Recommended Restaurants

Sushi Uoshin Sushi (魚心) They serve huge pieces of fish, sometimes many times larger than the rice itself, and the staff are really friendly. There is one just north of Hankyu Sannomiya (across the street from the McDonalds, a little ways up the street towards JR Sannomiya, on the ground level). Keep in mind that […]

Leaving the Country

Most JETs, at some point during their stay in Japan, will want to take a break to either go back home and visit family, or explore some of Japan’s neighboring countries. Either way, if you plan on leaving the country, make sure you… Notify Your School/BOE Most Contracting Organizations require very specific itineraries when you […]

Buses

Buses are a good way to travel long-distance, especially if you want to save on cash. If you want to save on a hotel as well, you might want to consider an overnight bus (夜間バス – yakan basu). Get on the bus in the evening, and arrive at your destination bright and early the next […]

Travel Agents

Note: One of the best ways to get a good deal is to reserve directly on a travel company website: HIS for international travel and NTA or JTB for domestic travel. Or book your transportation directly through the bus company, JR, or airline, and book your hotel through Jalan.net, which is available in English and […]

Typhoons

The typhoon season in Japan runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. Typhoons are tropical cyclones or giant hurricane-like whirlwinds. These storms, accompanied by heavy rainfall, can cover areas of up to 500 miles in diameter and generate winds up to 180 miles an hour. Typhoons that hit Japan are […]

Useful Everyday Items

Keeping Cool Fans: uchiwa and sensu Shaved Ice Maker Cold Patches and Ice Pillows: 熱さま (Atsu-sama) in sheet and pillow variety   Dealing with Bugs Mosquito Incense and Refills: アースノーマット and 水性  are two brands Roach Motels: ゴキブリホイホイ (gokubuiri hoihoi), and ゴキブリ取り (gokiburitori) Tick Spray for ticks that live in tatami: ダニアース (dani aasu) “Cockroach JET” コックローチジェット Fly Spray […]

Religious Institutions

Churches Kobe Bible Fellowship A bilingual church in Sannomiya (everything – songs, prayers, message are in English and Japanese). It’s a couple of minutes walk from Ikuta Shrine / Tokyu Hands. There are lots of Japanese and foreigners, and a variety of ages. The style is quite contemporary. The main service is at 4pm, and […]