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Q&A

Questions about life in Japan answered by those who live it

Hot Topic

5 Answers

Your favorite plum blossom spots?

I know it's only early January, but I'm dreaming of spring already – and plum blossoms to me are the key sign that spring is on its way! I'm wondering if you have any favorite plum blossom spots, and I'd love to know what makes them special for you!

genkidesu

on Jan 9

On Going

10 Answers

Best cafe outside the chains stores?

I know that cafes like Starbuck's, Tully's, and Doutor's supply a consistent cup of coffee, but I'm looking for that cafe that is mom & pop or a place that has one location that you stumbled upon and love. What's your go-to drink or what would you recommend?

Looking for answers

0 Answers

Trousers/pants for girls with POCKETS

Hi! My daughter is starting elementary school very soon and we’re looking for pants with pockets for her to put her tissues and hand towel in. We’re already familiar with the cute detachable pockets that can be clipped on the outside, but it would be great if we could get some pants that already have pockets. I’m not opposed to her using her brother’s hand-me-downs, but they don’t tend to end their time with him in the best condition. I’m also not opposed to looking in the aisles for what is deemed boyswear, but she does like cute, pretty designs. Has anyone had any luck with this? She still takes 110 or 120 cm, depending on the shop and style of clothes. Thanks!

Lyssays

2 hours ago

All Questions

1 Answer

Best sakura snacks this season?

As an avid snacker and convenience store aficionado, I had my first sakura mochi of the year recently! It got me wondering though, what sakura-flavored/themed snacks have you seen this year, and are there any you've already tried and enjoyed so far? Let me know in the comments if there are any you've already tried or got your eye on trying!

genkidesu

23 hours ago

4 Answers

What sakura apps / websites are you using in 2024?

What websites or Apps are you using to keep track of the bloom stages of cherry blossoms in 2024? I usually use a mix of Tenki.jp, Yahoo and Jorudan and another one that I have forgotten! (I delete them at the end of each season to free up space on my phone). I occasionally use the app from JMA, but I don't like its set up. Are there any other Apps or websites you recommend? TIA

BigfamJapan

on Mar 14

3 Answers

Kanto area easily accessible Hina Matsuri 2024

Many places in the Kanto area are starting to display dolls for Hina Matsuri. Which ones do you recommend that are worth seeing and easy to access by train? I'm considering a long trip to Makabe in Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I'd have to take a bus or rent a bicycle from the nearest major hub because I'm not a driver.

TonetoEdo

on Feb 11

4 Answers

Not to be missed culinary experiences

I'm thinking about my next travel destination in Japan and culinary or local produce that I ought to try to savor authentic flavors and preparations. What foods or cuisines do you recommend where you live?

TonetoEdo

on Feb 10

5 Answers

What's in your toshikoshi soba?

What do you put in your toshikoshi soba? One year I sauteed some chicken and naganegi to start a broth augmented with tsuyu, cooked the soba separately, and served the broth with kamaboko slices.

TonetoEdo

on Dec 30

2 Answers

Transferring Pension

I'm currently sorting through EVERYTHING I bought back from Japan with me, so you'll get all your new blogs soon. I came across some documents that I actually completed when I came back from Japan, which was to do with pensions. This took me a while to figure out because it was complicated. Would you like to know how to transfer your pension to you from Japan? People say you can't. The things is... you can.

smallbigjapan

on Dec 8

4 Answers

My FIRST Log! Would You Like to Hear it?

In my last post I asked what you would like to hear from me now I have left. I was digging through some stuff the other day and I found my very FIRST book log that I kept when I toured Japan originally. I was thinking about typing it up and reminding myself of what my younger self thought of Japan. Would you like to hear about what I got up to? I'm not sure if I can even remember! HA!!

smallbigjapan

on Dec 2

6 Answers

Would you like me to continue?

You'll never believe this... it's now 2023 and I left Japan nearly 6 years ago. I didn't post on this site for an extremely long time. In fact, I almost forgot I had this account. Whilst I don't have a Japanese phone number anymore (which means I can't convert my points) I was wondering if anyone who sees this post would like me to continue talking about Japan? If so, what would you like me to talk about?

smallbigjapan

on Nov 25

1 Answer

How to get rid of these little crawlies?

We suddenly found these little crawlies around a wooden cabinet we got from Nitori. This is the first time we have seen them. I was wondering if anybody knows how to get rid of them permanently. Thank you so much!

7 Answers

Tail end of the year budgeting

For many expats, the tail end of the year is one of the most expensive seasons. We've got birthdays, Christmas, and so on in our family, and costs add up! Not to mention as the weather starts cooling down, we end up running our heat sources more and those aren't cheap, either! If the winter months are also expensive for you, what are some ways you budget for it?

genkidesu

on Oct 13

6 Answers

Foods you miss most from back home?

I was talking with another expat friend recently about the foods we miss most from back home, and one that I can't seem to get replicated well here is fish and chips! I've tried a few places but there aren't any that have really lived up to what I'd expect in my home country. Curious about what elusive foods you've struggled to find decent substitutes for here!

genkidesu

on Oct 7

5 Answers

Can I change my user name?

Will it cause any problems if I change my user name? The only reason I want to change it is because when I write reviews I think it looks like they are all in Saitama! Because the Saitama is more prominent than the actual location. And seen as I write about other prefectures than Saitama it might be less confusing if I change my user name. I probably should have done it years ago! Photo just for aesthetics!

BigfamJapan

on Sep 21