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 [shopping]
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
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
5 Answers
Any Good Classifieds?
I'm not a frequent facebook user, but do most of you use local groups there for searching for work, buying and selling things, etc? Is there another website you use for local or online language exchange, events, sayonara sales...that kind of thing? Local or all over Japan is fine, just looking for options that are easy for anyone to use. Also, a lot of sites like gaininpot.com have classifieds, but they are not so recently used or as popular as they were from what I can tell. Some sites don't even have dates so the listings could be from years ago. Thanks!
on Feb 13
8 Answers
Any fukubukuro you're eyeing?
It's that time of year when many of us start thinking about fukubukuro, and I was wondering if you have your eyes on any good ones for 2021! I usually opt for coffee/tea ones personally, since I know I'll almost always like and use all of the contents. How about you?
on Dec 26
14 Answers
Minimalist Christmas present ideas?
I'm turning minimalistic. Does anyone have any nice ideas for Christmas presents that are usable and preferably eco-friendly yet still special???
on Dec 9
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
10 Answers
Instant Pot or Other Electric Pressure Cooker Recommendations
We're interested in an electric slow cooker / pressure cooker as LP gas can get expensive. If you have something like that and actually use it often, I'd like to hear from you. Do you have any recommendations for brands (Japanese or other), where to buy one, what size is good for a couple who likes making enough for leftovers? Thanks!
on Oct 27
4 Answers
Linking amazon accounts?
Hello! I was wondering if it was possible to link a Japanese amazon account with my home country's. Has anyone tried it? I ask this question because I would like to take advantage of the prime membership in my country as well (mainly for watching prime videos).
on Sep 30
3 Answers
Bubble bath recommendations
My son loves bubble bath (who doesn't?) but he keeps going after my expensive and hard to obtain baby soap. I want to get him something that he can play with. so cheap with the most bubbles for my bucks. I also want to know what you use for self care days. Best smells, skin feel, maximum bubbles.
on Aug 21
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!
on Jul 13