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One of the economic leaders in the world, Japan is a picturesque land with many interesting things going around to entertain people on their days off from work. Whether it’s a weekend or a week-long vacation, you can find loads of stuff to do and learn. The country is also known for having some of the quirkiest things that one might not find anywhere else in the world. Let’s explore some exciting activities that one can be part of in Japan:

Climbing the Mount Fuji

This is a famous tourist spot in Japan located on the southwestern side of the capital city Tokyo. The mountain holds a religious significance among the Shinto. Trekking on the adventurous curves of this mountain is a much-loved activity in Japan. One can enjoy some amazing views from the pagodas on the mountain or the Shin-Fuji viewpoint. The mountain is also surrounded by five beautiful lakes. There are multiple other sources of entertainment at the base of the mountain. 

Hiking in the trail of Kumano Kodo

For the adventure lovers and the ones who love to spend their free days outdoors, the trail of Kumano Kodo is a perfect choice. One can enjoy a hiking experience in the natural environment on this old pilgrimage trail. The trail goes through many small villages and mountains. There are traditional guesthouses on the way in case you decide to stay the night. The place is away from the crowd in the city so you can enjoy some quiet time. 

Onsen bathing 

Are you looking for some relaxation after a busy week at work? Well, Japan has an excellent bathing facility that helps you take away all the weariness off your body. They are known as Onsens. These are natural hot springs found all around the country owing to volcanic activity. There are separate bathing facilities for women and men. Many of the Onsens are located out in the open with a spectacular view. The Onsens are for community bathing, so you might want to learn some basic bathing etiquette before you step into one. Onsens are available in all the seasons, but the best time to enjoy this hot water bath is at the beginning of the winter season when the wind has got a cold touch to it. 

Borderless Museum

Tokyo has one of the craziest museums you will ever see. TeamLab Borderless museum is a space filled with crystals, floating lanterns, lasers, and flowers that move on touching. This museum is far different from the ones we usually see. A visit to this museum can be a fun activity while staying in the city. 

Visit the Izakaya

If you are new in Japan, one of the best ways to know the local people is a visit to the Izakaya. These are small bars in the streets of Japan that also serve various Japanese dishes. Izakayas can accommodate 15 to 20 people and is commonplace for the locals to hang out for drinks. You can always spend your weekends at an Izakaya. However, you would want to get a Japanese friend along as the menus are in Japanese. 

A food tour

Japan is known for the various types of dishes that it has to offer. Street food is hype in this country and you will find most streets crowded with people enjoying the local cuisine after their work. They are the busiest in the evening once the office hours end. The shops are tiny yet packed with people. You can go around from shop to shop and try various delicacies. The food available is an absolute delight and way cheaper than a fancy restaurant. You can enjoy a lot more variety on such food tours. Also, seeing the shop owners work in that little space is amusing. Some popular food tours that you can embark on are in old town Tokyo, Kyoto sake brewery, kawaii, and Retro Osaka street. 

Bullet train ride

Japan is known for its Shinkansen or the bullet train. If you living in Japan a ride in one of these not something you would want to miss. Trains in Japan are perfectly clean and comfortable. Grab a book, some snacks, and plug in your earphones to enjoy a nice ride on a bullet train. It can be an interesting way to spend your weekend even if you don’t have any company.

100 Yen stores

Yet another fun thing about Japan. The 100 Yen store or the Hyaku Yen store is a place where every item costs just 100 Yens. These stores are found in most Japanese cities and are loaded with a huge variety of unique gifts. Hello Kitty forks for dessert, floral teaspoons, porcelain crockery, wall stickers, and many such weird yet practical items. One can pick up souvenirs from such stores to remember the trip. This is certainly something one can enjoy on the days off.  

Capsule hotel

This is a unique feature of Japan. Capsule hotels are hotels where a room is the size of a single bed that you had when you were a kid. They look like the ones we see in sci-fi movies. These capsules are nice, warm, and comfortable. They are cheap and convenient. You can stay in these during your initial stay in Japan or you can go on a short weekend trip and enjoy the experience of living in a capsule hotel.

Japanese photo booths

The photo booths in Japan are known as Purikura in the local language. These are available all around the city. They are also available inside multiple shopping malls. You can get instant photos in these booths and this is a fun experience to have on an outing with your friends. You can leave with wonderful memories you can have for a lifetime.  

Kyoto bamboo forest

Arashiyama is a wonderful place a little away from Kyoto city in Japan. The land is covered with wonderful forests of Bamboo trees during the year-end. A festival is also hosted in November and December in which these forests are decorated with tiny little lights for the tourists to enjoy the view. Rest of the year also this place can be visited on days off from work. This is the best location for nature lovers and is suitable for some great photography. 

Visit the Jigokudani Park

The Jigokudani park is located in Nagano which is a short drive from the busy city of Tokyo. The park is a major tourist attraction for the snow monkeys that live there. The park is located on a mountain that is covered in snow in the winter months. The walk up to the top of the hill is covered on both sides with tall pine trees. The monkeys can be spotted on the mountain tops. If you are lucky you can even catch them taking a dip in the hot springs in the middle of all the snow. The trip can help you escape the crowded streets of the city and takes you closer to nature. Perfect weekend getaway with friends or family. 

Buy a ticket to a Sumo show

We all are aware of the sumo wrestling culture of Japan, thanks to TV shows. When in Japan you can go witness one of these shows live. Various stadiums conduct sumo wrestling matches. You can get a ticket to one of those. You can even visit the stables to watch the wrestlers practice before the match. This can be a fun way to spend your day and also learn something about Japanese culture. In case you want to know more, some museums showcase the history related to this sport. 

Theme restaurants  

Japan is loaded with cafes and restaurants that have themes in them. These are quite in trend in the country. Theme restaurants are packed with people of all ages who enjoy the atmosphere. You might not get the best food in such restaurants, but you are sure to enjoy the ambiance created within those walls. Robot themed cafés are most loved. These cafes have robots doing all the jobs. Other famous spots are a Pokémon restaurant, Ninja café, Kawaii café, 2D café, Vampire cafes, and many more. You can visit one of these on a weekend. 

Festivals around the year

Japan hosts thousands of festivals all year round. You can visit one such festival anytime you want to. There are festivals with seasonal themes. You can also party throughout the night at these festivals. They are packed with people and have a lot to offer. The festivals have stalls selling Japanese food, people dressed in mythological creatures, rides, and many other activities to keep the visitors entertained. Your weekend is pretty much sorted with these festivals happening all year round. 

Conclusion

Japan is a place where people work hard throughout the week and love to enjoy their free time doing various things. Therefore, there is no getting bored in this country. The place is loaded with hundreds of things to do. 

Now that 2020 is over and done with, it is time for new beginnings. To be honest, most of us are relieved and feeling like some heavy burden has been lifted off our shoulders with the end of 2020. People are associating a feeling of solace with the end of 2020 because this year has been full of anxiety and unsettling surprises for all of us, to say the least.

So, even if we don’t know if 2021 will be any better, we are certainly hopeful. Many people who were feeling lost in the last year are also looking for new ways to re-start life in 2021 with zest. And what better to begin life anew than by relocating to a new place?!

Moving to Japan

To say that life has been hard during the last few months would be an understatement. Therefore, in 2021 many people are planning for new beginnings by moving into new spaces and exploring new options. Now, for such people moving to Japan is an exciting prospect. In between its love for new technology and modern cities and its respect for ancient culture, Japan is an alluring destination. The cuisine here is pleasantly delicious, and the beautiful quiet destinations that are tucked away in the lap of Mother Nature in Japan are purely enticing for anyone who wishes for new beginnings.

But with that said, it needs to be mentioned that relocating to Japan is not easy. With its popularity and zeal for life, not everyone gets a chance to build a life in Japan. However, armed with the right knowledge and the courage to make correct decisions, one can increase his chances of finding a new life in Japan. Thus, to aid those who are serious about beginning anew in Japan, we have created a guide through which you can learn everything about starting a new life here. Have a read?!

Beginning a new life in Japan

Here is all you need to know about making a new life in Japan.

Legal requirements

If you are planning on relocating to any country, the first thing that you would need to know is the legal requirements of procuring a visa. Now, in the case of Japan, fortunately, these legal requirements are quite simple. Japan is one of those few countries that follow an almost identical visa process for everyone regardless of the matter whether you are an American, British, or Australian. So, all you have got to do is to apply for a visa at the closest Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your country along with these documents

- Your passport
– Your Photograph
– Your visa form
– A certificate of Eligibility, original and a photocopy

Now, procuring the first three items on this list must be simple. However, if you are hearing this term, the Certificate of Eligibility for the first time, then you are not the one to be blamed. In simple words we can define this document as a certified letter that you will need to get from a Japanese person, typically your employer, suggesting that he guarantees to support you financially for the time you will be staying in Japan. Now, in case, you are a student who is moving to Japan to complete your studies, the letter will have to come from someone at the School or University that you will be attending. Once you submit all these documents to the Embassy, your legal obligations should be met.

Cost of living

If you are considering moving to Japan for beginning a new journey, then there are certain factors about living here that you must consider. One such factor is the cost of living in Japan. Now, the cost of living in Japan is radically high. You can thank the location of this country for this scenario. Japan is an island nation that is surrounded by water on all sides. As a result, most of the stuff here is not grown but imported from other nations. This is why the cost of food and drinks in Japan is higher than that of other countries. 

Now, if you are moving to Japan and you plan on eating out, then you must know that the dinner meal here consisting of food items like a noodle, curry, and hamburgers, costs about 500 to 1000 yens. However, if you chose to dine-out at an average restaurant, then you should expect your expenses to increase to somewhere between 1000 and 3000 yens. So, only if you believe you can afford these expenses should you move to this nation. 

Finding a Job

To procure your visa and to sustain yourself in Japan, you will need to find a job. Now, getting a job in Japan is not very easy since most companies here like to offer employment opportunities to the native people in Japan. The reason is simple, the natives are fluent in Japanese, and they don’t need training in Japanese customs and culture. However, that doesn’t mean that all the doors are closed in Japan for foreigners. 

So, if you are a foreigner who wishes to live in Japan and you have command over your English, then you can begin your life here by scoring the job of an English teacher. The demand for English teachers is high in Japan at all times, so if you have teaching skills, you can apply for this job. Another option for you can be to search for work in Japan in the IT field. This sector is always hiring good prospects from abroad to work with, given that these people have considerable knowledge about their field. Borderless House also provides Housing and Career Support Program which helps you to find jobs in Japan.

Find a home

Of course, when you relocate to a new apace, one thing that makes it to the top of your priority list is finding a suitable home for yourself. Now, in Japan, if you are living in one of the big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, then affording a house in such areas is a challenging prospect, to say the least. The rates of properties in these posh localities are so high that even renting a flat here is a big deal. However, we do have one solution for you, the BORDERLESS HOUSE.

Yes, BORDERLESS HOUSE is a place that offers tenants, both foreigners and natives alike, space to stay at minimal rent. The pros of living in such a place far outweigh the cons. In here you get to afford a shelter at minimal rent, you get an opportunity to stay and learn from natives the customs and language of Japan, you get an easy-go at making friends, and you incur fewer expenses for additional facilities like the internet, water, gas, etc. since you are sharing costs with so many people. Now, BORDERLESS HOUSE is starting a new campaign to offer shelter at discounted rates to individuals who are beginning their new lives in Japan from April. So, if you are relocating, then this is something you must check-out.

※Picture is BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Fix-up your insurance

The healthcare costs in Japan are too much to bear for an ordinary person. Thankfully, the Japanese government has taken this into account and designed a healthcare system that is largely geared towards its people. So, while it is the responsibility of people to carry their insurance, it falls upon the government to see that everyone gets access to the insurance services through a universal healthcare insurance system. The prices of these insurance services are determined by the Japanese government.

So, in some cases, like that of parental care or screening and exams, if you need healthcare assistance, then 70% of the costs of your treatment will be borne by the government while you will be responsible for the rest of 30% of the amount. Thus, if you are planning on starting a new life in Japan, then it is advisable to get healthcare insurance. Doing so will save you from bankruptcy if someday you happen to need healthcare services.

Learn the language

If you are starting a new life, then you would want the people around you to treat you as an ordinary person, like somebody who is one of them. However, this becomes difficult when you are a foreigner who is not privy to the customs and traditions of the land and who doesn’t understand their language. Thus, to truly feel like one of them, you will need to learn about their customs and language. 

For doing this, living in BORDERLESS HOUSE provides a great opportunity. It is so because when you live in BORDERLESS HOUSE with other natives, you get a better chance of observing the Japanese people closely. Staying around them 24*7 makes it easier for you to soak in their language and traditions. 

Conclusion

Beginning your life anew is not easy, and if you are considering moving to Japan to start new, then all this can feel a little overwhelming. However, if you will follow our suggestions and advice, you should be fine. So, all the best!

Today, the world stands as an interconnected place where people living at different geographical locations stand no more divided by the physical borders. It is true that residents living in different countries still foster different beliefs and unlike experiences, but the internet and mobiles have done a lot to bring people close to each other and to eradicate the differences. The nations have realized the importance of working together and are thus, contributing to make this world an interlinked global space.  

New opportunities for trading and business are also opening up as a result. Many countries that require manpower are enticing ex-pats by providing good packages and windows to prosper. Following this, large scale migrations have taken place in the past few years. Japan is one country that is benefitting from these changing norms. 

Japan is a popular destination among people who desire to move to a new place. The reason behind this has mostly to do with the country’s fast-paced growth. Now, Japan is a country that is rapidly climbing the growth ladder. People here are working innovatively and diligently to make the world a bustling, growing, and pleasant place. The delicious food that is native to this country adds more to its appeal. The traditions and customs that are respected and practiced here to this day also work in its favor. 

So, if you are also one of those people who are quite fascinated by this country and would like to know some more about it before deciding whether you want to move here or not, then you will find this article useful. So, are you ready? Well then, come, let’s start! 

What do you need to know about Japan? 

Every country has its own norm and culture that you are expected to be familiar with it in order to glide into the lifestyle of that region easily. So, if you are seriously considering migrating to Japan, then here is a list of things that will do you good to know well in advance.  

The cost of living in Japan 

Before moving to any new place, one of the few things that people must consider is the cost of living. Now, the cost of living in a place can broadly be described as the amount that you will be spending in meeting the basic necessities upon living there. 

The cost of living in Japan is very high. One can understand this by the mere fact that Japan is considered one of the costliest places to live in the whole world. On an average basis, the monthly cost of living here is about 2500 to 2700 USD. The reason for this is the fact that Japan is an island country and is surrounded by water on all sides. As a result, a lot of stuff is imported in Japan, which makes a living here so expensive. 

Transportation cost

If you are about to move to Japan, it makes sense to know about the transportation rules and regulations followed here. In Japan, despite the high cost of living, transportation fares are not unreasonable. Most of the people here prefer using the metro or buses as means of commutation. The metro charges about 1.50 USD, while traveling through the bullet train makes you 185 USD lighter. 

However, if you are not up for using the efficient public transport in Japan, then you can obviously use your own vehicle to commute between places. Japan drives on the left side of the road, and the signage here can be found in English or Romaji. International driving permits are allowed here, and the driver could use it in Japan for up to one year. 

English or Japanese 

Upon visiting the country and interacting with the local clan, you will see that the Japanese people are very warm and welcoming. The natives here are really polite, and they are very accepting of others. However, one issue that you might face here is related to language. If you are migrating to Japan and do not have proper command over your Japanese, you can find it challenging to navigate your way here. You can find English signage and announcements, but it is not the general norm in Japan except for at major tourist destinations. Most natives here do not speak English, and some are simply shy to interact in a foreign language. However, in big cities like Tokyo, you can always spot University students who will be happy to help you. 

Safety concerns 

No one wants to live in a dangerous place where their life or the life of their family members is in peril. Hence, it is a wise decision to be sure about the safety of a place before migrating. Now in terms of safety concerns, Japan is one of the best places to build a life. The crime rate here is very low, albeit, a large population. However, despite its low crime rate, one must bear in mind that Japan cannot be precisely termed as safe because of the natural calamities that this country witnesses. Every few years, the nation faces one disaster or other, but progressive work is being done in this department too. 

Renting costs 

In Japan, owning a property can make you rich. The renting expenses here are unusually high, especially when we are talking about big cities like Tokyo. However, there is one visible solution that you can use to solve your renting problems, that is sharehouses. Yes, sharehouses or borderless houses are spaces where people who belong from different countries share accommodation. Here you can rent a place to live at minimal costs. Generally, you are required to deposit 30,000 yen to make a reservation at the borderless house. However, at present, there is this autumn campaign under which no key money needs to be deposited. Another advantage of living here is that in Borderless House share houses, you find a friendly ambiance. Since both natives and foreigners live here under the same roof, therefore, forming bonds becomes relatively easy in sharehouses. 

*Picture is from BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Education costs 

Education is the foundation of one’s character. If children have access to education and they are taught well in schools, then the chances are that they will develop into good humans. However, if education is not accessible because of some restrictions or high costs, then it can harm the growth of a country. The Japanese government and people understand this simple fact, and thus, they have developed a committed and robust education system. Both the native and foreign children here are provided free education leaving the parents to only worry about the cost of uniforms and other such small expenses. However, if you are not willing to send your children to public schools, your costs can range anywhere between 2,000,000 JPY to 2.3 million JPY annually. 

Social etiquettes 

Japan takes its social etiquettes very seriously; therefore, it will do you good to do research before you go out and about. Living in a borderless house can aid you in learning Japanese social etiquette and much more in a short time. However, for the time being, here are some basic things that you would need to know before settling in Japan. 

For one thing, before visiting Japan, you may want to know about the greeting etiquettes. In Japan, the traditional manner of greeting requires one to bow down before another person. This would mean bending at your waist level while keeping your back straight. It is essential to note down here that the lower status person bows down first and more deeply compared to the elder. 

Another thing about the Japanese etiquettes is that it is generally considered disrespectful to wear outside shoes inside homes or temples in Japan. The general custom is to change your shoes in favor of the inside slippers provided by the hosts. In many hotels, a separate set of slippers is offered to go to the washroom, which you must remember to not wear outside of the toilets. 

In Japan, people traditionally use chopsticks to eat their food. Upon eating outside, you might come across many places that do not provide any alternative. Thus, it might do you some good to learn eating with chopsticks, and honestly, it’s not that hard. However, when you are using chopsticks, you might want to keep in mind a couple of things. You should never rub your chopsticks against each other to rid them of the residue. Such behavior is considered rude. Also, when you are done eating, you should never leave your sticks sticking into the bowls as that signifies a funeral. 

Finding work

Finding a job in Japan is not exactly a difficult task, at least not as hard as it used to be a couple of decades ago. Presently, if you own a University degree and you have a refined skillset, then finding work in big cities like Tokyo is not impossible. One thing that can probably help you get hired in Tokyo as a foreigner is your command of Japanese. If you are proficient in the language and can speak it well, it should probably work to your advantage. 

Now BORDERLESS HOUSE provides Housing and Career program that helps foreigners to land a job in Japan successfully while living in an international share house with locals. Join the 

So, these are some crucial facts about Japan that you must be aware of if you are considering moving here. 

 Have a good day!