Timeline for studying in Japan for a year in 2024

The timeline in this guide will follow the process to follow before living and studying in Japan for a year starting sometime in 2024. If you’re curious about studying for a shorter (3 months, 6 months) or longer (up to 24 months) period, check out our article on different Japanese language school terms.

There are four intake terms that will allow you to study for a year or more in Japan

• January start – final application deadline is the end of August 2023.
• April start – final application deadline is the end of October 2023. 
• July start – final application deadline is the end of January 2024.
• October start – final application deadline is the end of April 2024.

_{Please note that not all language schools offer all four intake terms. Some schools may only have intake terms once or twice a year.}

12 – 6 months before: Find your Japanese language school

The first and arguably most important step before studying in Japan for a year in 2024 is finding the perfect school. Discover and learn more about different Japanese language institutions across the country by checking out our school partners. 

Once you’ve found a school that interests you, reach out. Go! Go! Nihon will help select the best school based on your personal needs and study goals. 

9 months before: Study 150 hours of Japanese language

Japanese immigration now requires specific individuals to have studied 150+ hours in an official Japanese language school or passed any Japanese language proficiency test, JLPT level. Self-study may be acceptable with specified materials. We offer a 12-week beginner course and a pre-intermediate online course created with the famous language school, Akamonkai to help satisfy those requirements.

Confirm with a Go! Go! Nihon coordinator whether or not the 150-hour study requirement applies to you.

Application process timeline

While the process of studying in Japan for a year in 2024 at a language school may seem daunting, Go! Go! Nihon has a unique online application platform that helps students keep track of their applications in one secure place, so you do not have to manage everything on your own.

7 – 5 months before: secure your spot

To secure a spot and begin studying in Japan for a year in 2024, you will need to pay the school’s application fee. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid missing the chance to attend your dream school. Unfortunately, language schools have a limited number of spots for students each term, and these spots can fill up rapidly. Therefore, starting this process sooner is advisable for a better chance to get a spot.

Submit documents

While each application varies and required documents depend on the school and immigration, there are a few things everyone needs to prepare to study for a year in Japan in 2024. These include:

• Completed school application
• Passport-style profile picture
• Copy of passport ID page
• Copy of high school diploma (or proof of having completed 12 years of education)
• Letter of financial guarantor (*not applicable to all schools)
• Recent bank statement with at least 1,000,000 yen equivalent
• You, or your sponsor’s, recent tax return

In general, students need around two weeks to collect all the documents and send them to Go! Go! Nihon. However, immigration may request more information from students after review, so we recommend sending these about seven months before your start date. The school will submit the visa application to immigration after paying the application fee and compiling the above documents.

3 – 2 months before: Tuition, flights, and accommodation

Pay your tuition:
Go! Go! Nihon staff will send you the full tuition fee invoice issued by the school. Once you receive the invoice, make the tuition payment right away to complete the enrollment procedure. Until this step is done, it is impossible to move on with the visa process. The Go! Go! Nihon team will then confirm the payment.

Book a flight:
The next step is to book a plane ticket. While it may seem illogical to purchase a plane ticket before receiving the visa, making sure you have secured an affordable ticket for the exact date you want to arrive will make the process of coming to Japan a lot smoother. That being said, you should get a ticket with a flexible cancellation policy to better help you navigate the visa process.

We recommend aiming to arrive 2-4 days before school starts. Because the student visa is valid upon arrival in Japan and linked to the school term, if you arrive before school starts, you may not be able to stay in Japan until the end of the course. Every school has different rules about arrivals, so it’s best to confirm with the school you’ll be attending about their policies beforehand. We know this step is a bit tricky so Go! Go! Nihon is always here to help, ask us for advice at any time.

Find a place to stay:
After booking a ticket and knowing your arrival date, make sure to figure out and arrange your housing situation.  Go! Go! Nihon partners with a wide selection of partners with different accommodation options all over the country, so you can find the perfect living space.

1 month before: Get your student visa

After submitting the application and the tuition fee has been paid in full, it’s time to wait for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You will need to take the COE to a local Japanese embassy or consulate. The embassy will need this document to issue the student visa. Keep in mind that depending on how busy your local embassy is, it can take a while for the visa to be processed.

To convert the COE to a student visa, you need:

• The COE
• A good quality and recent portrait photo
• Your passport
• Visa application form
• School guarantor information – our team will share this with you if you apply through Go! Go! Nihon

Once you’ve received your passport with a student visa inside from the embassy, it’s time to start packing and getting ready to study in Japan for a year in 2024!

3 – 2 weeks before: Pack it up

By now you should have the student visa, school tuition should be confirmed, and accommodation booked. It’s time to pack up and get ready to start studying in Japan for a year in 2024! We have a full packing list recommendation that might be helpful.

Stay up to date with Japan

For any questions about the school or student visa application procedure or to get started, contact Go! Go! Nihon staff today. We will assist you during the whole process, and want to welcome you to Japan in 2024!

To read more about Japanese culture, make sure to follow our blog where we cover everything you need to know about Japan!

The best part? The ghosts of our ancestors long passed get to join the party too. Read on to learn more about what the holiday is and how it is celebrated.

What is Obon? 

Obon is a traditional Japanese holiday dedicated to family and loved ones past. It is like a mix between Halloween and North American Thanksgiving.

Families who celebrate Obon usually gather in their hometowns, visit gravestones, perform rituals, and attend festivals. But, not every family follows the same customs.

It’s celebrated from August 13th to 15th in most of Japan. But some regions celebrate in July instead, depending on which calendar they follow.

History of Obon 

The true origins of Obon are not entirely clear. But, it has over a 500-year history steeped in Buddhist traditions. 

Legend has it that long ago a disciple of Buddha had a vision of his dead mother. She was trapped in the Realm of Hungry Ghosts (read: not a fun place to be). So, by making offerings of food and drink the disciple freed his mother’s spirit from suffering.

This story has slowly evolved over time and the meaning of Obon shifted along with it. 

Today, Obon is treated as a family holiday to celebrate our loved ones here and gone, wear kimono and yukata, enjoy traditional festivals, and even eat Japanese street food.

How to celebrate Obon & Obon festivals 

A mystical set of rituals guide Obon festivals and events. First, check out the ritual details and then learn where you can take part yourself.

Obon Rituals 

• Preparations. Before Obon begins, some families prepare two ornaments for their ancestors’ arrival called Shouryou Uma (精霊馬). They’re an eggplant (representing a cow) and a cucumber (representing a horse) with chopsticks stuck inside. Families hope their ancestors will quickly return home on the horse and go back to the spirit world slowly on the cow.
• Welcoming ancestors. On the first day of Obon, revelers light a small fire called an ogara (麻幹). The ghosts of lost family members follow the smoke created by this fire to return to the land of the living.
• Visiting graves. Most families will make some time to visit graves to pay their respects. Cleaning the stones, bringing a family member’s favourite snack or sake and offering water or flowers are all common practices here.
• Saying farewell. On the final day of Obon, it’s time to let go and say goodbye. Families guide the spirits back to the grave with traditional chochin lanterns (提灯). You may also see floating lanterns in a ritual called toro nagashi (灯籠流し). Both are often a bittersweet, moving and nostalgic scene.

Obon Festivals 

• Bon Odori – Obon Dance Festivals. Bon Odori (盆踊り) is a must-see celebration welcoming the spirits of ancestors. You’ll find throngs of revelers and dancers in traditional garb in the streets moving to the beat of taiko drums. The dances vary by region and make for a lively evening of entertainment.

The most popular of these is Gujo Odori (郡上おどり) in Gifu prefecture. The festival is centred around a small group of performers. They sit on a raised platform in the middle of the town. 

You’ll get to witness 10 traditional Odori dances as the party shifts throughout the town from 8pm until daybreak. It’s a truly exciting spectacle. 

Do keep in mind you’ll be among the nearly 30,000 other people in attendance. It may be crowded, but at least you’ll have plenty of chances to speak more Japanese. 

• Okurubi (送り火) Festivals. Okurubi are small fires set to guide the spirits back to the other side. But some regions light massive bonfires along the sea or in the mountains.

Check out Kyoto’s Gozan no Okuribi (五山の送り火) for a mountaintop burn. Or see  Funakko Nagashi (舟っこ流し) in Iwate. There, the names of the dead are written on paper taped to a boat that’s set ablaze in the water.

Learn about Japan with Go Go Nihon  

Want to learn more about traditions like Obon? Read more about Japanese culture and society on our blog and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

The breathtaking mountain can be seen all the way from the bustling capital city of Tokyo to its serene surrounding five lakes, the Asagiri-kogen Highlands, or even as far down as the Nihondaira Ropeway in Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s no wonder why this majestic mountain has become one of the national symbols representing Japan. Let’s take a deeper look at the history of Mount Fuji.

The meaning behind the name

In Japanese, the mountain is referred to as “Fuji-san,” but this isn’t the same honorific suffix attached to people’s names (Hidaka-san, Takizawa-san, etc.). This san is actually a Sino (Chinese)-Japanese reading of the mountain (山, yama) character. Mount Fuji’s roots are deep, as in all the way-back-to-Japan’s-first-written-historical-records deep, and so Fuji-yama (富士山, Fuji mountain) is read as Fuji-san.

Though it’s been an object of fascination for poets and wordsmiths for centuries, the actual meaning is debated. The Kanji for Fuji, 富 (wealth or abundance, pronounced fu) and 士 (samurai or man with status, pronounced ji), is what’s known as an ateji—characters selected because their pronunciations match the syllables of the name

There’s no record of it first being named, but in Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, a 10th century text, it’s said the name comes from “immortal” (不死) as well as from the idea of soldiers ascending the slopes of the mountain. After all, ancient samurai did use the base of the mountain as a remote training area.

Another tale claims Fuji came from “without an equal” (不二, not + two), and yet another claim “neverending” (不尽, not + exhaust). British missionary Bob Chiggleson contended that Fuji’s roots came from the Ainu (northern indigenous peoples) in their word for “fire.” Many differing definitions exist, but perhaps Mount Fuji means all of the above. In Japan’s long and winding history, this mountain has always stood there strong, holding different meanings for anyone who ever stood in awe under its shadow.

The history of Mount Fuji

Its location and aesthetically pleasing shape mean Mount Fuji is well documented in Japan’s history. After 1600 when Tokyo became the capital and people began traveling Tokaido—Japan’s main route of travel back then—many had the opportunity to see the mountain. It’s said that the first ascent was in 663 by a monk and the first ascent by a foreigner was by Sir Rutherford Alcock in 1868.

Thousands of artworks exist, but Hokusai’s 36 Views of Mount Fuji and his One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji, as well as Hiroshige’s 36 Views of Mount Fuji, are a must-see for anyone interested in the art history of mount fuji and what the mountain and its surroundings may have looked like in the past. They’re also an amazing insight into the romantic and hedonistic world of Japan’s Ukiyo-e style of art.

Near present-day Gotemba, there was a training base for Japan’s warrior caste, the samurai. The shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo began archery training there in the Kamakura period in response to the lack of archery skills his samurai had.
The history of Mount Fuji and its symbolism weaves through Japan. Whether it be in travel, art, or even war, it has not and never will be ignored or forgotten.

See, walk, and explore

Hundreds of thousands of people climb Mount Fuji every year, and the most popular time of year is from July to August. From October to May the weather is severely cold and dangerous, so climbing is highly discouraged. Most climb at night in order to catch the sunrise (御来光, goraiko) in the morning.

The climb isn’t the only activity in connection with Mt. Fuji. Scenic areas all over Japan offer a great view in addition to camping and leisure activities, among them the surrounding five lakes: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Motosu (the view on the ¥1000 bill), and Lake Shoji. The possibilities are nearly endless, and each location offers a unique experience.

Perhaps this is why Mount Fuji became such a cultural icon, and why the history of mount fuji is so mesmerizing. Japanese from all different walks of life and time at one point or another stood and looked up at this wondrous mountain in awe. Artists drew, poets wrote, adventurers walked, students studied, and now, people from all over the world fly in to do exactly the same.

Enjoy Mount Fuji yourself

Japan’s tallest volcanic mountain continues to watch its country grow. Now that you know more about the history of Mount Fuji, why not come and be a part of it? Check out Studytrip.com and look out for special activities involving Mount Fuji, like the Shibazakura viewing!

Biwakko Camping

Have you perhaps ever watched the anime Yuru Camp (ゆるキャン△)? If you have, you probably have an idea of what camping in Japan can be like. There are numerous camping spots around Lake Biwa which all offer something a little different. At some places you can rent fishing gear, at others you can go canoeing and swimming. For a summary of the best camping sites as well as links and phone numbers, we recommend the following page (Japanese only).

Many Japanese campsites offer the service of renting all the required gear on the camping spot! However, this often comes with a slightly high price tag so it may be worth considering buying gear and only renting cooking utensils. Some hostels cheaply offer access to a campsite, showers, and restrooms as long as you bring equipment. One example is Biwako J Hoppers.
Remember that camping sites are very popular, especially during autumn and you have to make a booking well in advance!

Spend a day at the beach

If camping is too much of a commitment for you, how about spending a day at the beach, maybe having a barbeque and going for a swim?

Our top recommended destination for having a beach day is Ōmi-maiko. Although Biwa is a lake, not all areas are easily accessible for a dip. Omi-Maiko is the lakes’ most accessible and popular beach, resembling your typical tropical paradise. However, what’s unique about this place is that although it looks like a tropical beach, the water is extremely refreshing and not salty at all, since it’s freshwater! By the way, you can also have a barbeque here, or visit the nearby Hawaiian restaurant for a quick bite.

The beach is very accessible as it’s only a 5-minute walk from Ōmi-maiko station which you can reach with direct trains from Kyoto station.

If you plan to visit this place, just remember that there are no convenience stores nearby so make sure to bring food and water! Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen!

Cycling

Another great summer activity to do at Lake Biwa is to rent a bicycle and go explore places. Especially the upper parts of Lake Biwa (奥琵琶湖, oku-biwako) are ideal for cycling as you can enjoy nature and don’t have to travel through highly trafficked areas with lots of cars.

If cycling sounds fun for you, it’s recommended to get a can of compressed air from a 100-yen shop to fill the tires if the need arises.

If you are a sporty person you can also attempt doing the ビワイチ (biwa-ichi). This refers to making a lap around Lake Biwa and is a popular activity among people living in Kyoto. If you do attempt to do the biwa-ichi, be aware that depending on your physique, this is a trip that can take several days and be quite exhausting. We strongly recommend dividing the trip up into several days and putting aside some time for sightseeing and relaxing in hot springs rather than pedaling all day long.

Oh and one more thing, do not attempt to travel to Lake Biwa from Kyoto by bicycle. This requires you to either make a long complicated detour or pass a mountain range on a narrow highway with many cars, which is dangerous. It’s much better to rent a bicycle at Lake Biwa instead!

Other activities

There are several fun activities you can enjoy year-round besides sightseeing around the lake. If you’re looking for a more relaxing getaway, why not try SUP or a visit to a hot spring?

Bathing in hot springs

After walking or cycling around all day, taking a relaxing bath in an onsen (温泉, hot springs) overlooking the lake is truly amazing. As you might expect, there are many onsens around Lake Biwa that will allow you to be fully submerged in nature. However, they can be a bit hard to reach unless you have a bicycle or car. One accessible recommendation is to try the affordable yumotokan which is about 20 minutes from the Ogoto Onsen station.

SUP experience

Another popular activity is to try paddling on a stand-up board (SUP) in Lake Biwa. For example, you can paddle out to a torii shrine gate shrine engulfed in water near the Shirahige Shrine (which is an incredible shrine to visit on land as well). A quick Google search on “Biwako SUP” will give you lots of options to choose from!

Want more Japan?

Hope you thought that our article on Lake Biwa was interesting! Have you ever visited Lake Biwa before? Do you have some locations that you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

If you are interested in learning Japanese or knowing more about Japanese culture and life in Japan, make sure to follow our blog!

In this article, we will discuss how to get started on your property ownership journey, some rules and restrictions to be mindful of, and a quick rundown on the associated costs of buying property in Japan.

It is also important to mention that we are not experts on the matter, so we strongly recommend getting professional advice from an experienced real estate broker in Japan.

Getting started with buying property in Japan

A foreigner can buy property in Japan just as a Japanese national can. This is also true for buying the land the property building sits on. This means there are no restrictions on visa status when buying property in Japan. Furthermore, there are no expiration dates for the rights to property or real estate, and it is possible to freely buy, sell and inherit property among foreigners in Japan. You also pay the same amount of tax as a Japanese national would.

While this sounds nice and easy on the face of it, there could be a huge hurdle when it comes to securing a home loan in Japan, which we will explain a bit further down.

Additionally, due to many foreigners buying real estate in Japan, there is currently a political movement towards regulating purchases for foreigners. At the time of writing, you may need to report your purchase of property under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Act if you’re not a resident in Japan. This includes submitting a report showing your personal details and the details of the property you’ve bought, within 20 days of purchase.

As mentioned, these things are subject to change so make sure to check the latest information with a real estate broker in Japan.

Required documents

The documents you need when buying property in Japan are straightforward. If you don’t have residency in Japan, all you need is a proof of identity (for example a passport) and an affidavit to validate your ID.

Affidavits must be certified by a notary public in your home country, or by your country’s embassy in Japan. It’s recommended to obtain an affidavit before arriving in Japan to buy property, in case you aren’t able to get one when you’re in Japan.

If you are a Japanese resident (for example, if you are in Japan on a student or working visa), you need to prepare: 

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residence
• Your residence card
• Personal seal (判子, hanko)
• Certificate of seal impression (印鑑登録証明書, inkan tо̄roku shо̄meisho)

Important things to consider

When buying property in Japan, there are some things that are important to keep in mind. 

Use a real estate broker

First of all, most purchases/sales are brokered by a real estate company to prevent any bureaucratic mistakes. Buying property in Japan can be a difficult and expensive process, so it’s always best to work with a trusted real estate broker. Importantly, if you are a foreigner, it’s best to find a broker who is experienced with completing real estate transactions with foreigners, as the process is different from one involving Japanese nationals.

Some of the most popular websites for buying property in Japan are SUUMO, at home and lifull home’s. Note that these websites don’t offer English support. If you can’t read Japanese, one website that may be useful is realestatejapan.

Securing a home loan as a foreigner

Technically, foreigners can obtain a home loan in Japan. However, in reality, actually securing a home loan as a foreigner can be tough. This is because many of Japan’s banks are hesitant to approve home loans for foreigners if they don’t meet certain requirements.

Despite anybody – Japanese resident or not – being able to purchase property in Japan, there is often a requirement from banks for foreign home loan applicants to have Permanent Residency. Failing this, you should have lived in Japan long enough to apply for Permanent Residency, or you need to have a Japanese spouse.

This is on top of other basic prerequisites:

• You should be over 20 years old, but younger than 65
• Have had a stable full-time income for at least one year with an employer, or at least two years’ self-employed
• Be eligible for group credit life insurance (団体信用生命保険 dantai shinyō seimei hoken) – this is the most common type of life insurance available for home loans

There are financial institutions that may approve loans for people without permanent residency status. Please check with your bank for their individual home loan application requirements.

The value of property

Another important thing to know is that buildings in Japan generally depreciate in value over time due to a number of factors including the aging population, slow economic growth, and natural disasters.

This means that on the one hand it is possible to find property cheap, especially in the countryside. But on the other hand, it means that buying property may not be viable as an investment – unless you also purchase the land that the building is built on, since land in Japan doesn’t lose value over time.

Land and the buildings on top of it are separate legal entities in Japan, so you may either hold a freehold title 所有権 shōyūken or a leasehold 借地権 shakuchiken when buying property in Japan.

We won’t be covering the finer details of freehold and leasehold property titles in this article. However, we do recommend you do your own research about property ownership and rights in Japan before buying.

Earthquake-proof housing

Finally, when buying property in Japan you want to make sure that your future home is earthquake resistant. Some rules of thumbs are:
– never buy a property built before 1982. This is due to the homes being built on old earthquake codes. For wood-framed houses, choose a building built after 2000.

– Where is the building located? It is best to avoid buildings built on soft soil such as reclaimed land. Also it may be wise to avoid homes near the sea and rivers.

Associated costs with buying a property

The price for buying a property in Japan varies greatly depending on the location, so it is difficult to give exact figures on the price. It tends to get cheaper the further away you get from the large cities. Some prefectures even pay you to take over an abandoned house (空き家, akiya) in exchange for your written pledge to repair and maintain it.

For information on pricing, we recommend visiting the websites mentioned above and speaking to a broker.

Some associated costs to consider when buying property in Japan are:

Down payment (頭金, atamakin)
When buying a property you’re also required to make a deposit of approximately 5-10% of the total value.

Brokerage fee (仲介手数料, chūkaite sūryō)
Usually around 3-4% as well as a fixed price of around 60.000 yen). This fee is paid in two steps. One half at the time of signing the agreement, and the other half at the time of settlement.

Revenue stamp (収入印紙, shūnyū inshi)
The price of the revenue stamp varies with the cost of the property or real estate you are purchasing. There is also a special mitigation measure by the government that allows you to cut the cost in half when buying a revenue stamp for real estate contracts concluded between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2024. This means that buying a property up to 50 million yen requires a stamp that costs 10.000 yen.

Registration fees (登録費用, tōroku hiyō)
For buying a real estate or a property you also need to pay registration and license tax (登録免許税, tо̄roku menkyo zei) as well as legal service associated fees.

Liquidation fees (清算, seisan)
Finally you also have to cover the expenses that the seller has already paid. This is typically the fixed-property tax (固定資産税, kotei shisan zei) and maintanance fees (管理費, kanri-hi). These fees vary depending on the circumstances.

Helpful words and phrases

Finally, let us introduce you to some helpful vocabulary that might help you in your endeavor buying a property in Japan!

To start off, have you ever seen the word “LDK” before? This is a term often seen when scrolling through websites that list different apartments. LDK means “living, dining and kitchen area. Usually families tend to live in a 2LDK or 3LDK. Other common abbreviations are “1K” (one room with kitchen), or “1DK” (one room with dining area and kitchen). 

Here is some other vocabulary that may be useful to know:

Real estate – 不動産 fudо̄san
Property – 物件 bukken
Real estate agent – 不動産業者 fudо̄san gyо̄sha
Deposit – 保証金 hoshōkin
Loan for buying a house – 住宅ローン, jūtaku rōn
Purchase – 購入する kо̄nyū-suru
Contract – 契約書 keiyaku-sho
Budget – 予算 yosan

That’s it for this time! Did you find the article useful? If you ever bought a property in Japan before, feel free to share your story with us!

We do regular updates about all sorts of cultural things in Japan, as well as about learning the language and daily life here.

If you are interested in more things like this, feel free to follow our blog!

Read on to learn more about what you need to know to pass the JLPT N5 exam!

An introduction to the JLPT

The JLPT has been around since 1984 and it is currently the most widely-taken Japanese language test in the world. 

As well as acting as an indicator of language ability for Japanese employers hiring foreign workers, passing a JLPT exam is also valid for meeting the government’s 150-hour study requirement.

There are five levels of the JLPT, with N5 being the easiest level to pass and N1 being the most difficult. You do not have to pass a certain level before moving onto the next level i.e. you do not have to have passed N5 before you can do the N4 exam.

Each exam tests four things: reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and listening.

In Japan, the exam is normally held twice a year – once in July and once in December. There are many overseas testing sites, but not all of them offer the chance to take the test twice a year.

The official JLPT website has the most updated information on where all the testing sites are and when they offer the chance to take the exam.

Why take the JLPT N5 exam?

Preparing for, and taking, the JLPT N5 exam is a great learning experience and motivator for beginner Japanese language students. It can be challenging getting your head around a new language, so having an exam to work towards can give you structure and learning goals that help take your language skills to the next level.

The N5 isn’t going to land you a job with a Japanese company, but it does demonstrate your ability to understand the building blocks of the language. This foundation is crucial to the success of your Japanese learning journey. 

Let’s also not downplay the sense of achievement you will feel when you pass the exam. It might be a life-long dream of yours to learn Japanese, or you might have Japanese heritage and want to connect with your roots. Whatever your reason for learning Japanese, passing your first JLPT exam is a significant milestone that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

What does the JLPT N5 exam test on?

The N5 tests you on your ability to understand some basic Japanese. What does this mean? You need to be able to:

• Read hiragana and katakana 
• Know about 100 kanji – these will be the most fundamental and common kanji, which you will usually study as a beginner Japanese learner
• Know vocabulary of about 800 words

You should be able to read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. As well as, be able to listen and understand conversations about regular daily life and classroom situations, and be able to pick up necessary information from short conversations spoken slowly. 

All of this is covered in our Akamonkai Beginner Online Course, which gets you JLPT N5-ready in just 12 weeks.

Structure of the exam

The exam has three sections and a time limit is allocated to each.

Vocabulary (20 minutes)

In the vocabulary section, you will be tested on:

• The reading of words in kanji
• Kanji and katakana of words written in hiragana
• The meaning of words defined by context
• Words and expressions with similar meanings

Grammar and reading (40 minutes)

In the grammar and reading section, you will be tested on:

• Grammar formats that best suit sentences
• Accurate sentence composition 
• Suitability of sentences for text flow
• Comprehension of easy text of about 80 characters regarding topics and situations relating to study, everyday life, and work
• Comprehension of easy text of about 250 characters regarding topics about everyday life 
• Ability to retrieve information from materials, such as notices, of around 250 words

Listening (30 minutes)

You will be tested on:

• Able to comprehend necessary information to resolve specific issues and understand the appropriate action to take
• Can narrow down points based on necessary information presented in advance
• Choosing appropriate verbal expressions by listening and looking at illustrations
• Ability to choose the right responses by listening to short phrases, such as questions

Scoring of the exam

To pass any JLPT exam, you need two things:

1. Your total score needs to be at or above the overall points required to pass (the “overall pass mark”) AND
2. Your score in each section must be at or above the points required to pass each section (the “sectional pass mark”)

If you fail to achieve the pass mark for any section, then you fail the entire exam even if you have reached the total overall points needed to pass.

For JLPT N5, the sectional pass marks are as follows:

• Vocabulary, grammar and reading: 38 points
• Listening: 19 points

The overall pass mark is 80 points. (max is 180 points)

Registering for the exam

If you’re in Japan and would like to register for the JLPT N5, you can apply online about three to four months before the scheduled exam date. You can read more about the process in our article here.

If you’re not in Japan, you will need to find your local test site and register with them directly. You can find a list of overseas test sites on the official JLPT website.

The fee you need to pay will differ depending on location and the level you’re taking.

Preparing for the JLPT N5 

Whether you are learning Japanese at a language school, taking an online course, or self-learning, the best piece of advice we can give you to pass your JLPT N5 exam is to study, study, and study more. 

How long it takes you to master the requirements of this exam is like asking how long a piece of string is: everyone is different and learns differently. 

Do practice tests

Put the things you learn into practice. Do as many practice tests as you can get your hands on. Some free resources include:

• JLPT website 
• JLPT Sensei
• Japanesetest4you
• Kanji123 (focused on testing kanji)
• NHK Todai app – Apple, Google Play

You can buy the official practice book, which is released by the same organization that creates and administers the JLPT. 

Other JLPT N5 prep books, such as those created by the likes of Nihongo Sou Matome, Shin Nihongo, and TRY! will also have practice questions.

Try to mimic the actual exam environment when doing practice tests. This means keeping to the time limit, not getting distracted, and don’t cheat or look things up. Testing like this is also a great way to know where gaps in your knowledge are and where you need to put in more work.

Study Japanese in Japan

Studying Japanese at a language school in Japan is by far one of the best ways to learn the language and prepare for your JLPT exam. If you have the means to, nothing beats immersive learning in the country where the language is spoken. Going to class every day and interacting with the language all the time means you will reach learning milestones quickly.

Go! Go! Nihon helps you to apply for language schools in Japan and all our school partners offer courses for beginners. Many also support their students in working towards JLPT exams. 

Visit our schools page to see the institutions we partner with across Japan, and get in touch if you would like to begin your application. 

Take an online course

Online courses are a great cost-effective option to prep for JLPT exams for those who aren’t studying at a Japanese language school. 

Go! Go! Nihon’s 12-week beginner course, taught in partnership with Akamonkai Japanese Language School, will help you master all JLPT N5 essentials in around 150 hours of study. This course is designed for complete beginners, you can do it at your own pace, and it costs a fraction of what language school fees in Japan cost. 

Visit the course website for more information and to sign up.

What to expect on the day of the exam 

Prior to the exam day, you will receive a test voucher from the organizers. This voucher will dictate which room you’re in on exam day.

In the exam room, you will only be allowed your writing utensils on your desk. Normally you will only be allowed to use a pencil to record your answers. You can also have a watch, but it must be analog. We recommend you bring a watch, as there may not be any clocks in the room.

There will be short breaks between each section of the exam, which you can use to go to the toilet, go outside for a breather, or have some food and drink. 

When the exam is finished, you will wait until all test papers have been collected before you can leave the room.

Note that this is just a general overview of the process if you’re taking the JLPT in Japan. Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.

When to expect your results

If you’re taking the test in Japan, you can expect your results in about two months. You can view your results through the JLPT online portal.

Those taking the exam outside of Japan can expect results in two to three months, although details will vary by country.

Ace your JLPT N5 with Go! Go! Nihon

The JLPT N5 may be the easiest JLPT exam to take, but it’s a great way to drill in those essential basics of the language. Passing the exam is also a nice achievement that you can be proud of.

As mentioned, Go! Go! Nihon offers support for applying to Japanese language schools in Japan. We also offer a range of online courses in partnership with some of the best language schools in Japan.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, or to begin your application!

From ancient festivals, delicious food, and rare opportunities to experience the great outdoors. There are plenty of unique reasons to book your trip to Japan in July that you won’t come across anywhere else – read on to find out more.

Japanese summer activities

Coming in at the tail end of the rainy season, it might surprise you that there are many summer activities you can only enjoy outdoors in July. The locals don’t let the idea of rain stop them from having a good time, and neither should you!

No matter where or what time you visit in July, there are bound to be a few Japanese festivals for you to attend! Let’s explore the most popular ones.

Experience Japanese matsuri

A Japan experience is incomplete without going to a few festivals. Luckily for those who are in Japan during the summer, as mentioned above there are plenty of festivals, or matsuri (祭), to choose from!

Typical Japanese summer festivals include the Bon Odori (盆踊り), bon dance, and fireworks festivals, with world-famous firework displays. All of which you can experience while wearing yukata (浴衣). A more casual and lighter version of the kimono (着物) that is worn in summer.

The major summer festivals include the Gion matsuri in Kyoto and Tenjin matsuri in Osaka. As well as Nebuta matsuri in Aomori and the Tanabata star festival celebrated all around the country. If dance is more your thing, then there are several Awa Odori (阿波踊り) festivals that take place throughout Japan in July. The largest in Tokyo is the Koenji Awa Odori, where more than 10,000 dancers take to the streets to entertain hordes of onlookers.

For a Japan summer event with a younger vibe, there are music festivals like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic. These concerts are summer seasonal and offer a more electric, less traditional festive atmosphere.

One thing that you’ll find at all of the above-mentioned festivals, is a variety of delicious food stalls selling summer limited dishes.

Eat summer food

As temperatures soar within Japan in July, so does the amount of kakigōri (かき氷) consumed. This shaved ice treat is hugely popular across Japan during the warmer months. Kakigori is simple and sweet, consisting of shaved ice, syrup, and a sweetener. More elaborate versions include toppings like red bean, fruit, and dango (sweet dumplings made out of sticky rice).

Another popular summer food is nagashi sōmen. Sōmen are thin flour noodles and nagashi somen involves catching the noodles with your chopsticks as they float down a bamboo waterslide. You can also order regular somen at restaurants if you don’t want to try and catch it!

Other cherished summer foods in Japan include watermelon, grilled freshwater fish, and a cold ramen noodle dish called hiyashi chuka (冷やし中華).

Drink at beer gardens and eat BBQ

If you have already been to a few festivals, an alternative for those of legal drinking age (20 in Japan) is beer gardens. These beer gardens pop up all over the place in summer, especially on rooftops of shopping malls and in parks. It’s common to go with a large group and eat BBQ while enjoying all-you-can-drink packages (飲み放題, nomihōdai). Festive and tasty, it’s something everyone needs to do at least once if they come to Japan in July.

Go for a dip

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Japan has some really beautiful beaches, with Okinawa offering up some of the best for swimming in. If you’re in Tokyo, don’t expect to find as pristine beaches like you would in Okinawa. But, venture a little bit further out to the Izu peninsula and you will find some decent spots that you can dip into.

If you don’t want to go that far out to be near the water, you can visit one of the several fun water parks located around Japan. Yomiuri Land, Toshimaen, and Spa Resort Hawaiians are some of the most famous ones.

Note that many beaches and water parks in Japan forbid tattoos, so please check before going. If you do have tattoos, you will need to cover them up. 

Places to visit in July in Japan

July offers more than just festivals, food, and fireworks though. There are special outings unique to Japan that can only be enjoyed during the summer months. From endless lavender fields to hiking an active volcano in the dark, there is an adventure to be found for everyone, everywhere!

Climb Mt Fuji Day Trip

While technically an activity packed into a trip – adding climbing Mt Fuji to your summer itinerary, is an experience you likely will never forget. The climbing season for Japan’s beloved icon usually starts in July and ends at the beginning of September. This is the best and safest time to climb Japan’s most photogenic volcano. All the facilities will be open and, the weather will be more stable. 

Visit Hokkaido

While this northern prefecture is best known for its snow, it can be unbearable to visit during winter for those who don’t like the cold. But if you go during summer, you get pleasant temperatures and good conditions for tackling the area’s diverse hiking trails. Hokkaido is also famous in summer for its stunning lavender fields.

Get your summer study on!

Take a time out from the July heat, and take advantage of a golden opportunity offered in Japan, try your hand at studying Japanese.

Prepare for the JLPT

If you arrive in July,  you will have 6 months to prepare to take the winter JLPT exam, which is in December. Or, if you need more time, you will have one year to prepare for the summer JLPT exam in July. Studying Japanese in Japan will help you better prepare for the test. You will be fully immersed in Japanese through school and your daily life.

Enjoy Japan’s other seasons

There are plenty of reasons to come to Japan in July. Many of Go Go Nihon’s partner schools offer July terms, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to study Japanese while experiencing summer in Japan.

Coming to Japan in July to study long-term, will allow you to experience the country’s other seasons too. In particular autumn with the beautiful changing of leaves. If you stay until spring, you will also experience sakura, or cherry blossom season with cherry blossom festivals.

If you’re unsure about studying long-term, why not try one of our Study Trip courses? Study Japanese for a short time while also taking part in fun cultural activities. Visit our website to find out more!

To read more about Japanese culture, seasonal activities, and more make sure to follow our blog.

In this article, we will introduce how to take a taxi in Japan, where to get one, how much they generally cost, as well as some helpful apps and phrases for taking a taxi. Read on if you want to learn more! 

How to find a taxi

Finding a way to take a taxi in Japan isn’t too hard, especially if you are in a city. Below are some ways of finding a taxi in Japan.

Taxi Stands

One of the easiest ways to take a taxi in Japan is to look for designated taxi stands. These can be found at major train stations, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. These stands are usually marked with signs that say “TAXI” or “タクシー” in Japanese. When you arrive at a taxi stand, simply do as the Japanese do, stand in line and wait for the next available taxi.

On the street

If you’re not near a taxi stand, you can also hail a taxi on the street by raising your hand. Taxis in Japan have a sign on their roof that says “空車” (kūsha), which means “available” in Japanese. When you see a taxi with this sign, simply wave your hand to signal the driver that you want to ride.

Booking by phone

If you are in the countryside or somewhere far away from public transport, another option is to book a taxi in advance by phone. Most taxi companies in Japan have English-speaking operators available, so you can easily make a reservation even if you don’t speak Japanese. Keep in mind that booking a taxi in advance may be more expensive than hailing one on the street.

Using Taxi Apps

You can also download one of the popular apps to take a taxi in Japan. Some of the most popular ones include Japan Taxi, Uber, and DiDi. These apps allow you to easily hail a taxi and track its arrival in real time. Simply download the app from either google play or apple store, create an account, enter your destination, and wait for a taxi to arrive.

Do note however that ride-sharing apps like Uber aren’t as common in Japan as they are in some other countries, so your best bet may be to use the Japan Taxi app.

How much does it cost to take a taxi in Japan? 

Just like in most countries, to take a taxi in Japan fares can be quite expensive compared to other forms of transportation. If we forget about private companies such as Uber for a moment, the exact cost varies depending on a number of factors. Some factors are:

Time of day – a late night surcharge of around 20% is added between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Fares – Any highway fares incurred are paid by the rider
Distance traveled – generally costs 400-750 yen for the first one or two kilometers, and after that an additional 80-100 yen per 200-400 meters or 1 minute of waiting time. This depends on the taxi company and location.

Note that there are sometimes fixed prices on certain popular routes such as to and from airports.

Regarding payments, nowadays it is often possible to pay with a credit card, and sometimes even with an IC-card such as SUICA or PASMO. However, if you are in Okinawa, Hokkaido, or a rural area it is suggested to have cash ready as it may not be possible to pay with other means. If you pay in cash, avoid paying with large bills if possible. 

Oh, and tipping the taxi driver is not a thing in Japan!

Etiquette and essential phrases for riding a taxi in Japan

First of all, let’s quickly make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to etiquette when you take a taxi in Japan. The first thing to remember is that you are not supposed to open or close the door by yourself. Leave this to the taxi driver. Also, make sure to stand on the correct side of the road when hailing a taxi!

Phrases commonly used when you take a taxi in Japan:

〇〇に行きたいんですが。
〇〇ni ikitain desu ga.
I want to go to 〇〇.

どれぐらいかかりますか。
Dore gurai kakarimasu ka.
How long will it take?

〇〇まではいくらですか。
〇〇made wa ikura desu ka.
How much does it cost to go to 〇〇?

If you have the address written on a piece of paper or on your phone, you can show it and say:
この住所までお願いします。
Kono jūsho made onegaishimasu.
Take me to this address, please.

ここ(まで)で大丈夫です。
Koko (made) de daijо̄bu desu.
You can stop here.

クレジットカードで払えますか。
Kurejitto-kādo de haraemasu ka.
Can I pay with a credit card?

Alternatives to riding a taxi in Japan

If you are over 18 years old, and either have a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) you can also rent a car in Japan. Renting a car is a great way if you want to tailor your own trip. It can also be downright more affordable than traveling with, for example, the bullet train (新幹線, shinkansen) if you travel with friends and share the cost. 

The rates are typically around 5000 yen for a subcompact car, 7500 yen for a compact car, 10.000 yen for a regular car, and 20.000 yen for a van. You also have to pay highway fares and gasoline costs!

If renting a car isn’t an option, the best alternative may be to simply take public transport. Japan has one of the largest and best public transport networks in the world, and it is really convenient to use! Read more on how to travel by train in Japan here.

We hope this article is helpful for the next time you need to take a taxi in Japan!

We do regular updates about all sorts of cultural things in Japan, as well as about learning the language and daily life here. Feel free to follow our blog!

Why should you take this course?

The Japanese slang course offered by Go! Go! Nihon is one of the most extensive and informative of its kind. The lessons are tailored for learners who are familiar with beginner-level Japanese, approximately N5 and N4 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). But no worries, if you’re a complete beginner, we recommend checking out the 12-week beginner online Japanese course. If you’re not sure which level you are at, take a free level test before joining this course.

What you’ll learn

This course aims to equip learners with the necessary skills to engage in casual conversations and understand common slang used by young people in Japan. By delving into casual speech, you will be able to further develop conversational abilities and interact with friends and family.

In this course, you will learn:

• Over 130 vocabulary words commonly used among young people, including Japanese slang, sentence forms, and sentence endings that are common in casual speech and how you use them in contexts.
• How casual speech differs from polite speech. 
• Difference between spoken casual speech and written casual speech. 

By the end of the course, you will be able to understand what people are talking about in casual speech, enabling you to understand youth culture in Japan. As well as read, write, and converse in casual Japanese.

Benefits of the course

One of the most beneficial things about this course is each lesson has videos featuring TAKASHii from Japan, which will lead students through how to listen and speak naturally. Along with that, there are several other benefits:

Flexible Online Learning

This online course provides learners with the flexibility to study anytime and anywhere. As long as learners have a computer and a stable internet connection, they can access the course material and progress at their own pace. The self-paced nature of the course allows learners to fit their studies into their busy schedules.

Quizzes and Community Interaction

While the course does not include live classes, there are interactive quizzes at the end of each lesson. Learners can check what Japanese slang they learned after each lesson, and keep practicing. This ensures that learners can achieve a complete understanding of slang in Japan. Additionally, learners have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with both the native Japanese-speaking teacher and fellow students through the course community. This collaborative environment fosters engagement and provides learners with a support system throughout their learning journey.

Course Completion and Certification

To receive a certificate of completion, learners must successfully finish all the lessons in the course. The certificate serves as a testament to your commitment and achievement in mastering informal language and Japanese slang skills.

All of these benefits and features of this course cost 8,000 yen, intending to be completed in a week by studying for 2 hours a day. The course is available for three months after the purchase date. The total cost of this course is much lower than taking Japanese courses in person, or private lessons, and there are no hidden fees or extra material costs.

_{*Note: this course is currently taught in English only.} 

How to sign up

Go over to our course website, you will find the Japanese slang course and can register from there. This course offers a free trial so you can see what the course looks like in more detail, before purchasing. You will also find more information about the course curriculum and some FAQs as well. In case you have any further unanswered questions, reach out to our team by contact form.

We hope you decide to continue your Japanese language journey with us and enjoy the course!

If you watch different genres of anime, you have most likely noticed that every fandom has its own set of specific vocabulary not seen elsewhere. From One Piece (ワンピース) to Violet Evergarden (バイオレットエヴァーガーデン), almost every anime is guilty of adding nonsensical phrases and over-the-top lines to give anime characters personality. 

Today we will look at some examples of what kind of Japanese is typical for anime Japanese and compare it to real life Japanese. Read on to learn more!

Why is Japanese in anime different from real life Japanese?

If you are using anime to learn Japanese, it’s important to understand that Japanese in anime does not always reflect the language that is spoken in real life. Some reasons that anime characters may use uncommon vocabulary are:

Time period: If the storyline is set during the Edo period or other older periods, then it makes sense for the characters to use terminology common during that era.

Personality: To lift a certain personality trait such as making a character cuter, it is common to let them use certain words and speak in a certain way.

Setting: If the anime takes place, within the aristocratic quarters of a foreign country, the writers may reflect this by using over-the-top formal Japanese.

Nationality: When the character is a non-native Japanese, this is often reflected by letting the character speak Japanese like a three-year-old with a catastrophic intonation.

Some characteristics of Japanese in anime

Creating fiction such as manga and anime is all about being creative, not least with the language. In this way, new ways of speaking unique Japanese are born with every new work. Let’s take a look at some examples from different franchises on how Japanese in anime differs from real-life Japanese!

Adding a nonsensical sentence-final word

More often than not you will find that anime characters end their sentences with something that makes the character unique but doesn’t make sense in a real-life context. The most famous example is probably Naruto adding “Dattebayo” (だってばよ), which doesn’t mean anything.

Here are some lines from some anime characters in different franchises, and what their counterpart is in regular Japanese:

Example 1: Beatrice from Re:zero kara hajimaru isekai seikatsu (episode 36)

Beatrice tends to add the sentence-final particle “-kashira”, which is the more feminine version of “kana”. The word adds uncertainty to the statement and is often translated as “I wonder”.

Dō suru tsumori kashira.
どうするつもりかしら。
What do you intend to do? (I wonder).

Note that this sounds weird because Beatrice is saying this directly to Subaru, but in reality, using kashira in this way makes it sound like she is talking to herself. Here is what you would say in day-to-day Japanese:

Dō suru tsumori nano.
どうするつもりなの？
What do you intend to do?

Example 2: Bartolomeo from One Piece Film: Red

Bartolomeo has the stereotype of a “country bumpkin” with a unique speech style where he ends his sentences with “-be” or “-dabe”. This is a copula that originates from northeastern Japanese dialects.

Shitteta nara hayaku itte hoshikatta be!
知ってたなら早く言って欲しかったべ！
If you knew it I wish you would’ve told me sooner!

While using “da be” isn’t completely obsolete, and for example still somewhat common among male youth in Yokohama, it is probably nothing you wouldn’t say unless you were in a very specific situation. The equivalent in regular Japanese is:

Shitteta nara hayaku itte hoshikatta’n da!
知ってたなら早く言って欲しかったんだ！
If you knew it I wish you would’ve told me sooner!

Using Japanese that is over-the-top

Another thing you often encounter in spoken Japanese in anime and manga is the usage of exaggerated language. The purpose is to strengthen the image of a certain stereotype such as a “bad-boy” or an “aristocrat”. Note that this kind of Japanese is not technically wrong, it’s just Japanese that you would very rarely use in a real-life context unless you maybe want to pick a fight with someone.

Let’s look at some examples!

Example 1: Yamato from One Piece (episode 1057)

In this episode, a female character says the following line:
Nakama da to omowanaide kure.
仲間だと思わないでくれ。
Don’t think of me as your ally.

This is technically not wrong in any way, but using the word “kure” instead of “kudasai” gives it a condescending tone, and I would not recommend using this word even towards your best friends.

Example 2: Ken Ryūguji from Tokyo Revengers (episode 3)

The following line is spoken when the protagonist tries to save his friend from a bully.
Dare ni mukatte kuchi kiite’n da yo.
誰に向かって口きいてんだよ。
Who do you think you are talking to?

What makes this sentence sound so aggressive is the suffix “da yo”. Using this word in itself is no problem.

For example, there is nothing weird in saying
Kyō wa nichiyōbi da yo. (今日は日曜日だよ, today is Sunday). 

However, using “da yo” when questioning another person sounds very aggressive and is not recommended in any circumstance.

Example 3: Violet from Violet Evergarden (episode 1)

Finally, let’s take a quick look at how Violet from Violet Evergarden speaks Japanese.

First of all, Violet is seen as an “elegant lady”, by her excessive usage of keigo (敬語, formal Japanese). Of course, keigo is widely used in Japan, but what makes it unnatural is the excessive use, and how she uses it towards anyone, even small children.

Furthermore, Violet is also portrayed as an automaton doll with difficulties understanding human feelings. One example is:

Taipu-raitaa nara sōsa-kanō desu.
タイプライターなら操作可能です。
I’m able to operate a typewriter

The excessive use of jukugo (熟語, words consisting of two- or more kanji) makes the sentence sound like written Japanese which you would typically find in an essay. Excessive usage of jukugo instead of regular words is a common practice within fiction to portray non-human characters such as robots, or AI who lack human emotions. A more natural way of saying the same sentence would be:

Taipu-raitaa nara sōsa-dekimasu.
タイプライターなら操作できます。
I can use a typewriter.

Unusual first and second-person pronouns

Finally, let’s take a look at how anime characters use first and second-person pronouns. First person pronouns are ways to address oneself (I, me) and there are a lot of them in Japanese. Some common examples are watashi (私), boku (僕), and ore (俺)

Second-person pronouns are as you may have guessed, ways to address another person (You). Some common examples are anata (貴方), kimi (君), and omae (お前).

Before we continue, it needs to be said that the most common way to address a person in Japan is by avoiding the word “you” altogether and instead use the person’s name together with an honorific such as -san (さん), -kun (君), -chan (ちゃん) or sama (様). If you want to know more about honorifics, check out our article here!

Different pronouns have different nuances in Japanese. That is one reason why there are so many of them. For example, using atashi instead of watashi makes you sound more feminine. Using omae instead of the person’s name makes it sound more rough or confrontational.

However, there are a lot of different pronouns that are rare in day-to-day Japanese. For example see the following sentence by a female character, Power, from Chainsaw Man (Episode 5).

Akuma-me, washi ni bibitte ukiyatta wai.
悪魔め、わしにビビッて浮きやったわい。
Damn demon, got scared of me and started floating.

Here we have the pronoun washi which is rarely heard in day-to-day Japanese and is a pronoun used by older men towards people of the same rank or lower. Similarly, the suffix wai is not modern Japanese and is most commonly used by fictional characters of old age.

Here are some other examples of stereotyped pronouns in anime.

First-person pronouns:

Warawa (妾 / 童) – Used to portray a “mistress”.
Sessha (拙者) – Used by samurais as a first pronoun.
Wagahai (吾輩) – Commonly used to portray animals and has a nuance of self-importance. Another word often used is oira (おいら).
Yo (余) – Used to portray a character of very high status such as a king.
Kochitora (此方人等) – Used during the Edo-period as either “I” or “we”, but is nowadays sometimes used to portray thugs or yakuza.

Second-person pronouns:

Soregashi (某) – Commonly used to portray a samurai. Another word that is often used for this purpose is sonata (其方)
Onore (己) – An aggressive or rude way to address someone
Onushi (お主) – Used in large variations in fiction by animals, wizards, and celestial beings, among others.
Kiden (貴殿) – a respectful way to address someone among nobles
Nanji (汝) – Used by ancient beings such as gods or ancestors

Learn more Japanese with Go! Go! Nihon

The topic of Japanese in anime is vast, and it is impossible to cover the entire scope of differences from day-to-day Japanese. But we hope that you have gotten an understanding of what kind of differences are common. If you can come up with other examples, share them below!

If you want to learn real Japanese and speak with real people, we offer a completely free service to help you take a language trip to Japan and study Japanese at one of our partner language schools. For more information, contact us today!

If you want to learn more about Japanese culture or life in Japan – feel free to follow our blog!

Affordable restaurants

If the goal is to eat your fill for the cheapest possible price, there are some chain restaurants that are recommended. Here you won’t find any McDonald’s or anything like that – they are comparatively expensive and you can easily find way cheaper, and arguably more delicious, food in Japan! 

Below are some recommendations:

Hanamaru Udon (はなまるうどん)

I always get baffled when I enter Hanamaru Udon and see the cheap prices. Hanamaru Udon lets you create your own udon dish by adding toppings to your udon.

It works like this: you grab a tray and tongs, select the toppings you want to add (such as tempura), then go to the counter and choose the size of the udon bowl you want. The cheapest one, kake-udon (udon noodles served in a light dashi broth) only costs 105 yen! Add a couple of toppings and you will still be below 400 yen! Best of all, it is really delicious and keeps you full!

Gyōza no Ohshō (餃子の王将)

One of my go-to places after classes was Gyōza no Ohshō. The restaurant serves a plate of delicious Gyōza (餃子, dumplings) for under 300 yen, and they have a lot of other dishes for cheap prices as well. Definitely a huge recommendation if you want to eat cheap but delicious food. 

Ramen Jirō  (ラーメン二郎)

If you are the kind of person that can eat A LOT of food, Ramen Jirō has you covered. For the price of 850 yen you get a standard ramen bowl, which would translate to an XXXL bowl anywhere else in the world. If you eat lunch here, you probably won’t feel hungry for dinner. 

Sukiya (すき家)

Most people already know about Sukiya (and the other gyūdon 牛丼 fast-food restaurants such as Matsuya and Yoshinoya). However, my personal recommendation is Sukiya, simply because their toppings (especially the garlic one) make the gyūdon dish so much tastier. 

For those who don’t know what gyūdon is, it is basically a bowl of rice topped with slices of beef and onions. It is extremely popular among both Japanese people and foreigners because it’s so cheap, easy to make, and delicious!

Also, you may want to confirm this yourselves, but I heard from a Japanese friend who worked part-time at a Sukiya restaurant that ordering a smaller bowl twice rather than one large bowl, gives you more meat for the same price. Typically I would order a namimori (並盛 regular size) for 400 yen, and then if I still feel hungry, order a second one.

Family restaurants

While not the cheapest option on the list, family restaurants can still be worthwhile to visit if you are a student. The beauty of family restaurants is that you can spend an afternoon there and study with your friends. They tend to have a cheap drink bar with unlimited soft drinks such as coffee and lemonade. If you don’t want to have a full meal they also have bar dishes and desserts that fill your stomach for a below-average price.

Some examples of good family restaurants are: Gusto (ガスト), Saizeriya サイゼリヤ, Jonathan’s (ジョナサン) and Bikkuri Donkey (びっくりドンキー)

University cafeterias

This is a huge one. Many people don’t know about this, but most university campuses are open for the public to visit. That includes their lunch restaurants as well, making them a great option to find cheap food in Japan.

The lunch prices are adapted to fit student needs, and thus you often get a large variety of exquisite foods for a really cheap price. For example, I remember that at Kyoto University you could get a set meal with curry rice and a side dish for 399 yen, or a yasai itame (野菜炒め, fried vegetables with slices of meat and a topping) for 299 yen.

Furthermore, campuses in Japan are usually really pretty and definitely worth checking out, so why not explore university life in Japan while having an affordable meal?

Street food stalls

Street food stalls, or Yatai (屋台) are most common in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, but smaller cities have their share as well. If you happen to find one, I strongly recommend checking out their assortment. Most often the food is actually really cheap!

I remember one time when I was out in the middle of the night wandering aimlessly because I missed the last train, and randomly found a yatai serving huge portions of okonomiyaki for only 500 yen. It was a godsend.

If you want to know more about street food in Japan, check out our in-depth article here.

Half price lunch boxes

Finally, another very common practice among students to find cheap food in Japan is to aim for hangaku bentō (半額弁当, half-price lunch boxes). Basically, almost every supermarket and convenience store sells lunch boxes in Japan. There is sushi, tonkatsu, karaage, steaks, curry – anything really!

These are already affordable during regular hours. But if you really want to cash in, you wait until after dinner time (usually around 8 o’ clock but it varies from store to store). That’s when the stores discount their remaining bento boxes that weren’t sold during the day.

By the way, when in the store, keep an eye out for stickers like “3割引” (san-waribiki, 30% off) or “5割引” (go-waribiki, 50% off). Japanese people tend to use the kanji “割” for discounts, and 1割 is equal to 10%.

Did you enjoy reading about cheap dining options in Japan? If you have any further recommendations for cheap food in Japan, feel free to share your knowledge below!

If you want to learn more about Japanese culture or life in Japan – feel free to follow our blog!

But did you know these benefits can also support studies at foreign schools?
Read on to learn how to use your GI Bill in Japan!

Can the GI Bill be used in Japan?

The short answer is yes, you can use the GI Bill in Japan to study!

Military members have been using the GI Bill for decades to study around the globe. But, it can be hard to find information about using these benefits in countries like Japan where English is not spoken. Until now, that is.

Before grabbing your passport and booking a ticket, it is good to know about certain limitations. Schools in Japan might only accept one or two of the five common benefits of the GI Bill.

Types of GI Bill and how they can be used to Study in Japan

Post-9/11 GI Bill was made for active duty military members who have served at least 90 days after September 10, 2001 and their families. This bill can be used for up to 36 months. It also has a living allowance and a supplies stipend.

The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty is available after at least two years of active duty. This benefit is paid to students directly once a month. Similar to the post-9/11 GI bill, there is up to 36 months of coverage for tuition and fees.

The Montgomery GI Bill – Selective Reserve is similar to the active duty bill. This benefit is paid directly to students and offered only to selected reserve members. This includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard. 

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program for the families of a service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities. There are specific requirements by the VA to be eligible for this program.

Veteran Readiness and Employment are only available to U.S. military veterans. The VA pays the tuition, fees, and book expenses directly to the school for approved coursework.

After checking enrollment and payment information, you may discover that the GI Bill will not cover the entire amount required. There are other ways to finance your studies. The Yellow Ribbon Program is one example. This program can help cover expenses if the benefits of the GI Bill in Japan run out.

Yellow ribbon program

Schools that join in this program sign an agreement and give additional funds which the VA then matches. This covers tuition, fees, and monthly housing allowance.

Unfortunately, not all students are eligible for this program, and not all schools offer it. Make sure to confirm information about eligibility with the correct financial aid officials at the school before applying.

Benefits of Using the GI Bill to Study in Japan

The good news is, going to university in Japan is generally cheaper than going to a university in the U.S.

You can receive a high-quality education while enjoying the benefits of attending a foreign school. These benefits include cultural immersion, learning a new language, and in Japan’s case, affordable national health insurance. Meaning more of your GI Bill will be available for nicer housing and better school supplies. An added plus is that your GI Bill in Japan is less likely to run out before you finish studying.

How much cheaper is getting a degree in Japan than in the U.S.?Tuition fees in Japan are around US$6240 per academic year. Meaning a four-year degree program can cost around $25,000. In contrast, pursuing the same degree in the U.S. can exceed $102,828. This makes studying with your GI Bill in Japan a more attractive option, potentially saving students an average of $77,000 in total expenses.

What to Look for in Japanese Schools

You might be ready to hop on a plane and start your academic adventure in Japan. However, there are a few key points American students should consider when looking for the best schools:

1. Check that the foreign university has recognization in the U.S. Department of Education—that way you can find employment in either country after graduation.

2. If you do not speak Japanese fluently yet, a school that offers courses in both English and Japanese would be beneficial. As well as one that offers English support in case of emergency.

3. Application timing is also important! What time of year can you enroll in the program? Can you get all of the required application documents ready by then?

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

APU, located in Beppu, is known for its diverse environment and offers bachelor’s degree programs in various fields such as international relations, business, and environmental science.

If you’re looking for a trusted, recognized, and English friendly university in Japan, look no further, APU is the one for you. Boasting courses in both English and Japanese, you can learn the language while getting your degree. The best part is, APU accepts GI Bill benefits. If you want to know more about APU and which benefits of the GI Bill in Japan are applicable, contact our team.

Typical application process

Keep this checklist around when you are ready to apply to a Japanese university with GI Bill benefits.

Read more about finding a Japanese language school here. 

• Inquiry: contact the school directly or the Go! Go! Nihon team about any of our partnered universities. You never want to skip out on getting the right help to find entry requirements and more information on using your GI Bill in Japan.
• Gather the Required Documents for your application: academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of English or Japanese language proficiency. Additionally, gather the documents needed for the GI Bill application. Such as your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Letter of Benefits from the VA.
• Submit Your Application: Complete the university’s application form and submit it.
• Await Admissions Decision: After applying, the university will review it and notify you of its decision within a specified timeframe.
• Confirm your enrollment and GI benefits. If accepted, notify the university’s financial aid office of your intent to use the benefits of the GI Bill in Japan.

Ready to start studying in Japan?

Currently, there are only some schools and programs that accept the GI Bill in Japan. However, the list is constantly changing.

Go! Go! Nihon partners with several language schools, vocational schools, and universities in Japan to help students around the globe study and live their best lives in Japan. Contact us for the most up to date information about schools and their GI Bill participation.

To read more about life in Japan, follow our Go! Go! Nihon blog. 

Four seasons

Japan is known for being a country with four distinct seasons. This is mostly true, with the islands ranging from the subtropical Okinawa in the south to the temperate Hokkaido in the north, but there are a lot more microclimates too. In particular, the Summer (June to August) is often split between humid and rainy, or hot and sunny.

Hokkaido isn’t really affected by the rainy season, although that’s not to say it doesn’t rain at all. On the other end of it, Okinawa gets rain almost a month earlier with the season starting in early May. Be sure to check when the rainy season is depending on where you are traveling. There are a few other tips that’ll help you make the most out of Japan’s rainy season.

Be prepared

Rain isn’t the most enjoyable, but Japan is well-prepared and helps you to be too. The first item you are likely to need is an umbrella. Almost all konbini stock cheap transparent umbrellas for around 500-800 yen. They’re good quality and you won’t truly belong in Japan until you get your own.

Carrying an umbrella around doesn’t have to be inconvenient either. Most shops, restaurants, and offices will have a stand outside or at the entrance so you don’t have to carry it with you when you’re inside. Some larger shops even have special custom umbrella bags that you can put your wet umbrella in so you don’t make a mess.

As Japan’s rainy season falls in the summer months, it means it’s also pretty hot and it can be very humid and muggy. So as well as having your umbrella to hand, it’s important to dress properly. Layers are key here and as with everything, follow the lead of the Japanese to see what works best. Kit yourself out in airy, loose clothes, short sleeves, and a light jacket for when it cools down in the evening and you’ll soon feel like a local. Alongside this, you’ll want to make sure you have a good pair of boots to keep your feet dry and you’re good to go.

Enjoy the greenery

Japan’s rainy season isn’t all bad though. Lots of water is welcomed by farmers and gardeners alike and you wouldn’t have the beautiful lush green landscapes that make the Japanese countryside so distinctive without it.

One of the most distinguished plants that benefit from rain is the Hydrangea. Known as Ajisai (あじさい) in Japanese, it is considered a symbol of the rainy season and was in fact first discovered in Japan. There’s no better place to see them than at Meigetsuin Temple in Kamakura. It’s sometimes even called Ajisaidera or Hydrangea temple. With the glorious grounds covered in these magnificent plants, the rainy season is when they come in to bloom and there’s a sea of blue flowers. It certainly adds to the tranquillity and peacefulness of this Zen temple.

Something else that benefits greatly from all the rain is a bit more obvious: rice. Being at the core of almost every Japanese meal, this makes it an important crop. Around 85% of all farms in Japan plant rice yearly, making up a large proportion of the farmed landscape each year. The rice grown is semi-aquatic, meaning it needs to be grown in flooded fields. Irrigation can be costly so a wet rainy season makes for the best crops and is particularly important for smaller farmers.

Changing the weather

Depending on whether you love it or hate it, some say you may be able to change it. There is a small ghost-like doll called the teru teru bozu (てるてる坊主), that you may have spotted hiding around windows on farms or people’s properties. This is a talisman traditionally used to bring good weather, and if it works, it’s rewarded with lashings of holy sake before being set free to wash downstream in a local waterway. While most of us would prefer sunnier weather, sometimes rain is needed (or maybe you just like it). In this instance, the doll is hung upside down for the desired effect.

Why not explore Japan during the rainy season? You may be pleasantly surprised about what you find, just make sure you come prepared!

For more information about Japanese culture keep following our Go! Go! Nihon blog.

Setting up a side business in Japan is not as hard as you may think, and can be a great way to earn some extra income while studying. 

Read on to learn more about this below!

Before you start

The first thing we need to mention is we are not experts in this particular subject matter and the information in this article is subject to change. If you are serious about setting up an online or side business in Japan, we always recommend getting the latest information from an immigration lawyer or the immigration bureau of Japan.

In order to get started, you need to apply for permission to open up a side business from your local immigration bureau in Japan. This is not required for Japanese nationals, spouses of Japanese nationals, and people on a permanent resident visa.

For people on a student visa it’s important to keep in mind that you must have applied for permission to work part-time in Japan, and you can only work for 28 hours a week. For more information on freelancing as a student, see our article here.

For people on other work visas, opening up a side business in Japan is possible but if the product/service you are selling isn’t included in the scope of your visa, you need to apply for “Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted” (資格外活動の許可, shikakugaikatsudō no kyoka).

You also need to have a Japanese bank account. Read more on how to get one in our article here.

At the end of the year it’s important to know how to report your earnings and pay tax properly. Understanding tax obligations for different nationalities is extremely complicated and we are not experts in this matter. Therefore, we highly recommend consulting with an experienced accountant or lawyer to confirm your tax requirements. Some countries also have tax treaties with Japan which may override the usual tax obligations.

You can find more information about taxes in Japan from the National Tax Agency of Japan. 

Why set up a side business in Japan?

Japan is a booming market where, especially online shopping, is trending right now. This means that you have good chances to reach a large group of people with your products/services that you want to sell. It is also a great way to boost your resumé! Skills in, for example, SEO, digital marketing and market research are highly valued by many employers in the digital world we live in today.

Furthermore, it’s a great way to get active training on your Japanese. By engaging with customers in real-life situations you can be sure that your business Japanese and linguistic skills in general will improve.

We do recommend that you have at least an intermediate knowledge of the language, so you can explain what your products are and interact with customers and business partners in a polite way that reflects standard Japanese business culture.

Another reason why it’s great to open up a side business in Japan is because there are many easy-to-use online tools to help you sell your products and set up a SEO (search engine optimized) shop. 

Some recommended online platforms

If you want to sell products online there are multiple options in doing so, and it can be a great way to earn some extra income. Maybe you are a designer and want to spread your art? Here are some recommended platforms, and their benefits and disadvantages:

Base, a beginner-friendly service which has a low commission fee on the products you sell. However, it doesn’t have as large of a customer base as some of the other online stores.
Mercari, a flea-market app that has many users and is easy to use. It has a slightly expensive commission fee of 10%.
MercariShops is unlike the app, a service for you to set up a proper online shop. However, it also takes 10% of all your sales in commission.
Suzuri offers English support and lets you print your work on various items of your choice (such as t-shirts, cups). If you are a designer, this is great as it can generate a passive income while you do other activities such as studying Japanese.
Amazon is also a great way to sell your products online and they only take a commission of 100 yen per product. You can subscribe to their professional plan which is a good deal if you are selling a lot of products.

Another option of making some extra money online is to offer online classes in English or your native language. This can be either in-depth or just conversational – you decide the content! 

There are tons of Japanese people looking to improve their English speech, and many want to learn other languages as well. 

If this sounds interesting, one great platform for this kind of business is iTalki. This website allows you to tailor your own curriculum and set your own prices.

Don’t try and cheat the system

Whether you open up an online store, if you sell translation services, or offer outreach in English for Japanese companies, don’t step outside the parameters of your visa. This can jeopardize your stay in Japan and result in your visa being revoked. You have to apply for opening a side business and pay taxes for your secondary income.

This article is intended as a guide to give you some ideas on how you can earn some extra income from a side business in Japan, and you should always make sure to double-check the latest information with official sources.

That’s it for this time! Did you find the article helpful? Feel free to comment if you have experience opening a side business in Japan.

If you are interested in more Japanese culture or life in Japan, follow our blog!

The arrival of Buddhism in Japan also brought with it a new writing system, political structure, superior technology, and sophisticated cultural practices which the nobles and aristocrats loved. 

This is an overview article on the history of Buddhism in Japan, the main Buddhist sects and some associated rituals in contemporary Japan. Read on if you want to learn more about Buddhism in Japan! 

Origins of Buddhism in Japan

First introduced as a kind of present of goodwill between nations, it is not difficult to understand why Buddhism first spread among the nobles and aristocrats. According to the Nihon Shoki (日本書紀, Japanese Chronicles) which is the second oldest historical record in Japan, Buddhism was introduced in 552. The legend mentions the Japanese Emperor consulting with his officials about whether Buddhism should be worshiped in Japan. They were divided on the issue, scared of angering the Kami, or Shintō gods.

The solution was to let the Soga Clan be the first practitioner of Buddhism as a trial to see how it was received. The Soga Clan was the most powerful aristocratic group at the time with close connections to the Imperial House and played a key role in spreading Buddhism throughout Japan in its early stages. 

Initially they were met with resistance from various factions blaming Buddhism for diseases and bad fortune. However, from the turmoil that followed, the Soga Clan emerged victorious and promoted Buddhism with support from the imperial court.

Ever since, Buddhism has played a key role in Japanese history and had strong political influence. During the Nara period (710-794), the very impressive temple Tōdaiji 東大寺 became the centerpiece of Buddhism in Japan. The political influence of Buddhism became a large reason why the capital was later moved to Heian-Kyō 平安京(Modern Kyoto).

Schools of Buddhism and their associated temples

Over the years Buddhism in Japan has evolved, changed and become interconnected with Shintōism in complicated ways. Today there are six main branches of Buddhism in Japan, namely: Zen, Nara, Tendai, Shingon, Amida (Pure Land), and Nichiren.

Zen Buddhism

What’s special about Zen Buddhism is the focus on sitting meditation, or zazen (座禅) to become enlightened. Zen Buddhism is perhaps the most popular Buddhist religion in western countries due to the cultural boom of zen-meditation.

One temple where you can try out zen-meditation and space out into the void yourself – is the Nanzenji (南禅寺) temple in Kyoto.

Nara Buddhism

Nara Buddhism broadly refers to six different schools of Buddhism which were officially sponsored during the Nara period. Out of those, three have survived today, but became much less influential after the capital was relocated to Heian-Kyō. 

The main temple of Nara Buddhism is Tōdaiji (東大寺), the largest wooden building in the whole world and truly a spectacular sight if you travel to Nara City.

Tendai Buddhism

The founder of Tendai Buddhism in Japan, Saichō 最澄, pledged to protect the capital and in extension, the nation of Japan. The Buddhist monk built a new temple complex on top of the overlooking mountain, Mt Hiei (比叡山 Hieizan). 

Tendai Buddhism has a larger focus on “enlightenment for everyone” and created the foundation of where nearly all major Buddhism figures in Japanese history studied at some point in their career.

Shingon Buddhism

In Shingon Buddhism, true enlightenment could not be achieved by just studying and there was a heavy focus on meditation with special invocations, elaborate hand-positions and mandalas (a symbol of the universe in its ideal form).

The founder Kūkai 空海 established headquarters of this newly imported form of Buddhism on top of Mt Kōya (高野山 Kōyasan). He was made the abbot of the main temple of Tōji (東寺). 

Mt Kōya today is one of the most atmospheric places you can visit in Japan and a huge recommendation to anyone regardless if you are interested in Japanese history or not.

Amida (Pure Land) Buddhism

There were two Amida sects in Heian-Kyō during the late Heian Period. These were Jōdo-shū 浄土宗 and Jōdoshin-shū 浄土真宗. The founder of Jōdo-shū, Hōnen 法然, and his student Shinran 親鸞 had studied at Enryakuji but thought that the severe self-discipline of previous Buddhist teachings were too much to handle for commoners. 

Consequently they founded a new sect which promised enlightenment simply by repeatedly chanting the three words Namu Amida Butsu (南無阿弥陀仏, I take refuge in the Amida Buddha). This new religion became immensely popular since it was accessible to everyone and not just the aristocracy.

The associated temples are Chion-in (知恩院), Nishi-Honganji (西本願寺) and Higashi-Honganji (東本願寺), all remarkable temples in the Kyoto area and definitely worth your visit.

Nichiren Buddhism

Nichiren Buddhism was the answer of a group of people not happy with the new pure land Buddhism sects. They actively made enemies with the other sects proclaiming that the only true teaching to reach enlightenment was through Nichiren Buddhism and the sacred readings of the Lotus Sutra. At one time they found themselves at war with the Enryakuji warrior monks, and were defeated in a battle which burned down much of Kyoto City.

Although once almost eradicated, today Nichiren sects have bounced back and there are numerous associated temples in Japan. 

Associated rituals and celebrations

Have you ever seen the spectacle where kids open the front door and throw out beans while saying the phrase “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”? (鬼は外福は内, the demon goes out and the luck comes in) 

This is the tradition of mamemaki (豆撒き, bean-scattering), popular during the Buddhism holiday of setsubun 節分 which takes place between 2-4 of February.

Another Buddhism-associated ritual is Obon (お盆). It is said that the spirits of one’s relatives come back and visit during summer, and for this reason there are large festivals with lots of dancing and lanterns to guide the spirits. At the end of the three days of obon celebrations, you send lanterns floating down the river in a ceremony called toro-nagashi (とろ流し, floating lanterns). This is to guide the spirits back to their world.

Buddhism in modern Japan

Buddhism has undoubtedly had a great impact on Japanese society throughout the ages. Although most young Japanese people aren’t true believers, religious customs such as visiting a temple and praying for good health remain a popular activity that almost all Japanese people do. 

Other signs of the significance of Buddhism in Japan are the many traditional Japanese houses equipped with a Buddhist altar, butsudan (仏壇). And the fact that most funerals, osōshiki (お葬式) are made in a Buddhist manner. 

We hope you found this article on Buddhism in Japan interesting. If you are interested in more Japanese culture or life in Japan, follow our blog!

In this article, we explore the types of further education available in Japan, and three reasons why you might want to experience higher education here.

Types of further education in Japan

Before we look at why you might want to study further education in Japan, let’s understand what the options are first. 

University (大学 Daigaku): like in other countries, university is where you go to study for a Bachelor’s degree. These are typically four years, although some degrees like medicine take longer. 

Graduate school (大学院 Daigakuin): where you can work towards your Master’s or Doctorate. Usually these are in the same field as your undergraduate degree. 

Vocational college (専門学校 Senmon gakkō): these schools teach specialized and practical skills. Examples of fields you can study at a vocational school include: agriculture, nursing, beauty and makeup, fashion design, broadcasting, and more. Most degrees take two years to complete, and upon completion, graduates can either enter the workforce or enter the third year of university, as long as they pass the university entrance exam.

Junior college (短期大学 Tanki daigaku): in Japan this refers to a higher education institute that focuses on providing both general and specialized education in certain fields. They are largely targeted towards women, although many men now attend too, and include education in humanities, education, and social science. Most junior college courses are two years and result in an Associate’s degree. 

Why study further education in Japan

Being able to work in Japan is one of the top reasons people choose to complete further education in Japan. But what other reasons might there be? Here are three!

Get a world-class education 

Japanese universities consistently rank highly in global university rankings, so the education quality is high. British university evaluation agency QS Quacquarelli Symonds listed five Japanese universities in the top 100 of its 2023 list: University of Tokyo (23rd), Kyoto University (36th), Tokyo Institute of Technology (55th), Osaka University (68th), and Tohoku University (79th).

In total, 50 universities from Japan were included in the rankings, which took into account 1418 universities around the world.

It can also be comparatively more affordable to study in Japan than other countries. Fees for Japanese universities are lower on average than those in the United States and the United Kingdom. As an undergraduate in Japan, you can expect to pay around 820,000 yen (US$6240) for the first year of admission and tuition fees to a national university. 

Note that this amount is an average and the exact amount will depend on the school you attend. There are also scholarships that students can apply for if they need financial assistance. 

Obtain a degree that’s recognized in Japan

Going to university isn’t for everyone. But unfortunately, unless you have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, or many years of work experience, it’s difficult to live and work in Japan. 

Vocational college degrees and diplomas from overseas aren’t always recognized by Japanese employers. They also don’t fulfill Japanese immigration’s requirement that work visa applicants have at least a Bachelor’s degree.

Studying at a vocational college or junior college in Japan means you can get a qualification that’s recognized by Japanese employers and by immigration.

Note that in some instances, the type of course you do and qualification you get means you won’t be able to apply for some visa categories, or it might be difficult for you to find work. It’s best to double check this with the school if you have any questions.

Immersion in Japanese language, culture and society

This is one of the best, and also one of our favorite, reasons to study in Japan! You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s rich culture and society by living in it each and every day. And since the language is so closely tied with the culture and society, your language skills are bound to improve even more significantly through this experience.

There is always something to do – a festival to celebrate, a performance to see – and that’s on top of the student activities you’ll be able to take part in when studying at a tertiary education institute in Japan. 

E-track study options

Some universities in Japan offer “English track”, or E-track, study programs. This is where certain majors are taught in English and students can get a four-year Bachelor’s degree without needing to know Japanese.

E-track courses are a great option for those who aren’t confident yet with their Japanese language abilities. The vast majority of undergraduate courses offered at Japanese universities require students to have a good level of Japanese, usually JLPT N2 or higher. The university entrance exam is in Japanese, and if you are admitted, your lectures and exams will be in Japanese too. 

Most E-track universities offer Japanese language courses, so students can learn the language while they study. This is crucial because once you start job hunting and working, you’ll need to know the local language!

E-track courses also tend to be more culturally diverse, as more people with different backgrounds can take part. What’s not to love about making friends from all over the world?

Go! Go! Nihon partners with Beppu-based Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Through their E-track program, you can access three of their degree courses in English, while learning Japanese in a multicultural environment at the same time. These degrees are the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Science, and Bachelor of Sustainability and Tourism.

Read more about this university on our website.

Prepare for further education in Japan with Go! Go! Nihon

Convinced that completing higher education in Japan is for you and you want to get your language skills up to scratch? Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your options. We offer assistance in applying for Japanese language schools, as well as vocational colleges and universities in Japan. 

Remember to follow our blog for more informative articles about living, studying, and working in Japan.

Read on to learn about what you need to do to extend, or change, your Japanese student visa.

The basics you need to know

You can apply at your local immigration bureau to extend or change your student visa from 3 months prior to when your current visa expires. 

Once you submit your application for visa renewal, your current visa is automatically extended for 2 months from the date of the current expiry date. During this time, your application is processed and you will be notified of the result.

If your application to change your visa is rejected, you will be given a temporary status to allow you to prepare for departure. However, you can re-apply and what you need for your re-application depends on why your initial application was rejected. 

What you need for your application

You can find the form to extend your student visa here and information about changing your residence status here. 

In general, the documents you need for extension or change of visa are more or less the same regardless of category. You may need additional documents depending on your individual situation. 

These documents include:

• The application form
• A portrait photo
• Your current passport
• Your Japan residence card

For visa status changes where you change from a student to a work visa, you will also need to include:

• Documents that prove your employment, salary, period of time you need to be in Japan etc. For example, a contract with your employer, invitation letter, and so on
• The company’s most recent financial statements
• The company’s withholding tax report
• Description of the company’s activities
• Your CV
• Certificates of degree, certified transcripts, or certificates of diploma
• Documents to prove previous working experience

Your employer may help you apply for your visa change or at least provide the necessary documentation from their end.

Online applications

According to Nikkei Asia, foreign students in Japan will no longer have to visit the immigration bureau to apply to extend, renew or change their Japanese student visa. Instead, students can complete the process online.

The change is meant to help ease wait times at immigration offices, while also preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Previously, online visa status changes could only be done online by a small handful of companies and organisations that can complete the procedure on behalf of their employees. 

More information is still yet to be released at the time of writing this article. However, the idea is for visa holders to be able to submit an online form from their computer or smartphone. Applicants will also need to provide electronic forms for required documents.

Go! Go! Nihon is here to help

If you’re looking for help in extending your student visa or changing to a student visa from your current visa, our team at Go! Go! Nihon is experienced in doing so. Contact us for more information.

The history of the Rokuyō

The origins of Rokuyō in Japan can be traced back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) when it was believed that certain days were more auspicious than others. The Rokuyō was likely introduced from China. However, the specifics around how and when are debated. The Rokuyō is sometimes also called the rokki (六輝, “six lights”) – a term that was coined to differentiate between the traditional and western calendar systems.

The Rokuyō has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, but was not commonly used until the Edo period (1603 – 1868). During the westernization of Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), usage of the Rokuyō was seen as an old superstition and banned by the government. This may have been one of the reasons why it’s not as widely followed today. However, many people still rely on it to schedule important events such as weddings, funerals, meetings and travel. 

The six different categories of Rokuyō 

The six categories of Rokuyō are believed to be based on the Chinese theory of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), as well as yin and yang. The idea was that each day would be influenced by one of the five elements and either yin or yang, creating six distinct categories. 

The categories that the Rokuyō consists of are repeated in a specific order and reset with each lunar cycle. Counting from January 1st, the order is: 

Senshō 先勝

Tomobiki 友引

Senbu 先負

Butsumetsu 仏滅

Taian 大安

Shakkō 赤口

These rinse and repeat until the next lunar cycle.

Let’s look closer at the meaning and fortune for each day in the Rokuyō!

Senshō (先勝)

The kanji for Senshō means “first-win”. Because of this, there is a common phrase associated with the day, which is: “one must act early to win” (先んずれば即ち勝つ, sakin zureba sunawachi katsu). Senshō is also known as “Sakikachi” or “Sakigachi”.

Since you must act quickly in order to have success during Senshō, it is an ideal day to finish off urgent tasks. 

During Senshō it is said that one has good fortune in the morning and bad luck in the afternoon.

Tomobiki (友引)

The kanji for Tomobiki means “pulling friends”, and for this reason it is avoided to hold funerals on this day. The reason is that you might pull them to the other side of the grave. On the other hand, it is said to be a great day for weddings because you can share, or “pull”, your friends towards the feelings of love.

Tomobiki is a day with good luck during the morning and evening, but bad luck during noon.

Senbu (先負)

As the opposite of Senshō, the meaning in kanji of Senbu means “first-lose”. Senbu is a day where urgent business should be avoided and you are supposed to be patient and calm in all matters and not rush things. Senbu is also read as “Sakimake” or “Senpu”

During Senbu it is said that you have bad luck in the morning, and good in the afternoon.

Butsumetsu (仏滅)

Butsumetsu (仏 Buddha, 滅, annihilation) refers to the day that Buddha died. Therefore, it is best to avoid doing anything important during this day. As an interesting side note, since it’s unpopular to get married during Butsumetsu, you can sometimes get a discount if you arrange your wedding on this day. Furthermore, getting ill on this day means that the illness will last for a long time.

Butsumetsu is said to be unlucky throughout the whole day.

Taian (大安)

The kanji for Taian means great peace and is the luckiest day in the Rokuyō. Regardless if you are having a wedding or starting a business, no matter what undertaking you may have, it is destined to go well during this day.

During Taian you have great fortune all day.

Shakkō (赤口)

The kanji for the word means “red-mouth” and the red symbolizes either blood or fire. This means that one should be wary of fire, and the usage of knives and things that can hurt you. Furthermore, weddings should also be avoided during this day as the red is associated with blood – which results in death. Shakkō can also be read as “Shakku”.

Shakkō is a day which is unlucky throughout the whole day, except during noon.

Rokuyō in Japanese society today

While Rokuyō may not be as widely followed today as it once was, it still holds a special place in Japanese culture. It is a reminder of the deep connections between the loyalty to traditions, spirituality, and daily life in Japan. Most Japanese don’t think too seriously about the Rokuyō, much like we tend to think around horoscopes or Friday the 13th. It’s something fun but nothing to be taken too seriously.

Despite this, the fact remains that many people choose to get married or have a funeral on days not associated with something bad according to the Rokuyō calendar. The reason for this is most likely a very Japanese way of showing “consideration” to other people. Someone may feel concerned about the choice of date after all. 

The Rokuyō is undoubtedly an important part of Japanese culture and will most likely stay as a cherished tradition for a long time to come.

If you are planning an important event and want to know the fortune of that day, you can do so by visiting this website: https://www.seiyaku.com/customs/rokuyo.php

That’s it for this time! Did you enjoy learning about the Japanese lucky calendar, Rokuyō? 

We do regular updates about all sorts of cultural things in Japan, as well as about learning the language and daily life here. If you are interested in more things like this, feel free to follow our blog!

Therefore, many people like to make the most of the four public holidays during Golden Week to travel or visit their families in the countryside. Many businesses also close during this time.

Learn more about what these public holidays are and why they are celebrated.

Showa Day

昭和の日, Showa no Hi, takes place on April 29 and marks the start of the Golden Week holidays. It is the birthday of the former Emperor Showa, or Emperor Hirohito. He reigned between 1926 and 1989 and is seen as somewhat of a controversial figure because of everything that Japan went through during this time period.

The day is intended for people to think back on the Showa era, remember everything the Japanese people went through and to encourage unity and peace.

Constitution Day

憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi, is on May 3. In 1947, this was the day that Japan’s post-war constitution was put into effect.

Like Showa Day, Japan’s Constitution Day is a reminder of Japan’s past. Before this constitution was put in place, Japan was on a mission to expand its empire. Not only did these efforts cause death and ruin in neighbouring countries, but they also devastated its own country and people.

After Japan surrendered following the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the country’s constitution was rewritten to emphasise peace and pacifism.

On this day, many newspapers and magazines publish articles about the Japanese government. The National Diet Building in Tokyo, where the constitution was created, is also open to the public on this day only.

Greenery Day

緑の日, Midori no Hi, is celebrated on May 4. This day is intended to honour the natural environment. It was created because the former Emperor Showa loved nature and plants and it used to be celebrated on April 29, the former Emperor’s birthday.

People often celebrate this day by spending it in parks or in nature.

Children’s Day

子供の日, Kodomo no Hi, is on May 5 and marks the end of the Golden Week holidays.

This day is also called 端午の節句, Tango no Sekku, or the Boy’s Festival. This day was traditionally used by families to pray for and celebrate the health and future success of their sons.

While there is also a Girl’s Festival, Children’s Day has come to be a day where the happiness and health of all children are celebrated.

If you’re in Japan, you’ll see colourful carp streamers, or koinobori, hung up everywhere in celebration of this day. Usually the black streamers represent the father, the red or pink represent the mother and other colours and sizes represent the children of the family.

Why is it called Golden Week?

There are a few different theories as to why this week is so “golden”. The predominant theory is that it came from the movie industry.

In 1951, a movie was released by film company Daiei called “Jiyuu no Gakkou” (Freedom School) at the start of May. It did well at the box office and so the week it was released came to be known as a “golden week”, in the sense that the movie was a box office hit.

As this article points out, broadcasters and some newspapers don’t necessarily use the term “Golden Week”. Rather, they call this week of holidays 大型連休, oogatarenkyuu, which means “long holiday”.

Note that generally if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then it is observed on the following day. The only public holiday this rule doesn’t apply to is New Year’s Day.

As you can see, the days that make up Golden Week holidays in Japan are varied, with some aimed at reflecting on Japan’s legacy while others are for celebration. If you want to learn more about Japan’s other public holidays, make sure to check out our guide on Japanese public holidays!

We have lots more on our blog about life in Japan and Japanese culture, so don’t hesitate to read more.

To better help you understand how much money you might expect to spend while living and studying in Japan, we’ve put together some cost of living examples in this article. Keep in mind these are estimates and averages only.

Cost of living in Japan by location

Where you choose to study will be one of the top contributors to your cost of living in Japan. Living in the nation’s capital, Tokyo, can be exciting if you like the big city life and there are more job prospects if you want to find work. But the flipside is you’ll be paying more for everyday living expenses like rent and groceries.

Conversely, life in a smaller city like Okayama or Kofu will be much quieter, but you’ll avoid the high cost of living found in the larger metropolitan areas. 

Let’s take a look at some average monthly costs, broken down by location. 

**Note these are rough averages only. Prices are always subject to fluctuation, inflation, and individual factors. These include your lifestyle and spending habits, the area of the city you live in, the size of your accommodation, your accommodation provider, and more.

Costs are listed in Japanese Yen.

Average cost of food, drinks & entertainment

Like other costs in life, the price of food, drinks and entertainment will differ based on location, and the restaurant/cafe/entertainment venue. 

Here are some rough price ranges of what you can expect to pay for popular items.

Convenience store onigiri: 100-200 yen

A 550ml bottle of water: 100-200 yen

Pre-prepared meal bowl from supermarket e.g. soba, udon, pasta, katsudon, etc: 400-600 yen

A bowl of ramen: 800-1500 yen

Kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi: 100-500 yen per dish

Beef bowl from Sukiya (large chain restaurant): 350-1000 yen

Beer at an izakaya: 300-700 yen 

A meal at an izakaya (including drinks): 2000-4000 yen per person

Movie ticket: 1800-1900 yen

Night club entry: Free to 4000 yen

Standard tuition fees and costs

The cost of studying at a language school will depend on where you are studying and how long you’re studying for. Generally, the longer you study for, the more cost effective the fees end up being on average. 

The total costs typically include:

• The student visa application fee
• School admission fee
• Tuition fee
• Material fees
• Facility fees

These costs always go directly to the school, not to Go! Go! Nihon if you are applying through our services.

Here are average tuition costs for 12 months of study based on location and the fees charged by our partner schools. 

Tokyo: 834,423 yen

Yokohama: 782,500 yen

Osaka: 808,500 yen

Nagoya: 761,500 yen

Sapporo: 763,000 yen

Kobe: 855,000 yen

Fukuoka: 784,500 yen

Kyoto: 821,500 yen

Okayama: 838,000 yen

Oita: 761,000 yen

Naha: 861,000 yen

Kofu: 720,000 yen

For specific course costs, please visit our language schools page.

Part-time wages

Students can work part-time up to 28 hours a week with a part-time work permit. Wages can vary from employer to employer and there is no national minimum wage amount. Each prefecture decides its own minimum wage based on various local factors. 

For example, the 2023 minimum wage in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area is 1072 yen per hour. In Hokkaido, it’s 920 yen per hour and in Okinawa it’s 853 yen per hour. 

Visit this website for a full table of minimum wages by prefecture.

We recommend students seriously consider their goals in learning Japanese in Japan when thinking about taking on part-time work. The primary purpose of your student visa is to allow you to study in Japan. You must be able to maintain high attendance and good grades, otherwise you may risk having your visa revoked. 

Go! Go! Nihon works with a range of language schools across the spectrum of intensity level, from high intensity (no part-time work recommended), to lower intensity (more time to take on part-time work). Talk to us about your preferences so we can offer the best school for your needs.

Weighing up your options

There are many factors that go into your decision to live and study in Japan, with living costs being just one – but a significant one – of them. Be realistic about your financial situation and study goals when choosing where you want to study, what type of accommodation you want to live in, and the lifestyle you want. 

Also keep in mind that in order to satisfy visa application requirements, applicants should have at least 1 million yen per six months of full-time study. This is the absolute minimum and you should always aim to have as much more than that as possible.

Go! Go! Nihon is always here to help, so don’t hesitate to contact us to help get your live and study in Japan journey started.

This can be quite the hurdle if you don’t know how to approach the task correctly. To get you started, we cover basic information about what a visa sponsor is, and their responsibilities in this article.

Read on to learn more about getting a visa sponsor in Japan.

What is a visa sponsor in Japan and why do you need one?

In order to complete your student visa application, you need a sponsor for financial reasons. This person ensures that you have the adequate money to live and study in Japan.

For a student visa, you have two options: self-sponsor, or have someone else sponsor you, preferably a close family member.

For self-sponsorship, you need to have been working full-time for the past two years and your annual income should be at least 2 million yen (the higher the better).

If you have someone else sponsoring your visa, that person must have been working full-time for the past two years and have an annual income of at least 2 million yen. If this person is not a parent or sibling, you will be required to submit additional documents, such as a birth certificate, to prove your relationship.

If your sponsor is retired, you will need to provide their retirement date and any pension statements if that person is receiving a monthly pension.

Some language schools may accept double sponsorship, for example from two close relatives. Please contact us about this if you would like more information.

For a work visa, your sponsor would be the company in Japan that you’re employed by. 

What does the sponsor have to do?

Aside from providing money, a student visa sponsor will also need to provide documents to prove their financial viability. 

Included in your student visa application should be a tax return document that shows the sponsor’s personal income. Some schools also ask for a payslip or income tax document that states the sponsor’s current company so they can confirm their employment details.

If you apply for a student visa through Go! Go! Nihon, our team will advise you during the process on all the necessary documentation.

For a work visa, your company needs to provide documents such as:

• Company registry certificate
• Financial statements, including recent tax returns
• Proof of employment with salary
• Letter of acknowledgement 
• Official seal (判子, hanko)

Many companies will complete the visa application process for employees, but there are also many that do not. In the latter situation, it’s always best to engage an immigration lawyer in Japan to help with the visa process to make sure you have all the right documentation and correctly fill in the forms.

Self-sponsorship for work visas

As mentioned, it’s possible to self-sponsor your student visa. But what about your work visa? 

There isn’t technically a self-sponsorship visa category for working in Japan. If you are a freelancer with several clients in Japan, you would need to ask one of your Japan-based clients to sponsor your visa for an ordinary work visa. This should be a client that is both stable and high-paying. You will also need to show you already have signed and stable contracts with different clients in Japan.

In essence, you need to show that you earn enough money to support yourself, which is about a minimum of 200,000 yen per month. Ideally, this amount should be as high as possible, especially if you plan to live in Tokyo.

Your sponsor will also need to fill in a registry certificate, provide financial statements and tax-reports, and you need to get their official seal stamp on your application.

If your other contracts with clients don’t fall in under the same work category that you’re applying for, you will need to apply for “Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted” (資格外活動の許可, shikakugaikatsudō no kyoka). 

This will allow you to do work that is not specified in your work visa category. Visit the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for information on the different visa categories.

Make Japan student visa applications easy with Go! Go! Nihon

Now you have a basic understanding of what a visa sponsor is and what their responsibilities are. Again, if you’re applying for a student visa with Go! Go! Nihon, our team will help you through the process and explain all the documentation and forms that you need. We have more than 10 years of experience helping students to live and study in Japan, so we know a thing or two about student visa requirements! Contact us if you have any questions.

If you are interested in Japanese culture, history, language, or life, feel free to follow our blog!

In this article, we look at what you need to do to relocate in Japan and offer some insight into what you might expect it all to cost. 

Before you move

There are four main things you need to do before moving out of your current place: give notice, contact utility companies, inform your ward office, and redirect your mail at the post office. 

Note these steps may differ depending on your accommodation. For example, if you are moving out of a share house, you generally won’t need to contact the utility companies once you have given notice of your move-out date and you will just need to pay whatever is outstanding on your bill. Each share house company will have slightly different move-out processes, so please confirm with the company directly.

Here are the four main to-dos when moving out in further detail.

Give notice 

Inform your current landlord or accommodation provider as soon as possible of your intended move-out date. Most contracts require one month’s notice, although this will depend on your individual rental agreement so always refer to your contract first and foremost. In any case, it’s best to give notice early to avoid paying for any time you won’t be living there. 

Once you give notice, your accommodation provider will schedule an inspection on the date that you plan to leave. Most contracts will state that the lessee (you) will restore the property to its original condition before moving out. 

The landlord or accommodation provider will take into account how long you have lived at the property for, and normal wear and tear, which is not your responsibility to fix. 

Usually the landlord or accommodation provider will cover basic cleaning expenses after tenants move out. But it’s also common for a rental agreement to state that these expenses can be deducted from a tenant’s security deposit when they move out. 

You can expect this to cost around 1000-2000 yen per 1㎡, excluding tax. Yes, this can come to a lot of money, but it’s standard practice in Japan.

Contact utility companies

Next, you need to contact your gas, electricity, water, and internet providers to tell them you will be relocating and provide a date when you need everything turned off. This can mostly be done online, usually in Japanese. 

If you need to call the companies, you can say:

引っ越すので、ガス／電気／水道／インターネットの利用を停止したいのですが。
Hikkosu node, gasu/denki/suidō/intānetto no riyō o teishi shitai no desu ga.
I’m moving house and I would like to cancel my gas/electricity/water/internet.

You will need to tell them your name, customer number, address, phone number, your new address, and the date you’re moving out.

Generally you need to be present in your apartment when they visit to turn off the services and give you the final bill. Try to schedule all of these on the same day.

Inform your ward office

Remember how you had to visit your local ward or municipality office to register your address when you first moved in? In a similar fashion, you will need to visit them to tell them you’re moving. 

You need to fill out a tenshutsu todoke 転出届, or moving out form. This is very important as you won’t be able to register your address with your new ward (required for tax and ID purposes) without the documents from your previous ward. 

If you’re moving within the same ward or city, you still need to visit your local ward or municipality office to give notice that your address has changed. Instead of filling in the moving out form, you just need to inform the city or ward office that your address has changed within the same city/ward. Make sure to bring your residence card and your My Number. Your address will then be printed on your residence card and My Number.

Redirect your mail

When relocating in Japan, you can get your mail forwarded to your new address for one year for free. After that, any of your mail that’s still sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. 

To redirect your mail, you’ll need to fill in a tenkyo todoke 転居届 form either online or at your local post office. For more information on this process, visit the Japan Post website (Japanese only).

Moving costs

On top of your outstanding utilities bills and cleaning fees, there are a few other key expenses to factor in when relocating in Japan.

Hiring a moving service

There are a number of full-service moving companies that will provide boxes, pack your things for you, and take them to your new place. Here are some popular ones in Japan:

• Arisan Mark no Hikoshisha
• Tokyo Truck Guy (services available in English, Japanese, Spanish)
• Yamato Home Convenience
• Best Moving Service 
• Sakai Moving Service

The cost will depend on how much stuff you’re moving and where you are relocating to. Some factors that will increase the price of your move:

• If you’re moving during peak season (usually March to April)
• If you request to move over a weekend or a public holiday (or both)
• If you’re moving a long distance
• If you have bulky/large items such as a bed, couch, large desk, etc

Moving companies generally offer student discounts, gakuwari 学割, and many also have a tanshin 単身, or singles, service. 

As an example, this Kyoto-based moving company’s singles service options include a light truck “course” from 12,800 yen. This is meant for a solo person moving some large household items and tall furniture. If you don’t have any large furniture and only want to move smaller items, it will cost from 7,500 yen. 

Another example comes from Yamato Home Convenience. Their single-person moving plan includes up to two trunks of 1m x 1m x 1.7m. This could fit a small fridge, washing machine, microwave oven or TV, a suitcase, a futon, and some small cardboard boxes. 

Moving this within the same ward or city will be about 18,700 yen. If you’re moving from Tokyo to Osaka, however, this will increase to around 30,800 yen if you’re moving on a weekday.

These are just small examples from two moving companies. We encourage you to explore your options and do your own research to find the best solution for your moving needs.

Hiring a moving van

If you can legally drive in Japan, you might explore hiring a moving van instead of a full moving service. You won’t have the convenience of having someone else pack and move your things for you, but you might save more money by doing it yourself (hopefully with the help of some friends too!). 

For example, if you were to hire a small dry van from car hire company Nippon Rent-a-Car for half a day, you would be looking at paying from 17,600 yen. 

If you don’t have a Japanese driving license, you could look into a service like Rentorabin. This is an hourly truck rental service that comes with the vehicle and a driver. The driver will help you with loading and unloading if you choose.

For a light truck with driver assistance for three hours, you would be looking at paying about 22,000 yen. 

Delivery services

If you don’t have many things, you could consider a door-to-door delivery service, or takuhaibin 宅配便. For example, with Yamato Transport, you can send your things from your old place to your new place, and they will normally arrive the next day. More distant destinations like Okinawa or Hokkaido can take two days. 

The cost will depend on the size, type, and weight of what you’re sending, as well as the destination. The largest option offered by Yamato Transport is a parcel size of up to 200cm weighing up to 30kg. This would cost you under 4000 yen to send within the same geographic region e.g. within Kanto, or within Kansai. 

Getting rid of unwanted items

You might be thinking, maybe it’ll be easier and cheaper to throw away my bigger items and buy them new for my new place. Not only is this terrible in terms of waste, but it’s also not as convenient as you might think.

The usual way people get rid of larger items in Japan is through their city or ward’s sodaigomi 粗大ごみ, or large rubbish collection, service. To arrange this, you need to:

• Call them, or fill in an online form if your ward or municipality offers this;
• Specify what you’re throwing away and the size; 
• Then, they will tell you how many sodaigomi shoriken 粗大ゴミ処理券, or oversized rubbish stickers, you need to buy for your items (you can get them from convenience stores), and also when and where you need to place them outside for collection.

How much this costs will depend on what you’re wanting to throw away. Additionally, some items can’t be thrown away and each ward/municipality will have their own sodaigomi restrictions. 

This service can be helpful if truly necessary. However, we recommend trying to sell or give away any unwanted items first through online marketplaces such as Facebook or Mercari. There are a number of buy-and-sell groups within Japan on Facebook (such as Tokyo Sayonara Sales), as well as groups such as Mottainai Japan where you can give things away for free.

Initial apartment rent costs 

The set-up costs to rent an apartment in Japan are notoriously high. Be prepared to spend up to six months’ rent when moving into a new place. Why? Usually you have to factor in:

Real estate brokerage fee, chūkai tesūryo 仲介手数料, usually equivalent to around one months’ rent.

Security deposit, shikin 敷金, usually one to two months’ rent.

Key money, reikin 礼金, non-refundable, one to two months’ rent. This came out of World War II as a way for renters to show gratitude to landlords during the housing shortage. Another theory is that key money is a way for landlords to get rid of any potential renters who aren’t serious, or may not be able to pay their rent.

If you speak Japanese and have decent negotiating skills, some building owners may reduce the key money or even waive it entirely – but don’t count on it. You may also see some apartments advertising low move-in costs and no key money, but often the monthly rent for these places is much higher and you may end up paying more in the long run.

Guarantor fees, hoshōninhiyō 保証人費用,if you’re a non-Japanese resident. A guarantor, or hoshōnin 保証人, is a Japanese person who can act as a guarantor for you and cover your rental costs if you’re unable to. If you don’t have anyone who can do this for you, you’ll need to pay for a guarantor company, or hoshōningaisha 保証人会社, which can cost between 10%-100% of your monthly rent. 

Fire insurance, kasai hoken 火災保険, will set you back between 20,000 – 40,000 yen for two years. This will renew when, or if, you renew your apartment lease.

Key exchange fee, kagi kōkan hiyō 鍵交換費用, usually around 10,000 – 20,000 yen so the landlord can replace the lock and keys. 

If all these extra fees seem daunting to you and you would prefer something more affordable, we highly recommend share houses as an alternative option. Not only are they much more renter-friendly, but you often don’t have to worry about buying your own large furniture. Plus, you can meet people from all over the world as well as Japan. 

Find accommodation with ease with Go! Go! Nihon

Go! Go! Nihon partners with a number of accommodation providers all over Japan. Whether it’s an apartment, share house, dormitory, or homestay you’re looking for, we aim to help make the accommodation-finding process as simple as possible. Contact us for more information, or visit our accommodation page.

For information about life in Japan, follow our Go! Go! Nihon blog.

What is hanami?

Hanami started as a tradition between the aristocrats in the Nara period (710-794). Unlike today, hanami was associated with appreciating the ume (梅, plum flowers) which bloom earlier than the sakura (桜, cherry blossom). 

The ume was replaced by sakura during the Heian period (794-1185). This can be seen for example when investigating the ancient text Kokin Wakashū (古今和歌集, Anthology of Ancient and Modern Japanese Poetry). Here, 70 poems are dedicated to the sakura, and only 18 poems are dedicated to the ume. It was around this time that hana (花, flower) was used as another name for sakura, and women’s beauty came to be compared to sakura.

When most people think about hanami today, they probably imagine large crowds gathering for a picnic under the cherry-blossom trees. This is a common practice for all people in Japan, from couples wanting a romantic outing, to a company group outing. 

However, hanami is not limited to a picnic and can be enjoyed in many different ways. For example, walking around in parks watching the sakura is also considered as hanami. Visiting a temple after dark and watching the illuminated sakura, also known as yozakura (夜桜, evening sakura) is also considered hanami.

Things to consider when celebrating hanami

If you want to learn how to celebrate hanami in Japan, there are some things you might want to keep in mind. Below we have listed some important things to consider when celebrating hanami in Japan.

Timing

The cherry blossom season typically runs from late March to early May, depending on the location and the weather conditions. It is recommended to see a kaika yosо̄ (開花予想 blooming forecast) and plan your hanami outing accordingly.

Furthermore, the blooming event usually lasts between 1-2 weeks and comes in several stages which all can be appreciated in different ways. Some Japanese people prefer the initial stages of budding as there is a certain aesthetic beauty in frailty in Japanese culture. Some people prefer when the flowers are in mankai (満開, full bloom), and some people cherish the last moments when the sakura petals drop from the trees and flutter away in the wind in what is called a sakura fubuki (桜吹雪, sakura blizzard).

Finally, sakura comes in many different variants and some bloom earlier than others. For example, you can see the sakura bloom as early as mid-February if you travel to the Izu Peninsula. For more information on different types of sakura, click here.

Clothing

Spring in Japan is the season of sankan-shion (三寒四温, three cold days, four warm days). This means that the weather fluctuates a lot and your choice of clothes is important. If it’s a warm day you may want to try wearing traditional Japanese clothing such as a kimono and yukata. Just remember to bring a blanket or something to sit on.

Food and drinks

There are no particular rules on what to eat during hanami, but there are a lot of seasonal foods in Japan during spring. Some examples are the sanshoku-dango (三色団子 dango riceballs in three colors), or the sakura manjū (桜饅頭, steamed sweet bun filled with a paste mixed with red bean and sakura leaves). 

For more information on what to drink and eat, check out this article!

Nighttime hanami

Some parks, temples and gardens offer nighttime illuminations of the cherry blossoms. This creates a different and romantic atmosphere, and many people enjoy strolling around the illuminated trees at night.

Etiquette

When participating in hanami, it is important to be respectful of the environment and other people around you. Be sure to clean up after yourself, refrain from playing loud music, and avoid damaging the cherry blossom trees.

Some great hanami spots around Japan

Many parks and gardens across Japan are known for their stunning cherry blossom displays. The season also invites a lot of domestic tourism in Japan. As such, it is common to hold matsuri (祭り, festivals) to celebrate the flower blooming event. There are also many places excellent for hiking in the pink spring time Japan. 

With a focus on parks and gardens where you can celebrate hanami in a traditional sense, here are some of our picks on the best locations to celebrate hanami in Japan:

Tokyo area

• Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful park with cheap entrance fees and beautiful gardens where you can enjoy tranquility and sit in the grass and have a picnic. There is a small entry fee to this park.
  
• Ueno Park, a very popular place with lots of sakura trees lined up along the waterside. You can also rent paddle boats here if you want to.
  
• Rikugien Garden, a beautiful garden where you can enjoy the illumination of shidare-zakura (weeping sakura) for a cheap price.

Kansai area

• Osaka castle, one of the largest castles in Japan with lots of sakura trees in the foreground and the possibility to explore Japanese history while having a picnic.
  
• Himeji Castle, just an hour by train from Osaka and Kyoto, Himeji Castle is famous for its beautiful sakura gardens that are overlooked by the impressive castle built in multiple layers on top of a hill.
  
• Kamogawa river, a beautiful river that runs across Kyoto city and a very popular spot for people to sit in the grass under the sakura and hold a picnic.

Kyūshū region

• Maizuru Park – Located in Fukuoka City, Maizuru Park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and also other flowers, such as plum blossoms. The park also has a beautiful castle as a backdrop. There are plenty of open spaces for picnicking and relaxing.
  
• Kumamoto Castle – Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto City is a historic site that is known for its impressive cherry blossom display. The castle is surrounded by over 800 cherry trees and an ideal spot for your flower-viewing event.
  
• Kikuchi Keikoku – Kikuchi Keikoku is a scenic gorge located in Kumamoto Prefecture. The area is also known for its stunning cherry blossoms, and there are many hiking trails and picnic spots throughout the gorge.

Hokkaidō region

• Moerenuma Park, a unique park located in Sapporo City. The park was designed by Isamu Noguchi and has many interesting sculptures and art installations. The park has a large hill with cherry trees and is a great place for picnics and walking.
  
• Maruyama Park, a large park located in Sapporo City, and popular for hanami. The park is perfect for taking a walk, and there is a shrine and a pond in the park as well.

Okinawa region

• Nakijin Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees. The castle ruins are located on a hill, providing a great view of the surrounding area.
• Yogi Park, a large park located in Naha City and known for its sports facilities and cherry blossom trees. The park has over 2,000 cherry blossom trees and is a great place for hanami.

Celebrate hanami with Go! Go! Nihon

Spring is a special time of year in Japan, where people come together to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy the company of friends and family. If you want to experience your first hanami while studying in Japan, get in touch with us to see what your options are.

If you want to learn more about Japanese culture or life in Japan, feel free to follow our blog!

To learn how to read and, if you are ambitious, write them all, takes many years of practice. But having a good technique and habit can greatly speed up the process.

In this article we will discuss some techniques and useful resources to utilize for memorizing kanji. Read on if you are interested in learning more!

Learn kanji with Kanji Kentei textbooks

The very first thing you need is a good compiled list of all the kanji that come in a logical order and structure. The best compilation is without a doubt the one created for the Kanji Kentei (漢字検定), a national kanji aptitude test designed for Japanese people.

The reason this is the best one is because it is designed for Japanese people, not foreign students. So you learn kanji in the same way and order as if you were born in Japan. Furthermore, the kanji words in the textbooks are usually more useful and practical than those found in other textbooks.

The Kanji Kentei are divided into twelve different tests, ranging from 10級 (jū–kyū, level 10) which is designed for first grade elementary school children, all the way up to 1級 (ikkyū, level 1) which is so hard that only very few Japanese people have actually passed the test. To cover all 2136 jōyō kanji you have to pass 2級 (nikyū, level 2).

What is great about Kanji Kentei is that it makes learning kanji fun! In the Kanji Kentei tests, It’s insufficient to learn how to write and read a kanji. You also have to learn stroke orders, be able to spot wrong kanji in texts, write antonyms and synonyms to certain kanji compound words (熟語 jukugo, words that consists of two combined kanji), and much else. It really gives you a deeper understanding of the kanji and this makes it easier to commit the kanji to long-term memory.

There are various textbooks for Kanji Kentei with kanji lists and problems for you to practice in any local book store in Japan. However, you may have to go online to buy textbooks for levels 10-7. 

There is also an application, 漢検トレーニング (kanken torēningu), on Apple and Android if you are connected to the Japanese Apple store or Google Play. If you use the app it’s highly recommended to get a smartphone pen so that you can write with a pen instead of using your finger. 

Personally I use the Japanese 3ds game (漢検トレーニング２, kanken torēningu 2), as I find it to be the best software and is developed by the Kanji Kentei foundation itself.

Resources for learning kanji

There are many different ways to tackle the daunting task of learning over 2000 kanji. Luckily, there are quite a few applications and resources that can help you on your way. Unfortunately Apple users will draw the short end of the stick here, as all the best applications are only available on Android.

With that said, here are some of our most recommended applications for learning Kanji!

Kanji Study

Although it isn’t free, Kanji Study is arguably the best app for learning Kanji, but only if you use it in the correct way! Here are some tips on how to set up your kanji study sessions using Kanji Study:

– First choose which way you want to sort the kanji. We recommend either JLPT or Kanji Kentei.
– Next, choose to divide the kanji into manageable chunks of 10-20 kanji each. You can easily do this automatically in the settings.
– For best learning, choose to study by doing either writing exercises or reading kanji graded exercises. Set the settings to “random sentence” which is much better than “random word” as you get context to the words you are studying. Also choose “recommended sentences”.
– If you are practicing writing kanji, make sure to tick in “manual self check” as it allows you to write the kanji freely.
– Finally, at the end of your session you can categorize the kanji by how well you know them by giving them stars, you can then use this during your next session to only repeat the kanji you didn’t know so well.
– If you want to, you can also import the kanji and sentences directly into the flashcard app Anki (more on Anki below).

*Pro tip: Use a smartphone pen, rather than your finger, when writing kanji! You want to make sure that the kanji sticks in your muscle memory as well.

Japanese Dictionary Takoboto and Anki

When memorizing kanji, a good and reliable dictionary is crucial. After trying some different dictionary apps I arrived at the conclusion that the Japanese Dictionary Takoboto is the best one. It allows you to search with “?” as a wildcard if you don’t know the whole word. Furthermore, not only can you search for words, but also grammatical notes which come complete with full explanations and example sentences. You can also create lists with words or kanji, and one-click import them directly to Anki!

You probably heard about Anki before, but it is a popular flash card app that automatically sorts out the words you review based on how well you perform. It is useful but only if you create a habit of reviewing every day, and stick to it. The best way to use Anki is to review kanji in words or example sentences. Avoid only reviewing kanji without context as that is an ineffective way of learning kanji. 

Looking for other apps to help with learning Japanese, not just kanji? We highlight some in our article here.

Memorizing kanji with mnemonics

Another very popular way of memorizing kanji, and one used by Youtuber Pewdiepie himself, is to memorize kanji using mnemonics. This is a learning technique which aids information retrieval by creating associations between kanji and words/phrases. In order to do this you must first learn the meaning of all kanji radicals (parts of a kanji which bear different meanings). You then combine the parts and create a story which you can associate the kanji with. Here are some examples:

The radical 亻means “person” (compressed version of 人)
The radical 木 means “tree”

Combine these and you get the kanji 休 which means “to rest”. To remember this effectively you could then create a mnemonic such as:

“A person leans towards a tree to rest”

Another example is:
The radical 馬 means “horse”
The radical 又 means “again”
The radical 虫 means  “bug”

Combine these and you get 騒 which means “to make a racket” or “to make noise” To remember this you could create a mnemonic like this:

“A horse was stung by a bug again and made a racket”

Personally I feel that this method is useful for memorizing the kanji visually, but not as useful for learning how to use the kanji. Therefore, I believe this method is best applied in combination with learning words and sentences with the kanji.

How you study is up to you

In the end, how you choose to approach the challenge of learning kanji is entirely up to you. How we learn kanji is highly individual, so it’s recommended to try various methods and see what works best in your case. Maybe the traditional method of just writing long lists of words with pen and paper suits you better than using flashy applications. 

Just remember that the most important thing to stay motivated is to make learning kanji fun. For this purpose, I hope that the above mentioned methods will prove useful!

If you are interested in learning Japanese, or knowing more about Japanese culture and life in Japan, make sure to follow our blog!

Hiking

The weather during spring is ideal for hiking, as it’s neither too cold nor too hot. It is also before the rainy season so it’s not humid either. Furthermore, if you time it right, hiking during spring offers some spectacular sights where you can see the mountainsides colored pink due to the blooming sakura. 

Just remember that the time-window for the blooming event depends on altitude so if you plan on hiking up a higher mountain, the sakura may not yet have bloomed.

When hiking longer distances, don’t forget to bring plenty of food/water, some good shoes, a charged phone and depending on the area, a kumayoke suzu (熊よけ鈴 bell to make sound and scare away bears).

To get you started, you can find some great hiking routes in Hakone, Nikko, Yudanaka (Nagano), Mt. Takao, and Arashiyama (Kyoto).

Read our article on the best places to experience mountains in Japan.

Matsuri (Festivals)

If you want to experience the traditional feeling of Japan with dancing, chanting and beating taiko drums, catching a matsuri (祭り, Japanese traditional festival) is our highest recommendation. 

Spring is a time of love, fertility and new beginning. Consequently there are many matsuri which pay homage to the associated kami (神, Shinto deity). Below are some festivals associated with spring.

Kanda Matsuri (May)

Kanda Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Tokyo. They set off fireworks while singing and dancing, and parade over 200 portable shrines through the town of Kanda.

Aoi Matsuri (May)

For those interested in Japanese history, Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto is a must. With a tradition dating back all the way to the Heian Period (794-1185) it is one of the oldest traditional matsuri in Japan. Expect to see large crowds dress up in traditional Heian-era clothing and form a kilometer long line that goes through the city.

Kanamara Matsuri (April)

If you want to experience something rather eccentric and unique, you could also visit Kawasaki in early April and see the Kanamara matsuri. it is associated with praying for good fertility and where they carry a large shrine with the male genitalia across town.

Sanja Matsuri (May)

Asakusa is one of the most iconic temple areas in the Tokyo area and the associated Sanja Matsuri gathers huge crowds every year. As with most festivals there will be fireworks, dancing, lots of festival food and people dressed up in kimonos. Why not try renting a kimono and join the fun?

Cherry blossom viewing

If you are in Japan between the end of March to mid-April, we recommend visiting a park and having a picnic under the cherry blossom trees. The tradition of watching the sakura (桜, cherry blossom) and having a picnic is called hanami (花見, flower-viewing). 

To make your picnic extra spectacular, why not prepare a bentō (弁当, lunch box), or buy some seasonal snacks to enjoy during your flower-viewing event.

We have compiled some lists of the best places to visit for cherry blossom viewing. If you want to know more about great places in Tokyo, click here. If you want to know about the best places nationwide, read more here.

Seasonal snacks

During spring you will see supermarkets and convenience stores fill their line-ups with sakura flavored snacks. To give an example, it has become a custom to eat Kit Kat in Japan during spring, and they come in a multitude of flavors such as sakura, matcha or sake.

Other famous treats that come in sakura flavor are the Pocky, Milky Chocolate, and even potato chips from Chip Star. Seriously, you can find just about anything sakura-flavored during this season. Even carbonated drinks in the vending machines come with a touch of sakura. Is it tasty? I’ll let you be the judge of that.

One of the best treats to enjoy in spring is the wagashi (和菓子, Japanese sweets). There are lots of wagashi this time of the year. We recommend trying out the sakura manju, a steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste and sakura leaves. 

Or why not the sakura mochi, a rice cake filled with red bean paste and wrapped in sakura leaves. There is also the hanami dango, three colorful flavored balls of mochi on a skewer.

Finally, strawberries are also associated with spring in Japan and they are harvested during this season. It is popular to go on an ichigo-gari (いちご狩り, strawberry hunting) or buy them and enjoy them together with rennyū (練乳, condensed milk). If you are feeling wild, you may also want to try a so-called tenshi no ichigo (天使のいちご, angel strawberry). Although quite expensive this snow-white strawberry is a once-in-a-lifetime delicacy.

I hope that we have given you some sense of what you can do during spring in Japan. Feel free to comment below if you have other activities you recommend during this season!

If you want to travel to Japan, or are interested in knowing more about Japanese culture and life in Japan, make sure to follow our blog!

Different types of sakura

According to Japanese sources, there are over 600 different types of sakura trees spread across Japan. However, many of them have such subtle differences that it is near impossible to distinguish them from each-other with the naked eye.

That being said, there are some types of sakura that for various historical or aesthetic reasons stand out and are more popular. 

Here is a list of the most popular types of sakura and where to best experience them.

Somei Yoshino (染井吉野)

Let’s start with the most famous and widely planted variety of sakura in Japan: Somei Yoshino. This delicate pale-pink blossom with five petals is the most common variety of sakura found throughout Japan. You can find it almost anywhere except for most of Hokkaido and Okinawa.

It usually blooms around late March to early April, and is characterized by its fleeting beauty. In fact, culturally and historically, the impermanence of things is viewed as something very precious in Japan (A concept commonly known as Mono no Aware 物のあわれ). Therefore, the Somei Yoshino – the petals of which typically fall off within a week of blooming – has been cherished throughout the ages in Japan.

Famous locations: Himeji Castle, Fuji Five Lakes, Ueno Park, Hirosaki Castle 

Yamazakura (山桜)

Yamazakura, or “Mountain sakura”, are typically found in mountainous regions, particularly in central Japan. Yamazakura typically blooms around the same time as Somei Yoshino (late March, early April). Its blossoms are similar to Somei Yoshino’s white and pale-pink petals. Unlike Somei Yoshino though, Yamazakura’s petals can last slightly longer, up to two weeks.

Famous locations: Mt. Yoshino (Nara Prefecture)

Shidare-zakura (枝垂桜)

This kind of sakura is very popular in Japanese gardens due to the aesthetic form of the tree itself. It is commonly known as “weeping sakura” due to the sakura blooms hanging from long thin branches drooping down vertically towards the ground. The shidare-zakura blooms around late March to early April, and its blossoms have a larger variation in colors ranging from white to vivid pink.

Also, the shidare-zakura is the official flower of Kyoto Prefecture.

Famous locations: Heian Shrine (Kyoto), Mishima Taisha (Fukuoka)

Yaezakura (八重桜)

For those who want to see a more flamboyant sakura variety, look no further than Yaezakura. This is a catch-all term for any sakura that has more than 5 petals – some varieties have as many as 30-50 petals! Yae actually means “eight layers”, and as the name suggests, the blooms consist of multiple layers of petals. 

The Yaezakura tend to have more vivid colors, although there are white blossoms as well. What’s special about the Yaezakura is that they tend to bloom for a longer period (around a month) and have a lot more petals per flower compared to the Somei Yoshino. 

If you missed the peak sakura season you may still be in time to see the Yaezakura blooming event as it starts blooming from mid April to mid May.

Famous locations: Nara Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Oniushi Park (Hokkaido)

Kawazuzakura (河津桜)

If you happen to be early to Japan and want to experience sakura, there are options for you as well. As it so happens, the Kawazuzakura located on the Izu peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture starts blooming as early as in the beginning of February! The best time for viewing tends to be late February or early March, but it is heavily dependent on weather conditions.

There is also a matsuri (祭り, festival) associated with the blooming event of the Kawazuzakura – called the Kawazu cherry blossom festival. Visiting this festival is one of the best ways to embrace the feelings of spring early on.

The Kawazuzakura has a more pinkish color compared to its other sakura cousins such as the Somei Yoshino.

Famous locations: Kawazu City (Shizuoka Prefecture)

For more information on great spots to experience sakura in Japan, see our article here. If you live in Tokyo and are interested in knowing more about the best places there, click here. 

Plum blossoms

Although the most famous, cherry blossoms aren’t the only type flower that blooms during spring in Japan. The plum blossom (梅花 baika), is often mistaken for cherry blossoms, but there are a few key differences.

One of the main differences is in the petals. Cherry blossoms have a split at the end of each petal, whereas plum blossoms don’t.

The leaves of a cherry tree are green, while those of the plum tree are a deep reddish-purple.

Plum blossoms tend to bloom earlier than cherry blossoms, often in February. When they finish, other flowers usually take over.

When to go flower-viewing in Japan?

Most commonly, sakura bloom from late March until early April. There are exceptions, such as the Kawazuzakura which starts blooming in February, and the Yaezakura which blooms until the middle of May. 

Note that the date depends on where you are in Japan. So it is best to regularly check a sakura forecast for the latest information!

Furthermore, the blooming event can be divided into different parts, and each part offers a certain beauty on its own. Some people prefer to see the sakura when they just begin to sprout, as frailty is a sense of aesthetic beauty in Japanese culture. 

Other people may prefer the timing when the trees are in full bloom and literally color the landscape pink. There are also people who cherish the very last moments of the blooming event when the petals fall off and fly away with the wind in what is called a sakura fubuki (桜吹雪, literally sakura blizzard).

The tradition of flower-viewing in Japan is called hanami (花見) and involves picnicking and socializing under the sakura trees. It is a great way to experience the blooming of different types of sakura in Japan. 

Now that you know more about the different types of sakura in Japan, the next step is to learn the language so that you truly can socialize with Japanese people under the various kinds of sakura trees that cover Japan. Feel free to contact us to learn more about studying Japanese in Japan.

If you are interested in learning more about life in Japan, the culture and history, or learning the Japanese language – follow our blog!

In this article we will look at what an adverb is, list our top six most useful adverbs, and learn how to create adverbs from adjectives! Sound interesting? Let’s go!

What is an adverb? 

An adverb (副詞 fukushi) is a word that modifies either an adjective, a verb or another adverb. Most often adverbs are placed in front of the word they are describing. 

For example in the sentence “A very hot summer” (とても暑い夏 totemo atsui natsu), the word “とても” (totemo, very) describes the word 暑い(atsui, hot).

Why is it so important to learn adverbs?

Learning adverbs in Japanese is very useful because it grants you the ability to express yourself more flexibly. For instance, imagine that your friend asks you whether you are going on Takeshi’s party:

週末、たけし君のパーティーに行く？
Shūmatsu, Takeshi-kun no pātī ni iku?
Are you going to Takeshi’s party this weekend?

You think that you can make it, but are not completely sure yet. However, by knowing adverbs you have now unlocked usage of words such as “probably” and can express yourself like:

うん、たぶん行けるよ。
Un, tabun ikeru yo.
Yeah, I can probably make it.

There are a lot of useful adverbs in the Japanese language, and it’s recommended to memorize as many as possible. To get you started we have handpicked and listed six very useful ones below!

Six useful adverbs in Japanese

ちょっと (chotto)

Meaning: a small amount, or short period of time

ちょっとお手洗いに行ってくる。
Chotto otearai ni ittekuru.
I’ll just quickly go to the bathroom

The adverb ちょっと is interesting as it can be used in a variety of ways. Most commonly though, it’s used as a filler word with the nuance of “a small amount or short period of time”. It’s also commonly used in questions such as:

すみません、ちょっといいですか。
Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka.
Excuse me, do you have a second?

ちょう/めっちゃ (chō/meccha) 

Meaning: very, extremely, super
*This is informal language! It’s recommended to instead useとても (totemo) towards strangers, teachers, or your boss.

この寿司はめっちゃうまい！
Kono sushi wa meccha umai!
This sushi is super delicious! (umai = oishii but informal)

The difference between ちょうand めっちゃ is that ちょう is more prominent in the Kantō area of Japan (Tokyo) while めっちゃ is used frequently in the Kansai area (Osaka and Kyoto). Both share the same meaning of “super/very” and are often heard in daily conversation.

よく (yoku)

Meaning: often, well

夜はよく日本語を勉強しています。
Yoru wa yoku nihongo o benkyō shiteimasu.
In the evenings I often study Japanese.

よく can also mean “well”. This yoku is actually a conjugation of the word いい (good) and can be used as in the following sentence:

残念だけど、よく頑張った。
Zannen da kedo, yoku ganbatta.
It’s unfortunate, but you fought well.

あまり (amari)

Meaning: not so often, not so much

すみません、あまり分かりませんでした。
Sumimasen, amari wakarimasen deshita.
I’m sorry, I didn’t quite understand.

It’s important to be aware that the adverb あまり can only be used together with a negated verb or adjective.

全然 (zenzen)

Meaning: not at all, completely

朝の6時に起きても全然眠くなかった。
Asa no roku ji ni okitemo zenzen nemukunakatta.
Even though I woke up at six in the morning, I wasn’t sleepy at all.

Originally, the word 全然 was only used in negated sentences, like あまり is. However, nowadays this has changed and it’s nowadays common to use 全然 with the meaning “completely” in a non-negated sentence such as:

全然大丈夫だよ。
Zenzen daijōbu da yo.
It’s completely fine. 

ちょうど (chōdo)

Meaning: just, exactly

Finally, we have the adverb ちょうど, which means “just” as in “just right” or “just the right amount” and so on. Here are some example sentences:

ちょうど今学校に着きました。
Chōdo ima gakkō ni tsukimashita.
I arrived at school just now.

ちょうど1000円が残っています。
Chōdo sen en ga nokotteimasu.
I have exactly a thousand yen left.

How to create adverbs from adjectives

Finally we would like to give you a tool so that you can create your own adverbs. It’s not too complicated. First you pick an adjective. Let’s give you a couple of examples to start off with:

たのしい (tanoshī – fun)
すごい (sugoi – awesome)
げんき (genki – energetic, healthy)
はやい (hayai – fast, early)
きれい (kirei – tidy, clean, beautiful)
しずか (shizuka – quiet)

The next step is to identify if the adjective ends on an い or something else. If it ends on an い, it’s a so-called い-adjective and is conjugated as such: い → く

For example: はやい (fast) → はやく (quickly).

You can then build sentences such as:

猫ははやく走っています。
Neko wa hayaku hashitteimasu.
The cat is running quickly.

If the adjective ends with something other than い, the word is a so-called な-adjective. In this case, simply add に after the word instead.

For example: しずか (quiet) → しずかに (quietly).

You can then build a sentence such as:

彼はしずかに映画を観ている。
Kare wa shizuka ni eiga o miteiru.
He is quietly watching a movie.

Disclaimer: there are a few exceptions to the rule. For example, the common words きらい (kirai, to dislike) and きれい (kirei, clean/beautiful) despite ending on い are not い-adjectives and are therefore conjugated by adding a に. As you learn the language, you will pick up more of these exceptions.

We have briefly discussed adverbs in Japanese and how they are used, as well as some commonly used ones that are useful to remember. Do you know any additional adverbs that you want to introduce? Feel free to comment below!

If you are interested in learning Japanese or are interested about life in Japan and Japanese culture and history, make sure to follow our blog!

Riding the “sakura wave”

If you like traveling, one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Japan is ride the “sakura wave”. In other words, following sakura blooming events from southern Japan and towards the north, visiting famous locations along the way.

The date that sakura bloom in Japan depends on altitude and latitude. Usually sakura start blooming in southern Japan around March 25, and in northern Hokkaido towards the end of April/beginning of May. This varies somewhat from year to year and it is recommended to double-check with a 開花予想 (kaika yosō, sakura bloom forecast) for the latest information.

The easiest way to comfortably do this trip is getting the “Japan Rail Pass” which allows unlimited access to most shinkansen (bullet trains) as well as all JR-trains for a set price. Read more about the Japan Rail Pass here.

The JR Pass has to be booked in advance and is only available to people living abroad. If you are in Japan already, another option is to get a 青春１８切符 (seishun jūhachi kippu). This is a seasonal rail pass which permits unlimited travel with the regular JR-train network for a set price. One ticket costs 12050 yen and can be stamped five times. One stamp allows unlimited travel for one day. The seishun jūhachi kippu can be bought at your nearest JR ticket office and is usable between March 1 – April 10.

Some great places to see sakura in Japan

Next we would like to introduce some great sakura spots to visit in Japan during spring. If you are living in Tokyo and want to know the best places there, see our guide here.

Fuji Five Lakes

One of the most iconic things you can do in Japan during spring is to make a trip to the Fuji Five Lakes and watch the sakura flutter in the wind with the towering Mt. Fuji in the background. There are plenty of hostels in the area of Lake Kawaguchiko and renting a bicycle to travel around the lakes is highly recommended. Why not combine it with resting in some outdoor hot springs?

Yoshinoyama and Nara City

Mt Yoshino, or 吉野山 Yoshinoyama is located in Nara Prefecture and historically famous for it’s 山桜 Yamazakura. The area is divided into four areas on different elevations. Because of the difference in elevation, there is some delay between when the sakura blooms between the areas. It is also a great place for hiking and admiring temples.

Before leaving Nara prefecture we also have to mention Nara City itself. Although not famous for its sakura, you can still find plenty of sakura in its beautiful parks. The real treat though are the impressive temples and thousands of friendly deer that share the park with you, and have learned to bow for food. 

Temples, sakura, friendly deer that bow for you, do I need to say more?

Himeji Castle

Another great place to see sakura in Japan is Himeji Castle. The castle is surrounded by parks and water and is constructed on multiple layers of altitude, making the view of the castle absolutely magical with the sakura in the foreground. 

Himeji Castle is easily accessible by train from Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Hirosaki Castle

If you are traveling to the Tōhoku region of Japan, the most famous place for cherry blossom viewing is Hirosaki. The castle isn’t as huge as Himeji, but it’s still a beautiful sight. The surrounding park is also lovely and the town of Hirosaki is the cultural capital of northern Japan. 

It is also home to over 50 types of different cherry blossoms, which gives rise to landscapes with a pretty palette of pink worth your visit.

Suizenji Garden

If you are the kind of person who loves aesthetically pleasing gardens, then this garden will be worth your time. This huge Japanese style landscape garden is located in Kumamoto and truly shines when the many sakura trees all bloom at the same time. If you are lucky you may even find yourself inside a 桜吹雪 (sakura fubuki – “blizzard” of sakura flower petals).

Kyoto City

If you are living in, or plan to visit the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka) you can’t go wrong with visiting Kyoto during spring. There are lots of excellent places for cherry-blossom viewing. 

For example, we would recommend visiting Arashiyama 嵐山, Kiyomizudera 清水寺 and having a picnic along the Kamogawa river. That being said, there are many more excellent places so if you are visiting Kyoto, make sure to stay for at least a couple of days to have time to explore the city properly!

While you’re here, you can take a short train ride to nearby Osaka and admire the cherry blossoms there too – especially around the castle!

Shinjuku Imperial Garden

The Shinjuku Imperial Garden is one of the largest and most beautiful gardens in Japan and offers much more than just sakura. The trees, bushes and grass are daily maintained to be in aesthetically perfect harmony. If you just want to take some time off with your friends, sit in a quiet park and relax, this is the best place in the Tokyo area. 

Just be aware that the park closes early and it does get crowded during sakura season, so it’s recommended to arrive before lunch time.

We have only scratched the surface of what places are worth visiting to see sakura in Japan. There are many more places to visit but hopefully this article was of some help while you figure out where to travel when going to Japan.

If you are interested in knowing more about Japanese culture and life in Japan, make sure to follow our blog!

If you’re wanting to drive in Japan, read on to learn more about how to get a Japanese driver’s license.

Valid driving licenses in Japan

You can drive in Japan if you have one of the following:

• An International Driving Permit
• A driver’s license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan
• A Japanese driver’s license

Having a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) allows you to drive a car in Japan in accordance with Japanese laws. You will need to apply for and receive your IDP in your own country prior to arriving in Japan. Each country will have its own process to obtaining an IDP, so be sure to check with your local land transport authority.

If you have a driver’s license from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, you can drive in Japan as long as you also carry a Japanese translation prepared by one of the following entities:

• The issuing authority of the license, or the embassy or consulate of the issuing country in Japan;
• Taiwan-Japan Relations Association for Taiwanese licenses;
• The Japan Automobile Federation 

You must also have been in Japan for less than one year. 

In the next section we’ll learn more about how to convert your existing foreign license in order to get a Japanese driver’s license.

Converting to a Japanese driver’s license

You can change your current foreign driver’s license (not an IDP) to a Japanese one by applying to the Driver’s License Center of your area’s prefectural police department.

There are two requirements:

1. Your foreign license must be valid and not expired;
2. You must be able to prove you stayed in the issuing country of your license for at least three months after receiving it.

Required documents

There are a number of documents required to transfer your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one:

• An application form
• A portrait photograph of yourself
• Certificate of residence (住民票 jyūminhyō)
• Your National Health Insurance card
• Your My Number card
• Your residence card
• Your foreign driver’s license
• A Japanese translation of your driver’s license
• Evidence that you have stayed in the country that issued your license for at least three months e.g. your passport with entry and exit date stamps

Getting a Japanese translation

The Japanese translation of your license must be made by the Japan Automobile Federation, or your foreign embassy. 

You can apply for the translation online here, however note that you must be in Japan in order to access the website.

The translation costs 4000 yen and will take about two weeks. 

If you can’t apply online for any reason, you can apply by post. Visit this page for information on how to do that.

Applying for your Japanese license at the Driver’s License Center

First thing to note: if you don’t have good Japanese language skills you should bring someone with you who can speak fluent Japanese. Your school should be able to help you out with this if you’re studying!

Secondly, you may need to make an appointment first, so please double check that with your local center.

There will be an aptitude test, a knowledge test, and a driving skills test.

If your license was issued in the following countries:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Britain
• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Holland
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United State of America (States of Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia and Washington only), 
• Taiwan

you will not need to take the knowledge or driving tests. 

Those issued with a driver’s license from the state of Indiana in the United States will not need to take a driving test, but will need to complete the knowledge test.

The tests

The aptitude test will involve testing your vision, color vision, hearing, and motor skills. You may also be asked some questions in Japanese about your driving experience, how you obtained your driver’s license, etc. 

The knowledge test will involve answering 10 questions about Japanese traffic law. You need to get 7 right in order to pass. You can take the test in Arabic, Bengalese, Burmese, English, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Mandarin, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Once you pass the knowledge test, you can make an appointment for the driving test. Note that the next available date could be weeks, or months away. You will be tested on how safely you can drive, how precisely you can perform specific tasks, and how well you can navigate the car (such as through narrow roads). 

The test will feel like less of a test of driving skill, and more of how closely you can follow the rules of the course. Don’t get let down if you fail. Focus on how perfectly you can complete the course, and you’ll have your license in no time!

We recommend you take driving lessons from a local driving school to ensure the best chance of passing the test.

Fees and costs

The application fee for a Japanese driver’s license depends on the type of vehicle you’re getting the license for. 

Ordinary vehicle: 2550 yen

Semi-medium/medium/large vehicles: 4100 yen

Mopeds: 1500 yen

Motorcycles and tow vehicles: 2600 yen

On top of that, you need to pay an issuance fee of 2050 yen.

Enjoying your newfound freedom

That’s it! Once you get your Japanese license you’ll feel like a whole new world has opened up to you. Explore the smaller towns you may never have visited without a car, and always remember to be a courteous, thoughtful, and kind driver. 

For all information related to driving in Japan and driver’s licenses in Japan, visit the official website of the Japan Automobile Federation.

Read on to learn more about the types of gifts you can expect to give or receive on White Day, the holiday’s origins, as well as its current state in the midst of cultural and societal shifts in Japan.

Valentine’s Day 

First, it’s important to understand how Valentine’s Day gift-giving conventions in Japan differ from the West. On this day, it’s standard for women to give gifts and chocolate to their male friends, co-workers, family, and romantic interests. There is even a breakdown of how these types of gifts are called.

Tomo-choco (友チョコ ), a combination of the kanji for “friend” and choco is chocolate given to girlfriends. Giri-choco (義理チョコ) is “obligation chocolate” given to coworkers and acquaintances for formality. Finally honmei-choco (本命チョコ) or “true love chocolate” is much more serious and reserved for a romantic interest or partner. However, there are times when men will break convention and give chocolates to women on Valentine’s Day, and it’s called gyaku-choco (逆チョコ) or “reversed” chocolates.

Women also make their own treats. You can expect to see Valentine’s-themed molds and packaging around this time of year. However after years of practicing this tradition, before White Day came around, women started to question the fairness of this one-sided gift giving.

Origins of White Day in Japan

White Day is believed to have originated in the 1970s with a Fukuoka-based confectionery company, Ishimura Manseido. An executive had read a letter in a women’s magazine lamenting the fact that men receive chocolate from women on Valentine’s Day, but women are not returned the favor. “Why don’t they give us something? A handkerchief, candy, even marshmallows…” she wrote. In a company meeting, Ishimura asked women employees to choose a day for women to receive gifts, and they all agreed on March 14, one month after Valentine’s Day. Japan’s cultural practice of giving gifts to show thanks and appreciation also resonated with this market strategy.

The comment on marshmallows led Ishimura Manseido to coin “Marshmallow Day” and created a new sweet with marshmallow paste stuffed with chocolate for the occasion. They came up with the slogan “I would like to take the chocolate I received from you, and wrap it with my white heart.” Eventually, the name was changed to  “White Day” to be more open-ended while still referencing the fluffy marshmallow’s roots. By the 1980s, White Day was popularized all over Japan, and other countries in Asia also adopted this tradition. To this day, marshmallows are still popular gifts to give on White Day in Japan.

Types of gifts on White Day 

Much like the different levels and meanings of gifts given on Valentine’s Day, White Day gifts are also categorized depending on who the recipient is. In the workplace, it’s customary for men to pitch in to get one box of chocolates for women staff. Between romantic partners, the gifts are much more grand. Gifts are expected to be three times the value of whatever the man had received prior. Traditionally, the gifts should also be white — white gold, silver, or platinum jewelry, white sweets, or white clothing and accessories. However, over time the expectation has been loosened. Gifts don’t necessarily have to be white, but women still expect them to be high quality. For those who you want to reject kindly, it is still a courtesy to at least return sweets worth approximately the same value.

How White Day has changed in Japan

Over the years, White Day has become less popular. There have been cultural shifts around gender norms, societal expectations, and even financial viability. First, the market success of the White Day depends on men whether men had received gifts the month prior. However in the past few years, Valentine’s spending has decreased, meaning White Day spending has also continued to fall. People have also described how Japan’s okaeshi gift giving culture can lead into a pricey cycle and pressure to maintain harmony among social relationships. Women in Japan have especially been challenging the tradition of gifting chocolates, and questioning the pressure of obligation chocolates. In a 2019 survey, 60% of women expressed that they prefer to buy chocolates as personal treats and for family members. 36% of women planned on keeping up the practice of giving chocolates to partners or crushes.

Whether you choose to partake or end up receiving gifts on White Day in Japan this year, the history around the holiday and its cultural implications are nevertheless fascinating.

To learn more about life and culture in Japan, keep up with the Go! Go! Nihon blog.

Read on to learn more about the course!

Who is the course for and what is taught?

The Go! Go! Nihon Online Intermediate Japanese Course was designed for Japanese language learners who have finished their beginner level studies and want to continue to the next stage. 

In order to get the most out of this course, we recommend students have finished learning the equivalent of JLPT N5 and N4. 

As this is an online course, it’s the best option for those who aren’t able to make it to Japan to study at a language school. Or, those who are in Japan already (for example, on a work or spousal visa) and who are looking for a flexible and affordable way to continue their language learning.

By the end of this course, students will add over 700 new words, 68 grammar points, and 310 N3-level kanji to their repertoire. Want to be able to converse smoothly in daily conversation, read and understand long-form text, and discuss and write your thoughts and opinions cohesively? This course will teach you that too. 

Who is teaching the course?

The Go! Go! Nihon Online Intermediate Japanese Course was created by our in-house Japanese teacher Yoko Hori. She has nine years’ teaching experience, has taught Japanese at different education institutions in the United States, including the University of Arkansas and Middlebury Language School, and is fluent in both Japanese and English. 

She loves traditional Japanese culture, such as Kabuki 歌舞伎 (traditional Japanese drama and music) and Ukiyo-e 浮世絵 (Edo-period art made out of woodblock print), and she is excited to share her passion for the language and culture with her students!

Yoko provides direct support to those taking this course, including responding to questions and providing regular feedback to students.

How long does the course take to finish?

Students have six months from the data of purchase to complete the course. There are 11 chapters, so if you finish one chapter per week and put aside about two hours to study Monday to Friday, you will be able to finish the course within three months.

Of course, you are free to allocate time to this course however you wish based on your personal schedule – that’s the beauty of learning Japanese online! 

What makes this the best online Japanese course for intermediate learners?

As mentioned, there is a lot of flexibility with this course since there are no live classes. You can study the course content around your work and life commitments with just a laptop and an internet connection. 

While the course is not taught live, you will get lots of timely support and feedback from Yoko. You will also gain access to our online learning community, where you can interact with peers.

After you complete all the lessons, you will receive a completion certificate verifying you have finished 110 hours of Japanese language study. 

One of the best things about this course is the affordability. The entire course costs 99,225 yen, which means it costs less than 1000 yen per hour. This makes it much cheaper than in-person lessons, whether at a language school or private. 

Learn Japanese online with Go! Go! Nihon

Overall, this course is a great option to prepare you for studying in Japan, or if you’re looking for a flexible and cost-effective option to continue your language learning. 

However, if you’re not quite ready for the intermediate level, we have several other courses that cater for beginners. There are also courses that cover Business Japanese, Kansai-ben, and Japanese onomatopoeia. 

Visit our website for more information and to sign up for the intermediate course. We also offer a bundle of courses designed to take you from zero to JLPT N3, for less than if you purchased the courses separately. Learn more about that bundle here.

That’s why we created this article about the different options, and the pros and cons for each. While most people choose to study between 6 to 24 months on a student visa, there are short-term options as well. If you are interested in moving to Japan now or in the future, this article may help you decide on what kind of trip you want to make!

Read on to see all the options for studying in Japan.

Long-term options to study in Japan

Student Visa (6 months – 2 years)

If you want to become proficient in Japanese, and really have the chance to explore the country and get accustomed to life in Japan, your best bet is to study in Japan on a Student Visa. 

A Student Visa generally allows you to stay from 6 months up to 2 years (depending on your starting term), and comes with a lot of benefits such as the ability to work part time, open a bank account, get National Health Insurance, and more.

A Student Visa is also great as you become a Japanese resident, and more housing options are available for you compared to short-term visas. However, it’s important to note that the application for a Student Visa is more involved and requires proper preparations. There is also the limiting factor that you can only start your journey in the beginning of a school semester, which for language schools is usually January, April, July and October (this varies by school). 

It’s all worth it though, if your goal is to improve your Japanese skills and possibly live and work in Japan in the future!

Pros 

– Eligible for part-time work (up to 28 hours/week)
– Eligible for the National Health Insurance
– Can open a bank account
– Wide range of housing options
– More chances to find full-time employment after studying
– Easier application for a Work Visa if you switch from the Student Visa
– The best chance of improving your Japanese language skills
– Go! Go! Nihon helps you with the involved application process!

Cons

– Only four start terms a year and some terms have different study lengths

Working Holiday Visa (1 month – 1 year)

Another option is to study in Japan with a Working Holiday Visa, if your country has this agreement with Japan. While you can’t pursue a university degree with a Working Holiday Visa, you can study at a Japanese language school! 

A Working Holiday Visa is valid from one month up to a year, depending on the agreement your country has with Japan.

The Working Holiday Visa gives you the same benefits as a Student Visa but allows you to work as much as you want. However, note that the original purpose of the Working Holiday Visa is for travel. So if you use it for studying at a language school, you won’t be able to use as much time to travel.

Note that the working holiday visa is only available for those 30 or under, and only for certain nationalities. Check if you are eligible for the working holiday visa here: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html

Pros
– No limit on how many hours you can work
– Eligible for the National Health Insurance
– Can open a bank account
– Wide range of housing options
– Involved application process

Cons
– Only available for some countries
– Only available for a year
– Age restriction
– If you don’t stay for the entire length of the visa, you won’t be able to re-apply and complete the rest of the visa in the future
– If you choose to study while on the Working Holiday Visa, this gives you less time to travel, which is what the visa is originally for

Short-term options of studying in Japan

Maybe you work full-time or you’re a university student. Perhaps you aren’t in a situation where you can commit to moving to Japan for half a year or more. In that case it’s still possible to do a short-term Study Trip to Japan! 
The great thing with short-term Study Trips is that there is a lot less bureaucracy and you have more flexible start dates. However, you can’t work part time on a temporary visitor visa, and you don’t have access to National Health Insurance. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you are insured before you travel!

If you are interested in doing a short-term trip to Japan and learning Japanese, there are two main options for you.

Temporary Visitor Visa (1 month – 3 months)

One option is to apply and study short-term directly at one of our partner language schools. Note that not all language schools offer this option so if you are interested in a particular language school, contact us for more information. Studying at one of our partner language schools is a good way to combine learning Japanese and exploring Japan!

Pros
– Smooth application
– Flexible starting dates
– No need for long-term commitment 

Cons
– No access to part-time work and National Health Insurance
– Limited school options
– Not long enough to make any substantial progress in your Japanese language skills

Another option you have is our Study Trips. We offer a range of pre-arranged trips that combine language study with travel and experiences. The length varies between one to five weeks.

Pick the Study Trip that suits you, book a flight and let us handle the rest!

Pros
– Smooth application
– Tailored and pre-arranged packages
– Have fun cultural experiences while also learning the language

Cons
– Less flexibility than if you were to organize your own travel
– Not enough time to see significant progress in language skills

Application deadlines

Go! Go! Nihon has a team with more than 10 years’ experience helping people to live and study in Japan. We offer support with finding a suitable school and housing and guide you through the whole process of moving to Japan completely free of charge. 

If you want to move to Japan or go on a Study Trip, the earlier you contact us the better. It is recommended to contact us at least six months in advance if you wish to apply for a student visa, to make sure you have enough time to complete the applications.

If you are interested in knowing more about life in Japan, check out our blog for regular updates, and if you are thinking about moving to Japan, contact us for more information!

How, then, do you tell someone you love them in Japan without committing a social faux pas? Read on to learn all about expressing your love in Japanese.

“Love” in Japanese 

There are two words for “love”, but they are used differently when expressing love in Japanese. The first is ai 愛, which is a more general word for love and encompasses romantic love, as well as love for your friends, family, your possessions, etc.

Some words you will see 愛 in include:

Kawaii 可愛い – cute
Aishō 愛称 – pet name or nickname
Mederu 愛でる – to cherish, admire

The second word is koi 恋, which refers specifically to romantic love. For example, you will see this character in words such as:

Koibito 恋人 – lover, significant other
Koiuta 恋歌 – love song
Hatsukoi 初恋 – first love

There is a word written with both the characters for love: renai 恋愛. This means romantic love or falling in love. For example, a love marriage, as opposed to an arranged marriage, is called renai kekkon 恋愛結婚. 

Sometimes the word rabu ラブ is used, which is the katakana of the English word “love”. For example, young people say they’re “rabu rabu ラブラブ” when they’re really fall head over heels in love with each other.

Phrases for expressing love in Japanese

There are a few phrases you can use to tell someone you love them, but remember to pay attention to the context to ensure you use the right one.

Kokuhaku 告白

Before you even think about how to declare your feelings in a romantic context, you should understand the culture of kokuhaku, or “confession”. This is when you “confess” your feelings for someone with the hopes of dating them.

When giving the confession, it’s normal to say, “tsukiatte kudasai 付き合ってください”, which means, “Please go out with me” or “Can we date?” 

Tsukiaou 付き合おう means to “go out” with the implication of dating.

Without this confession, you’re not technically in an exclusive relationship with the other person.

Suki desu 好きです and daisuki desu 大好きです

“Suki desu” means “to like”, so if you take someone aside and tell them, “suki desu!” or “suki dayo!” (informal), then you’re saying you like them beyond just friendship. 

A lot of the time in this context, this phrase is used to mean “I love you”, even if the English translation is “I like you”. 

“Daisuki desu” means to really like or love something, so this has a similar effect as “suki desu”. 

For example, if you are confessing your feelings for someone, you might say:

Suki desu! Tsukiatte kudasai.
好きです。付き合ってください。
I like/love you. Can we date?

Note that both suki desu and daisuki desu are commonly used more generally to express you like or love something, not just in a romantic context. 

Aishiteru 愛してる

This technically means, “I love you” and can only be used in a romantic context. Whether you actually say it to someone is another story because in reality, this way of declaring love is very rarely used and is extremely serious. 

Other ways to express love

There are plenty of other phrases you can use when expressing love in Japanese without actually saying, “I love you”. They’re not exactly declarations of love, but if you say them to the person you like, then it can help them realise your feelings for them.

Issho ni itai
一緒にいたい
I want to be with you.

Aitai
会いたい
I want to see you (or literally: I want to meet you).

Futari de ikō / issho ni ikō
二人で行こう / 一緒に行こう
Let’s go together.

For example, if the person you like is talking about wanting to go to an event, you can say:

“Futari de ikō”, or “issho ni ikō”. 

If you want to make it more of an invite, you can say:

Issho ni ikimasenka?
一緒にいきませんか？
Would you like to go with me?

Japan’s unique dating culture

In addition to differences in culture and language, Valentine’s Day is also celebrated differently. It isn’t a day for men to express their love, but rather, it’s a day when women give gifts to show their love for people in their lives. 

Typically, this takes the form of chocolate, of which there are three main categories:

1. Giri choco 義理チョコ, or “obligation chocolates”. These are gifted to family members, acquaintances and colleagues and hold no romantic meaning.
2. Tomo choco 友チョコ are given by women to their female friends.
3. Honmei Choco” 本命チョコ are given to the person a woman has romantic feelings for.

If you’re wondering when it goes the other way, that happens one month later on March 14, or White Day. Read more about how Valentine’s Day and White Day are celebrated in Japan here.

Another interesting aspect of Japan’s dating culture is the concept of gōkon 合コン, or group dates. These are organised gatherings that bring single men and women together with the aim of matching people together romantically. Think of it like a group blind date!

Dating in Japan is quite different to most western cultures. Telling your significant other that you love them and public displays of affection aren’t as common amongst Japanese couples. It might seem a bit confusing at first, but we hope this article has helped clarify how you might go about expressing love in Japanese!

You can learn more Japanese expressions in our language articles, such as Japanese you can learn from anime. Read more about Japanese culture and society on our blog. 

Code Chrysalis offers coding bootcamps in Tokyo for those who want to find a job as a software engineer, who want a career change, or those who are simply interested in learning how to code. 

Read more about Code Chrysalis, their bootcamps, and what you need to apply. 

What is Code Chrysalis?

Code Chrysalis is a Silicon Valley-style coding bootcamp in the heart of Tokyo that helps people become full-stack software engineers in just 12 weeks of full-time study.

It is the only coding bootcamp in Asia that supports students long after they graduate, helping with everything from crafting the perfect resume, to teaching you how to prepare for interviews in the tech industry.

Around 90% of Code Chrysalis graduates go on to find employment after they finish studying. Previous graduates have received offers from the likes of Google, Mercari, Line, Sony, Rakuten, and more.

Why do a coding bootcamp in Japan?

Good software engineers are in high demand worldwide. Not only is working in tech exciting, with no two days the same, but software engineers get to exercise their problem-solving skills, tap into their creativity, and they are constantly learning and innovating. 

It’s a great career for those who like working remotely and it’s one of the few work options in Japan where you do not need a high level of Japanese language skill.

By completing a coding bootcamp with Code Chrysalis, you’ll be able to gain the essential technical skills and knowledge you need to thrive in a competitive job market, without spending years studying for a degree.

This makes a coding bootcamp perfect for those wanting a career change – even those without a technical background. In fact, most Code Chrysalis students (63%) do not come from the tech industry, and have diverse backgrounds including teaching, accounting, business, and music. The vast majority of graduates (81%) land their first jobs as software engineers, with others finding jobs as developers, project managers, and front-end engineers. 

Not wanting a career in tech, but interested in learning how to code? Doing a coding bootcamp in Japan with Code Chrysalis is a great option for you too. You’ll gain the foundations of programming and learn to think like an engineer, regardless of what your end goals are.

Take a coding bootcamp in Japan with Code Chrysalis

In partnership with Go! Go! Nihon, Code Chrysalis offers coding courses for those with existing long-term Japan visas (e.g. Spousal Visa, Working Holiday etc), and short-term Visitor Visas. Note that Code Chrysalis does not sponsor visas.

Code Chrysalis has a full-time coding bootcamp designed to help you become a versatile and autonomous software engineer in just three months.

You will learn solid engineering practices, get to build a portfolio in the languages and tech stacks that you wish to use, and receive lifetime career support. 

For those who wish to take the full-time immersive course and who have no knowledge or experience of software engineering, there is a foundation course offered to prepare you for the coding bootcamp. This foundation course is included in the cost of the bootcamp.

Visit our website for more information: https://gogonihon.com/en/vocational-schools/tokyo/code-chrysalis/

If you’re only planning to visit Japan for a short time on a Visitor Visa, you can take part in our Coding Bootcamp Study Trip. Take coding lessons in English at Code Chrysalis HQ in Tokyo, while also taking part in fun cultural activities.

This four-week trip is perfect for those wanting to learn the basics of coding, but also want to take part in some local experiences. 

Learn more on our Study Trip website: https://studytrip.com/trip/coding-bootcamp/

For more information about short-term visas to Japan, read our article here.

How to sign up

Go! Go! Nihon makes it easy for you to apply to Code Chrysalis. Simply fill in our contact form and one of our team will get back to you!

We can also help you with finding suitable accommodation, setting up a SIM card in Japan, plus many other services you might need. Just let us know how we can help.

Students who are taking the full-immersion course and are residents of Japan can receive up to 400,000 yen per year under the Hello Work Education and Training benefit system. Learn more about what this subsidy is and how to apply here: https://www.hellowork.mhlw.go.jp/insurance/insurance_education.html

Note that in order to complete the application process for this subsidy, you need to be proficient in Japanese.

From having an excellent grasp of the language, to understanding Japanese business etiquette, here are the top things you must have in order to work in Japan.

A high level of Japanese language skill

One of the first steps to successfully finding work in Japan is to have the language skills necessary to communicate with your peers, boss, and any potential customers. 

The vast majority of full-time roles in Japan will require a high level of Japanese – at least JLPT N2, but preferably N1 – and your salary may depend on what JLPT level you are. 

If you don’t already know Japanese, you should expect to spend about two years studying full-time at a Japanese language school in order to reach JLPT N2. The most effective way of learning a new language is to study it in a country where it is spoken – learn more about the benefits of immersive learning in our article here. Go! Go! Nihon can also help you find the right language school for your career and work goals. 

It’s true that there are some jobs that don’t require a high level of Japanese, or any Japanese at all. These include teaching English or another language, and working in software engineering. However, not knowing Japanese means you’re more disconnected from your colleagues and it becomes harder to build camaraderie and trust when you can’t communicate in the same language. 

On top of this, life in general is harder without the right language skills, especially if you don’t live in a major city. Seeking medical help, making Japanese friends, and renting an apartment without good Japanese skills will make your life harder than it needs to be.

Japanese is not an easy language to learn to a high level, but it is well worth it if you want to build a career and find a fulfilling job in Japan. 

At least a Bachelor’s Degree

Having at least a Bachelor’s Degree is crucial to being able to work in Japan. Even if you find an employer who is willing to hire you and sponsor your work visa without a university degree, there is a chance that Japanese Immigration will deny your application. 

The only other way you could work in Japan without a degree is if you have at least 10 years of professional experience in the field corresponding to your work visa category. These categories include Engineer, Journalist, Medical Services, Legal, Skilled Labor, and more. 

We recommend those who don’t already have a university degree from their home country to invest their time and resources into learning Japanese at a language school, and then attend university or a vocational college in Japan. Most tertiary education courses in Japan are taught in Japanese, so here is another instance where learning the language is crucial.

However, there are E-track options for those who wish to gain a Bachelor’s Degree in English from a Japanese university. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, based in Beppu, Kyushu, allows students to access three of their degree courses in English, while learning Japanese at the same time. These degrees are the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Science, and Bachelor of Sustainability and Tourism. Read more about this university on our website.

Note that a degree from a vocational college from your home country will not be enough to secure a work visa in Japan. 

Learn more about the process of getting a university degree in Japan in our article here.

A Japanese resume

There is a high likelihood that you will need a Japanese resume when applying for work in Japan. This means a resume written in Japanese in the style that is expected by Japanese companies. It can’t just be a direct Japanese translation of your existing resume.

Some of the main differences between Japanese and Western resumes include:

• A headshot: it’s standard to add a professional headshot to your Japanese resume
• Personal information: Japanese resumes often require you to include your date of birth, gender, dependents, marriage status, and commuting time
• Resume layout: you should ensure your Japanese resume is in the same style as others (don’t worry, there are templates available to help you with this!)

Read more in our article about how to write a Japanese resume.

A good suit and business attire

First impressions matter and you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure you are tidy and presentable when going for job interviews. That’s why having a good suit is so important to securing work in Japan.

If interviewing for “traditional” industries such as finance or law, you need to dress as conservatively as possible. For men, this means solid dark suits – think black, navy and dark gray. Wear a white shirt, with a simple tie, dark colored socks, and black or dark brown dress shoes. 

For women, wear a dark colored business skirt with a matching suit jacket and a white blouse. It’s commonplace to wear nude-colored sheer tights. Wear black or navy court shoes – no high heels, platforms, or open-toed shoes. 

Learn more about Japanese business attire in our article.

An understanding of Japanese business etiquette

This isn’t necessarily a must-have, but your work life in Japan will go considerably smoother if you take the time to learn about common etiquette in Japanese workplaces.

This includes knowing how to use honorifics and speaking keigo, how to acknowledge your colleagues’ hard work, business card etiquette, and more.

We know this can be hard to learn if you haven’t yet worked for a Japanese company. That’s where our online business Japanese courses come in. Together with the Intercultural Institute of Japan, we offer two courses that teach you the essentials for thriving in a Japanese workplace. 

Learn more about the courses here.

Prepare to work in Japan with Go! Go! Nihon

As you can see, the must-haves of finding work in Japan revolve around knowing the language and culture. One of the best ways of gaining that knowledge is to live and study in Japan.

Go! Go! Nihon has more than a decade of experience helping people from all over the world successfully apply for a language school, and to realize their dreams of living and studying in Japan. Most of our partner schools have a special focus on helping students reach their goals of further education and/or working in Japan, so you know you’ll be in the right hands with your language education from the start.

Contact us to find out how we can help you.

There are some challenges, as is the case in many other countries around the world. But the good news is that the standard of accessibility in Japan has improved dramatically in recent years. 

In 2006, Tokyo passed the “barrier-free act” (バリアフリー法 Baria-furī hō), which was a push towards barrier-free environments in airports, train stations, and shopping malls. And in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Japan also launched the “universal design 2020 action plan” to create a more inclusive society. 

Let’s have a closer look at how Japan supports people with accessibility needs.

Public transport

Chances are you’ll be making the most of Japan’s exceptional public transport options to get around when you’re in Japan. There have been great improvements to ensure better access for those who need it, but there also remain some issues, particularly in more rural areas.

Train travel

In general, it’s fairly straightforward traveling by train in Japan if you have accessibility needs. Many stations have lifts and escalators, as well as friendly staff who will help you board the right trains. 

However, take care outside of city centers as train stations may not be as accessible. 

If you are in a wheelchair and wish to use a train, please approach the train staff at the ticket gate. Tell them where you want to go e.g.

京都駅に行きたいんですが。
Kyoto eki ni ikitain desu ga.
I want to go to Kyoto station.

You will be accompanied by a staff member who helps you find the elevator, the right platform, and will help you get on the right train. They will also make sure that there is staff that can help you change trains and get off at the station you are heading towards. 

The same goes for if you are visually impaired and need help getting through the ticket gates. A staff member will guide you to your train and call ahead to the other station so a staff member there will be ready to help. 

Many stations also have yellow bumps to assist passengers that are visually impaired, and the orange lines tell you where to line up while waiting. Furthermore, most trains tell you what station you will be arriving at in both Japanese and English.

If you’re planning to travel long-distance, for example on a bullet train, it’s best to reserve your seat beforehand if you’re using a wheelchair. This is to ensure you can get a wheelchair-friendly seat. 

Note that Japan Railways, one of the major train operators in Japan, has wheelchair restrictions of 120 centimeters in length/height and up to 70 centimeters in width.

Bus travel

Japan has large bus networks connecting commuters to the nearest train station. Most city buses in Japan are non-step and are wheelchair accessible, but there are some routes in rural areas that aren’t.

If you are in a wheelchair, the driver will make space for you and get out a ramp for you to use. There are usually clear signs on the bus signaling which seats are accessible. Remember to tell the bus driver where you want to get off so he can help you pay and get off as well.

In general, when waiting for your bus, make sure to first situate yourself near the front of the bus and make sure that the bus driver spots you by raising your hand. This is important because many different buses stop at the same bus stop, and if you don’t make your presence known the bus driver may assume you are waiting for another bus.

Note that shuttle buses to airports and highway buses are generally not accessible. In those situations, we recommend taking trains or another transport option.

Travel by taxi

If there are no bus stops or train stations close to where you are going, another option of travel is by taxi. Although it’s expensive, it’s very convenient. However, you have to book a taxi in advance if you travel with a wheelchair. 

The easiest way to do this is by downloading the application JapanTaxi which supports English and covers most areas in Japan. You can download the app for android here and apple here.

You can also ask the hotel staff to arrange a taxi for you. 

Please also be aware that many taxis do not have ramps for wheelchairs and may not have the space for non-folding wheelchairs.

Accessibility on the street in Japan

Yellow tactile pavements (called tenji burokku 点字ブロック) are everywhere in Japan and sidewalks usually feature dropped kerbs suitable for people with accessibility needs. People with a visual impairment will find plenty of braille in public spaces, however note that it is typically in Japanese braille.

Traffic lights also play a tune or have birds chirping when it’s safe to cross the road.

While you should be comfortable navigating bigger streets in the cities, it can be more difficult in the backstreets, which can be narrow and crowded. Also be aware that a lot of old buildings still exist in Japan and they can be difficult to access if you have accessibility needs.

Restaurants

It can be difficult to find accessible restaurants in Japan. Especially traditional restaurants due to many indoor spaces having a “genkan” (玄関) – an area where you remove your shoes before climbing up a step to enter the rest of the indoor area. Many are also located in older buildings that don’t cater for accessibility needs. 

For this reason it’s best to check for information online or call the restaurant directly and ask if they are barrier-free.

そちらはバリアフリーですか。
Sochira wa baria furī desu ka.
Is your restaurant/store barrier-free?

Shopping centers tend to be more accessibility-friendly and many have multiple dining options, from modern cafes to traditional ramen shops. Keep this as an option to ensure your accessibility needs are met in Japan when looking for a place to eat. 

Tips on accessibility in Japan

Finally we would like to add some additional tips so that you can travel in the most comfortable way possible during your stay in Japan.

Bring a compact wheelchair, if you can

If you have the option to choose, bring a compact or foldable wheelchair for your travels. This is because there are many narrow spaces in Japan and it can be hard to fit into some buses and enter some stores if you have a larger motorized wheelchair.

Plan your toilet breaks

There are some exceptional multipurpose toilets 多目的トイレ (tamokuteki toire) available at most subway and train stations, as well as malls and even some parks, in the cities in Japan. However, it can be a chore to find an accessible toilet on the street, so definitely try to take the opportunity when you’re at a station or shopping mall.

Do some research in advance

Although much of Japan is accessible, there are rural and suburban areas that are not. Therefore, it’s important to know in advance which train stations have elevators or wheelchair lifts. You can check with staff, by calling ahead and asking:

エレベーターやバリアフリー対応 のエスカレーターがありますか。
Erebētā ya bariafurī taiō no esukarētā ga arimasuka?
Is there an elevator or accessible escalators?

One tip is to also use Google Street View to see how accessible the places you plan to visit are.

Ask for help if something goes amiss

Japanese people are very polite and will help you if you are in a pinch. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need to!

For more information on accessibility in Japan we also recommend visiting this website: https://www.accessible-japan.com/.

That’s it for this time! Did you find this article helpful? Feel free to comment below.

If you are interested in learning more about daily life in Japan, the culture and about learning Japanese, feel free to check out our blog!

Read on to find out when and where to go and how to enjoy this season just like the Japanese do.

When to see cherry blossoms in Japan 

Cherry blossoms typically bloom at different times depending on where they are located. Naturally, trees in colder parts of the country like Hokkaido will bloom later. However, overall, you can expect to see cherry blossoms around mid-to-late March and early April.

Note that the cherry blossom forecast can change depending on weather patterns.

How to celebrate cherry blossoms in Japan

The usual way to experience cherry blossom season in Japan is to have a picnic with friends. In Japanese, this is called hanami and it is serious business in Japan. Often groups will gather with a large plastic tarp at a park and eat and drink the day away. The most serious hanami fans may even camp out overnight to save the best spot at their favourite park.

You don’t need to go to those extremes to get a decent spot, though. Just show up early and bring plenty to eat and drink!

Other ways you can enjoy sakura include simply visiting different parks, strolling around and taking plenty of photos. Depending on the park you go to, you will get to see a range of different cherry blossom flowers. Read more on our blog!

Some beautiful locations across Japan to visit for cherry blossoms include Himeji Castle, Lake Kawaguchi and Hirosaki Castle Park.

For our pick of 10 great spots to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo, read our blog article here.

Seasonal food and drink

Starbucks is usually one of the first to announce their seasonal cherry blossom-themed drinks and merchandise each year. But if you wander around, you will probably notice a lot of sakura-themed treats at cafes.

Sweets manufacturers always use this time of year to put out limited edition versions of popular items. Drinks manufacturers Asahi and Suntory also release seasonal beer and alcoholic pre-mix drinks.

Read more about seasonal spring treats in Japan here.

It’s not just food and drinks that take on a cherry blossom theme during this time though! Many cosmetics and beauty brands will release limited edition sakura themed products like shampoos, moisturisers and perfumes.

Want to be studying in Japan for the next cherry blossom season? Contact us about how to study in Japan. Or if you can’t commit to something long-term, don’t forget that we also offer two spring Study Trip courses. You can experience studying at a Japanese language school while also taking part in fun cultural activities.

What exactly a temporary visa can do

In order to fly into Japan and make it past immigration and out of the airport, visitors are required to have a visa. In the case of tourism in Japan, we talk about a temporary visa or a visitor visa for a short stay, for those looking to sightsee. Depending on the visitor’s home country, temporary visas allow up to a 3 month visit (90 days).

If visitors come to tour, backpack, go to conferences, see friends/relatives, etc., then the visitor visa is perfect. Anything else though—any kind of activity receiving pay, extending allowed time, anything non-tourism related—then a different kind of visa along with different applications will be required.

If you want to study Japanese at a language school in Japan, we highly recommend a long-term Student Visa instead.

How to get a temporary visa for Japan

Nationals from certain countries must obtain a temporary visa for Japan in advance in order to enter Japan. Among these countries are Russia, China, India, Brazil, the Philippines, some Asian countries, and some Middle Eastern and African Countries. In addition to this, specific rules apply to each country, so please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan website to learn the requirements and print out the applicable documents.

Document processing is usually free of charge, although there will be a charge for the actual visitor visa. This fee varies according to whether the visa is single entry, multiple entry, or transit. Visitors should also make sure their passport is valid for 90 days following their departure date from Japan.

There are currently 68 countries exempt from requiring a visa to enter Japan. Citizens from most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and North America are allowed a stay of 15, 30, or 90 days in the country depending on their choice. This means visitors from these countries can arrive at a Japanese airport without having previously applied for a Japan visitor visa, and receive a stamp that allows for an allotted time in Japan.

To check whether their country is visa exempt, visitors should check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website. Although visitors from these countries are visa exempt, it’s important to remember that this still means visits must be tourism related.

Provisions and rules

There is a bit of fine print! All visitors must make sure they carry their passport with them at ALL times. Whether just stepping out of their hotel room for a bite at the convenience store (by the way, this is a fun recommendation, as Japan’s convenience stores have an interesting variety of food and drinks) or going hiking outdoors, it’s Japanese law that visitors must always be carrying their passport.

If ever asked by police or authority, visitors must present their passports. It’s also necessary to have a return ticket on hand. It’s up to the discretion of the officer at the port of entry to check for that ticket, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

It’s not overly difficult, but the most important thing is for visitors to check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in terms of what visa rules apply to their country. After that, come see what this beautiful country has to offer.

Temporary visa extensions

Visitors from a limited number of countries can apply for an extension to their temporary visa. These countries are Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Mexico, and Liechtenstein. The extension permits visitors to stay up to 6 months under a bilateral visa exemption arrangement.

If you’re from one of these countries and want an extension, you must apply to the Ministry of Justice )Regional Immigration Bureau) before your current period of permitted stay expires.

Visit Japan with Study Trip and Go! Go! Nihon

Japan isn’t just Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Okinawa has waters so blue and clear you can sometimes see the bottom of the ocean floor. Kyushu with its rich, hearty, simmered pork bone (豚骨, Tonkotsu) broth, Shikoku with its 88 temple pilgrimage, or Hokkaido with its long scenic roads; the country has so much to offer, chances are you’ll need to come back for another temporary visa for Japan!

If you can’t wait to experience all these wonderful locales for yourself, definitely check out Studytrip.com, where there’s all kinds of programs to suit Japan lovers’ needs!

If you’re contemplating a short trip to Japan, but you’re worried about the language barrier, check out our online beginner Japanese crash course. This two-week course teaches you the basics of the language and useful phrases to help you get by on your visit. For more information and to sign up, visit our website.

How long does it take to become fluent in Japanese? What is fluency?

So, in order to answer the question of how long does it take to become fluent in Japanese, we need to specify what fluency really means. I would argue that there are different degrees of fluency. Let’s simplify by calling them “small-talk fluency” and “native fluency”.

I started hearing after six months in Japan that I was “fluent” in Japanese because I could express my mind and hold a normal conversation going with natural intonation and speed. Was I fluent? Well, the term I was flattered with was the word ペラペラ (perapera), which is an onomatopoeic word with the meaning of “flowing unobstructed” or “fluent”. In that sense I was sort of fluent, but in truth, I was mostly using the same vocabulary and rambling the same conversations such as ordering food, asking for directions, small talking with strangers and so on. Indeed, I was “small-talk fluent” but as soon as I was thrown out of my comfort zone and asked what I think about topics such as global warming or politics, I found myself hesitating and stuttering.

In order to reach native fluency, e.g. being able to without effort, understand and express yourself naturally both orally and in text, regardless of the topic, requires a considerable amount of time studying. How long it takes is hard to define as it’s both highly individual and depends on how high you or the person who is judging your Japanese sets the bar. Personally, I would argue that you have more or less reached “native fluency” when you can make a phone call, have a deep discussion about anything that’s not small-talk, and the person on the other side can’t tell whether you are a native Japanese or not. Or, if they can tell, it doesn’t impact significantly on the conversation.

Another interesting definition of fluency I once heard is that you are fluent once you can fiercely fight and argue in that language. (Don’t go picking fights with strangers to see if you’re Japanese is fluent or not!)

According to my experiences, to reach that level of fluency requires a minimum of three years of full-time studies and continuous usage of the Japanese language in your private life. So, how do you achieve this goal as efficiently as possible? Next, I want to provide some tips and tricks about how to most efficiently reach “small-talk fluency” and “native fluency”.

Tip 1: Find Japanese friends

Finding Japanese friends that you can interact with online and in person is important to improve your fluency. However, many would have you think that making true Japanese friends is hard. I don’t share this view at all. It really depends on your expectations and how you approach the issue. To up your chances of encounters that can lead to potentially life-long friendships with Japanese people I recommend putting yourself in an environment where making friends occurs naturally. Some examples of this are:

1. Speak Japanese (even if it’s not great yet). I find that it’s much easier to connect with Japanese people if you speak Japanese to them. The benefits from this only grow the better your Japanese becomes!
2. Live in a share house. Share houses are great because you share the common spaces with Japanese people and get a chance to know them better. You also find yourself in many situations where you naturally need to hold a conversation in Japanese.
3. Tag along with a friend who already has Japanese friends. The key to expanding your network of connections is to find an entry point. Get yourself invited to a party or such and see what happens!

Tip 2. Speak up and don’t be afraid to make mistakes

It’s natural to not want to talk unless you can formulate yourself perfectly. I want to suggest, be a daredevil, speak up and embrace those awkward moments where you initiate a conversation, but can’t follow up. That is the moment when the most learning occurs.

Learn more tips on how to speak more Japanese here.

Tip 3. Simulate conversations in your head

For new learners, it is also a good idea to make a habit of simulating common everyday conversations during your off-time (when walking to school, sitting on the train etc.). For example, daydream a situation where your friend asks you something, and think about what you would answer. This will prepare you for when those situations do occur later on.

Tip 4. Engulf yourself in different social situations and media

I like to think that every field has a different set of commonly used terminology. The idea is that to reach native fluency, you need to be proficient in as many of these fields as possible. For example, at work you may use one set of formal Japanese. At the local bar you’re bound to use a totally different set of vocabulary. When watching anime, you also find certain terms rarely used elsewhere, even when going camping you have the opportunity to learn camping related words. Try and break your daily routines and try out things you don’t normally do, as this will create opportunities to learn new vocabulary (and expand your horizons in general).

Tip 5. Immerse yourself in the Japanese language

A lot of learning occurs subconsciously as well. Therefore, it is helpful to create an environment where you encounter as much Japanese as possible. If you are into Netflix, try putting on Japanese subtitles. If you are into gaming, try playing in Japanese instead (you can easily change languages on Nintendo Switch, for example). Change your computer settings to Japanese.

Try to include the Japanese language in your hobbies as much as possible and immerse yourself by changing your environment to include the Japanese language as much as possible. Just don’t forget that it’s not supposed to feel like work, it’s supposed to be fun!

Learn more about learning through immersion in our article.

Tip 6. Make a habit of looking up unfamiliar words.

My final tip is a straightforward one, but also very important. Whenever you encounter words unfamiliar to you, make a habit of looking them up in a digital dictionary. Also preferably use a dictionary which can one-click export words straight into a flash card app like Anki. Takoboto for Android is a good example of this. You can then study the words you want during your off-time.

That’s it for this time! Do you agree with the definitions of fluency and the tips and tricks shared in the article? Comment below!

Follow our blog for more interesting articles on learning Japanese.

This is the second article about basic particles in Japanese – make sure you check out the first article here where we cover は, の, を, が andも.

Let’s continue to review some commonly used particles in Japanese and their basic functions!

に(ni) and へ(e)

Main functions:
1. Indicates directionality
2. Indicates a fixed time

The particle に has two main functions. One is to indicate a direction/location. This can often be translated with the word “to” in English. For example:

(私は）明日学校に行く。
(Watashi wa) ashita gakkō ni iku.
I will go to school tomorrow.

You can also use へ instead of に, but only in the case of physical movement with words such as 行く(iku, to go), 来る (kuru, to come) or 帰る (kaeru, to return). 

Furthermore, there is a subtle difference in that に emphasizes the destination, while へ emphasizes the path there. Personally I also feel that using へ is a more indirect and humble way of speaking compared to に.

*Note that the particle へ is pronounced “e” not “he”!

私の友だちは国へ帰る。
Watashi no tomodachi wa kuni e kaeru.
My friend is going to return to his/her country.

The following sentence is one where you can’t use へ:
(私は) 昨日、先生に本を返した。
(Watashi wa) kinō, sensei ni hon o kaeshita.
I returned a book to my teacher yesterday.

The second function of に is to indicate a fixed time an event takes place. You don’t use に together with words such as 今日 (kyō, today), 明日 (ashita, tomorrow) or 来週 (raishū, next week) because the date/time of such words is relative to the speaker’s location in time. For such words a rule of thumb is to not use a particle, or if not previously used in the sentence, use は instead of に.

(私は)木曜日に旅行に行く。
(Watashi wa) mokuyōbi ni ryokō ni iku.
On Thursday I’m going on a trip.

で(de)

Main functions:
1. Indicates a location an action/event takes place
2. Indicates a tool or means by which you perform an action.

First of all, で is used to describe a location where an action or event takes place. For example:

明日は図書館で勉強する。
Ashita wa toshokan de benkyō suru.
Tomorrow I will study at the library.

It is important to note that で is only used together with verbs that describe an action/event affiliated with the subject. Existential verbs such as ある/いる (aru/iru, to have/be/exist) or 住む (sumu, to live) do not describe an action and in these cases に is used instead of で. For example:

母は東京に住んでいる。
Haha wa Tokyo ni sundeiru.
Mom lives in Tokyo.

The second function of で is to indicate how the subject performs an action. Namely, what means, or tool does the subject use to perform a task. For example:

(私は)車で九州に行った。
(Watashi wa) kuruma de kyūshū ni itta.
I went to Kyūshū by car.

これは日本語で何ですか。
Kore wa nihongo de nan desuka.
What is this in Japanese? (Japanese is a means of communication so で is used.)

と(to)

Main functions:
1. Used to lump together nouns with the meaning “and”
2. Indicate who the subject is accompanied by.
3. Used as citation.

The particle と also has many functions. Let’s start with the most straightforward one: と is used between nouns with the meaning “and”. For example:

(私は)猫と犬がいる。
(Watashi wa) neko to inu ga iru.
I have a cat and a dog.

A common mistake is to use と as “and” when describing two actions/events. In such cases the て-form should be used instead. For example:

The wrong way:
日本へ行ったと、日本語を学んだ。
Nihon he itta to, nihongo o mananda.

The right way:
日本へ行って、日本語を学んだ。　
Nihon e itte, nihongo o mananda.
I went to Japan and learned Japanese.

The second use of と is to indicate who the subject is accompanied by or who the subject is performing an action together with. For example:

先生と食べに行った。
Sensei to tabe ni itta.
I went to eat with my teacher.

三人の友達と旅行をした。
Sannin no tomodachi to ryokō o shita.
I went on a trip with three friends.

The third and final use of と is to cite who said/thought/felt something. Usually it’s used in the following form: [The person in question] は [Quotation in plain form] と[thought/said/felt]. For example:

友達はパーティーに来ないと言っていた。
Tomodachi wa pātī ni konai to itteita.
My friend said that he/she isn’t coming to the party.

(私は)いつか日本に行きたいと思っている。
(Watashi wa) itsuka nihon ni ikitai to omotteiru.
(My opinion is that) someday, I want to go to Japan.

から(kara) and まで(made)

Main functions: used to describe a route from A to B.

The particles から “from” and まで “to, until” are often used in a sentence to describe a route from A to B in either time or space. They can be used together, but don’t always have to be. For example:

うちから大学まではバスで1時間ぐらいだ。
Uchi kara daigaku made wa basu de ichi jikan gurai da.
It takes about one hour by bus from my house to the university.

この店は夜の9時まで空いている。
kono mise wa yoru no kuji made aiteiru.
This shop is open until 9 o’clock in the evening.

か(ka), ね(ne) and よ(yo)

Main functions: Sentence ending particles to ask a question and seek/give confirmation.

Finally let’s talk a little bit about the sentence ending particles か, ね and よ.

The particle か is basically a question mark. Putting a か at the end of a sentence means that you are asking something.

これは田中さんの本ですか。
Kore wa Tanaka-san no hon desu ka.
Is this your book, Tanaka?

Note that you don’t have to use か to ask a question. You can also raise the pitch accent on the last syllable in a sentence and it will automatically become a question. This is a slightly less formal way of talking compared to using か, though.

Using ね at the end of a sentence means that you are either seeking the listener’s attention or confirmation. Unless you completely disagree with the statement, it is customary to also answer with the particle ね.

今日は暑いですね。
Kyō wa atsui desu ne.
Today is hot, huh?

そうですね。
Sō desu ne.
Yeah it really is.

Finally, using よ at the end of a sentence means that you are telling the listener something he/she presumably doesn’t know about, or giving your permission to do something.

Example 1:

今日は雨だよ。
Kyō wa ame da yo.
It’s going to rain today (assuming the person didn’t know that)

Example 2:

トイレを使ってもいいですか。
Toire o tsukatte mo ii desu ka.
Can I use the bathroom?

いいですよ。
Ii desu yo.
Sure.

In this article we have introduced some functions of the most common particles in Japanese: に/へ, で, と, から/まで and か/ね/よ. Understanding these particles and how they are used will help you understand and produce basic Japanese sentences. Did you find the articles helpful? If you have questions or want to add some information, comment below!

If you are interested in learning more Japanese, feel free to check out our blog. If you have any questions about moving to Japan and study Japanese, don’t hesitate to contact us!

How long can I work each week?

It all depends on the type of visa you are holding.

Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 28 hours a week. When school is on break or holiday, that requirement gets more permissive, allowing you to work up to 8 hours per day, up to 40 hours per week. When classes restart, it’s back to 28 hours a week.

That being said, students who work the full 28 hours per work on top of their full-time language studies tend to see their studies suffer. So just keep that mind when you’re deciding how much you want to work while studying!

Note that in order to work part-time as a student, you must have a permit. Luckily, you can apply for and get this when you arrive in Japan. Read everything you need to know about getting a part-time work permit in Japan here.

Working holiday visa holders have no restriction to the number of hours they can work in a week. Some companies know this and may ask those visa holders to work much more as a result. Therefore it’s up to each person to know where to draw the line.

Tourist visa holders are not allowed to earn income in Japan, period.

Common part-time jobs for foreigners

Language teaching

Teaching English is the most common part-time job for an English native speaker. Besides, as a student of Japanese, what better way to give back than to teach your own native language? Of course if you are a Spanish, Italian, French, German, Swedish etc. native speaker, you can work as a teacher of your own language. On average, the pay is ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 per hour.

Working in a restaurant

Waiting tables can be very good for a student’s class schedule and Japanese learning. Students can study and go to class during the day, then work at their local restaurant in their free time. Average pay is ¥950 to ¥1,000 per hour. In addition to practising Japanese with customers and colleagues, students also have the chance to learn about Japanese working culture.

This has been mentioned as being one of the best and most interesting experiences. Izakaya 居酒屋 are a very unique and fun part of Japanese culture. After work ends, much of the Japanese workforce floods out into izakaya and the rowdiness begins. Being a waiter at an izakaya means catching a glimpse of it all and being a part of the Japan that fires up at night.

Read more about Japanese work culture in our article here.

Store clerk/assistant

Whatever their preference, be it food, fashion, or anything else, students get the chance to practise their Japanese in jobs as shop assistants. Some examples include: convenience stores, clothing companies, and grocery markets. On average the pay is ¥1,000 to ¥1,800 per hour. With a wide variety of companies, students can pick the industry they wish to work.

Remember though, there are prohibited types of work, such as the adult entertainment service sector (snack, hostess bar, cabaret, etc.) or gambling establishments. If in doubt as to whether the job is okay, check with your school.

Light work

A whole other category of part-time work in Japan is light work. This type of work is typically more physically demanding and usually consists of short contracts of a few days. Some examples of light work include cleaning, moving inventory in a warehouse, or wrapping products. These types of jobs usually require an open schedule because they come and go quite fast. The good side is that oftentimes they do not require much Japanese to pick up.

How to apply for a part-time job in Japan

Once a job opening is found, submit the application. If the application asks you to visit the store, it is best to call ahead of time and arrange a meeting with the manager. You should also submit your resume in person if the shop has posted a “Staff Wanted” sign. Look for the boshūchū (募集中) sign, which means the place is currently taking applications.

Make sure to be dressed to impress, and brush up on your formal Japanese skills. Don’t forget that most Japanese language schools provide support in one way or other. They will often be more than willing to help you write a Japanese resume and even help you practise for the interview!

When searching online for a part time job, employers may ask you to contact them via e-mail. Write a neat and professional e-mail, making sure to attach your resume and cover letter along with any further information the company may request.

Keep in mind that jobs that involve working with the public will more than likely require at least some level of Japanese skills. It is for this reason that some language schools recommend students to wait a few months before starting to look for part-time work, especially if they are complete beginners. Those who wish to find a part-time job right away will be limited to positions that make use of their native language.

If you want to learn business-level Japanese but can’t make it to Japan yet, check out our online business Japanese course here.

Don’t know where to start?

If you are looking for some extra help in finding part-time jobs you can do, or don’t know where to start, Go! Go! Nihon can definitely help you out. We have created a Facebook page called “Jobs in Japan with Go Go Nihon” where you can see new job adverts for part-time and full-time jobs. Due to the ads being posted via a recruiting agency, oftentimes the information is kept short.

If you’re interested in any job posting, don’t be afraid to send a message to our Jobs in Japan page! Someone will usually get back to you within the day. You can do that even if you are not interested in any specific job. If you just want help finding part-time work, send them a line!

A word of warning though: this page posts ads targeted exclusively to people currently in Japan, and as a result, the page may not be accessible from outside Japan.

The internet is not the only place where you can find a part-time job. Look around! Plenty of shops display signs that they are looking for staff all year round. Train stations that have small shopping malls tied to them also have billboards where the shopping centre’s businesses advertise job openings, so keep your eyes peeled! Businesses looking for staff will display signs that bear the kanji 募集 or 募集中 (hiring).

Learn more here about how Go! Go! Nihon can help you find part-time jobs in Japan.

It takes a little effort to get a part-time job in Japan, but with a student visa and a little bit of elbow grease, the experience pays off tenfold. It is one thing to learn in the classroom (and it’s still very important!), but it’s another to actually use those learned skills in the outside world. Making the connection between the two is what really solidifies those Japanese skills, all the while making your life in Japan much more colourful.

For further information about living and studying in Japan, follow our Go! Go! Nihon blog or contact us through the website.

This guide provides a look at some of the best ski resorts and how to get there. 

Perfect snow to hit the slopes 

The science behind Japan’s high-quality and abundant snow is explained as sea-effect snow. Cold winds flow from west to east, collecting moisture when crossing the Sea of Japan. Additionally, the water in the Sea of Japan does not freeze — providing a constant source of moisture to cold air to produce perfect, dry and tiny ice crystals when falling on land. The country receives an average of 300 to 600 inches of snowfall. This freshly fallen snow is known as powder snow: light and dry, fluffy and smooth which makes for a smooth, supportive, and enjoyable skiing experience. 

The best times for skiing in Japan

While the season lasts from December to April, the best time to go is in January to early February. At the same time, skiers should be aware of booking close to the Lunar New Year, when many skiers and tourists will vacation in Japan to ski, meaning higher prices and busier slopes. 

Hokkaido prefecture 

Hokkaido is home to some of the best resorts, known for deep powder, excellent conditions, and scenery. Travelling from Tokyo to Hokkaido requires a flight to Sapporo, and then a few hours’ drive by car or shuttle bus.

Niseko is in the northern part of Hokkaido and consistently featured on the World’s Best list for skiing and snowboarding. At the same time, popularity makes it one of the busiest during peak season. There are around 50 kilometers of well-groomed terrain with ski areas that have the highest average snowfalls in Japan of 15 meters. The resort is one of the largest and renowned for its deep, high-quality and consistent soft powder snow and long runs, ideal for families and skiers of all levels.

Rusutsu is an all-in-one ski resort and the largest one in Hokkaido, extending across 3 mountains. The area has 37 courses, totaling a length of 42 kilometers of groomed slopes. There are also opportunities for off-piste skiing, or on ungroomed, unmarked terrain. Rusutsu is also very family friendly, offering kids lessons, dog sledding, tubing, and snowmobiling. 

Nagano prefecture 

Nagano is known for its mountains, architecture and hot springs. A one-way trip from Tokyo takes less than 2 hours by train. 

Hakuba Valley is an internationally renowned resort in the Northern Japan Alps. After all, the valley hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Home to around 10 resorts, with more than 200 runs, the terrains are known for consistent snowfall, producing bottomless powder snow. The conditions are frequently good with slopes a bit steeper than the ones found in Hokkaido. For those travelling from Tokyo, Hakuba is easily commutable by bullet train. Nearby is the famous Snow Monkey Park, where visitors can observe monkeys bathe in onsens.

Nozawa Onsen is a ski resort and hot spring village near Nagano City that is considered the birthplace of skiing in Japan. There are around 36 courses, with a majority for beginners. The historic villages features abundant snow, diverse terrain and around 30 types of onsen. During ski season, there are over 100 restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy. 

Gifu prefecture 

Skiing in Gifu is prized for 360 degree views of Northern Alps. Located in the center of Honshu Island, it sits in between Tokyo and Kyoto. From Tokyo, visitors can take a combination of bullet trains and local trains. Meiho is a popular destination for those in the Kansai region, so it’s recommended for tourists to also make a trip to Kyoto and Osaka during the winter. The region is seen as the top ski resort in Western Japan with 4 slopes and 12 trails. 

Niigata prefecture

Niigata is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, with about 20 resorts that are all are accessible by public transportation.

Myoko Kogen is suitable for skiers who are looking for a calmer time, without sacrificing the quality of the slopes. As one of the oldest ski areas, founded in the 1930s, the village differs from other areas in that it feels more like a traditional Japanese town. It is less crowded than other resorts, without a major nightlife or glitzy party scene. 

Yuzawa is known as yukiguni, or “snow country” with its season lasting until May. This is one of the easiest ski areas to access from Tokyo, located 200 kilometers away, visitors can get to Yuzawa in around 80 minutes by bullet train. With many of the resorts close to one another, visitors can easily get to them on ski lifts. Beginners should head to the slopes towards the center of town, and more advanced skiers are recommended to go to more challenging runs around Mount Naeba. 

After a long day of skiing, skiers can enjoy après-ski through bathing in onsen, enjoying the ski village’s restaurants, bars, and karaoke venues at almost all of these resorts. As one of the best places for winter sports and recreation in the world, you can’t really go wrong when skiing in Japan.

Keep up with the Go! Go! Nihon blog to learn more about life and activities to do in Japan. 

January

Hatsumōde 初詣 – the first visit to a temple or shrine for the new year. This is a huge event for Japanese people and there are often massive lines for major temples and shinto shrines.

Fukubukuro 福袋 – retailers sell mystery “lucky” bags of discounted and unknown products at the start of the new year.

Coming of Age Day (成人式, Seijin shiki) – a national holiday where youth celebrate officially becoming adults at the age of 20.

Shirakawago light-up event – the old farmhouses of this famous UNESCO world heritage site are illuminated for a short time over winter.

February

Snow festival in Sapporo – Japan’s most famous snow festival takes place every year and features large ice sculptures and performances.

Setsubun 節分 – this festival features bean-throwing to scare away evil and to welcome in spring. People normally throw dried soy beans at others wearing demon masks and it is also tradition to eat the same number of beans as your age.

Plum festivals (梅祭, ume matsuri) – plum blossoms are associated with the start of spring as they are among the first flowers to bloom. Similar to cherry blossom season, there are also plum blossom festivals held across Japan.

Chinese New Year (旧正月, kyūshōgatsu) – there is a large Chinese population in Japan, so it is only fitting that there be festive celebrations to bring in the new year in Japan’s largest Chinatown, located in Yokohama.

March

Hinamatsuri ひな祭り – also called the Doll Festival, this day celebrates the health and happiness of female children (March 3). Often involves families displaying ceramic dolls dressed in ornate dresses. 

Anime Japan in Tokyo – the main anime industry event and one of the largest anime events in the world.

Sakura – cherry blossoms are a huge part of Japan’s identity and are synonymous with spring. Every year crowds of people celebrate the season with cherry blossom viewing parties and spring-themed food and drink.

Sumo tournament in Osaka – six sumo tournaments are held each year in Japan and the Osaka one begins in March and lasts for 15 days.

White Day – the Japan way of celebrating Valentine’s Day is for women to gift to men on February 14 and for men to return the gesture by gifting to women on White Day (March 14).

April

Fuji Shibazakura – each year hundreds of thousands of pink moss bloom near the base of Mt Fuji. A highly popular spring event that draws large crowds.

Beppu onsen matsuri in Kyushu – Beppu has a large number of onsen resources so each year the local community and government put on a festival to give thanks to these resources.

Kamakura matsuri – a week-long festival to welcome in spring, featuring horseback archery, tea ceremonies and performances.

Strawberry picking (イチゴ狩り, ichigo-gari) – spring is one of the best times for strawberry lovers as it’s when you’re able to visit strawberry farms and pick and eat strawberries to your heart’s content.

May

Children’s Day (子供の日, Kodomo no hi) + Golden week – Golden Week is one of Japan’s busiest holiday seasons due to there being four public holidays within one week. Children’s Day is the final holiday of that week and is a day to celebrate the health and happiness of children.

Ashikaga Flower park – the top place to go to see wisteria flowers. The park is also popular in winter due to its illuminations.

Hakata Dontaku festival 博多どんたくin Fukuoka  – the largest festival during Golden Week featuring extravagant costumes, dancing and floats.

Lilac festival in Sapporo (札幌ライラック祭) – held in Odori Park, where there are about 400 lilac trees, this festival celebrates the coming of spring in the north of Japan.

June

Sannō matsuri 山王祭 in Tokyo – one of the three most famous festivals in Tokyo, taking place on even-numbered years. It features a large parade where portable shrines are carried through central Tokyo.

Hydrangeas festival (紫陽花祭, ajisai matsuri) – hydrangeas bloom during Japan’s rainy season, so even if the weather’s gloomy there are still, at least, beautiful flowers to look at! Hydrangea festivals take place across the country.

Rice planting festival in Osaka – Japan is a major rice producer so rice-planting season is pretty important. Rice planting festivals, where rice seedlings are placed into paddies along to dance and music, are found all over Japan, but the Otaue festival in Osaka is the most famous.

Fussa Firefly festival – around 500 fireflies are released in this city located about an hour west of central Tokyo. A hugely popular event held in the early days of summer.

July

JLPT exam (Tokyo) – the first of two annual Japanese Language Proficiency Tests held in Japan.

Tanabata –  a vibrant festival that is celebrated countrywide and based on an old Chinese myth. Special features involve writing wishes on colourful pieces of paper and tying them to bamboo decorations, as well as large colourful paper streamers.

Mt Fuji climbing season start – Mt Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain, is officially open to climbers.

Gion matsuri 祇園祭 in Kyoto – the most famous festival in Japan with a spectacular procession of floats.

August

Obon お盆 – Japanese Buddhist event to commemorate one’s ancestors. Often involves people returning to their hometowns and is another significant time of travel in Japan.

Pikachu horde in Yokohama – the annual Pikachu Festival sees giant Pikachu dancing on the streets of Yokohama. The multi-day event involves several performances and activities throughout the day and evening.

Summer Sonic in Osaka – annual multi-day music festival that takes place at the same time in both Osaka and Chiba, featuring both international and local artists.

Yoshida fire festival (Yoshida no himatsuri 吉田の火祭り) – massive torches lining the city of Fujiyoshida are lit up to celebrate the end of Mt Fuji’s climbing season.

September

Tokyo Game Show – large video game expo held annually.

Seiryu-e festival in Kyoto – a relatively new festival, the Blue Dragon Festival was created to honour Seiryu, one of four god-beasts said to protect Kyoto from misfortune and disaster. Features a procession that includes a large dragon costume.

Grand Sumo tournament in Tokyo – the second-to-last major sumo tournament of the year held at the Ryōgoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower Taiwan festival in Tokyo – Taiwan and Japan have strong ties and each year Tokyo Tower hosts an array of stalls selling Taiwanese food and products.

October

Jidai matsuri 時代祭 – takes place on the foundation day of Kyoto and features a large parade showing off costumes from almost every period of Japan.

Halloween in Shibuya – Japan has really embraced Halloween in recent years and in Tokyo, huge crowds of people turn out each year in costume to hang out in Shibuya.

Bakaneko parade in Kagurazaka and Kawasaki parade – part of Halloween festivities, the Bakeneko parade sees participants dressing up in cat-related gear to parade down one of Tokyo’s poshest neighbourhoods. The Kawasaki parade is the most famous Halloween event in Japan, where participants and spectators number in the 100,000s.

November

Mt Takao festival and Momijigari 紅葉狩り (autumn leaves viewing) – November is the month for autumn leaves watching and for those in Tokyo, Mt Takao is one of the most popular places to experience the changing of the seasons.

Kyushu Grand Sumo tournament in Fukuoka – part of the six annual major sumo tournaments that take place across the country.

Asakusa Tori no ichi in Tokyo  – held at a number of shrines and temples on set days to welcome prosperity, health and good fortune in business. 

December

JLPT – the second JLPT exam to take place in Japan each year.

Illuminations – a signature of winter across Japan, many public and open spaces, as well as businesses, set up lights and effects to bring the sparkle to otherwise dark and cold winter nights.

Mochi-tsuki 餅つき – there is a long period of eating mochi, or stick rice cake, for New Years, so it’s tradition for many households to start mochi-tsuki, or the pounding of rice to make mochi, around the start of the new year.

Japan ski season start – Japan is famed for the high quality of its powder snow and December will see the start of many crowds of both Japanese and foreign snow lovers descend on ski resorts.

NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen NHK紅白歌合戦 (on Japanese tv, 31st evening) – annual live show broadcast by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. The show divides the year’s most popular music artists into red (females) and white (male) who perform and the judges and audience decide which group performed better.

As you can see, regardless of whether you’re only spending one year, or less, in Japan or staying for much longer, being bored is simply not a possibility with so much going on all the time!

Rather, it is customary to place a shimekazari (しめ飾り) or kadomatsu (門松) above or by the door entrance to welcome the shintō kami, eat osechiryōri (お節料理), and maybe most important of all, make the first temple visit of the year in a tradition called hatsumōde (初詣). 

In this article we will delve deeper into what hatsumōde is and how to celebrate it!

What is hatsumōde? Why is it important?

Hatsumōde (初詣, literally: first visit) is the tradition to make the first visit of the year at a shintō temple or shrine. The purpose of hatsumōde is to show appreciation for the past year and pray for fortune for the coming year. Although any first visit during the next year will be your hatsumōde, it is recommended to visit the temples or shrines on December 31 during midnight as most activities take place then.

Hatsumōde has a long history dating all the way back to the Heian period (794-1185) and is therefore one of Japan’s most cherished and important traditions. During the Edo period (1603-1868) it was common to visit a temple or shrine which was in the favorable direction called “ehō” (恵方), of the year according to the Chinese zodiac system. However, this custom changed and with modern transportation you can visit any temple or shrine you wish.

It is worth noting that especially the popular temples and shrines tend to get really crowded, so it is worth coming a little bit early so you don’t miss out on anything. It can also be really cold during the night so bringing warm clothes and a couple of kairo (カイロ, pocket heater) from the nearest convenience store could be a lifesaver!

Also, don’t worry too much about trains if you are out at midnight, all JR and most other train companies extend their services to account for people going on hatsumōde!

What to do during hatsumōde?

Visiting a temple or shrine during New Year is a totally unique experience. There are large crowds gathered and you will find many food stalls that serve delicacies, such as yakisoba (焼きそば), ringo-ame (りんご飴), amazake (甘酒) and much more. Different temples celebrate hatsumōde differently, for example some may provide a taiko (太鼓, Japanese drums) performance while others ring in the new year by striking a large bell 108 times. 

Here are some typical things to do during hatsumōde!

Ring in the new year in Japan with a tradition called Joya no Kane

One really memorable thing you can do during hatsumōde is attending a performance called joya no kane (除夜の鐘). When the clock hits midnight a temple priest will strike the temple bell called bonshō (梵鐘) a total of 108 times. The historical meaning of striking the bell is to repel demons from the north responsible for war and natural disasters. The tradition has been performed in Zen-Buddhism ever since the Kamakura period (1185-1333), although why the bell is struck exactly 108 times is debated.

Not all temples offer this show so make sure to do your research if you want to experience it!

Make a prayer for the new year

Another common practice is to pay homage at a shrine or temple (called sanpai 参拝) and make a prayer for the new year. How you perform this prayer depends on if you are visiting a Buddhist temple or a Shintō one. See our guide here on how to properly perform a sanpai in Shintō fashion!

Draw omikuji

Another common practice is drawing omikuji (おみくじ). An omikuji is a randomly drawn fortune telling paper slip which tells you the fortune for the coming year. Omikuji can come in all kinds of forms. There are some with a cute animal you get to keep as a decoration, there are others where you pull a stick and get a number which decides the outcome, and so on.

The omikuji drawn during hatsumōde is arguably the most important one, as it decides your fortune for the whole coming year. There are typically seven different categories of luck ranging from daikichi 大吉, great luck – to daikyō 大凶, very bad luck. If you get an undesirable result it is common to tie the slip on special racks with strings, or on a tree at the temple grounds.

Protect your fortune with lucky charms

Another common practice during hatsumōde is to buy good-luck charms. There are a couple of different ones that are common to buy during New Year in Japan:

– Omamori (お守り), a small bag made from cloth. They come in various colors and different omamori ward against different things such as illness, traffic accidents, bad grades and much else. It’s customary to return it once a year has passed

– Ofuda (お札), a paper talisman which resembles the spirits and deities (kami) at the shrine. You are supposed to bring the ofuda to the household altar or shrine (which can be found in traditional Japanese homes) and doing so means that you welcome the enshrined kami to your household.

– Hamaya (破魔矢) is an amulet shaped like an arrow and is said to pierce evil spirits. It’s common to place it at the house altar together with the ofuda. You also return this after a year has passed.

Some good temples/shrines to visit for hatsumōde

Now that we have a picture of what hatsumōde is, the obvious question remains: what shrines and temples are recommended to visit for hatsumōde? All temples and shrines offer slightly different activities and experiences so it is best to check their homepages for more information. 

Below are some recommendations based on personal experiences!

Meiji Jingū (明治神宮)
Meiji Jingu is a temple in close proximity to Shibuya and one of the most popular spots to visit during hatsumōde! It is crowded but the atmosphere is fantastic!

Narita-san Shin Shōji (成田山新勝寺)
Just an hour away from Tokyo, Narita-san Shin Shōji is a huge and impressive buddhist temple with a beautiful garden located on its temple grounds.

Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)
If you are staying in the Kansai area near Kyoto or Osaka, it is recommended to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. The temple is overlooked by a mountain and is famous for the hundreds of torii (鳥居) gates that lead up to and around the mountain.

Tsuru ga Oka Hachi Mangū(鶴岡八幡宮)

If you are staying in Yokohama, it is highly recommended to pay a visit to Tsuru ga Oka Hachi Mangū. The temple is situated on the mountainside overlooking the city  of Kamakura and is walking distance from Kamakura JR Station, which is less than an hour away from Yokohama.

Hasedera (長谷寺)
Hasedera is also located in Kamakura and isn’t as large as the other temples. But, it is famous for performing the Joya no Kane ceremony ringing in New Year by striking the temple bell 108 times. The temple grounds are also illuminated and it’s a really atmospheric and pretty place to be at.

That’s it for this time! Did you enjoy reading about hatsumōde? Feel free to comment if you have other recommended places to share with us. 

If you are interested in more Japanese culture or life in Japan, follow our blog! 

Read on if you are interested in knowing more about ema in Japan!

What is an ema? How do you make a wish with an ema?

An ema in Japan is a wooden plaque used to make a wish at a Shintō shrine in Japan. An ema is shaped like a shōgi (将棋, Japanese chess) piece and the wood used for making the ema is usually natural pine-based wood, such as spruce, fir, or white pine. 

On the wooden surface you can write just about any wish as long as it doesn’t harm others. Typical examples of wishes are the fulfillment of love, prosperous business, good health, and so on. What you typically write also depends on the temple or shrine you are visiting. Different temples/shrines house different kami (神, a celestial shintō deity) and therefore represent different things. Ema are also written and offered to convey gratitude to the kami once a wish has been fulfilled.

For example, one famous spot for wishing for the fulfillment of love is the shrine jishu jinja (地主神社). The shrine is located on the temple grounds in one of the most revered temples in Japan, the Kiyomizudera (清水寺) temple in Kyoto.

Usually an ema is written personally, much like you make a New Year’s wish for yourself. But there are cases where a group of people like a football team write a common wish together as well. Once the wish is written on the ema, the ema is hung on a rack called emagake (絵馬掛け), and thus offered to the kami.

Traditionally you make wishes with ema in connection to hatsumōde (初詣), the first temple/shrine visit of the new year. But ema can be written at any time you want to make a wish. For example, before the university exams, when a family member is ill, or when you are searching for a job.

One interesting thing to note is that you don’t “buy” an ema. Rather, you make an offering in cash for the temple (typically 500-1000yen) and in exchange receive an ema to make a wish to the kami enshrined at the temple or shrine.

The history of ema in Japan

The kanji used to write “ema” (絵馬) is “picture” followed by “horse”. And there is a reason for this. Once upon a time it was custom to offer a horse to the kami when making a wish or when your wish had been fulfilled. However, offering a horse every time you make a wish was uneconomical and ever since the middle of the Heian period (794-1185) the horses were replaced with plaques of wood that were shaped as horses.

For a long time, to write and offer an ema to the kami was a privilege reserved for the aristocracy. However, things gradually changed during the Muromachi period (1333-1573) and Edo period (1603-1868) and it became custom for common people to make wishes with ema as well. At the same time, the ema also came to resemble the shape that we see today.

What to write on an ema?

There are no rules about what you can and cannot write on an ema (as long as it’s not wishing harm upon someone else). Here are some guidelines you can follow, though!

There is actually a grammatical sentence-ending construction specifically for making wishes in Japanese: “〇〇ますように。” (〇〇masuyōni), so making a wish and writing an ema should typically end with this. 

Let’s see some examples of typical wishes you can make with an ema in Japan.

京都大学に合格できますように。
Kyoto daigaku ni gōkaku dekimasuyōni.
I wish I can pass (the exam) at Kyoto University

心から大好きな人と付き合え、幸せになりますように。
Kokoro kara daisuki na hito to tsukiae, shiawase ni narimasuyōni.
I wish to be happy in a relationship with the one I love from the bottom of my heart.

お母さんが早く元気になりますように。
Okāsan ga genki ni narimasuyōni.
I wish for my mother to get well soon.

Sometimes you also write an abridged version instead of a sentence, using four-kanji compound words called yojijukugo (四字熟語). Some common ones are:

無病息災 (mubyō-sokusai) – wishing for sound health.
合格祈願 (gōkaku-kigan) – wishing for passing an exam.
就職祈願 (shūshoku-kigan) – wishing for finding employment.
恋愛成就 (renai-jōju) – wishing for fullfillment of love
千客万来 (senkyaku-banrai) – wishing for roaring business.
一攫千金 (ikkaku-senkin) – wishing for striking it rich.
家庭円満 (katei-enman) – wishing for peace within the family.
安産祈願 (anzan-kigan) – wishing for easy childbirth.

Next time you have the opportunity to visit a temple or a shrine, we recommend trying to write an ema and making a wish. If you want to challenge yourself, try writing it in Japanese! Who knows, maybe your wish will come true!

If you are interested in knowing more about Japanese culture and life in Japan, make sure to follow our blog!

Most people in Japan have a holiday from December 29th to January 3rd, which makes it a perfect time to visit family. During New Year’s it’s also common to do a yearly cleaning (お掃除, osōji) to purify the living space for the coming year. It is also the time for gift giving.

Read on to read all about Japanese New Year traditions!

Nengajō 年賀状

Sending New Year’s greetings to friends and family is an important part of the celebration of a coming year. Similar to the western custom of sending Christmas cards, receiving a New Year’s card on January 1st is very common in Japan. Often the nengajō greeting card depicts the Chinese zodiac sign of the New Year and the card usually includes a chance to win prizes in Japan Post‘s nation-wide lottery.

Otoshidama 御年玉

It is tradition for school children to receive money from their older relatives during New Year’s. The amount depends on the child’s age but usually varies between 2,000 and 10,000 yen. The yen bills are placed in a special decorated envelope called pochibukuro (ポチ袋).

New Year’s food 

Osechi-ryōri

During the end of each year and the first days in the new year, Japanese people eat traditional foods called osechi-ryōri (おせち料理). These dishes are usually served in a 3-4 layer bentō box (重箱, jūbako). Each dish and ingredient in the box represents a wish for the new year. Osechi-ryōri is shared, meaning that everyone eats from the same jūbako.

Traditionally the first 3 days of the New Year were sacred and you were not supposed to cook or use a hearth during this period. The osechi is usually made in advance to last for a few days. It’s common to order the traditional New Year’s food from restaurants and department stores.

Toshikoshi soba

On New Year’s Eve (大晦日, ōmisoka) it’s tradition to eat year-end (年越し, toshikoshi) soba noodles. Served in a hot broth, these buckwheat noodles are thin and long. They represent the long and healthy life one wishes for. The soba noodles are quite firm and easy to break off while eating. This symbolises breaking off the old year. Toshikoshi soba can be found everywhere, even in convenience stores. There are an array of recipes and toppings used and most families have their own specialities.

Mochi

Sticky rice cake (餅, mochi) is another special holiday food. During the New Year’s holidays, it’s tradition to make mochi by hand. However, it can also be bought ready-made. New Year’s mochi is made into a decoration called kagami mochi (鏡餅), which consists of two big round mochi cakes with a Japanese daidai citrus on top. Nowadays the daidai is usually substituted with a mikan, which is a more common citrus.

Emperor’s New Year Greeting

Every year on January 2 the Japanese Emperor makes his public appearance at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The Emperor, Empress and the rest of the Imperial Family receive New Year Greetings from the people. The Emperor also addresses the people. It’s one of only two occasions when the palace inner grounds are opened to the public (the other time being on the birthday of the Emperor).

Hatsumōde 初詣

On January 1st, 2nd or 3rd it is custom to make the first shrine visit of the year. This is a shinto tradition, but many people visit a Buddhist temple instead. Many Japanese go to a shrine at midnight to celebrate the turning of the year. At the stroke of midnight a large temple bell is rung 108 times and the grounds (of both shrines and temples) are packed with visitors. The most popular shrines and temples usually get around 1 million visitors during the first days of the New Year.

New Year’s prayers are made at the shrine and last year’s lucky charms (お守り, omamori) are returned while new ones, for a lucky New Year, are purchased. Hatsumōde is a custom rooted in Japanese culture for centuries and most places of worship participate. Also, it’s one of the most important New Year’s traditions, which most Japanese participate in.

Hatsuhinode 初日の出

The first sunrise of the year is called hatsuhinode, which literally means “first sunrise”. It represents renewal and hope for the New Year. Many Japanese leave their homes to view the first sunrise atop a mountain, hill or at the beach and offer a prayer to the rising sun. To experience hatsuhinode at Mount Fuji is considered to be extra special.

Fukubukuro 福袋

There is a lot to do and experience during the New Year’s holiday in Japan. But since it’s the most important holiday in Japan many tourist attractions, shops and restaurants close during this time. So be sure to plan your visit accordingly and don’t forget to enjoy the holiday season!

To learn more about Japanese traditions and holidays, visit our Go! Go! Nihon blog.

Here are our top things to do to celebrate Christmas in Japan!

Winter illuminations

This is our top pick for celebrating Christmas in Japan because Japan truly does illuminations like no other. From November to February, you’ll find most major cities in Japan light up in beautiful, colourful lights. Some of the illumination exhibits tell stories and take their audiences on a journey. Others are just there to look pretty. Either way, Christmas and winter in Japan would not be complete without visiting some illumination displays.

We love them so much we’ve put together our guide of the top Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo.

Get festive at Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are known to go the extra mile for holiday seasons and Christmas is no exception. Feel the Christmas cheer through lavish seasonal decorations, brilliant festive parades and holiday music. There are special Christmas events, seasonal merchandise and snacks too.

One of the best things about it is that Christmas at both Disneyland and DisneySea start in November. So if you want to get your celebrations in early and beat the crowds, then you have the option of doing so. Although we would recommend avoiding the public holidays of November 3 (Culture Day) and 23 (Labor Thanksgiving Day)!

Christmas markets

While they lack the same sort of festive atmosphere and are often much smaller than in Europe, Japan’s Christmas markets do a decent enough job of bringing the festive cheer to Japan. There are plenty in and around Tokyo, with a particularly popular one being the Yokohama festival.

The markets are a good place for those feeling a little homesick and wanting to do something festive on December 25th, which isn’t a public holiday in Japan. There’s nothing a glass of mulled wine and bratwurst can’t fix.

How about a date?

For many Western countries that celebrate Christmas, this time of year is about spending quality time with family and friends. However, in Japan it’s more customary for it to be about romance. Couples will celebrate the 25th by going out on a dinner date and giving each other presents.

Because of this, it gets difficult to make reservations at restaurants for Christmas Day. So make sure to get in early if you want to eat out that night!

Go skiing

Going to ski resorts is another extremely popular activity in Japan during this time. Bear this in mind if you do want to go skiing or snowboarding around Christmas time because you’ll need to book really early. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to find accommodation and the cost of flights will be much higher than normal.

But, if you’re willing to put up with the crowds and you have the time, then skiing over the Christmas period can be a fun and wonderful way to celebrate.

Read more about some of Japan’s best places to go skiing and snowboarding.

Eat fried chicken

If you don’t know about this Christmas tradition in Japan, then you’ve been living under a rock! A marketing campaign in the 70s now means that a large portion of Japan thinks that eating fried chicken and specifically KFC is what much of the western world does for Christmas dinner.

They’ve wholeheartedly embraced it and you’ll need to think about booking your seat at your local KFC at the start of the autumn months, otherwise you’ll miss out. If you don’t fancy queuing at KFC, then FamilyMart and other konbinis have jumped on the bandwagon and offer their own fried chicken buckets for advance ordering.

Indulge in strawberry shortcake

When you think of Christmas cake, you might think of those heavy fruitcakes that nobody really enjoys eating. Japan, of course, does it a little differently. Strawberry shortcake is the cake of choice in Japan during this season and honestly, we don’t blame them. Composed of airy sponge cake covered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, they are deliciously light and fluffy.

The best thing is, they’re not sold exclusively during Christmas time, so you can indulge your sweet tooth any time of year.

Christmas in Japan might not be what you’re quite used to in your own country. But, it is uniquely Japanese and that is what makes it something special. So why not take your date to KFC and follow it up with some cake under some winter illuminations?

For more information about Japanese culture keep following our Go! Go! Nihon blog.

Here is a look into what we think are the best things to do in Japan in winter.

Get your blood rushing with snow sports

As you might already know, Japan is one of the top skiing and snowboarding destinations in the world. They have world-class ski with some of the best powder snow you’ll ever experience.

If you’re in Tokyo, where it usually doesn’t snow, there are some decent ski fields just an hour or two away by train. This means you can still enjoy the snow for a day or weekend trip, even if you’re based in a bustling metropolis.

One of the more famous areas for snow sports is Nagano, just 2 ½ hours from Tokyo. The city and prefecture held the Winter Olympics back in 1998 and as such has some of the best ski resorts in the country.

It’s also home to the famous snow monkeys that like to bathe in natural hot springs. You can find them at Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Kōen 地獄谷野猿公苑). It’s a wonderful sight and you’ll want to watch them going about their business all day.

Relax and unwind in Japan’s best onsen

It’s not a true winter experience in Japan without visiting at least one onsen and we rate this as one of the top things to do in Japan in winter. There are thousands of hot springs around Japan, with some that are located out in the open with serene views of mountains.

Just make sure you know the basics of onsen etiquette before visiting! Read our article to learn more.

Enjoy heart-warming food

Once you’ve relaxed in the hot spring, it’s time to warm your insides too with some delicious winter food. Every region in Japan has its own favourite local dishes, but there are some universal delights available throughout Japan in winter. Most of them are a variety of nabe (鍋) or one-pot dishes. Oden is one you must try and is available in most konbini too. A hot-pot type of dish, it consists of a variety of items stewed in a dashi だし (soup stock) broth. You can often choose which items you’d like and they can range from boiled eggs to tofu to fishcakes. It’s a perfect quick bite to warm you through.