How to Get an ETC Card in Japan

Oct 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus

To pay the expressway tolls in Japan, it helps to have an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card. This allows you to make automatic cashless payments instead of needing to stop at tollbooths and pay in cash. There are even special lanes at the tolls for holders of ETC cards, which...[ Click to read more ]

Koyo, or Fall Colors in Nagoya

Oct 14, 2022 By Ray Proper

The Japanese are very conscious of the seasons changing around them, often celebrating little, or not so little, milestones between each to mark the transitions between their much-touted "4 distinct seasons." Long sleeve or short sleeve shirts, for example, are there one day but gone the next as the season...[ Click to read more ]

Cycle Routes Near Nagoya

Jul 29, 2021 By Bert Wishart

With the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France already done and Vuelta e Espana soon to come, you may be feeling inspired to get on your road bike and put some kilometers in your legs. However, living in the middle of the city, you may feel like there is...[ Click to read more ]

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Toyota: The Driving Force Behind Aichi’s Prosperity

Apr 22, 2019 By Bert Wishart

Aichi Prefecture is well known for manufacturing, but there is one company that stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Toyota Motoring Corporation that sprang up from the Aichi city that now bears its name is (by some metrics) the largest automobile producer in the world, and without it,...[ Click to read more ]

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Nagoya, Nishin and Toyota City Apartment Rental Information

May 24, 2016 By

Downtown (Naka-ku, Higashi-ku) Sakae is one of the Nagoya’s major business districts and you will find all you want here from nightlife and shopping to dining, arts and entertainment. The area boasts many trendy shops, restaurants and department stores. Nagoya Station is surrounded by the modern Midland Square and Central...[ Click to read more ]

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Japanese Cooking Classes with Toyota International Association

Nov 23, 2015 By Ray Proper

Did you know that high quality green tea is produced in Toyota City? Learn all about Japanese green tea, from the health benefits to the brewing techniques, from Mr. Yoshitaka Noba, one of the highest ranked tea connoisseurs in Aichi, and the owner of a local tea producer, Koukaen. You...[ Click to read more ]

Nagoya Grampus, your new favourite soccer team!

Sep 26, 2014 By Bert Wishart

As a Brit the autumn season always brings with it a palpable excitement for me. Despite the oncoming of the colder months, autumn also brings with it the dawning of the new football (soccer) season; a time when hopes are high and possibilities are seemingly endless (until that first 5-0 thrashing...[ Click to read more ]

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Securing your Home in Nagoya Against Burglary

Jul 28, 2014 By Ray Proper

Although a very safe country to live in generally, not even Japan is completely free of crime.  It is easy to let one’s guard down living in a safe and comfortable city like Nagoya, but continued awareness and vigilance will ensure the safety of your home and family. The goal...[ Click to read more ]

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Bompreco Mercado – Brazilian Supermarkets in Nagoya

Jul 24, 2013 By First Admin

For some years now I've taken little trips to a Brazilian supermarket, Bompreco Mercado, which has a butcher that sells meat in large cuts and at very reasonable prices. On the first floor is the supermarket, a mobile phone shop, a butcher and a little bakery corner which sells delicious warm...[ Click to read more ]

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