Useful Daily Living Information

Information on everyday life for foreign residents in Tokyo

If you are not familiar with the local community rules and systems where you are living, you may become overwhelmed by unfamiliar menial tasks in your daily life. By knowing and understanding the ins and outs beforehand, you will be able to navigate daily life in Japan more effectively and comfortably.

Below, we have gathered and assortment of information related to daily life in Japan, in English, covering such topics as how to discard garbage, or how to pay the bills.

International SupermarketsSupermarkets popular among Tokyo Expats that carry international foods.

How to Change Electricity Providers in Tokyo

In Japan, you are free to select your electricity and gas supplier of your choice. There may be companies that can save you more money on your electricity and gas bills than you are paying now. Here, we introduce the benefits of switching providers, as well as Hinatao Energy, which offers cheaper r…

How to Apply for Electricity and Gas in English in Tokyo

Electricity and gas procedures can be challenging for foreigners who do not speak Japanese. Frequently, you find websites that explain their services in English but then switch to Japanese when you get to the application or account creation page. Here we introduce you to a gas and electricity provi…

How to Read Recycling Symbols on Products in Japan

Navigating Japan’s recyclable garbage system can be more than a little confusing. In this article, we explain what Japan's recycling symbols mean.

International Money Transfers to Japan

When sending money to Japan, using one of the international money transfer service has certain advantages over traditional bank transfers. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of overseas remittance services that you can use to send money to Japan from a number of countries around the world…

BOOKOFF: How to Sell Your Unwanted Items in English in Japan

BOOKOFF is the most famous second-hand shop in Japan and they have about 800 shops in Japan. In this article, we introduce BOOKOFF's purchase service and its "on-site" purchase service that you can use in English.

Fighting Humidity and Mold During Japan’s Rainy Season

Summer in Japan can be an exciting time, full of bright summer festivals, fun beach trips, and shaved ice in myriad flavors. However, summer is also a time of high humidity, long sticky days, and mold. Fighting mold in the home is a constant exercise for many who live in Japan. Fortunately, there a…

Furusato Nozei: How to Benefit from Japan's Hometown Tax

Furusato Nōzei, or the hometown tax, is a system by which taxpayers can pay their income or residential tax to a regional area, rather than the area in which they actually reside. Why pay tax somewhere else? Because under this system, regional areas will provide “gifts” as a show of thanks. These…

Redeliveries in Japan: Japan Post, Kuroneko, Sagawa & Amazon

There are many Japanese delivery services available, ranging from the well-known “black cat” Kuroneko service to specialized refrigerated delivery for perishable items. When a driver delivers a package while you’re out, an attempted delivery slip called a fuzaihyo will be placed in your post box or…

Plastic Shopping Bags will be Charged in Japan Starting in July 2020

Since July 2020, retailers in Japan have been charging fees for plastic bags and it is mandatory. The law applies to all retail stores including convenience stores like Familymart, Seven-Eleven or Lawson. It is handy to carry a shopping bag with you and preserve environment. These shopping bags are…

Consumption Tax Reward Point Program for Cashless Payments

What is the Japanese government’s Reward Point Program for Cashless Payments? This promotion started on the 1st of October 2019 and will continue until the 30th of July 2020. If you make purchases using a cashless payment method, such as electronic money or credit cards, you will receive 2% or 5…