Q&A
Questions about life in Japan answered by those who live it
Hot Topic
10 Answers
YouTube channels for life in Japan?
Recently ToneToEdo put me on to JapaneseCooking101 on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JapaneseCooking101) where you can find a variety of easy to follow recipe tutorials for a myriad of eats. I was wondering if anyone knew of other useful "life in Japan" style YouTube channels. It doesn't have to be cooking, anything that helps you out with day-to-day stuff here would be great to know about!
on Dec 4
On Going
17 Answers
Any idea for snowboard destination?
What's the best ski resort in Japan that is accessible by bus or train? I have been to Nagano. Any other recommendations?
on Jan 3
Looking for answers
0 Answers
Your "buy it for life" purchases in Japan
There's a reddit community I really enjoy reading called r/buyitforlife. As the name suggests, people outline purchases that they've made that truly stand the test of time. Kitchen items, clothing, shoes, etc... What have been your "buy it for life" items here?
11 hours ago
All Questions
0 Answers
Your "buy it for life" purchases in Japan
There's a reddit community I really enjoy reading called r/buyitforlife. As the name suggests, people outline purchases that they've made that truly stand the test of time. Kitchen items, clothing, shoes, etc... What have been your "buy it for life" items here?
11 hours ago
2 Answers
How well does your home country insulate homes compared to here?
One thing I struggle with is the lack of insulation in Japanese homes, with summers often feeling like you're living in a sauna and winters feeling like outside is the same temperature as inside. In saying that, my home country isn't fab with insulation either. They're still very much a nation of single paned windows and minimal stuff in the walls to regulate temperature well. Does your home country do insulation well compared to here?
23 hours ago
3 Answers
Do you wear kimono? When and where?
In what environments have you worn kimono, hakama, or other traditional clothing? My only kimono experience is Heian period garb - basket hat, veil, and hakama - at a regional festival. I'm curious about daily kimono wear. Have you found a community or school that trains you in kimono wear? How much time do you dedicate to dressing?
on Nov 16
6 Answers
What do you most associate with Saitama?
November 14th is Saitama Prefecture Day. I am curious, especially as I live there, what is the FIRST thing that comes to mind when I say "Saitama Prefecture"? About Saitama Prefecture Day; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wmeY2-living_saitama
on Nov 16
5 Answers
What do you MOST associate with Oita?
Seen as there was a good response to the same question for Ibaraki AND today is Oita Prefecture day (although they don't celebrate it), what is the first thing that comes to mind when I say "Oita Prefecture"? I have written a post about Oita Prefecture day with what I most associate with it, but I won't write it here so as not to influence your answer, but you can read the post here; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/Mnv34-living_oita
on Nov 14
8 Answers
What do you MOST associate with Ibaraki?
Just for fun - what is the very first thing that comes to mind when I say Ibaraki prefecture? Today, is Ibaraki prefecture day and when I was choosing what photo to use for the feature photo, one place came to mind instantly. I don't want to influence your answer so I won't mention it here, but you can check it out in the article: https://ww2.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GReVv-living_ibaraki_ushiku_shi_ibaraki
on Nov 13
6 Answers
Japanese names you love?
I blogged yesterday about this year's top baby names in Japan, and there was quite a focus on nature and calmness in the most popular picks. I was wondering if there are any Japanese names you love for the meaning behind them. Maybe you have a friend, coworker, or even family member with a beautiful name. I'd be happy to hear what it is, and why you like it so much!
on Nov 13
13 Answers
How often do you use chopsticks?
I have just written about "Chopstick Day". The second "Chopstick day" of the year! I am curious; how often do you use chopsticks? For every meal? Once a day? With certain meals only? Occasionally? Never!?
on Nov 11
3 Answers
Fears in Japan that you didn't have in your home country?
I've written a number of blogs here on City-Cost about how bears are a real worry in my area these days, and it's something that I didn't have to concern myself with in my home country. I know people talk about snakes and spiders in Australia being deadly (and yes, there are some types that are), but they're not typically going to come and attack you unprovoked. Also, it's a lot easier to outrun a snake or a spider than a bear ;) I'm curious about the rest of you, if you have fears here that maybe weren't present in your country of origin. Let me know in the comments!
on Nov 8
5 Answers
Christmas - shopping, meals, etc. - how are we faring?
I saw a press release this morning from FamilyMart, which promoted their festive season eats but also covered a survey about spending. The survey mentioned most people planning to celebrate Christmas at home aim to spend less than 5,000 yen on food. How does your budget look in comparison to that? Do you go all out for Christmas here if it was something you celebrated in your home country, or is it a quieter celebration owing to it not being an official holiday here? How about Christmas shopping? Have you got strict budgets in place, and have you completed your shopping or are you still looking for bits and pieces for people?
on Nov 7
2 Answers
What is your favorite 'nabe' hot pot?
November 7th is "Nabe no hi" or 'hot pot day'. As I wrote in a post about it, there are many different type of hot pot in Japan. What type of 'nabe' do you like in Japan? The post about 'hot pot day' ; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/G68de-food_wako_shi_saitama
on Nov 7
3 Answers
Diamon Fuji views
From October to February, the Diamond Fuji phenomenon is visible for a few days. Have you seen this sight before? Where did you watch it from? Is it close to transportation?
on Nov 6