Staying in Japan for sightseeing or arranging your affairs If you are a first or second year, you may stay in Japan on your current visa (as long as you do not engage in other employment). As for third year JETs, your visas will expire on the same day that your contracts come to an […]
Imagine these scenarios. There’s an upcoming work conference and your school takes care of your shinkansen ticket and hotel room reservation, and then asks you for money. Or, without giving you a single yen, they ask you to take care of it all yourself. Or perhaps one day someone at your school comes up to […]
Last updated: October 2025. Kansai International Airport 関西国際空港 Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international airport for western Japan. Opened in 1994 to alleviate the demand experienced at Itami Airport, it’s become the third busiest airport in Japan. It provides both domestic and international flights to many destinations. The airport was completely renovated for […]
Last updated: October 2025 The following resources should assist you in finding an English speaking doctor, dentist or specialist. Hyogo Prefectural Medical Facilities Information System The Prefectural Medical Facilities Information System provides an extensive list of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, drug stores, and midwifery centers in Hyogo with staff that speak foreign languages. The medical facilities […]
Last updated: October 2025 Driving in Japan really resolves a lot inconveniences and does become a massive lifeline especially those living in the rural areas. As such like anywhere else in the world, it does however come with its downsides, notably getting your car damaged and/or getting into an accident. This is why it is […]
Last updated: October 2025 This is a one stop shop combining all the previous blog posts for all things relevant to driving in Hyogo. Although a long post, it contains everything from road rules, parking driving in winter and DUI. Hope this is a helpful guide for your current or future driving endeavors. Road rules […]
Last updated: September 2025 In Japan, there is the usual assortment of cars you’d find in any country, but there is also a range of vehicles only available in Japan called kei cars or keijidosha (軽自動車) meaning ‘light cars’ (cars with an engine capacity of 660cc or less). They are the cheapest option, and are […]
Last updated: September 2025 For those who are interested in volunteering whilst on the JET Program, here are some opportunities for you! The organisations or initiatives currently listed are friendly for English speaking people, so don’t be afraid to participate! If you would like to feature a particular volunteer initiative in Hyogo/Kansai – please comment […]
Last updated: August 2025 New Year’s Day (Shogatsu) January 1st Most companies and banks close from 29 December to 3 January. Vast numbers of Japanese travel home or go on vacation at this time, and most schools, companies, etc. hold End of the Year parties (bonenkai) and New Year Parties (shinnenkai). Children are given money […]
Last updated: July 2025 With numerous different train companies in Japan, hundreds of train lines and heaps of people all trying to cram on the same train, public transit can be a little overwhelming at times. The following information should hopefully help make traveling on trains a little easier. Travel between Himeji and Osaka There […]