http://www.city-cost.comTue, 19 May 2026 16:10:37 +0900The world is my home so here I am exploring different parts of it as much as I can. Currently residing in Tokyo, Japan.enCopyright © 2015 - 2026 City-Cost All Rights Reserved.webmaster@city-cost.com (CC Team)http://img.city-cost.com/static/blog_campaign_icon.pnghttp://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVq5p-living_howtoJapan is generally a safe place but of course it's not perfect. Not to scare you, but stalkers are common (if you didn't know that already) and a threat towards women's general safety actually exists. Don't take stalking lightly, because it can get pretty serious.There was this one night when I decided to go out for a walk and sat somewhere and was suddenly groped by a man on a bicycle. It scared me so badly, especially since it happened around my neighborhood. I suddenly felt his hand, and I just froze. I couldn't even scream. Then he just pedaled away. It terrified me because a) I live alone; and b) I live on the 1st floor (this is strongly unadvised for females by the way... Please don't ask why I still did it). So since then, I've been more alert.Here's a list of several tips I've received from friends and police officers:1. Be mindful of what you wear. No, I am not saying that you should avoid body-hugging dresses, short skirts and plunging necklines. Of course you are free to wear whatever you want, but you must first and foremost be aware that you WILL most likely catch attention. This leads me to my second point.2. Be mindful of the people around you, especially when you are walking home.There was this one rare time I decided to wear a really short mini skirt. Thankfully, I had a friend with me that time, and thankfully, she noticed an old man following us (and this was just a few steps away from my building). At first we weren't completely sure, so we decided to test it. We kept turning at every corner, and each time, the man would appear. We were slightly terrified. So we ran and stayed somewhere else for about 10 minutes just to make sure. If you feel like someone is following you, don't allow that person to know where you live. I think turning around and looking that person in the eye would scare him/her off... Or not? What do you guys think?3. If you take the train everyday going to and from work, switch up the train cars that you use; don't enter just one.My friend was once stalked because she took the same car every time, and so it was easy for a particular man to find her and follow her. She eventually changed her routines and got rid of him.4. Before unlocking your door, look around.I was advised to make sure that no one is in sight before going inside.5. Upon entering your house, even if you live alone, loudly say, "TADAIMA!" This implies that someone else is in your home.6. Do not hang anything outside your house that implicates that you are a girl.I know, this sounds weird. But one time, a police officer knocked on my door and told me to keep my pink umbrella inside the house (I just use black/ clear umbrellas now...).7. Related to #5, do not hang underwear outside. I have heard stories of stolen bras and panties. Oh, boy.8.Related to #7, hang at least one manly looking shirt. Again, this sounds strange, but this is a tip I've heard more than once. You'd want to imply that a man lives in your house.9. Buy pepper spray and carry it with you at all times.I bought this off Amazon. It's been over a year and I thankfully haven't had any reason to use it so far. But it helps to just carry it around just in case... You know?10. Learn some self-defense.Would be quite handy, again, just in case something happens. I looked into Krav Maga and found one in Tokyo (they also offer lessons in Yokohama), which offers free trials. Here is theKrav Maga Global Japan websiteif you want to look into it.So there you go! I hope this list was helpful. If you have any more ideas, please feel free to share in the comments below.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVq5p-living_howtoTue, 21 Jan 2020 12:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVq5p-living_howtohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MdRby-living_urayasu_shi_chibaAnyone who has every grown up with Disney would know that it almost always promises a magical experience, be from watching any of its films or-- even more exciting-- going to the theme park! It was my first time to visit Tokyo Disneyland during Halloween season, and even if I honestly dread going due to the massive crowds, I enjoyed every minute of it (surprisingly) and I really appreciated the localized Disney feel. Keep reading, you'll see what I mean!The park was beautifully decorated, and it's nice to see the contrast between day and night.The Haunted Mansion ride has temporarily changed to A Nightmare Before Christmas. The technology and design were really impressive! This was actually my favorite ride that day.(Also note that fast passes can be claimed through the official Tokyo Disney Resort App now. I was quite relieved we didn't have to run around anymore! It was really quick and easy.)There are lots of interesting Halloween themed food items at Tokyo Disneyland. This beef and tomato sandwich was surprisingly good. I also enjoyed the the pumpkin and sweet potato flavored sundae (if you look close enough, there's a dark chocolate ghost).If there's food, there's interesting limited merch as well. I think the most special release (which also happens to be my favorite and the only merch I bought) for Halloween at Tokyo Disneyland is the Tangled popcorn bucket. You can light it up, just like the lanterns from the movie! It even has a little Pascal on the strap! You get free popcorn on your first purchase, and there are a variety of flavors that you can choose from! We had butter soy sauce (quite Japanese-y, right?) and my friend and I devoured it in minutes.And, of course, what is Disney without its characters?There's a special Halloween parade (called "Spooky Boo") at Tokyo Disneyland with Mickey Mouse and friends dressed up in costumes. The floats look spooktacular! Tokyo Disneyland has its own musical compositions and I heard a lot of English songs for ALL of the parades. (Do give "Dreaming Up!" a listen... It's beautiful!)There's also a special light show in the shopping area (World Bazaar). I wasn't sure about the time intervals for this one, but it was very trippy to watch since the images move from building to building!But you know what made this whole experience really unique? The people.I saw so many Disney kids (dressed up as adults mostly *wink*) walking around with their keychains and plush toys.A lot of them have memorized the dances being taught during the "Spooky Boo" parade.And lastly, the entire park was swarming with cosplayers! My friend, who has an annual pass and visits the park often, said that cosplayers suddenly popped out of nowhere when Halloween season at Tokyo Disneyland started! It's not just hats and simple dresses. It's legit cosplaying with make up, wigs, wired gowns... Everything! It blew my mind to see girls wearing heels in a theme park. Oh and don't get me wrong, guys had fun cosplaying, too!Isn't it amazing? Cosplaying is big in Japanese culture, and they brought it to Disneyland... It's perfect!So what do you think? Do you think you'll give Tokyo Disneyland a shot for Halloween this year? You still have time! :)If you DO decide to go this season, I suggest you equip yourselves with:1. A pre-purchased ticket (it will save you a lot of time if you get a ticket beforehand)2. A lot of energy3. A water bottle (there are free drinking fountains around the park)4. A mat (so you can sit down while waiting for parades)5. The Official Tokyo Disney Resort app (to get fast passes and check show schedules, waiting times, etc. Oh, heads up, the app's in Japanese!)Aaaand...6. A full-on Disney costume perhaps?Have a magical and happy Halloween!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MdRby-living_urayasu_shi_chibaTue, 15 Oct 2019 10:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MdRby-living_urayasu_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GL58w-living_tokyo_hachioji-shiNew Year's celebrations typically consist of late-night parties, drinking, countdowns and fireworks. In Japan, however, it's a more spiritual holiday. If I am not mistaken, the locals give importance to this event the most. It's the time of the year when families gather and visit temples.The first time I celebrated New Year's in Japan was just last year and I welcomed 2015 in a very cultural way. This experience goes way back but I think it's still worth sharing.For New Year's Eve I joined a couch surfing event. I had some drinks, met a lot of cool people and had a countdown in Shibuya (I was quite disappointed that there weren't any fireworks but it's all good). My real New Year's celebration, however, did not start until 2 AM when I set off for Mount Takao to catch the first sunrise of the year, which is very important to the Japanese. I fell in love with this perspective the very first time my friend told me about it. Initially, I did not know who I was going to go with on this adventure. I was mostly told that I was crazy to want to hike a mountain when I should just be celebrating under the influence of alcohol. Luckily enough, I found outliers who wanted to try this cultural experience.On regular days, the last trains are around 12 midnight but since New Year is very special in Japan, trains are open for 24 hours from December 31st to January 1st. Isn't that cool? At least you wouldn't have to worry about partying all night and getting stuck somewhere since you can grab a train home any time. As expected, the train bound for Takao was packed.We arrived at Takaosanguchi station at around 3:30am and, of course, there was a huge crowd. It was also very, very, VERY cold. To save time and energy, we opted to take the cable car. For adults, a one-way ticket cost 490 JPY while a roundtrip ticket costs only 930 JPY. Note that there are separate queues for ticket-purchasing and for the entrance of the cable car ride. Also note that the cable car doesn't take you directly to the summit so expect about a 40 minute walk upon getting off.You won't go hungry on the mountain as there are various food stalls open around the clock for the holiday. Prices aren't that bad but, of course, you can also opt to bring your own snacks and drinks with you. From the cable car exit, you'll find a beautiful view of the city. Wee saw a crowd of people already seated on their own chairs and picnic mats around 4am. We assumed that the sun would rise from that direction but we were ambitious and really wanted to see it from the summit. We had time anyway as sunrise is expected at around 6:45am. Maybe less than a kilometer away from the summit, guards were stopping everyone from moving forward. They said that it's already too crowded at the summit so they can resume entrance only AFTER sunrise. I was a little heartbroken. It was then that I realized why there were already a lot of people gathered by the cable car exit. They knew better. At this point, it was 5am and -2 degrees Celcius. I badly needed to go to the toilet but then the nearest bathroom was also blocked-- another set of guards were stopping other people from moving towards my area. Lesson learned: If you really want to see the sunrise at the summit, go earlier than 2am. Perhaps the early birds camped out by midnight.We found a spot by the stairs. People already started sitting in rows so we joined in. It was cold; as I've mentioned, the temperature was already at -2. We waited for more than an hour. Although the sun hasn't risen yet, the sky was already turning into different hues and colors.And then, finally, a majestic sunrise!A picture is worth a thousand words but being there was-- hands down-- a priceless experience. In spite of the cold, lack of sleep and the dire need to pee, being there was worth it. It was definitely a wonderful way to start the year! I was thankful for clear skies.The crowd started moving and lines were formed once again. A lot of people gathered by the shrines and temples to pray. The entrance to the summit finally resumed and it did not take very long until we reached the top, where another one of nature's wonders was waiting.Mount Fuji! What luck! This was a big deal for me as it was my very first time to see it after so many failed attempts.We had some soba before descending the mountain as I heard that it's the traditional New Year's day dish in Japan and that it also brings good fortune.PS: I love photography even if I'm no pro. If you like my photos, you could follow me on Instagram @perched_elsewhere. :)To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GL58w-living_tokyo_hachioji-shiTue, 10 Jan 2017 09:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GL58w-living_tokyo_hachioji-shihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MxO2w-living_tokyo_shinjuku-kuIt’s Christmas season once again! It’s that time of the year when winter winds cut through our skin and our bodies get so stiff from contracting because of the cold. It’s also crunch time for most at work as the year is about to come to a close. Tokyo’s generally a busy city and people are stressed and exhausted enough from commuting and long hours at work, but because of such conditions that come with winter season, everyone becomes more vulnerable to sickness. Heck, even I have been getting the case of the sniffles, to think winter has just begun. A friend of mine has also been, on and off, feeling under the weather the past week and so she suggested we go to an onsen, which was an awesome idea.As I live in Central Tokyo, I couldn’t really think of public baths nearby except for Hakone and Yokohama. I then googled “Onsen in Tokyo” and the top two results included Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba and Spa LaQua in Tokyo Dome City. Both looked really nice and had really good reviews but the prices were quite expensive. I would love to try them out someday, but I just want something simple and easy on the pocket (considering it’s Christmas season and I have to save up for other things). The touristy things can happen later on. Since I’m a resident, I might as well go local, right?My friend then suggested that I we go to Shinjuku. I thought, REALLY? SHINJUKU? With all the bars and booze? She said someone once told her that they do have public baths there. I was quite doubtful but I was ready to explore anyway.We went to the Kabuki-cho (red-light district) area and found different kinds of hotels and decided to go in some of them to ask if they had their own onsen. Unsurprisingly, all of them said yes. One, however, told us that we can find one nearby! She gave us a map and told us to look for “Teruma-ya”.I didn’t expect much but when we finally found it, I was impressed.It was a big building! In fact, this place has SIX floors.There are lounges, saunas, locker rooms, massage rooms and a restaurant.Once you enter the building, you have to pack away your shoes in a locker first and then proceed to the reception. We were attended by a pleasant woman who could speak English. She explained everything that we needed to know, and we were quite pleased with the reasonable prices. The general entrance fee is 2,364 JPY. Since it was a weekend when we went, we had to pay an additional fee of 324 JPY. Also, we wanted to stay overnight so we had to pay an overnight fee of 1,836 JPY. In total it costs 4,524 JPY, taxes included. This wasn't bad because 1) we didn't have to travel far; and 2) as compared to the touristy places this was cheaper-- if we had gone to Odaiba or Tokyo Dome, it would cost us more than 5,000 JPY.The lady said we pay when we exit. She also gave us a wrist band that has an IC reader, which we can use to open our designated locker and purchase from vending machines. This meant that we did not have to bring cash around therefore, all expenses would be paid upon check-out.Robes and towels are provided, and toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body soap, make up remover, toothbrush with toothpaste) are available for free consumption. You can also buy things such as facial masks and eye masks if you want.I bathed for heaven knows how long! The water is natural spring water from Nakaizu, and there are different kinds of baths, including a jet bath which had bubbles to massage your back and legs. There's also an outdoor bath, which I tried out, too, but only for a while as the air was too cold. I also tried the aroma sauna, which was very relaxing as well. Usually, when I'm in a sauna, I find it a little bit difficult to breathe after a few minutes, but this particular one was fine for me. There is another sauna area for healing but you have to pay separately for it, and it's open only from noon to midnight.After bathing, I got a little hungry so I got some food from the restaurant and also some milk from one of the vending machines.I went up to Venus Lounge, which is exclusively for women, past midnight to get a good night's rest. Each reclining chair had it's own TV set and an outlet for charging your devices. I didn't watch any TV anymore though as I was ready to go to bed. I had such a wonderful time and my body felt so much better! I was very happy to have given this to myself as an early Christmas treat.I highly recommend this place, especially this Christmas season! It's easy to find, prices are reasonable and amenities are very clean and spacious. How to get there:Address: 1-chome 1-2 Kabuki-cho Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021It's around 9 minutes on foot from the JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit); 9 minutes on foot from Higashi Shinjuku (Fukutoshin Line, Exit A1); only 2 minutes on foot from Shinjuku San Chome (Shinjuku Line, Exit E1).Website: THERMAE-YUJust some disclaimers though! It may be a good idea to go to this spa after a night out of drinking around Shinjuku but they will not allow drunk customers to enter the premises. Also, unfortunately, tattoos are prohibited. If anyone knows of other good onsens around Central Tokyo, please comment below!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MxO2w-living_tokyo_shinjuku-kuWed, 14 Dec 2016 19:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MxO2w-living_tokyo_shinjuku-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GbAPz-living_tokyoTokyo, if it's not obvious to most yet, belongs to the top 5 most expensive cities in the world, alongside Zurich, Hong Kong, Singapore and Luanda. Expensive as it may be though, it is a beautiful, clean and efficient place to live in, plus you know where taxes go.I have only lived here for almost two years. My first year was a bit of a struggle in terms of finances. Aside from the fact that living costs are quite high, I love Japanese food, I am always itching to discover new places, and I find everything around here kawaii. I somehow found my groove though, so now I would want to share 10 ways on how to save money in Tokyo.1. Check the voltage consumption of your appliances. Hair dryers, air-conditioners and microwaves usually consume a lot of energy, and your electricity bills may shoot up insanely if you are not careful. Getting a portable heater would be a good alternative this winter as opposed to choosing the heater mode on your air-conditioner. It also pays to be mindful of appliances that you leave on. I know someone who left her heater on for a month (deliberately), and her electricity bill shot up to 20,000 yen. No kidding. Now, you wouldn't want the same thing to happen to you, would you?2. In need of a snack every now and then? Go for the pharmacy. Convenience stores are everywhere but so are pharmacies, and these are much cheaper. Better yet, buy snacks from the supermarket beforehand and just bring them with you to work. I started doing this recently and it really helped me in cutting my daily expenses. I also try to stay away from vending machines.3. Buy only what you need. Especially when it comes to furniture and electronics. Otherwise, you will also have to pay for disposal when you realize you don't need them anymore. Space is limited in a place like Tokyo. If you keep buying things for your house, sooner or later, it's gonna get too cramped!4. In line with #3, opt for second-hand items. Being an expat, I don't want to invest too much on things when I am not even sure of how long I'm going to be here. I have been told that second-hand items are screened first before being sold in shops so we should not really worry about them breaking easily. Most of my appliances (such as my rice cooker, steamer and kettle) are from Book-Off and they work just fine. You can also look intoSayonara SaleorCraigslist Tokyofor cheap second-hand goods. Some even come for free! 4. Cook your own meals. This may seem very obvious but even I am guilty of just choosing to eat out because sometimes I have to stay late at work. I would definitely want to get dinner over and done with, especially since I wouldn't have enough energy to cook for myself. Or in cases of cold weather, it's hard for me to get up early in the morning and cook. There are always ways around it though. My favorite go-to instant but healthy meal would be natto and kimchi with rice. I also get some packed microwaveable food from the supermarket. Another friend of mine thought about getting a slow-cooker, so at least the food will be ready once she gets home. Cooking your own meals also means that you can bring your own food to work, which similarly cuts costs.5. Planning to go around during your weekends? Take advantage of subway passes. I do this if I am planning to go to more than three places in one day, especially if I have guests who want to do some sightseeing around Tokyo. I recommend planning where you want to go beforehand so that you are aware of which trains to take-- Tokyo Metro, Toei subway or JR. (For more tips on transportation in Tokyo, you can see my other write uphere)6. Consider getting a bicycle. I have not done this but I have been thinking about it for some time now. Stations are usually close to one another so it would definitely cut your subway costs. At least you get some exercise done, too!7. Speaking of exercise, if you are the type who wants to stay healthy and fit, get to know your neighborhood. Gyms may be quite heavy on the budget but parks are everywhere and they usually have some equipment that everyone can use... For free!This particular random workout space wasn't in a park though (refer to photo above). It was under the train tracks! I was just walking around before doing my groceries and spotted this. There are pictures on how to use the equipment, too. And, again, this is for free. I also heard that there are sports centers in each ward and they offer cheap group classes and even have swimming pools. I have yet to find one near me though.8. Make budgeting a habit. I bought a plastic envelope with dividers with labels such as "PASMO" (for my commuter pass), "BILLS", "GROCERIES", and "TRAVEL". Every month, whenever I receive my salary, I immediately withdraw the amount that I will need to put in each category. For example, I automatically set aside 5,000 yen for my PASMO; 20,000 yen for my bills; 10,000 for groceries; and 20,000 for travel.9. Have a second bank account. Aside from putting money in my little plastic envelope, I also transfer a specific amount of cash from my company bank card to another personal account, which contains my savings, monthly. Even if you just put 10,000 yen a month, it would still go a long way.10. Choose your battles. Japan is crazy beautiful. Places are so accessible thanks to efficient transportation modes, there are so many festivals and sights to see depending on the season. Plus, there's good food everywhere. As I've mentioned earlier, it was quite a challenge for me to save money at the beginning because I wanted to try and do everything. I've learned though that I have to take things one step at a time, and that I should also consider getting some rest at home during weekends.What do you think of this list? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to share your own ways to save money in Tokyo as well!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GbAPz-living_tokyoMon, 14 Nov 2016 13:40:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GbAPz-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GRVkG-living_fashion_tokyo_shibuya-kuHappy Halloween! I sure hope everyone had a spooktacular weekend! So it's my second time to take part in this seemingly important event in Japanese culture-- or at least, in a fashion city like Tokyo. I had the shock of my life (a good one) when I first witnessed it last year and I could not wait to do it again this year.I celebrated Halloween for two consecutive weekends. The first one, which was just last week (weekend of the 22nd), I participated in a pub crawl hosted by Tokyo Gaijins in Roppongi. I wore my costume from my house all the way to the venue, and it felt quite awkward as I knew it was too early to play dress up. I'm just glad that people don't generally care about what you wear in Tokyo, and it was a relief to see everybody else dressed up at the bar though. So this pub crawl event requires you to RSVP and pay a fee of 1000-2000 yen (depending on where and when you signed up), which includes free shots in all of the three bars for the night plus happy hour prices for certain drinks, and, of course, the chance to mingle with people from different countries. It was very convenient for all of us as we didn't need to worry about which bar to go to, and since it was an official event and the bars had to be booked previously, we had the luxury of chairs and tables (well, most of the time).Moving forward to the night of the 29th, I made my way to Shibuya of course. Last year, I was there around 5pm and the place was literally SWARMING with Halloweenies in amazing costumes. Last night, however, I was quite disappointed because I arrived at around 6:30 and there were only a number of people dressed up. It wasn't that crowded (yet) either. It was quite impressive that there were police officers everywhere though. The scramble area started getting tight around 8pm and I was getting excited because more and more people in costume started to pour in.Some interesting characters I found this weekend:I noticed there were a lot of Harley Quinns, too! But for some reason, I did not take a photo of a single one. Also, I have a friend that found someone dressed as the Pen Pineapple guy. It would have been epic to see him myself (even if I don't like the song... Sorry). I later discovered some of the streets around the scramble that have been blocked to accommodate Halloween, and it was nice to have so much space. But again, for some reason, I felt like last year was more intense because it seemed as if there were more curious civilians than cosplayers this year. Everyone was pretty calm, too. Last year, I remember some people standing on top of vending machines, really massive groups of the same costume (like for example, I ran into a group of 20 zombie nuns clumped together) and boisterous laughter all around. Could it be because of all the police officers patrolling the area? Or is it only because the 29th is a tad bit too early? I had just a few drinks around the area. Most of the places were crowded and the prices were quite high.I dropped by Shibuya again earlier today to meet some friends and was surprised to see people in costume yet again. So it got me wondering, will the main event be tomorrow, the 31st? If so, that's pretty interesting as it will be a Monday, a work day!For this Halloween season, I came up with the following insights:1. If you want a more local feel of Halloween and just want to see all the interesting costumes, head down to Shibuya.2. On the other hand, if you would like a more international feel, head on to Roppongi. I also recommend going with a group or saving a spot for a particular organized Halloween event so you don't have to worry about where to go as everything will be packed and you may just end up in expensive bars.3. Locals base their costumes on trends. For example, there were tons of Sailor Moon characters last year and I was expecting to see them again this weekend but didn't. Then I realized it was the show's anniversary last year. This year, the trend is Pokemon and Suicide Squad.4. Mario, Wally and zombies of all shapes and sizes will always be a staple.5. As I have been told, it's either you dress up sexy or creepy in Tokyo, but in reality, it's not limited to that in Shibuya! You'll be surprised by all the creative ideas people come up with.As early as now, I'm already thinking if I would do Shibuya again next year. Or maybe it's time to give Halloween in Japan a little twist.Anyway, how was YOUR Halloween weekend? Will you be out and about on the 31st? Hope you could share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GRVkG-living_fashion_tokyo_shibuya-kuSun, 30 Oct 2016 21:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GRVkG-living_fashion_tokyo_shibuya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVd2w-living_fashion_tokyo_shibuya-kuHalloween in Shibuya is WILD. So wild that it took me about 30 minutes to cross the Shibuya scramble from the JR station. If you don't mind crowds and if you want a taste of Halloween culture in Japan, this is one of the places to be in Tokyo during this season. People really take their costumes seriously, and you will find quite a variety. I didn't have to go into any bar; I had quite a ball watching people and checking everyone out.Just to share the kinds of cosplayers I encountered:There are the creepers...The cross-dressers...The animecosplayers...The anonymous...The singing groups (they would sing "Tomorrow" every time someone would snap a photo of them)...The animal lovers...The Disney cuties...The adventurous...And the hentai...So what will YOU be this Halloween season?Just a note on Halloween parties, it's hard to just randomly drop in a bar. I would recommend finding a group beforehand with reservations to bars and clubs. As for me, I'll be in a pub crawl tonight. Let the Halloween festivities begin!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVd2w-living_fashion_tokyo_shibuya-kuSat, 22 Oct 2016 10:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVd2w-living_fashion_tokyo_shibuya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/M9y2M-living_shopping_money_tokyo_shinjuku-kuI'm not much of a shopper, and even if I do shop for myself, I would rather pay for it at once instead of impulsively hoarding stuff and just paying later on. However, I do like spending on travel tickets and booking my hotels online... And those things require a credit card. I do have one but it is from my home country. I don't think it's a good idea to use it as conversion rates are quite high. Also, using it for purchases would mean that I would have to send money back home just to pay for it, and that comes with extra fees as well. So I thought the most practical solution would be to get a credit card in Japan.Frankly, I had to face a lot of rejection. I tried Mizuho Bank twice with the aid of my company but I never won. I asked for help in applying for a credit card on Rakuten (again, twice) but never received anything. The same results happened when my friends and I saw a credit card stall in front of a skating rink; we applied right then and there but never heard from them after. Then, I was told it's easy in Marui (OIOI); I just have to practice writing all my information in Japanese, which I did. I unfortunately ended up being attended by a girl who barely tried to help me out just because I knew minimal Japanese. Of course, she rejected me after all my hard work. I became really frustrated. I thought that it would be easier as I have lived in Japan for more than a year and my visa won't expire until after three years. But, from what I have gathered from my Japanese colleagues, it is really hard for foreigners to apply for a credit card, especially if you are not a fluent speaker and/or reader. It is quite a pain. I have a foreign colleague who arrived just last month and she is having a hard time acquiring a Japanese cellphone number because Softbank's new policy states that you MUST have a credit card to apply for a line.The good news here is-- although it really is difficult for foreigners to get a credit card in Japan, it is not impossible. Some are luckier than others. You just have to gather options and keep trying. So my very last attempt was in Marui (OIOI) in Shinjuku. It was a sudden decision and I didn't practice writing. Luckily, I was graced with a very nice lady who patiently waited for me to figure out how to write my address in kanji (it took me forever to get it right). She couldn't speak English at all but somehow we were able to communicate. At some point, she looked at me with a worried face and asked what will I do since all letters and phone calls from the credit card company will be in Japanese. I just told her that I have Japanese colleagues that can help me out. She eventually gave me my brand new, precious credit card, and I wanted to hug her for it.In a nutshell:1. Practice how to write all your personal details in Japanese. You have to write these things on a tablet, so you have to know the proper stroke order for it to register.2. Bring your passport, residence card, bank book(s), health insurance card, company ID (if you have one)3. It's harder to get approval from banks. It's easier to get from malls like Marui, and I think it's better to apply in foreigner friendly areas like Shinjuku.4. Keep trying.Hopefully, Japan will be more accommodating to foreigners especially if they want more of them (or us rather) to come in for the Olympics.Anyone care to share their experiences as well?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/M9y2M-living_shopping_money_tokyo_shinjuku-kuWed, 12 Oct 2016 21:08:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/M9y2M-living_shopping_money_tokyo_shinjuku-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVr2z-food_tokyo_shibuya-kuLast year, I was in the Hokkaido food festival in Yoyogi Park and unexpectedly found myself here again today. Food choices are so varied, how I wish I could try them all. There are huge crabs, oysters, ramen, melons, beer (of course), soft cream and a whole lot more! No entrance fees for this one but be warned, lines are long. A lot of people are here especially since it's only for the weekend. I think it's still worth going to though! If you have time to spare, give it a try. It's open until 7pm tonight and until 6pm tomorrow (Sunday). The address is YOYOGI PARK, 2-1 YOYOGIKAMIZONOCHO, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO.Here are some photos from the festival:To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVr2z-food_tokyo_shibuya-kuSat, 01 Oct 2016 15:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zVr2z-food_tokyo_shibuya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zKD4G-living_fashion_tokyo_taito-kuSummer is a very lively season in Japan as there are festivals everywhere practically every week. It's a great way to see how much the Japanese people value and keep their culture alive.You'll hear it through music and cheerful laughter, taste and smell it through the delicious street food (and, not to mention, lots of beer), and see it through the beautiful fireworks and the crowds wearing traditional yukatas and kimonos. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture experience than to dress the part, too?Having your own traditional Japanese wear is a great souvenir idea. They can be easily bought from various shops and department stores, and they are everywhere during the summer. Prices vary depending on the design and material. On the other hand, there are some of us who think it's a great idea but find it impractical as we wouldn't wear it very often anyway. So if you still want to play dress up without having to buy your own yukata or kimono, you could opt to simply rent one.All around Tokyo, a lot of shops offer kimono and yukata rentals all year round. Some shops offer packages that include hair and make up, a pictorial, and even a rickshaw driver-slash-photographer-slash-tour guide. Each has its own conditions, such as limited time frames and designated areas to walk around in. It's just a matter of finding the right package that suits you.As for my personal experience, I tried Koto Kimono Rental Shop in Asakusa.You can find my full review here on City Costbut basically, I would recommend this shop because 1) they have a lot of designs to choose from; 2) it's easy to make reservations and if you ask questions via email, they respond quickly (in English!); 3) it's close to the Sensoji temple so it's fun to have pictorials around the area; 4) the shop closes at 5:00 PM (which is actually later compared to other shops) and if you didn't make it to closing time, you can just pay an additional fee of 1,000 yen per night (so that way, you can wear them to the festivals and just return it the following day); and lastly, 5) it's cheaper compared to other rental shops. Prices are usually around 3,500 but there are times when they lower the prices to 3,000 (and that is actually right now!). The price already includes your obi, sandals, bag and hair styling! The catch is, you must reserve online, which is easy to do. If you book in groups of 4 or more, you can avail of a group discount. Note also that you can bring your own undergarments and tabi socks, or pay an additional fee of 300 yen for either one.For more information, you can visit Koto's website here.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zKD4G-living_fashion_tokyo_taito-kuMon, 22 Aug 2016 22:20:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zKD4G-living_fashion_tokyo_taito-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/Go1WM-living_tokyo_bunkyo-kuNo, it's not Disney Land.The first time I went to Tokyo Dome City in Bunkyo-ku, it was pretty mind-blowing to see a roller coaster smack in the middle of a concrete jungle. It is of course right next to the Tokyo Dome, which holds major concerts and baseball games all throughout the year. I simultaneously found it pretty cool because it is easily accessible and there are no entrance fees. If you just want to unwind or have a good time with friends and family but do not want to go too far or spend much, Tokyo Dome City would be worth looking into.There are a lot of really good restaurants around the area, and they vary from coffee shops and desserts joints to fast food and fine dining. There's even a supermarket within the area.Or, if you're really on a tight budget, you can simply bring your own bento and find shade beneath the trees and watch a fountain show!You will also find a lot of rides and activities for kids and the kids at heart. There are usually mini events around the area, too. It's rowdy, it's lively... It's fun! There are roller coasters and other rides that will allow you to see the city from up high. There is also the Wonder Drop, which is a water ride, to cool things down during hot summer days! Again, there are no entrance fees for the actual amusement park but you do need to pay if you want to ride. There are also various passes that you can choose from, such as a day/ night pass, which allows you unlimited access to rides; Ride 5, which is basically a ticket that lets you on 5 rides (of course); and a skip pass for the Thunder Dolphin roller coaster, which is like a priority or a fast pass to get in quickly .If you have kids, there is a special summer water play area called MAGICAL MIST. It is open ONLY until the 31st of August. The kids can run around like crazy in their swimming suits and play with water to keep themselves cool and even meet some new friends!"Magical Mist" is open for elementary school students and below (I know... I wanted to go in as well. It was actually an open attraction last July but they now closed it off, probably to manage the crowd), and runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It costs ¥1,000 for 60 minutes and if you want to extend, just pay ¥500 for every 30 minutes. The passes that I mentioned earlier (day pass, night pass, ride 5, etc) do not apply here. Parents must accompany their kids if the latter are not of elementary school age yet.There are actually a lot of other fun things that you can do and see around Tokyo Dome City. You can go to this websiteto see a full list, or better yet, check it out yourself!Tokyo Dome City Access Points: Suidobashi Station/ Korakuen Station/ Kasuga StationTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/Go1WM-living_tokyo_bunkyo-kuSun, 21 Aug 2016 21:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/Go1WM-living_tokyo_bunkyo-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zD9lG-living_medical_tokyoJapan is a wonderful country to live in, as you really get to experience all four seasons. The tough part, however, is that your body has to deal with the changes in climate. Generally, it's hard enough getting sick, more so if you live abroad and you have to find a way through language barriers. Health is of prime importance and it's best to have regular check ups, too. It can be tough finding a clinic with staff and doctors that can communicate effectively with you, especially since most services in Japan are, well, in Japanese.Luckily, there's a website that serves as a search engine for your medical needs, may it be hospitals, clinics or pharmacies.It's pretty neat because you can dig into specifics. You can indicate which station or location you would want to look into to make your trip to the doctor convenient. You can even state which language you prefer.And select which type of medical help you need.You can find the websitehere!Stay healthy, everyone! Was this helpful? Tell me what you think in the comments below!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zD9lG-living_medical_tokyoTue, 16 Aug 2016 21:07:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/zD9lG-living_medical_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GBQAz-living_transportation_tokyo_taito-kuHop on a bicycle and explore the streets of Tokyo from a different perspective. Even if you've been to a certain area once, the experience is totally different when you're on a bike. Test your navigation skills or just get into it and roam freely. Anyway, it won't cost much. Taito-ku offers bike rentals for as low as ¥200 for 4 hours. If you want it for a day, just pay ¥300. If you want it for 3 days, it's ¥600; then 7 days would cost ¥1,200. Not bad, right? You can see more places on a bike as opposed to walking and taking the subway. There are four bicycle rental spots around Taito-ku that you can choose from. I personally picked the one in Asakusa, next to Sumida Gawa because I felt that it would be easier to find. It's close to the Asakusa station and it has a good view of the river and the Skytree. It was also a good starting point-- after going around the traditional streets of Asakusa, I made my way to Ueno Park, Ameya Yokocho, Yanaka, and a lot of interesting alleys and side streets..Things to take note of:Call and reserve before coming to the actual rental site (they can speak minimal English)Bring your passport or residence card as you need to present this before getting your bike.Shop hours are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Cut-off time for those who want to rent a bike for 4 hours only is at 4:00 PM.Biking in Japan is generally safe but please be responsible and read up on road regulations and safety beforehand.These are the access points/ bicycle parking lots:ASAKUSA-SUMIDA-KOUEN BIKE-PARKING LOT : 1-1 Hanakawado (Phone #: 03-3841-4031) TSUKUBA-EXPRESS ASAKUSA-EKI-MINAMI BIKE-PARKING LOT: 1-25 Asakusa (Phone #: 03-3845-7555)SHIN-OKACHIMACHI BIKE-PARKING LOT: 2-21 Kojima (Phone #: 03-3863-4345)NAKA-OKACHIMACHI BIKE-PARKING LOT: 1-14 Higashi-Ueno (Phone #: 03-3835-4128)For more details and even other options for bike rentals, you can look here.If you have any recommended routes, questions, concerns and whatnot, feel free to share them in the comments section below!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GBQAz-living_transportation_tokyo_taito-kuMon, 15 Aug 2016 21:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GBQAz-living_transportation_tokyo_taito-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GLLYG-living_tokyo_minato-kuA creative group called teamLab has an amazing art exhibit open this summer in Odaiba, Tokyo. It's called "DMM.PLANETS" and it is a major feast for the senses. No exaggerations.There are lights, sounds effects, and scents. There are also moments when everything turns black and then you feel different kinds of texture underneath your feet (nothing gross, I promise).They even made use of water!The entire exhibit is interactive. Aside from the fact that you can walk through and touch their masterpieces, you can also contribute through your smart phone. For example, there's a room wherein you can release butterflies from your phone to the wall! Isn't that neat? It sounds quite unbelievable so go see it yourself!If you'll be in Tokyo this summer, I highly recommend checking this one out. Escape the summer heat for a while and experience something out of this world through teamLab's creative concept. But hurry, it's open only until August 31st! General admission costs 2,000 JPY. The DMM.Planets tent is inside an entertainment park called The Odaiba Minna no Yume-Tairiku, so you can look at other fun attractions around the area as well (note: it's a fun place for kids). You can easily access this place through the Funenokagakukan Station. Oh, and, I recommend wearing shorts or pants that can be easily scrunched up as you will be walking on water.Have fun and stay cool!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GLLYG-living_tokyo_minato-kuSat, 13 Aug 2016 01:01:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GLLYG-living_tokyo_minato-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MgBWw-money_transportation_tokyoThere are countless places to see around Tokyo; each station has its own personality. Transportation is very efficient but it can also cost you.If you are traveling to Japan without a JR pass or if you're a foreign local, here are some transportation tips to make sight-seeing easier on your pocket:Avoid using cabs. The flag down rate starts at $70 and it usually gets more expensive after midnight. I would highly recommend utilizing the trains and buses as they are more efficient and, of course, cheaper.Icoca (IC)/ PASMO/ Suica cards. These are prepaid cards that can get you on ANY train in Japan. You can even use them to purchase items in vending machines and convenience stores. Using these cards is a cheaper and easier option compared to buying train tickets every time. Charging them is easy, too, as machines have language options. You can even personalize your own card by printing your name on it! And if you lose it, it's easy to have it re-issued.Day passes.These are very helpful if you want to go to multiple places in Tokyo in one day. You can purchase a one-day Tokyo Metro pass which allows you unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro (600 JPY/ $6), the Tokyo Metro plus Toei Subway lines (1,000 JPY/ $10) or a combination of the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway and JR lines within the metropolitan area (around 1,500 JPY/ $15). If you prefer to use JR lines within the metropolitan area only, you can purchase a different one-day pass from JR stations for around 700 JPY ($7). For more information, you can check out the Tokyo Metro and JR East websites.Night buses.There are many places around Tokyo that are worth seeing and are easily accessible. You can opt to use the stylish and swift shinkansen or bullet trains but they cost a lot. A one-way ride from Tokyo to Osaka would cost you at least 13,000 JPY ($130). ONE WAY. If you don't mind roughing it out overnight, night buses are the way to go. You can get one-way tickets for as low as 3,000 JPY ($30). Not bad, right? You can leave at 10 or 11 in the evening and arrive at your next destination by 6 or 7 the next morning. I would highly suggest Willer buses as they are more comfortable compared to other buses. You can choose what kind of bus you'd like to take (yes, there are different options) but it would be best to reserve in advance. Seats run out fast and it is also a lot cheaper if you get tickets ahead of time.Highway buses. There are a number of beautiful places (like Mount Fuji!) about an hour away from Tokyo and you can access them for a reasonable price by taking highway buses. You can easily reserve seats on the highway buses website and pay at the bus terminal right before your departure. Again, it would be better to book in advance to make sure you get a seat for your desired time and date. I would also suggest going to the bus terminal early to allot time in finding your bus and settling down.Bike around the city. You can rent a bicycle in Asakusa for as low as 300 JPY for one whole day! It is safe to bike around in Tokyo but please read up on road rules beforehand.Was this helpful? Feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts !To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MgBWw-money_transportation_tokyoThu, 11 Aug 2016 09:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/MgBWw-money_transportation_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GbZ0G-living_shizuoka_fuji-shiToday, as we celebrate Mountain Day for the very first time in Japan, I think that it is only appropriate that I write about Japan's most famous mountain-- Mount Fuji!Summer is the only time that Fuji san is open for hikers. Exact climbing dates vary every year but hiking season usually takes place from July to September. The hike is mostly rock and dirt but the view is FANTASTIC. I just have to say though... Climbing Fuji san is NOT an easy feat. There are many things to consider! I know some people who have taken the hike lightly before actually experiencing the climb (truthfully, that includes myself). Here are some tips if you plan to climb Mt. Fuji this summer and want to make it really worth your while:Do some training before the big day. Go to the gym or, even better, do some practice hikes around Japan.Monitor the weather. The weather on the mountain is erratic. Even if it is very sunny in Tokyo, it's possible for rain to occur on Mt. Fuji. Also note that if weather conditions are bad as you are climbing, you will be asked to turn around and go back down as it may be dangerous to continue.Have enough sleep, eat right and drink your vitamins before the hike. It would be best to keep your body in excellent condition.Wear hiking shoes. The trails vary and can get slippery. Bring a jacket as temperatures will drop; even if it is 38 degrees C in Tokyo, it can be 5 degrees C on Mt. Fuji. I also suggest to bring a pair of gloves as the rocks are sharp and you will need your hands to climb at some point.Once you reach 5th station make sure to acclimatize first for at least one hour to three hours. This means that you have to allow your body to adjust because you will obviously be above ground level and the climate is different as well. This is very important. Disregarding this point may lead you to altitude sickness, which will ruin your hike. Also, don't forget to stretch before the hike.You can opt to buy an oxygen can (like me). The air gets thinner as you ascend.In line with #5, pace yourself and don't go too fast. You will need to catch your breath and, at the same time, avoid altitude sickness.Prices for food and water become more expensive as you climb higher. Bring your own food and water to save up, but also remember to pack light as you wouldn't want your backpack to make the hike more difficult for you.There are no trash bins on the mountain, so I recommend having your own plastic bag for your personal trash and then just dispose it afterwards. Be responsible and keep the mountain clean!There are toilets on the mountain. You have to pay exactly 200 JPY, so make sure to have a lot of coins with you! Amazingly, they all have toilet paper.Lastly, be cautious of the wind! There may be times when it will try to knock you off.I started my hike at around 8 to 9pm and reached the top in time for the most majestic sunrise of my life! The hike was tough but it was worth it. Here's a video of the sunrise on time lapse:I have been told that it was a crazy plan to climb at night then reach the peak by morning. Some choose to hike during the day and just camp out at night and then hike again to reach the top for the sunrise; while some hike early morning to reach the top to see the sunset. It really depends on you. If you decide to camp out though, note that there are no rest houses on the summit.Good luck and enjoy the view!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GbZ0G-living_shizuoka_fuji-shiThu, 11 Aug 2016 08:56:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/perchedelsewhere/GbZ0G-living_shizuoka_fuji-shi