Oasis 21- A Spaceship in Sakae

May 25, 2014 By Ray Proper

Most people who visit Sakae have been to Oasis 21 (Sakae Station, head towards the bus terminal!), but you may know it by some other name. I personally referred to this structure as “that UFO looking thing in Sakae” for quite some time- I am not renowned for my ability...[ Click to read more ]

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Pet Boarding and Pet Sitters in Nagoya

May 15, 2014 By Ray Proper

June, If you are heading out on vacation you will need someone to watch over your "other kids;" the dog and cat.  There are a few options for boarding your dog or cat, or obtaining the services of a pet sitter in Nagoya. Pooches Doggy Day Care (Boarding) "Pooches offers...[ Click to read more ]

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Asahi Brewery in Nagoya

Apr 28, 2014 By Bert Wishart

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, the Japanese are most proud of its sake and rightly so. However, while sake is one of the most recognisable totems of Japanese culture, outside of the country, you’ll be hard pressed to find many people who regularly drink it. Yet, when it comes...[ Click to read more ]

Importing Pets into Nagoya

Apr 08, 2014 By Ray Proper

When relocating to Japan you may find yourself unable to give up your family pet for the duration of your life in Japan, but don’t worry because you don’t have to! The process of importing a pet into Japan is time consuming, but it is not hard. One thing you...[ Click to read more ]

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Playing Sports in Nagoya – Go Play Outside!

Mar 30, 2014 By Ray Proper

Playing sports regularly goes a long way towards maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Especially while living far from home in Japan, it is easy to fall into the trap of isolation and the bar scene makes for an easy solution, but do not overlook the option of playing sports!...[ Click to read more ]

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Antique Shopping in Nagoya

Jan 24, 2014 By Ray Proper

Like antiques? Whether you are in Japan for a short stay or here for the long haul, you may be interested in purchasing some Japanese-style antique furniture or other knickknack to take home with you. If you are in the market, you are in the right place. Antiques are in...[ Click to read more ]

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Experience the Tea Ceremony in Tokyo or Nagoya Japan

Jan 19, 2014 By Ray Proper

Tea; from the ever present green varieties that line shelves in the convenience stores here, to the black varieties that my English and Australian room-mates preferred when I first arrived, living in Japan has been an learning experience. As an American, and especially one from Seattle, it is hard to...[ Click to read more ]

Akazu Pottery Area in Seto City, Gifu – Studio Kasen

Jan 15, 2014 By Ray Proper

Hiorshige Kato is a fourteenth generation pottery master - his family were one of only four families to be protected by the Shogunate from the warring state in order to make tea ceremony goods for Nagoya Castle. Over the years Studio Kasen has gone through several transformations and in its...[ Click to read more ]

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Japan

Jan 09, 2014 By Ray Proper

You can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on your Japanese driver’s license. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be used in conjunction with your Japanese License.  The process of getting an IDP generally takes one hour, and requires a visit...[ Click to read more ]

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Nagoya

By Ray Proper

You can get an international Driving Permit (IDP) from Japan based on your Japanese driver’s license. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be used in conjunction with your Japanese license. The process takes less than one hour, and requires a visit to the...[ Click to read more ]