For international students who come to Japan, their goal is often to ultimately find a job in Japan (though in many cases, they also prefer to go back home). Most of you will typically be enrolled under a student visa, which, while it allows you to do part-time work under the right permit, does not […]
Contrary to popular belief, Japan is nowhere close to the most expensive place to live (ranked around 46th in the world), which is great news for international students. While Japan can be quite affordable for students, some expenses still add up. Major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya can cost a pretty penny, […]
While Japan is known for its vibrant drinking culture, the country’s legal drinking age is higher than that of most of its neighbors and even several European nations. In Japan, the legal drinking age is 20, and it applies to everyone, including foreigners, exchange students, and tourists. Even if you are visiting from a country where […]
Japan is safe and fascinating, but it also has some unusual regulations that surprise visitors. From carrying your residence card to unexpected smoking bans, this guide highlights 12 weird rules in Japan that foreigners should know to avoid fines, confusion, and cultural faux pas.
Unlike drugstores in many other countries, Japanese drugstores (ドラッグストア) sell far more than over-the-counter medicine. They’re a category of their own — part pharmacy, part beauty counter, part snack aisle — packed with affordable skincare, everyday essentials, and snacks you won’t find anywhere else. That makes them a lifesaver, especially if you’re not quite ready […]
Using a bike in Japan is convenient, but getting one a lot more tedious than it sounds — after you buy it, you need to register it.
Whether you’re a Japanese language, university, or vocational school student, coming to Japan as a student often means that you will eventually need to head to the immigration office and extend your visa to continue your studies, as this specific visa is often only valid for a certain period — even before your expected graduation […]
For a lot of foreigners from certain nationalities, Japan’s working holiday visa program allows them to live, work, and experience Japan for a specified length of time without needing to get sponsorship from an institution, such as an employer or school. But what happens if your visa expires and you’re not ready to leave? Or […]
