Q&A
Questions about life in Japan answered by those who live it
Hot Topic
6 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
on Mar 14
On Going
11 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?
on Feb 21
Questions [kagoshima]
5 Answers
Recommendation please for Effective JLPT study resources
Good day and happy summer to everyone! Please spare a moment to share your recommendations for effective JLPT preparation resources. I have been invited to work part time as an Assistant English Teacher even they knew I am not fluent in their language both written and verbal, but it was fun and I made it through. Since then, I came to appreciate teaching here but I was advised that I will be more effective and well compensated if I have an JLPT Certification. Please, would appreciate your recommendation as to where and how to map a successful study and preparation path. Also, I have a plan to volunteer and start up a reading and practice your everyday English in my community which is going to be once or twice a month program. Thank you in advance.
on Aug 6
4 Answers
Kagoshima or Hakodate?
I'm thinking on going on a trip sometime in September. Which of the two do you think should I visit first, and why? Thanks!
on Jul 22
7 Answers
Japanese laundry detergents / fabric softeners / stain removers
Hi all ! What are some of your trusted or favourite laundry cleaning supplies. Photos are also helpful please :) Especially poop stain removing for babies clothes ;) And something that stays smelling nice even in the really humid wet season please ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
on Mar 2
8 Answers
Online shopping in Japan without a credit or debit card
I've noticed in the conbini shops you can buy a pre paid Visa card up to 10,000¥. Can these be used on any websites like ASOS or iherb etc? Does anyone have experience of using them?
on Mar 1
8 Answers
Maternity clothes shopping
What are your recommended places (actual shops or websites) for maternity clothes while living in Japan? I live in the countryside and the only maternity clothes available here are from Nishimatsuya or AEON. The sizes for those clothes are S M L and S/M and M/L. I'm a UK size 10/12 and have to buy the L size from both of these shops. They are basically just really baggy t shirts and baggy baggy saggy jeans :( ! The big city of Kagoshima about an hour away has a bigger AEON mall with a H&M where they have THE smallest maternity section. About 8 racks total :/ I bought 2 pairs of jeans and 2 t-shirts. The jeans were 5000¥ and the t shirts around 2000¥. The range was boring and most of the stuff aimed at older ladies. Stuff my mum would love. I want to be a cute pregnant lady ! Please give me recommendations ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
on Feb 26
8 Answers
Maternity clothes shopping
What are your recommended places (actual shops or websites) for maternity clothes while living in Japan? I live in the countryside and the only maternity clothes available here are from Nishimatsuya or AEON. The sizes for those clothes are S M L and S/M and M/L. I'm a UK size 10/12 and have to buy the L size from both of these shops. They are basically just really baggy t shirts and baggy baggy saggy jeans :( ! The big city of Kagoshima about an hour away has a bigger AEON mall with a H&M where they have THE smallest maternity section. About 8 racks total :/ I bought 2 pairs of jeans and 2 t-shirts. The jeans were 5000¥ and the t shirts around 2000¥. The range was boring and most of the stuff aimed at older ladies. Stuff my mum would love. I want to be a cute pregnant lady ! Please give me recommendations ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
on Feb 26
5 Answers
Japanese baby formula
What baby formula have you tried, like or recommend? I breastfed my daughter but always had some formula for emergencies etc. She reacted pretty badly to the beanstalk one the daycare gave her. But I found icureo was really gentle and apparently is the closest match to breastmilk in breakdown. She had no reactions with it all. I now use the icureo follow on milk too.
on Feb 26
5 Answers
Japanese Ready Prepared Baby Food
Does anyone have any recommendations for ready made baby foods in Japan? Which do your kids like? Any to avoid? Any that you have found are good for vegetarian babies? Any that are good for allergy babies? Thanks
on Feb 23