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 [money]
2 Answers
Transferring Pension
I'm currently sorting through EVERYTHING I bought back from Japan with me, so you'll get all your new blogs soon. I came across some documents that I actually completed when I came back from Japan, which was to do with pensions. This took me a while to figure out because it was complicated. Would you like to know how to transfer your pension to you from Japan? People say you can't. The things is... you can.
on Dec 8
4 Answers
My FIRST Log! Would You Like to Hear it?
In my last post I asked what you would like to hear from me now I have left. I was digging through some stuff the other day and I found my very FIRST book log that I kept when I toured Japan originally. I was thinking about typing it up and reminding myself of what my younger self thought of Japan. Would you like to hear about what I got up to? I'm not sure if I can even remember! HA!!
on Dec 2
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
7 Answers
Tail end of the year budgeting
For many expats, the tail end of the year is one of the most expensive seasons. We've got birthdays, Christmas, and so on in our family, and costs add up! Not to mention as the weather starts cooling down, we end up running our heat sources more and those aren't cheap, either! If the winter months are also expensive for you, what are some ways you budget for it?
on Oct 13
2 Answers
Can we get the regular themes back, too?
Hi City-Cost admins! A few of us have noticed that we got a couple of new themes (yay!) but we lost the old themes completely. I hope my previous question asking about new theme ideas didn't rid us of the usual four, as I do still have article ideas to add to those and it seems other City-Cost contributors do too. Will the usual themes be restored? Please let us know, thank you!
on May 17
11 Answers
What themes would you love to see on City-Cost?
I've been blogging on City-Cost for a while, and I find it does get hard to write about the usual topics some months (family life, work, health, how-to) because I've already covered a lot of subject matter ideas in those themes. I really like when we have lots of seasonal themes, like the cherry blossom ones, because I find that it makes me go out and explore with intentionality, often seeking out destinations that would fit the themes. How about you? If you could suggest themed posts that you'd like to write about, what would be first on the list?
on Apr 26
3 Answers
Inflation relief measures in your city or prefecture
Are you getting a break where you are from the increase in prices? Noda City, Chiba Prefecture has reduced the water bill by half for a limited time. Chiba Prefecture cooperates with some electronic payments so residents and visitors get 10% cash back for the month of November. Are you getting breaks where you are?
on Nov 19
9 Answers
Single-use things you reuse?
A Redditor asked in the ZeroWaste subreddit, "What do you reuse multiple times that most people throw away after 1 use?" I realize that product packaging and single-use plastics are very different in Japan than in say North America or Europe. I'm in the habit of reusing takeout and supermarket bento boxes for my homemade bento lunches. I might get two or three more uses out of these boxes. What are some single-use items you get more mileage out of? How do you put them to use?
on Apr 9
9 Answers
Letter from Mizuho Bank; activity/work/income status form
I've had an account with Mizuho Bank for some years now and I can't recall ever having received mail from them. The other day though, I got some letter asking me to fill out a form detailing a whole bunch of stuff in the name of preventing fraud, money laundering etc. Info being asked for includes: Purpose of holding the account, Employment status, place of work, Annual income, How often do I make withdrawals, How much do I withdraw on average per withdrawal, The letter also asks for me to send a copy of my gaijin card. Is this just another step toward forcing us all to get a My Number card - like, card holders won't be asked these kind of questions in the future? Is it a continuation of the Mizuho yakuza scandal of a few years ago? I don't know, but it feels a little invasive, especially after having had the account and used it appropriately for some years now. Anyway, has anyone else out there received the same kind of letter or request from their bank recently? Did you fill in the form and send it back?
on Feb 3
15 Answers
Buying a used house
With being at home and covid everywhere, I’ve been thinking a lot about buying a used house and stop paying all this 70,000¥ Rent. I don’t have PR but I applied in summer. My Japanese is basic so I’m a little worried there may be fine print that I miss when buying. Anything I should look out for when buying? How about when getting a loan? Anything I should be specially aware of? I could buy cash if it’s 10 or less million but I don’t want to put all/most of my savings into something so....so serious. My partner is also a foreigner.
on Nov 25
18 Answers
Do you want to invest money while living in Japan?
Earlier this year I wrote this blog about investing money in Japan: https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/helloalissa/GO9lX-living_money_japan2020 My questions are: Have any of you invested in the NISA? If yes, was it very difficult to do in Japanese? If no, would you be interested in investing in NISA if there was information available to do so in English? Thank you!
on Aug 26
7 Answers
AC: Dry vs Cool
Here is another question about AC, while we are still all depending on it. ACs have the "dry" and "cool" functions. Which one is more energy-saving? I have heard that "it depends", but what does it depend on? Please enlighten me so I can slow electricity bills from lightening my wallet.
on Aug 20