Driving the backroads of Nagoya
May 26, 2021 By Jason Gatewood
Even though Nagoya and the greater Chubu region of central Japan comprise the country’s third-biggest metropolitan area, it isn’t the most public transport-oriented compared with its Osaka and Tokyo counterparts. The reasoning is straightforward; before about 1920, there wasn’t much to the city except a few stations on the important...[ Click to read more ]
What’s It Like to Be a Foreigner Living in Japan?
By Justin Hanus
Even if you’ve visited Japan as a tourist before, you may not be prepared for what it’s like to live in the country as a foreigner. Some experiences may be difficult — even stressful at times. Having said that, if you strive to learn the language as best you can...[ Click to read more ]
A Guide to Personal Identification Documents in Japan
May 03, 2021 By Admin
As you begin your life in Japan, you will quickly start accumulating many important documents. If you are a client of Relo Japan, we will need copies of some of these documents to assist you with your relocation services, and you may need to show them to your human resources...[ Click to read more ]
Most Interesting Vending Machines in Kansai
Apr 19, 2021 By Justin Hanus
One fascinating facet of Japanese culture is the prevalence of vending machines. Virtually anywhere you go, you’ll find them — many offering products you’d never see in the vending machines of your home country. Kansai is no exception to this phenomenon. Gacha Toys A few years ago, gacha toy vending...[ Click to read more ]
Cultural Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts When Visiting Japan
By Justin Hanus
There are major differences between Japan and western countries, many of which are apparent in everyday life. Since the last thing you want is to be a nuisance, it’s crucial to learn the basic dos and don’ts beforehand. Do: Bring a Small Gift Bring some small gifts from your country...[ Click to read more ]
What is Otaku Culture?
Mar 31, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Once a little-known subculture, otaku is now popular throughout Japan and even in many Western world parts. But what is an otaku, and how did it change from being a pejorative term used to describe nerds to a mainstream cultural phenomenon? What is Otaku? The term otaku refers to a...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima Asa Zoological Garden
Mar 24, 2021 By Bert Wishart
If you’re visiting Hiroshima or here for a few months, you can probably give this a miss and look for other ways to spend your weekend. But for diehard zoo aficionados or families with children, Asa Zoo makes for a good day out. Several online reviews for the zoo say...[ Click to read more ]
Explore Japan’s Most Interesting – and Strange – Museums
Feb 26, 2021 By Bert Wishart
Whether it is to pass the time on your own, a destination for a first date, a way to entertain the kids, or to satisfy a burning thirst for knowledge, nothing quite beats a trip to a museum. But what do you do if you've exhausted all of the regular...[ Click to read more ]
Fun Activities for Kids in Kobe
Feb 18, 2021 By Justin Hanus
Did you move to Kobe with kids? Then you’ll be pleased to find a variety of children’s and family-friendly activities to keep you occupied in your spare time. Whether you’re looking for indoor amusements or a trip to a nice outdoor space, there is plenty of stuff to both excite...[ Click to read more ]
Kyo-yuzen Workshops in Kyoto
By Justin Hanus
Kyo-yuzen dates back to the Edo period when Miyazaki Yuzen (a fan painter from Kyoto) developed the dyeing technique to paint designs onto kimonos. Today, you can learn the technique yourself at one of the several Kyo-yuzen workshops in the city, all of which are run by expert artisans. Whether...[ Click to read more ]
