Loading...

Apr 24, 2025

Golden Week 2025 plans?

This year's Golden Week gives us Tuesday, April 29th, and then potentially a four-day weekend from May 3rd to 6th. How are you intending to spend the break? Will you travel, "staycation", or dare I ask, work through it?

TonetoEdo

TonetoEdo

Living between the Tone and Edo Rivers in Higashi Katsushika area of Chiba Prefecture.

4 Answers



  • genkidesu

    on Apr 25

    We tried to travel over GW during one of our first years in Japan, and it was a nightmare. Ever since, we opt to stay home or just explore things locally. It's a nice time of year for walks, enjoying flowers, and so forth, so I'm not really mad about some 'forced relaxation' so to speak.

    0
  • BigfamJapan

    on Apr 25

    We have nothing booked, but we'll hopefully get away for at least one night. But the kids have a lot on - karate tournaments, soccer matches etc - so a lot of the time will be spent on ferrying them around and watching their events!

    0
  • helloalissa

    on May 6

    We had a day trip nearby to meet a friend but always stay close to home. I borrowed a lot of library books and we've been doing some much needed relaxing (although genkidesu's article about extra chores and decluttering reminds me I could have been more productive). We also did our annual hike to see the wild fuji blossoms in the mountains on greenery day which seemed fitting.

    0
  • TonetoEdo

    on May 6

    @helloalissa Right on! Getting out was an option in the Kanto region until today...It's raining! I opted to declutter and clean. My house smells all fresh. My work schedule has a few down days later in May, so I don't feel deprived of holidays.

    0

Awaiting More 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?

genkidesu

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?

genkidesu

on Nov 18

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?

TonetoEdo

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

BigfamJapan

on Nov 16