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.

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…

Japanese Addresses: How to Read, Write, Say & Understand Them

Japan’s numbering system can be quite difficult for those from Western countries, where streets are clearly labeled with names or numbers. While Japan does have names for streets, they are never used in addresses (except for some occasions in Kyoto). Keep reading to learn everything you need to kn…

E-Money: Prepaid Cards, Debit Cards, Mobile Payment Methods in Japan

While Japan is still considered a cash-based country, the Japanese government has set a goal of increasing its cashless payment usage rate to 40% by the year 2025. In this article, you can learn about Japanese Prepaid Cards (including IC Cards), Debit Cards, and Mobile Payment Methods.

Japan Consumption Tax Hike 2019: How it Will Affect You

On October 1, 2019, Japan’s consumption tax reaches 10%. Find out why the country is increasing the tax and how it will affect your life in Japan.

Allergies in Japan: How to Read Japanese Food Labels

Japan has a diverse food culture that enjoys experimenting with a variety of ingredients with a strong emphasis on soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. It just so happens that these four ingredients are included in the group of eight foods that account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions.

How to Keep Cool and Use your Japanese Air Conditioner

We’re not sure how summer is where you’re from, but here in Tokyo, it’s HOT. The average peak temperature in the summer is around 30 C. Besides that, it’s also humid. So, get ready, temperatures are set to start climbing and they won’t stop until sometime in September. The question is: how do you…

English-speaking Hair-Salons in Tokyo

While Tokyo has a number of excellent hair salons, if you don't speak Japanese, getting the perfect haircut can be difficult. Thankfully, there are hair salons with English-speaking stylists. Choose a ward region from the list below to find a Tokyo English Hair Salon near you. ・ Minato-ku Hair…

Pick the right fish for your dish - How to read seafood labels in Japan

Expats in Japan often shop at local supermarkets. But unfortunately, the food labels are not in English. Seafood labels are especially difficult to understand and select for your particular dish. You often see the lables of "生食用" (for raw food), "刺身用" (for sashimi), "加熱用" (for heating), "焼き魚用" (for…

Opening a Bank Account in Japan

You may find it difficult to open a bank account in Japan if you do not speak Japanese however, an increasing number of banks are now offering English-language services and options to open an account online. Most Japanese banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public h…

Separation and Disposal of Garbage and Recyclables in Tokyo

Getting your garbage collected in Japan can be very different from what you’re used to in your home country. Below is a simple guide on how to sort your garbage, pack it properly, find collection days, and dispose of large items and appliances in Tokyo’s 23 wards. It may seem complicated at firs…