Daily Life

Japan’s second-hand market is enormous, affordable, and full of items in near-perfect condition — because Japanese people take exceptional care of their possessions. Foreigners who discover it early save thousands. Here’s where to shop and what to look for. Why Japan’s Second-Hand Market is Special Items are returned/donated in excellent condition (Japanese cultural standard) Previous owners often include original packaging, manuals, and accessories Competitive market keeps prices fair Massive supply — downsizing, moving, and decluttering are very common Online Platforms Mercari (メルカリ) ⭐ Best Overall Japan’s largest C2C resale app. ...

What you'll learn in this guide What a share house in Japan is and how it differs from a normal apartment Top share house operators for foreigners: Sakura House, Borderless House, Oak House Real costs including all fees (much lower upfront than regular apartments) The pros and cons of share house life in Japan How to find a share house and what the application process looks like Quick Answer A Japanese share house (シェアハウス) is a fully furnished private room with shared common spaces (kitchen, bathroom, living area). For foreigners, the advantages are major: no guarantor needed, no key money, fully furnished, short minimum stays (1–3 months), and English-speaking management. Costs: ¥35,000–80,000/month for a private room, all-inclusive. ...

What you'll learn in this guide How to buy Shinkansen tickets (at the station and online) Reserved vs unreserved seats: when to book which The JR Pass: is it worth it for foreigners in Japan? IC card (Suica/PASMO) and Shinkansen: can you use them? How to save money on Shinkansen travel Key routes and travel times between major cities Quick Answer Shinkansen tickets can be bought at JR station ticket machines (some have English), at ticket windows (みどりの窓口), via the Eki-Net app (Japanese), or EX-IC app (for Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen). IC cards (Suica/PASMO) cannot be used for Shinkansen travel — you need a separate Shinkansen ticket. The JR Pass is worth it if you make 3+ long-distance trips within 7–21 days. ...

Social insurance in Japan isn’t optional — it’s mandatory, and your employer or local ward office will expect you to be enrolled. Many foreigners arrive without understanding how the system works or what they’re paying into. Here’s a clear explanation of what social insurance covers and what it costs. The Two Systems: Shakai Hoken vs. Kokumin Hoken There are two main social insurance tracks in Japan: 1. Employees’ Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken) If you work full-time for a company, you are automatically enrolled in the employees’ social insurance system, which includes: ...

Suica is the single most useful thing you can set up on your first day in Japan. One card handles trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines across the country. Here’s how to get one, load it, and use it everywhere. What Is an IC Card? An IC card is a rechargeable contactless card that you tap to pay for: Trains and subways Buses Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) Vending machines Some restaurants and shops You load money onto the card, tap in when you board, tap out when you exit. The fare is deducted automatically. ...

What you'll learn in this guide Why tattoos are restricted in many Japanese facilities (the historical reason) Which types of facilities ban tattoos and which are becoming more flexible How to find tattoo-friendly onsens in Japan Gym and pool policies for tattooed foreigners Japan’s changing attitude toward tattoos in 2025 Practical tips for navigating Japan with visible tattoos Quick Answer Tattoos are not illegal in Japan, but they are banned from many traditional facilities — particularly onsens (hot springs), public pools, and some gyms. The reason is historical association with yakuza (organized crime). Japan’s policies are gradually becoming more flexible for foreigners, but you need to know where restrictions apply before planning activities. ...

Japan’s typhoon season runs from summer through early autumn, and the storms can be severe enough to shut down cities entirely. Preparation before a typhoon arrives is what keeps it manageable. Here’s what every foreigner in Japan should have ready before the season starts. When Is Typhoon Season? Typhoon season in Japan runs roughly from June through October, with the most intense and frequent storms occurring in August and September. Okinawa and Kyushu face the most direct hits, but typhoons regularly affect Shikoku, the Kinki region (Osaka, Kyoto), and even the Kanto area (Tokyo). ...

Coin laundries in Japan are clean, cheap, and efficient — but the machines, signs, and etiquette are all in Japanese. First-time users waste money pressing the wrong buttons. Here’s a clear walkthrough so you get it right from the start. Types of Machines Washer-Dryer Combo (洗濯乾燥機) Wash and dry in one cycle Most convenient option Cost: ¥600–1,200 for a full wash+dry cycle depending on drum size Washing Machine Only (洗濯機) Cheaper wash cycle only You’ll need to use a separate dryer or hang clothes at home Cost: ¥200–400 per wash Dryer Only (乾燥機) For items washed at home that need machine drying Very useful for duvets, futons, and heavy items that take days to air dry Cost: ¥100 per 10–12 minutes Large-Capacity Machine (大型) For duvets, blankets, curtains, sleeping bags 10kg–25kg capacity Cost: ¥1,000–2,500 depending on size and cycle time How to Use the Machines Choose a machine — check it’s empty and the drum is clean Load your laundry — don’t overfill (fill to 70–80%) Select your cycle — standard wash is fine for most items Insert coins — most machines accept ¥100 coins; some newer ones accept IC cards or QR code payment Add detergent — many machines dispense detergent automatically (included in price), or have a slot for your own Start the machine — it will display the remaining time Cycle time: Typically 30–40 minutes for washing, 40–60 minutes for drying. ...

My Number is Japan’s national identification system, and if you live in Japan, you have one whether you’ve used it or not. The physical card unlocks a growing range of services that make life significantly easier. Here’s what it is, how to get the card, and when you’ll actually need it. What Is My Number? My Number (マイナンバー) is Japan’s national ID system. Every person living in Japan — including foreigners — gets a unique 12-digit number. ...

Quick Answer Japanese apartment noise norms are stricter than most foreigners expect. General rule: no audible noise in your neighbors’ units after 10pm, and significant sound reduction starts at 8pm. Vacuum cleaners are typically off-limits before 8am and after 8–9pm. Music, TV, and phone calls must be inaudible through walls. Common complaints foreigners generate: late-night showers, walking heavily (heels on hardwood), talking loudly on phone calls, and running washing machines at night. Warning notices come from the building manager; repeated violations can end a lease. ...