International Driver’s Licenses in Japan
Oct 16, 2013 By Ray Proper
We are still getting reports that drivers presenting International Driving Permits (IDPs) at the licensing center are being told to come back once their existing permit expires. Drivers need to understand that although there is one law, there are different interpretations of it by police in each prefecture. We recommend...[ Click to read more ]
10 Things Japanese People do in Autumn
Sep 05, 2013 By Ray Proper
Dig up the old camcorder for Sports day festivals at schools Bring along a book for reading at your favorite outdoor spot as the temperature cools to bearable Picking, roasting, and eating "kuri," or chestnuts. Recipe for "kuri gohan" Tsukimi (moon-viewing), Tsukimi dango (rice cake) to eat while "celebrating the beauty...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Camping in Nagano, Shiga, and Gifu Prefectures
Aug 29, 2013 By First Admin
You might not think it, but there are opportunities for hiking, climbing and camping around Nagoya. In fact, near by Nagano, Shiga, and Gifu Prefectures offer some of the best opportunities in Japan. Camping areas in Japan tend to be a bit more formal than just hiking off the side...[ Click to read more ]
Hangover Helpers in Japan
Aug 24, 2013 By Ray Proper
The day of drinking [caption id="attachment_33403" align="alignleft" width="150"] Ukon no chikara[/caption] The land of the rising sun seems a little slow on the rising part most days. From drinks after work to goodbye parties, New Years, forget the old year, hanami, fall colors, karaoke, birthdays, deaths... ugh... I am getting...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese Food Shopping 101
Aug 13, 2013 By First Admin
One thing about coming to a country where the main language is not English, you're either tied to the food that you can read or recognize, or you have to learn to read a certain amount of packaging to avoid sugaring your coffee with baking soda! For instance, did you...[ Click to read more ]
Getting Your Scooter License in Nagoya
Jul 19, 2013 By Ray Proper
If you live in Nagoya itself, you do not need much in the way of a car or scooter to get around-a bicycle would likely be more than sufficient. For those times when it is just a little too far, the public transportation system is pretty convenient and will generally...[ Click to read more ]
Play Mini Golf at Tsurumai Park
Jul 14, 2013 By First Admin
You can play mini golf, "putt putt" or "baby golf," in Japanese, at Tsurumai Park Baby Golf at Tsuruma Park near Tsurumai Station! This is a great way to kill a couple of hours with the family within the city, and it costs less than any drinks and snacks you...[ Click to read more ]
Hiking and Hot Springs: Highlights of a Weekend in Nagano
Apr 16, 2013 By Ray Proper
Guest post from Peter Ninnes, author of Nagano Onsen Guide: The Top 100 Day-Use Hot Springs Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano: 16 Tours in Ueda City and Environs Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano: 20 Nature, History and Culture Tours in Chikuma City Many expatriates and visitors from overseas visit Nagano...[ Click to read more ]
Finding Western Medicines in Japan
Apr 02, 2013 By Ray Proper
Visitors and residents of Japan from overseas often comment that Japanese drugs are ineffective. Whether because the dosage is wrong, or they have not been prescribed what they were hoping for; the common refrain is a plea for medicines from home. Many people will import over the counter medicines in...[ Click to read more ]
Let’s Tour the Metropolis: Shimo-Kitazawa
Mar 14, 2013 By Jason Gatewood
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="210"] Shutter artists in Shimokitazawa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)[/caption] This is the first in a series of articles that will introduce some of the neighborhoods that make up the Tokyo Metropolis Area. It's my goal to try to cover areas that don't get as much limelight in the...[ Click to read more ]
