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Japan Living Savvy

Map of Japan color coded by regions

How to be Japan Savvy? I’m not going to lie, as foreign countries go, Japan is definitely close to as foreign as it gets compared to the United States.  Even with the best of intentions, it’s hard to learn everything there is about the nuances before you get here.

What makes you Japan Savvy?

Some of the basics:

  1. You pay your utility bills at the convenience store (!!)
  2. Being a wiz at navigating the trains.
  3. Knowing how to sort your $@#! trash.

And so much more! Here lie all of the things I’ve found for making living in Japan easier and more fun. What tips do you have for living in Japan?

Kristen AbroadNewsJapan Living Savvy
The history and details behind Japan's syllabaries: Hiragana and Katakana 101
Japan Living Savvy

Hiragana and Katakana: How to Best Learn Japanese Alphabet

As you may be aware, the Japanese language has THREE written languages. Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. The first two are often referred to as Japanese syllabaries (and in Japanese, Kana), …

Winter Illuminations in Japan
Japan Living Savvy

Winter Illuminations in Japan: Not just Christmas Lights

In the States, Christmas time is all about finding the best Christmas light displays. Whether it be Rockefeller Center or some really passionate homeowners, December is full of light. In …

Christmas in Japan: Your family holiday just turned into a date night
Japan Living Savvy

Christmas in Japan: Your Guide to the Differences

Christmas in Japan is a completely unique occasion.  To be expected for a country that totes a 1% Christian population.  Don’t worry though, there are some similarities to get you …

The public situation of Japanese Toilets and How to use them
Japan Living Savvy

Japanese Toilets & the Public Toilet Situation in Japan

Depending on where you have travelled in the world, I’m sure you’ve seen some pretty scary toilet situations.  Places where  there is no toilets to be found.  Places you wouldn’t …

Rainy season in Japan with large group of people at a shrine with umbrellas
Japan Living Savvy

Helpful How to Best Survive the Rainy Season in Japan

The rainy season in Japan starts at the beginning of June and lasts through the end of July according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.  However, with typhoons continuing later in …

Things to do around Yokosuka - Top 5 websites
Travel Savvy / Destinations in Japan / Japan Living Savvy / Kanto Region (関東地方)

Find Fun Things to do around Yokosuka: Top 6 Websites

The Internet is an amazing thing but sometimes it’s hard to sift through and find what you really want. Here are my top six websites (outside of this one of …

How to use Cash on Delivery Paying in Japan 代金引換
Japan Living Savvy

How to Use Cash On Delivery: Paying in Japan

In Japan and buying something online to be delivered? You may be surprised, Cash on Delivery is an option. When I was SUPER little I remember the option but it’s …

Can I use a credit card in Japan?
Japan Living Savvy

Can I use a Credit Card in Japan to pay? Japan Advice

Since my first trip to Japan back in 2006 until now, using a credit card in Japan is on the rise. However, it’s still very much a cash society (strange, …

sun rising over the ocean
Japan Living Savvy

What to look for when buying sunscreen in Japan

Summer time in Japan.  Translation: scorching sunshine. You’ll want to be protected when you are outside watching festivals, like Yosakoi. There’s a reason Obon happens at night after all! Do I …

Addresses in Japan: How to Read them
Japan Living Savvy

Addresses in Japan: Useful Advice to Find your Way

Where am I? How do I find this place? What in the world is this address?! Very common questions while getting around in Japan.  Throw out your western understanding of …

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