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 [medical]
6 Answers
Would you like me to continue?
You'll never believe this... it's now 2023 and I left Japan nearly 6 years ago. I didn't post on this site for an extremely long time. In fact, I almost forgot I had this account. Whilst I don't have a Japanese phone number anymore (which means I can't convert my points) I was wondering if anyone who sees this post would like me to continue talking about Japan? If so, what would you like me to talk about?
on Nov 25
6 Answers
2023 Covid Vaccines
It’s now 2023 and people are not so worried about Covid anymore, but I recently had it, and had so many severe symptoms, I think I want to get a booster so I don’t have to go through that again. Does anyone know if city governments are handling it now? Or do I just need to ask a doctor’s office.
on Sep 4
6 Answers
Looking for English speaking gynecologist.
Hello If anyone has any information, I would be grateful if you could let me know. My friend (she doesn't understand Japanese at all) is looking for an English-speaking gynecologist. Since she is looking for primary doctors I am thinking that a clinic in town, not a big hospital, would be better. The area we are looking for is around Mito City, Naka City, Hitachinaka City, Tokai Village, and Hitachi City in Ibaraki Prefecture. If anyone knows, please reply. Thank you
on Sep 4
5 Answers
Cod liver oil capsules available in Japan?
Has anyone ever seen cod liver oil in the stores in Japan? Or, if not, does anyone know what might be the Japanese equivalent? Interested in capsules more than a jar of oil.
on Aug 5
2 Answers
Physical therapist/physiotherapist experiences in Japan?
My boyfriend has a herniated disk and has been really struggling with the pain and emotional stress. The regular doctor just sent him home with some pain medication, but it's not really doing it. Have you had any experiences with PT's or physiotherapists in Japan? Was it a good experience? Any recommendations for this condition?
on May 3
2 Answers
Tax 4/16まで
I went to the tax office today. Last year and the year before I got back 20,000¥ even though we had a new baby. This year I was expecting more or less the same because we had another baby. But to my surprise I’m getting back 60,000¥. But what surprised me most, was the fact that they told me to come back next week with doctors’ receipt for the last 2 yr and the amount will be more!!!! Of course im excited for all ¥ennies I can get, but I want to know how do they calculate these stuff? Last year the guy told me I actually own them but after I emphasize that I had a new baby, he did some typing on the pc then said ‘oh sorry, you’ll get the same Like Last year’.
on Apr 3
25 Answers
Passing time wisely
I’m thinking with all this time on my hands, i think I should probably be learning something new. The only thing I can think about is buying a bike and riding off into the sunset. What are you doing to pass the time wisely? The Rosetta Stone I downloaded recently still hasn’t been opened. Oh, and they’re now offering 3 months free I think.
on Mar 31
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?
on Mar 10
27 Answers
Schools in Japan to close amidst coronavirus - who's affected?
With schools across Japan to close from Monday I was wondering if it might be good to start a Q&A thread about it. The closures are unlikely to affect me directly but people who work close me, being parents, will have to make adjustments and I'd be interested to hear if there are any ALTs out there and how this will play out for them. Rants, raves, concerns, stories, opinions ... maybe this could be a good place to air any concerns and share info.
on Feb 27
19 Answers
How concerned are you about the new coronavirus?
So it seems that Japan has confirmed its first death from the new coronavirus - a Japanese woman in her 80s from Kanagawa Prefecture who had not travel overseas, according to media reports. I was just wondering how people on here are feeling about the new coronavirus and being in Japan at this time? I've seen a couple of interesting posts on the matter from people here (URLs below) Coronavirus and health in Japan - https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/w5la9-living_medical_health Do you need that mask? - https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgXbd-living_noda_shi_chiba I've also seen content on other sources dealing with whether or not it is safe for travelers to come to Japan at this time (although the sources have been far from authoritative). Anyway, on my part I suppose I'm a little concerned but it doesn't seem to be shaping my day-to-day life here in Japan, although I do use the alcohol hand wash upon entering / leaving the office. I don't use a mask. Maybe I should or maybe the effect is negligible. For me it's hard to know. There doesn't seem to be a clear and authoritative voice on how effective the masks are, which bothers me when shortages are resulting in them being sold online for exorbitant prices. At times like this though, I often find it helpful to hear the opinions of others so I'd appreciate any comments and concerns in this thread. No scaremongering though.
on Feb 14
11 Answers
Anemia Without Supplements
Recently I was diagnosed with low iron anemia. The doctor didn't prescribe an iron supplement and just gave me a brochure while mentioning that more protein is a good idea. I would love to hear from any of you who have experience about your tips and tricks for getting enough iron while living in Japan.
on Dec 16
5 Answers
Your favorite dry skin face moisturizer
Anyone got any good rec's for a decently priced dry skin face moisturizer? Preferably something I can easily find at a chain drug store or online that actually works and doesn't cost a small fortune!
on Apr 24