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 […]
🏯 Why Japanese Temples Feel So Peaceful (Even in Crowded Cities) Read More »
When I first arrived in Japan, I thought I understood public transportation. I had lived in big cities before — New York, London — and figured trains were trains everywhere.Then, I took my first morning ride on the JR Kyoto Line during rush hour. Within minutes, I realized: Japan’s train system isn’t just transport —
When I first came to Japan in 2020, I told myself I’d stay for one year.Learn the language, explore the culture, and move on.Five years later, I’m still here — and I’m not alone. Almost every foreigner I’ve met in Japan said the same thing: “I’ll stay for a while… then decide.”And yet, most of
🌏 Why Foreigners Stay in Japan Longer Than Planned (The Japan Effect) Read More »
When I first landed in Japan back in 2020, I thought I was ready for everything — the language, the culture, the food.Spoiler: I wasn’t. Even after five years, I still remember those first few weeks — a mix of awe, confusion, and constant “Wait, what just happened?” moments. If you’re planning to move to
10 Things That Shock Every Foreigner When They Move to Japan (From My First Year Here) Read More »
🏙️ Introduction: A Machine on Every Corner If you’ve ever walked the streets of Tokyo, Osaka, or even a quiet countryside town, you’ve seen them. They are the glowing lights of vending machines.Japan has over 5 million vending machines. That is roughly one for every 25 people. This makes it the highest density in the
☕ The Secret World of Japanese Vending Machines (Why There Are 5 Million of Them!) Read More »
🇯🇵 Introduction: Two Worlds, One Big Question Whether you’re an American thinking of moving to Japan or just curious how life compares across the Pacific, this guide breaks down real differences in cost, lifestyle, and daily experience.I’ve lived in Japan for several years, and I’ve learned that it’s not just the price of rent or
✈️ Living in Japan vs. USA: Cost, Culture, and Quality of Life Compared (2025 Edition) Read More »
