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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

BigfamJapan

on Mar 14

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?

Questions [saitama]

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

BigfamJapan

on Mar 14

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

10 Answers

Long road trip recommendations?

Apropos my blog post about our recent Tohoku Road Trip (which I highly recommend fwiw), are there any road trip routes you would recommend on Honshu? Bearing in mind, we'd be starting from Saitama. Thank you! https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/Saitama/G6ajW-living_shopping_aomori_iwate_miyagi_akita_yamagata_fukushima

BigfamJapan

on Aug 19

9 Answers

Eiken... where to start!?

Hi! What level should the average 6th and 5th grade child aim for in their first Eiken test? My son (6th grade) and daughter (5th) want to take it, so whatever the "norm" is I was thinking they could try one level up as they are "hafu" kids. They are certainly not fluent in English, but they are definitely way ahead of their peers. Any experience / advice welcome. Thank you. Photo just for colour!! Additional information - the first test is free in our town and the kids get forms at school to bring home, hence they want to do it!

BigfamJapan

on Jun 26

3 Answers

Drive by place in Saitama

Could you suggest drive by activities or scenic spots within Saitama? Would love to drive around during weekends or holidays but of course take into consideration our safety, hence an activity not requiring to get off the car is preferred. Thanks in advance for your responses. :)

MommyRam

on Feb 8

13 Answers

Autumn leaves already? And does too early mean poor viewing?

Hi! Has anyone seen or heard of autumn leaves already worth viewing? On one of the morning programs yesterday they showed Nikko and it already looks stunning. And I saw on tenki.jp that the gingko trees in Chichibu are already changing color? Are the autumn leaves early where you are? Also, I heard that in years when its been colder than normal and there is a lot more rain than usual (like this year) the autumn leaves aren't as nice as normal. Anyone know if there's any truth in that?

BigfamJapan

on Oct 17

21 Answers

Online clothes shopping in Japan?

So...after years of evading it, the time has come to brave the world of online clothes shopping. I have no idea where to start within Japan. International post is still tricky at the moment, so I am looking for recommendations of places I can shop online for clothes. Gosh, I can't believe I have to ask this, but do Japan's larger / popular shops have online stores!? I suppose I am thinking GU /Uniqlo places like that. How about Zara / Next in Japan? Anywhere else you'd recommend? Thanks in advance!

BigfamJapan

on Jul 13

21 Answers

Is Abe preparing to declare an emergency? And what would that mean?

"Cabinet OKs bill to enable Abe to declare emergency amid virus spread" https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/KyodoNewsPlus/MnxPJ-news It could be passed by Friday. I know none of us have a crystal ball, but what do you think might happen? Is he clearing this bill because he's preparing to declare an emergency? And if so, what would that mean? Something similar to Italy or China?

BigfamJapan

on Mar 10

5 Answers

Unused paid leave

Hi! I am new to this page. I have concerns that relate to my work. I have been working for five years in Japan under an agency and we are not granted a paid leave ever since. We are not aware of that because as first timers, we are told that we don’t have one. Recently, last 2019 we are granted a paid leave. Since we haven’t used it for one year, we’re given a 23 days. We we’re just informed last january 2019 so we took the chance to use it. Unfortunately, it was rejected because we applied the leave since we are planning for a vacation in my home country which was on the first week of May. So, we sent again a new form changing it by staggering it from february to april as advised. but then it was rejected again. My question is can I still get my unused paid leave after returning from my home? Since, it was our first time and I we felt fooled can I file a case against them? Thank you and Godbless

ameng

on Jan 17

4 Answers

Autumn spots outside of Tokyo with baby

Any recommendation for nice autumn spots around the neighboring prefectures of Tokyo? Easy access by car (up to 2 hours are fine) and by babycar are preferred. Looking for some new spots, which are less popular and crowded.

BlueButterfly

on Oct 25

3 Answers

How much for 7-5-3?

How much money did you / will you / do you think you should put in the envelope for a 7-5-3 ceremony at a shrine?

BigfamJapan

on Nov 25

1 Answer

Living in Miyahara-shi

I have been asked to consider a role that is based in Miyahara-shi. If I went for this job I would be on my own (family will not be able to move initially). Would be good to get some idea of any expat community or life in the area. Whilst I have some very rusty and basic speaking Japanese I would need to be able to communicate at least in the early days in English. Any input?

Michael7784

on Jul 3