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 the Expo, so a […]
Last updated: September 2025 In times of serious stress it can be good to contact a professional counsellor or the peer support line. Sometimes isolation, physical or linguistic, can make simple problems very stressful, and sometimes very disheartening. Rather than letting problems get on top of you, have a look at these options and find […]
Last updated: September 2025 Natural disasters happen all year round right across Japan. Although some areas do have it lucky to not experience tsunami due to it’s inland location, other disasters such as earthquakes and flooding will occur no matter where you are. A notable weather event in Japan is the rainy season (梅雨), which […]
Last updated: August 2025 With burdens like language barriers and “key money”, finding an apartment in Japan is not a pleasant business. One of the blessings of the JET Program is the Contracting Organizations (CO) usually arrange housing for participants. Of course, that means we get plenty of questions about housing. My friend’s apartment is […]
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 […]
If you’re intending or decided to stay for more than a year, getting a Japanese driver’s license is mandatory after 12 months. You cannot renew your international driver’s permit (IDP) and is only valid for a year from the date it was issued. It is illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license and the […]
Kanji Many Japanese teachers and language texts advise learners to hold off on studying kanji. There are a few reasons for this: they believe that kanji are too difficult for foreigners to learn. they think that the learning of kanji will take away from the time needed to study grammar, vocabulary, etc. many of their […]
Workplace Etiquette Arriving & Leaving Work: When entering the teacher’s room in the morning, say “Ohayo gozaimasu” (Good Morning). You should also be punctual. Punctuality is viewed as part of being an adult member of society in Japan, so take the extra five minutes. When leaving at the end of the day, say “Osaki ni […]
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 […]
Introduction As a general rule, it is preferable to have dentistry done in your home country, as a dentist familiar with your teeth will care for them best. And, to be honest, Japanese dentistry is quite different from that of the West and some technology and methodologies are somewhat “behind the times.” Before we dive […]