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Matsuyamaro Confectionery

Sakado-shi, Saitama

Old style Japanese Confectionery, wonderful staff

BigfamJapan

BigfamJapan

11 hours ago

Halos Garden Wakaba Walk

Tsurugashima-shi, Saitama

Replaced with Gigo, the absolute worst game center chain

BigfamJapan

BigfamJapan

11 hours ago

Daily Dish Marilyn

Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata

Cute vibe, tasty eats

genkidesu

genkidesu

14 hours ago

Grand Frites

Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata

Fancy chippy chips

genkidesu

genkidesu

14 hours ago

Q&A

3 Answers

What’s on your City-Cost feature wishlist?

Hi everyone! I’ve been browsing City-Cost a lot lately for articles and info. But it suddenly crossed my mind—if the City-Cost admins were to add some new features to the website, what would actually make our lives as expats in Japan easier? Personally, I’d really love to see: 1. A Direct Message (Chat) Feature: So it's easier to connect, make friends, or ask follow-up questions to members who live nearby. 2. A Member Marketplace (Sayonara Sale): Just for us members! Sometimes it’s such a hassle hunting down cheap second-hand stuff on other apps. What about the rest of you? Do you have any "dream features" you wish existed on this site? (Like maybe a dedicated mobile app, a cost-of-living calculator, or local community groups?). Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Who knows, maybe the admins will read this and actually make it happen.

achmadz

15 hours ago

6 Answers

How do you keep track of your product reviews?

I have noticed over time that the search function on City-cost doesn't pick up certain things, particularly the 'fields' in product reviews. So, for example, if I search for a product by its brand or product name it won't come up in the search results, unless it's also written in the body or heading of the post. That is why recently I put the brand or product name in the title of the product review too, so I can find it more easily when I search. Otherwise, I won't know if I have already reviewed a product or not. Its hard to remember every review I've ever written! Have you any other hints on how to find product reviews or how to keep track of the ones you've written? I have thought about a spreadsheet, but its far too much effort!

BigfamJapan

on Sep 9

2 Answers

2026 songs that turn you on or off?

What Japanese pop, alternative, or novelty songs did you turn up or turn off so far this year? I'm a fan of 打首獄門同好会 - Uchikubi Gokumon Dokokai. The name, loosely translated, is Severed Heads at the Prison Gate. They came out with a novelty song earlier this year, in anticipation of their US tour, "I Wish I Could Speak English", hard rock with AI lyrics. A chill song I like is ブルーアワー "Blue Hour". The song comes from the project adieu headlining Kamishiraishi Moka. How about you? What Japanese songs or musical projects appeal to you in 2026?

TonetoEdo

on Sep 5

13 Answers

"How To" Posts for the pick-up

City-cost are great for taking our recommendations on board. Now that the first thing you see when you click is on to the blog section is "popular" posts, maybe next we can get the "How To" section refreshed! Its been stuck with the same old "How To" posts for more than two years now. Have you any "How To" posts that you would like to see highlighted in that section? Or have you written any "How To" posts recently? I am dreadful for remembering so while I think of it, my most recent post is "How to Turn Your Home Toilet Into an Emergency Toilet" https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GbeN9-living_saitama

BigfamJapan

on Sep 1

JAPAN ON VIDEO: DESTINATIONS, STORIES, LANDSCAPES

Watch videos that give a voice to off-the-beaten-path Japan and present new perspectives on familiar travel favorites.

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