Author: blh-admin

To learn a language on your own, and to learn it by having to use it every single day in the lands it has been forged in, is as different as night and day. Or more fitting with our beloved country in the east, like kanji and katakana.

Going to Japan and learning a wholly unique language like Japanese, can have many deep-rooted goals and inspirations for the future. Whether it is about joining a global super conglomerate with branching offices scattered all across the world, wanting to dive deeper into the isolated but rich history of samurai, shoguns, Daimyos, and Emperors, wishing to learn the engineering secrets behind the state of the art robotics, or earthquake-proof skyscrapers, dreaming to visit the Inspiration behind your childhood animes.

There is no “one right” answer to learn Japanese. Japan has so much to offer no matter what your reasons for visiting are. Be it Pop culture, Technology, Music, Cinema, History, Nature, or Linguistics. Many of you might initially come for one reason, but decide to stay for an entirely new one! And to truly know a place and its people, you need to be able to communicate with them, and English won’t cut it.

That is why joining a Japanese Language school is such a fantastic option. There, you will learn Japanese and only Japanese, from day one. And though it might sound scary at first, they do it in an incredible way where you feel your satisfying progression from the first minute you enter the school.
And I will try to help you think about what you might want to consider and look into before you start looking into the Study abroad agencies in your country, to make the process easier.

Some of the biggest factors in my decision-making were the following: location, what was my purpose for studying? culture, socializing, or is it academic? learning style/speed and how big is the size of the classes?

Let’s try to go through these things and get some ideas of what you would prefer.

Where Do You Want to Study?

Location is a very important part of the selection process. If you are going to dedicate a lot of time and resources to go somewhere, making sure it’s somewhere you will enjoy, is always a great investment.

With Japan being a country of roughly 378 square kilometers, you can find anything from the snowy plains of Hokkaido, sprawling mountain ranges of Nagano, Buzzing city-life of Tokyo and Osaka, open fields of Sendai, to the almost tropical climate of Okinawa and Kyushu.

While many choose the language school based on the city they plan to eventually go to university or work in, many also choose it based on aspects like climate, population, attractions, pastime activities, the accessibility to travel to other locations from that city, or even that the environment is closer to what you are used to from back at home.

We all know the colorful and bright views of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara. Central Tokyo is a perfect location for those who love an endless amount of activities, technology, life, and opportunities to find connections and work. But what outside of Tokyo have Japan to offer?

While all the big cities will give you a similar big city lifestyle, filled with bars, restaurants, museums, shopping malls, and arcades, every city in Japan has its own unique style and tradition. My experience in Fukuoka, for example, was completely different from my friend’s in Osaka. So why not read up about what the different famous cities in Japan can offer?!

Kyoto, the old capital filled to the brim with history, Fukuoka, home of the Yamakasa festival, Hakata ramen, and for all fans of K-pop, a short boat trip away from South Korea, Sapporo, a more rural city that turns into a snowy wonderland during the winter. There is a city for everyone!

The point is since many of these cities often have many different options of Japanese language schools, you might as well go somewhere you feel that your soul is more drawn towards!

How Do You Want to Study?

Well then, what about the school and the studies themselves?
The most common terms used for the two different teaching styles are Asian style and Western-style. Because Many foreign students living in Japan are from China and Korea, their own language is so similar to Japanese, they can skip much of the basics and go at a faster pace and much more focus on Kanji and difficult vocabulary.

While for Western Languages, so far distant from Asian, are too different to give us an advantage. So westerners often have to start from the ground level and work up at a more gradual speed. And many go to Japan and learn without the direct intent to reach academic levels. Therefore they study at a much more casual rate. That’s where the terms Asian Style, and Western Style originates.
Western Styled schools also tend to have smaller classes. They roughly aim for a maximum of 8-10 students per class. This makes it easier for the students to interact with the teacher and each other. Because of this, there is very little confusion, since you can always make your question heard, either to the teacher or ask for tips from the ones sitting next to you.

It is important to know what your end goal with your studies will be. Is your goal to push hard and enter the university or business level Japanese and know all the Kanji’s needed to fully understand any task or information given to you? Or do you wish for a slower speed, but with more focus on the daily life of Japanese and culture? Focus more on making friends than business opportunities?

So it’s up to you if you feel like you prefer a slower, but more personal and social study experience, or if you want to focus on reaching your goal as efficiently and fast as possible.

Where Do You Want to Live?

Another topic worth taking some time to think about would be accommodations. Of course, the Agency or school you have contact with will help you organize everything. But ask yourself what type of accommodation you want, will help you immensely.

And since many travels to Japan to learn the culture and people, living by yourself in an apartment will start to feel a bit isolated. That is why options like International Share Houses are great alternatives. You will both get to live and interact with Japanese people every single day, cooking traditional food together, being able to practice Japanese daily, and making friends for life. In addition to living with other Westerners who you can talk to regarding your studies, lifestyles, and problems your Japanese roommates might not be able to relate to.

So take some extra time to think about where you want this magical time to take place. And when you actually have started your studies, being forced to study at a pace much too slow for you to reach your goal, or being so fast you get too stressed to enjoy the world around you, can really ruin the magical journey you have chosen to partake in.

Any serious Japanese language organization cares deeply about all of their students and will give you any and all help they can in regards to accommodations, rent, phones, and sim cards, transportation, helping you create a Japanese bank account for longer stays, and anything else you might need help with.

What’s keeping You From Planning?

While, of course, there are many, many more things to consider, research, and ask in regards to choosing a school, these topics are what I and most of my fellow students felt were the main deciding factors we had in common. Because when you finally do get to live and study in Japan, it will be a time you will never forget, so it is important to be in an environment you can enjoy both in and outside of class to the maximum.

Whether it’s the Study abroad agency or the school you already have selected, it’s never wrong to ask any question that might arise. They are there for you, so don’t be shy about wanting to make your dream as perfect as you can.

A guest house is similar to a hotel room. Guests check-in and stay for some days then go back to where they were. The guesthouses also do not have all amenities. They will provide you with basic facilities like a bathroom, kitchen, and toilet.

In a share house, a rent agreement is signed between the tenant and the property holder or anyone who is renting the property. Sharehouse comes with amenities that you require to live comfortably. In many cases, there will be a TV, washing machine, toilets, bathroom, and more. In share houses, you also have the freedom to exchange rooms upon request.

A sharehouse provides you with the comfort and warmth of a home. The people you live with are there because they wanted to connect with more people, like you. So you all live like a big group of happy friends.

What sharing space you will be sharing in a share house?

In the share house, you will be sharing almost everything with other tenants except your own room. You will share the living area, toilet, bathroom, kitchen, and other amenities provided to the share house.

So living in a share house will require some teamwork. You will need to divide chores so that one person doesn’t end up doing it all. You need to take care of this place as your home because it is your home for the time till you are there. There will be no one to tell you what to do what not to do. It is up to you to live in harmony and not create problems for other tenants.

*Picture is BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Why is it better than renting any other place?

Let’s say if you are in Japan for more than a month and you want to rent a place what will you do? You will look for an agency to get you a rental apartment. First, you will have to pay the agency a fee then you will be asked for some advance fee for security then there will be a rental fee and maintenance fee, and service fee. Whereas if you chose a share house you will not have to give so many fees. There will be only a one-time fee before you start living in the house and then a monthly fee depending upon how long you will be staying.

*Picture is BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Tips to live in a share house

● Socialize: You might not want to jump into the conversation right away after meeting your new share housemates. But do not hesitate or feel awkward everyone there is new to each other and they all are trying to get to know each other better.

● Work together and communicate: sometimes you might have conflicts with your housemates due to different living habits etc but try to remember it is hard for everyone. Do not feel irritated or annoyed try to calm down and talk on easy terms. Try to understand what you both are saying and communicate in a rational way with each other. The best way to avoid conflicts is to always keep yourself open up to talk.

Benefits of Staying at a Share House

● The best advantage of living in a share house is that you get to live in a home-like place on an affordable budget. The share house fee is straightforward and there are no hidden fees.

● Like we said it will be a home-like experience so you will get almost every needful appliance at a share house. There will be no need for you to buy anything to start living at a share house. All of our share houses are fully furnished.

● Living in a shared house gives you a chance to expand your social circle and experience new things. In a diverse environment, you will meet locals and people from all over the world. You can learn languages and culture and immerse yourself in a new culture faster. You will gain deep experiences of living in Japan and understand the values, perspectives, and lifestyle of Japan better.

*Picture is KYOTO-KAMIGAMO HOUSE

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! 

Covid-19 has sure been a bewildering and eye-opening event for the whole world. The present year, as a result of it, has been nothing short of a surprise. People have been confined to their homes and industries have been forced to shut down in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Some of the strongest economies were bought to their knees by the deadly Covid-19 virus. But gratefully, things are improving now, and the world is opening up slowly. Japan is also steadily recovering and the travel restrictions are uplifting gradually.

As of now, the government in Japan has allowed international travel for those people who own a business or residence visa. There have been talks in the media about opening the borders of Japan for tourists before the spring season sets in. But, till then, for those of you who are planning on visiting Japan on business trips this year, here are some tips on what you can do while you are in Japan. Hope you have a great time!

What you shouldn’t miss if you are in Japan in December?

Winters in Japan are one of the best times to visit this nation. During the end of the year the widespread winter illuminations, the eagerness to welcome a new year, the first snowfall, and the start of the ski season set people in a great mood. The crisp air of the winters and the white-mountain tops popping against the azure backgrounds make the scenery of Japan even more picturesque. So, if you are someone who gets an opportunity to visit Japan during this season, then here is what you can do to make the most of your trip!

Winter illuminations
The winter illuminations in Japan, which take place during the month of December, increase the beauty of this place manifold. Donned in pretty lights, the grounds and stadiums in Japan look absolutely stunning in winters. This event is, without a doubt, the country’s one of the top attractions. So, if you get a chance to attend this event, you should definitely not miss the opportunity. These events are held all across Japan and you can visit either any of them or all of them as you please. They are generally held until after New Year’s.

Fireworks
Maybe the Japanese people have got something for lights! While they excel themselves every year with winter illuminations, they are also great at surprising the visitors with lit-up night skies. In December, Japan makes a lavish display of its fireworks. You can track most of these displays all over Tokyo. So, if you have a thing for fireworks, you can either attend the Shiodome Lights Display that runs from November to February or you can go to the Midtown Christmas Event nearby Roppongi station that begins on November 15.

Christmas celebrations

Since Christmas is primarily a western celebration it is not observed in Japan with as much zeal as it receives in the US or UK. However, one can still witness people greeting each other on Christmas eve. Most people in Japan put up the decorations and go on romantic dates, but gift exchange is not a priority among Japanese people. So, if you are expecting a Christmas turkey or maybe a Christmas cake, I will say you are setting your hopes too high.

Ramen Expo
For those of you who are self-proclaimed food lovers, we have a surprise, the Ramen Expo in Osaka. Every year in Japan, in Osaka this month-long event is organized. Held on every weekend of December, the expo brings together about 40 noodle vendors at one place. What is great is that they charge no admission fee to enter the premises. So, if you have a foodie in you, what more are you waiting for?!

Snowboarding
For those of you who love the adrenaline rush, here is another treat, which is snowboarding. Japan is one of the best locations to enjoy snow sports and snowboarding is one of the main attractions. Every year many foreigners visit Japan to especially enjoy snowboarding. You can find several world-class resorts in Hokkaido or Hakuba. Many resorts are accessible from Tokyo also.

Skiing 
Skiing is one of the favorite outdoor activities of people in Japan. While heavy snowfalls don’t arrive till late December, most of the skiing resorts are up and functioning by mid of December. Even if there is not much snowfall by then, you don’t have to worry because the resort staff compensates for it by using artificial snow. Now, you can’t let the weather ruin your fun, can you?! Plus, another advantage of visiting the skiing resort is the hot baths. Most of the skiing resorts
in Japan function as hot spring resorts as well. The ones that are not, generally, have a selection of onsen bathing spots nearby. After a long day of skiing, the hot bath relaxes your body and calms your mind. They are absolutely fun and something that no one should ever miss!

Chichibu night festival
Chichibu is a traditional night festival that is celebrated in Japan every year. Anyone who is interested in traveling to the Chichibu shrine that is located in Chichibu city, approximately 90 minutes away from Tokyo city can participate in this festival. The celebrations begin on 1 st December and last for 6 days. You can visit the Chichibu shrine any day during this period, but attending this parade that is organized with massive floats and fireworks on 3 rd December is greatly recommended.

Namahage Festivals

If you are in Japan and you would like to attend something that is unique and traditional, then the Namahage Festival will delight your spirit. This distinctive festival that is held in Oga City, Akita Prefecture on New Year’s eve is something that you would have never witnessed before if you have come to Japan for the first time. In this festival, you will come across performers dressed as Namahage, who is a demonic boogeyman in Japanese folklore, who will dance and glower to entertain the audience. You can also enjoy a little dance and some
good music to make the evening a fine experience. So, that is all about the events that you can enjoy if you are in Japan in December. Tip: Do check in with the organizers if you are planning on attending any of these events. Due to Covid-19, the schedules may have changed or the events may have certain restrictions.

What to eat if you are in Japan during winters?

If you are in Japan during the cold winters, then we will advise you to try the traditional food of Japan, to make the most of your experience. After all, how can you claim to know Japan, if you haven’t enjoyed its local food?
Now, on that note, tasting the local dishes of Japan, of course, means trying a variety of dishes. However, our personal recommendations are hot pot dishes. These are called Nabe in Japanese. They are prepared with multiple ingredients and are available in various kinds of flavors. Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu are the other two popular winter seasonal dishes of Japan that you can try.

Where to stay if you arrive in Japan during December?

Now, because of Covid-19, finding a place to stay in Japan is not easy. After all, all the travelers who arrive in Japan during these times have to undergo a 14-day long quarantine period, before which they are not even allowed to use public transport. But you don’t need to worry about that, because we at Borderless Houses have started a campaign to offer shelter to travelers free of charge during the quarantine period. Here is more about that campaign.
*Picture is BORDERLESS HOUSE OMOTESANDO1

2-weeks free stay
If you arriving in Japan and you need a place to stay during your quarantine period, then call us and forget all about your accommodation issues. At the borderless house, we are offering our customers a 14-day stay free of cost. Just contact us and make your reservations.

Airport pick-up service
Because until the quarantine period is over, the travelers are not allowed to use public transport, therefore, at our sharehouse, we are arranging transportation for our customers. All you need to do is to inform us about your plans and we will have your driver ready at the airport gate.

Support services
At our sharehouse, you will have our staff at your service who will explain to you all about using food delivery services. We will also inform you about the various apps that you can use in order to meet your daily necessities.

Fun activities
In order to ensure that you don’t get bored during your quarantine period, we have also organized virtual meets, language exchange programs, and online club activities with other flatmates. After all, we can’t let you die of boredom, can we?!

Conclusion

So, if you have your bags packed and your tickets booked for traveling to Japan, then call us at the Borderless House to arrange your stay. Have a happy and safe journey!