Q&A
Questions about life in Japan answered by those who live it
Hot Topic
13 Answers
What products do you avoid buying in Japan?
I've just written about how I only use sunscreen from home and never buy sunscreen in Japan - further to trying it here and finding it was not even half as good as at home and four times as expensive! Another example I can think of is over the counter pain killers. I don't find otc pain killers effective here. Do you have any products like that? Products that you find are much better at home than in Japan? Or maybe much cheaper in your home country than in Japan?
on Mar 20
On Going
8 Answers
Which prefecture do you think is the most attractive?
I posted this morning about the recently released Prefectural Attractiveness Rankings. Obviously there's an element of subjectivity to this, because what one person deems attractive can be very different to someone else's opinion of it. Hokkaido was ranked the most attractive prefecture in Japan, but the full list can be found below (image source is the article here: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/39c11474715641625a5720b86bc9b72dfe59e4cd). Of the prefectures you've visited, which would you say is the most attractive, and why would you rate it that way?
on Oct 17
Questions [money]
16 Answers
Blogs for the PICK UP?
Have you noticed the PICK UP posts haven't been updated since last year? Which blogs since January this year do you think deserve highlighting?
on Apr 10
5 Answers
Yuenchi you recommend
For my next foray, I am considering yuenchi, amusement parks, where I'm going. Which domestic amusement parks do you recommend and why? Any you think aren't worth the effort or expense?
on Dec 28
5 Answers
Christmas - shopping, meals, etc. - how are we faring?
I saw a press release this morning from FamilyMart, which promoted their festive season eats but also covered a survey about spending. The survey mentioned most people planning to celebrate Christmas at home aim to spend less than 5,000 yen on food. How does your budget look in comparison to that? Do you go all out for Christmas here if it was something you celebrated in your home country, or is it a quieter celebration owing to it not being an official holiday here? How about Christmas shopping? Have you got strict budgets in place, and have you completed your shopping or are you still looking for bits and pieces for people?
on Nov 7
2 Answers
Foreign exchange
Does your local bank do foreign exchange? If yes, do you have to be a member of the bank to use the service? If no, where do you do foreign exchange for cash?
on Oct 8
3 Answers
With Sports Day just around the corner...
What's your favorite way to stay active in Japan? Back in my home country I had a gym membership because I had an office job and lived in suburbia, so it wasn't as easy as it is here in the countryside to just get out and go on long walks or cycle. Those are my two favorite ways to keep my body moving and stay reasonably fit! It's also nice because I have places that are walkable/cyclable for errands (bank, post office, supermarket, multiple convenience stores, a farmer's market, etc.) so it saves a bit on petrol costs. How about you? Would love to get your thoughts in the comments!
on Oct 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
3 Answers
Is the free school lunches national?
I just wrote a post about how my younger two children's school lunch will be free hereafter. However, I don't know if this is just my town or nationally. Does anyone know if they are doing this throughout Japan? The post about the free lunches for big families: https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GQjEL-living_food_money_education_saitama
on May 17
10 Answers
What are you doing without?
Ever heard of the saying "Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without"? I feel like it's ever-appropriate these days. Are there things that you're trying (or having) to do without, given the cost of living increases? I haven't bought new clothes in quite a while, and I feel like when we first moved here that was something I often did, almost like a hobby. These days I might not be the trendiest, but I use the clothes I have, and I guess I'm more comfortable in my style.
on Mar 12
8 Answers
Family, friends -- how often (if at all) do they visit you here?
I'm from Australia originally, and I'm fortunate that we have budget airline carriers that fly direct to Japan, so it's relatively easy and not too expensive for family and friends to visit me here. How difficult is it for your loved ones from home to visit you here? Have you had many opportunities to show people around, or has it been fairly slim pickings in the visitors stakes for you?
on Feb 26
7 Answers
What are your recommendations for Furusato Nozei?
This was our first time receiving Furusato Nozei gifts. We placed orders for fresh fruits since they tend to be quite expensive here in Tokyo so we don't tend to buy them often during our regular grocery shopping. Over the years what has been your best experiences while receiving the Furusato Nozei gifts and what are your recommendations?
on Jan 18
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
13 Answers
Fridge recommendations
City Cost thrifty veterans, give me your recommendations! If you read my blogs, you know I cook three meals almost every day. My current fridge, a Daewoo 120 liter model, is starting to give out after 10 years of use. What size would you recommend for a single person who cooks daily? What brands do you swear by? What features are must-haves for home cooks?
on Sep 22