NETSUKE? Sagemonoya, opened more than 25 years ago, is still the only gallery in Japan specializing in genuine antique Netsuke. A wide selection and price range of these miniature carvings are available, together with Inro, Ojime and…
5 Tokyo Stations for Anime Fans
Sound effects and jingles are a big part of everyday life in Tokyo. Among the sounds heard most often in the city are so-called , the tunes played on station platforms when a train is about to leave. In the…
Asakusa Yabusame
Among the lesser known of Japan’s martial arts is yabusame, a form of horseback archery. Yabusame events take place across the country throughout the year. Expat’s Guide went along to this year’s Asakusa Yabusame event, held at Sumida Park. Yabusame…
Manekineko
Experience the joy of singing any time at Manekineko! With a large English song selection on the latest, easy-to-use machines, as well as a wide variety of food and drink on offer, Manekineko is an excellent place to enjoy singing…
7 Tokyo Rail Hacks
Once you get used to the overcrowding, get to know which lines intersect at which stations, and which lines are operated by which companies, Tokyo’s rail network is not so difficult to navigate. Still, there are a few tips and…
Samurai & Ninja Show in Asakusa
Samurai, ninja and geisha are among the most evocative aspects of Japanese culture, but events and tourist attractions that feature them are relatively few and far between. The “Samurai & Ninja Show in Asakusa” aims to rectify that. Expat’s Guide…
Cocokara Fine
Cocokara Fine is a drugstore that sells cosmetics, everyday items and food in addition to medicines and healthcare goods. Priding itself on its wide selection, Cocokara Fine carries a range of famous brands, including some that can only be purchased…
LOCAVORE
A short distance from Yoyogi-Uehara Station in a quiet back street is this small eatery run by a husband (chef) and wife (sommelier) team. In the style of a Parisian bistro, the bright red exterior is easy to spot. The…
Hatsumōde
Despite the ubiquity of temples and shrines all over the country, the Japanese people tend to hold rather casual spiritual beliefs. However, there is one spiritual event that virtually everyone takes part in at the start of the year, and…
Hinamatsuri
Celebration Hinamatsuri is celebrated each year on the 3rd of March, and is traditionally a day dedicated to girls, in the way “Kodomo no hi” (5th of May) was originally dedicated to boys. The celebration is marked in homes with…
Clarence International School
Clarence International is a unique Arts based preschool, following a British curriculum. All of their teaching has a strong backbone in the Arts, maximising learning benefits. Literacy, numeracy and science are not compromised by this focus, in fact, teaching these…
Tokyo Mental Health
Tokyo Mental Health offers mental health therapy services in Tokyo with a UK and Japan-licensed English psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Kissane. Dr Kissane is a British consultant psychiatrist and a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK. He…
Tokyo Psychiatry Clinic
Tokyo Psychiatry Clinic at American Clinic Tokyo offers psychiatric medical services in Tokyo with a UK and Japan-licensed English psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Kissane. Dr Kissane is a British consultant psychiatrist and a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in…
What to do when sick or injured in Japan
When you are unwell, it is important to seek help from the appropriate facility, be it a hospital, a clinic or a simple drugstore. This page will take you step by step through the procedures involved in getting medical assistance in Japan.
Seasonal Conditions
Japan has four very distinct seasons, with a cold, dry winter and a hot, humid summer. Certain medical conditions are especially prevalent during particular seasons. Read this guide to help prepare yourself for seasonal afflictions.
