Category: Life in Japan

🧴 Why Japanese Bathrooms Are the Most Advanced (and Surprisingly Humble)

Culture & Society, Life in Japan, My Journey, Tips & Resources

The author reflects on their experience with Japanese bathrooms, highlighting the blend of technology and mindfulness. They appreciate features like heated seats and cleanliness, noting that these innovations embody cultural values of comfort and respect. Ultimately, Japanese bathrooms symbolize empathy and intention, showcasing how design can reflect societal principles.

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💴 The Culture of Cash in Japan: Why It Still Matters in 2025

Culture & Society, Life in Japan, Tips & Resources

When I first moved to Japan, I was shocked to see people paying for everything in cash — from rent to ramen.Coming from a country where Apple Pay and credit cards ruled, it felt… old-fashioned.But after living here for five years, I’ve realized Japan’s love of cash isn’t about technology — it’s about trust, culture,

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🍵 The Japanese Tea Ceremony: Why Every Foreigner Should Experience It at Least Once

Culture & Society, Life in Japan

When I first attended a Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, I thought it was just about drinking matcha.I couldn’t have been more wrong. After living in Japan for over five years, I now understand that the tea ceremony — or chanoyu (茶の湯) — is not just about tea.It’s about presence, respect, and connection — three

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🏯 Why Japanese Temples Feel So Peaceful (Even in Crowded Cities)

Culture & Society, Life in Japan, My Journey, Travel in Japan

When I first arrived in Japan, I thought peace meant silence.Then I visited Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto on a Sunday — packed with tourists, school trips, and the scent of sweet matcha drifting from nearby shops — and yet, somehow, I felt still. It’s strange how Japanese temples manage to create calm in the middle of

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🏙️ Forget Tokyo: 5 Underrated Japanese Cities Offering Better Quality of Life (And Cheaper Rent)

Life in Japan, Tips & Resources

The Tokyo Trap: Why Your Japanese Dream Might Be Too Expensive When people first dream of moving to Japan, the scene is almost always the same: neon-lit Shibuya crossing, the electric energy of Shinjuku, and the endless history of Kyoto. I get it. Tokyo is incredible. I’ve lived near it, worked in it, and traveled

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🇯🇵 Don’t Get Ripped Off: The Best Way to Transfer Your Life Savings to Japan (Wise vs. Banks)

Life in Japan, Tips & Resources

The Transfer Trap: How Traditional Banks Steal Your Money When Moving to Japan I remember my first year in Japan vividly—the cherry blossoms, the polite service, and the sheer terror of realizing I had just lost thousands of dollars to my home country’s bank for a single wire transfer. Trust me, as someone who has

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