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The Expat's Guide to Japan
Everything you need to know about living and working in Tokyo & Yokohama
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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…
Matsumotokiyoshi Ginza 5th Store
A drugstore that also sells a wide range of cosmetics.…
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…
Sending & Receiving Money Overseas
There are a number of options to consider when sending or receiving money from overseas in Japan. International remittance is possible at post offices and banks, though fees can be quite high, especially when the transfer goes through intermediary banks.…
Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution
This addition to Japan’s World Heritage List from July 2015 comprises 23 locations, mainly concentrated along the coast of Kyūshū, which capture the history of Japan’s industrial revolution during the Meiji Era. Japan developed quickly during this period and was…
Five great things about Japanese courier services
It should come as no surprise to anyone who’s visited Japan to learn that the Japanese approach to customer service isn’t found only at shops and restaurants. The care, attention and user-friendliness you find in the hospitality sector extends to…
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…
Kenedix Property Design.
Operating quality serviced apartments for 20 years with 7 Locations in Tokyo/Yokohama. Customized flexibility with quality made in Japan. BUREAU/B-SITE: Serviced Apartments with full kitchen, fully functional facilities and high-end furniture. For short-term monthly stays to extensive yearly stays. Various…
VALIENTE BARCO Co. Ltd.
Harajuku-based domestic property management company with more than 10 years’ experience. Entrust them with the management of your own residential property.…
Ivy Prep International School
preschool…
Summerhill International School – An Environment of Beauty and Wonder
Making the decision of where to send your child to school can be a time of stress and uncertainty. There are many options and styles in Tokyo and it is important to choose a school that matches your needs and…
TIK International School
TIK has a “whole child” approach to education that aims to develop children intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and aesthetically. They are committed to instilling each child with a strong sense of morals, values, and character that all parents can be…
Plaza Plastic Surgery
Plaza Clinic is run by Dr. Robert Kure – the only doctor in Japan certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and was former chief resident at UCLA. Botox for wrinkles, hyperhidrosis, and migraine headaches. Plaza also offers facelifts,…
Shinagawa East Clinic
Shinagawa East Clinic is located in central Tokyo and has 17 years of history. The clinic specializes in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine, ophthalmology, medical check-ups and travel vaccinations. Translation and interpretation services can be provided, and medical certificates can be…
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…
Tokyo Skin Clinic
EU-licensed multi-lingual doctors, experts in acne, skin cancer checks and rejuvenation. Outpatient procedures include cosmetic skin surgery, laser treatments, chemical peels, Botox/hyalouronic acid injections, sclerotherapy, etc. Checkups and STD tests available. Online services.…
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.
Public Health Centers and STD Testing
Public Health Centers (Hokenjo) Operated by local authorities, public health centers, ( in Japanese) and are in place to promote the health and wellbeing of the general public. This includes support for expectant mothers and the elderly, and work to…
