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
18 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
Questions [education]
12 Answers
How about a challenge?
Reading the daily blogs, product, and place reviews on City Cost makes my day. I love seeing what you find novel and enriching. But what do you think of a challenge week - one week of blogs on a particular interest or location that reveals our insights into our lives as foreign residents and "experts" on the things we nerd on? Some things I do: The periodic TtoE food blogs, regional posts in Chiba Prefecture Charms blogs, and fieldtrips in the Kanto region where I live. Got 5-7 day challenge ideas?
on Jan 21
6 Answers
Your favourite wordplay, pun, or palindrome in Japanese
BigfamJapan blogged about a day for palindromes, and I had a good chuckle. I love wordplay in Japanese! What's your favourite pun, palindrome, or spoonerism (a phrase that gets mangled into another meaning when you switch syllables). For reference, I cracked up when a coworker said "Naiyo ga nai yo" on finding an empty sweets packet.
on Dec 22
8 Answers
What Chiba places, cuisine, events, experiences enrich your Japan life?
The Chiba Prefecture government's international affairs division invites foreign resident volunteers to share the Chiba spots we love. I can't attend because of work obligations, but I can share your faves by email. What in Chiba lit you up - food, shops, nature, festivals, events, and experiences? Conversely, what didn't work out or confounded you? Photo tax - irises at Noda City's Sogo Park.
on Dec 7
4 Answers
Blogs from the summer that ought to be in the pick up?
I've been reading everybody avidly, and have learned about culture and currents thanks to the blogs! The PICK UP selections under the blog tab are from winter/spring 2025. What would you say are some blog contributions that stood out in the last two months or so?
on Sep 16
10 Answers
What is the most effective way to learn the Japanese language for you?
I wanted to learn Japanese what should I do first?
on Apr 1
4 Answers
News outlets specific to your prefecture?
What news outlets provide news specific to your prefecture? Are there news outlets for your prefecture in languages besides Japanese?
on Mar 30
7 Answers
Entrance ceremony clothes
Soon my kid will have his entrance ceremony at school, and I'm looking for those typical Japanese style ceremony clothes for myself. I'm 1.80m, not so skinny woman, which has huge problems to even find normal clothes in Japan. Does anybody have the same problem and might have any advice, where to get those ceremony clothes in a taller size?
on Feb 17
4 Answers
Places you recommend in your prefecture
Which places of scenic beauty, historic importance, and modernization do you recommend to visitors to your prefecture? I'm not asking for the "top 10" popularly promoted, but your reccos. Maybe places that visitors from abroad and foreign residents aren't aware of.
on Feb 11
3 Answers
City-Cost feature posts you recommend reading
When I click on the Blog link, I see four "Pick Up" articles, one of them mine, that are a little stale... Which posts in the last 3 months or so are insightful, current, interesting, or helpful? What would you like to see in the "Pick Up"?
on Jan 18
5 Answers
Japanese YouTube channels for interesting topics?
Are you listening and watching Japanese YouTubers who present interesting and quality content? I'm hooked on world traveler Bappa Shota, who treats global issues with great sensitivity. Although he appears to speak a few different languages, most of his narration is in Japanese. Which Japanese YouTubers do you recommend for interesting and insightful content?
on Dec 13
4 Answers
Contributing to your community?
An idea for a grassroots theme: What do you do that contributes to your community, whether it's a tight-knit family endeavor, something you do with a community group, a chamber of commerce, a city project, or a solo initiative? For inspiration and ideas, see my blog - https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/GloLq-living_chiba_noda_shi_chiba
on Oct 24
5 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!
on Mar 19