http://www.city-cost.comWed, 17 Jun 2026 09:54:28 +0900A twenty year old something, who came to experience working life and travel in Japan. What will she experience? What will she see? What will she do? Find out in this amazing travel blog and Jvlog! That was the ORIGINAL tag line. Now I have left, but will continue updating. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/smallgirlbigjapanenCopyright © 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/smallbigjapan/z1W26-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_fashion_medical_education_tokyoThis is a short one. I'm not going to lie. It's no secret that I left Japan, but I've not posted a blog in 5 years almost.You see this drawer? This drawer has been sorted through. This is my Japan memories drawer. There's a lot here. That gold book is one that a lot of people would be interested in hearing about... but not just yet.You'll hear about it soon.Look out for blog posts about my return from Japan coming in a few weeks... and if you would like to know about the gold book, then don't forget to follow this blog.I look forward to you joining me on here!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/z1W26-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_fashion_medical_education_tokyoSat, 09 Dec 2023 05:31:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/z1W26-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_fashion_medical_education_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wmdgG-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyoI'm a bit of a 'why buy it, when you can make it' kind of person. It's part of my upbringing, you see. When I was young I always thought everybody made their fancy dress costumes because my mum made costumes for all four of us kids. I was shocked when I found out that it was only my mum that did that. It was the same when I went to university. Everybody was so surprised that I could cook and bake. Mum and Nan taught us cooking and baking, Dad did on a regular basis as well. They always taught me that if you can make it, then you you don't need to buy it. It's cheaper and a safe survival mode. I do that with everything, and living here I have learned it's even more important.With Valentine's Day coming up, I've seen lots of shops saying to buy this chocolate and that chocolate. It's actually quite expensive. I found that it's cheaper to do it yourself. You can buy decent cooking chocolate here, and cream, and if you've already got the chocolate molds or a baking tin, then do you really need to buy it? After all, Nama chocolate is not really all that time consuming for the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.So I've already made my Nama chocolate for this year. It's ready to go into work tomorrow. I thought that I'd share the recipe with you. Oh, and I've thrown in a DIY Nama chocolate tart for dessert as well.Nama ChocolateThis recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It can make a lot of chocolate. It can be halved. Note that all items must be very dry, or the chocolate will seize.400g (14oz) dark chocolate at 70% cacao or semi sweet chocolate200ml heavy cream with 38% fatcocoa powder1) If you don't have a mold, then line a 8"x8" baking tray with baking paper.2) Finely chop chocolate.3) Put cream into a small sauce pan. Almost bring it to the boil, and remove it from the heat just before.4) Add the chocolate to the cream and stir until completely combined. Spoon into the chocolate molds, or pour into the baking tray and refrigerate for 4-5 hours, or until your ready to serve.5) Remove the chocolate and take out from the tray. Use a warm knife to cut the chocolate. Clean the knife In between each cut, or the chocolate will break.6) Sprinkle cocoa powder. I for some reason, never do this.You see! Super easy! Although, as you can see, I'm a bit of a show off. Some had almond fillings, some had double layers, some almond toppings, and some had a chocolate shell with Nama filling. I simply melted some chocolate before hand, and made the shells by adding a good dollop in the base of the mold and mixed around the edge with a plastic chopstick and added the crushed almonds and refrigerated it before adding the Nama chocolate. For the almond layered ones, I placed the almond in, added a layer of chocolate in and refrigerated before add the second layer.Now then, if you wanted to be a bit more fancy, then have you considered making Nama chocolate tart? If you have time to make some pastry a little earlier, then it shouldn't be a problem.Sweet PastryAgain, this can be halved. If you want vegan pastry, then most organic shops sell vegan butter.225g / 8oz plain flourpinch of salt100g / 4 oz of butter2 1/2 tablespoons cold water2 tablespoons of sugar1) Mix all the dry ingredients together.2) Add butter and bring it together to make breadcrumbs.3) Add water.4) Bring to dough.5) Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 20 minutes.6) Grease a round baking tin. Cut a sheet of baking paper for the bottom and place it inside.7) Remove dough and sprinkle flour on the table and on top of the dough to stop it sticking to the pin. Roll out the dough to the size of your time and place and press it into place. Cut to a little bit bigger than the edge size, because the dough will shrink a little. Prick holes in it with a fork to help baking. You will need to weigh it down with some baking beads.8) Bake to tart case for 20-25 minutes at 180 degrees. Keep watch on it. You don't want it to burn. Just a light golden brown is good.9) Remove from oven and allow to cool before adding your Nama chocolate mixture.10) Add the Nama chocolate and decorate. Then refrigerate for 4-5 hours.Now for dairy allergy sufferers like myself, it can be a little tricky to get hold of dairy free cream. So this is the alternative.Vegan Nama ChocolateAgain this recipe can be halved.300g / 10.6oz vegan chocolate300g / 10.6oz silk tofu2 tablespoons maple syrupSome rice flour1) Drain the water from the tofu. Try to drain as much as you can. Mix until smooth.2) Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Boil water in a small pan, and place two thirds of the chocolate into a metal bowl (this will help tempering) and melt over the heat. Remove from the heat and add the remaining chocolate. Mix until smooth.3) Mix chocolate, tofu, and maple syrup together. Add rice flour if the mixture is too runny.4) Line a baking tray with baking paper. Pour the mix into the baking tray. Allow to cool and then refrigerate for an hour.5) Take out and cut into pieces. Keep refrigerated.Note: You may not want to use all the tofu. It will make a slightly firmer fudge that still tastes great!So that's it!Check out the video that I also made for last years Nama Chocolate.And remember....To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wmdgG-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyoMon, 13 Feb 2017 11:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wmdgG-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Mx5Bz-living_money_tokyoThis foreigner is experiencing the Sumo tournament preliminaries for the first time ever! Join her as she finds out what exactly goes on in a sumo match/event. It's not what you'd expect!Note: In the video I said they traditionally wrestled at the shrine, I was meant to say the temples.A full article will follow within a few days!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Mx5Bz-living_money_tokyoSun, 05 Feb 2017 23:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Mx5Bz-living_money_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MJbDM-living_food_shopping_tokyoYouTube Collaboration with singer and YouTuber Sakura Mari. Here we experience things in Japan for the first time. From chocolate to big googly eyes! We try it all! We even give Ellen DeGeneres a run for her money.We thought it would be a lot of fun to show how we as foreigners here experience things for the first time! Check it out,please share!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MJbDM-living_food_shopping_tokyoThu, 26 Jan 2017 01:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MJbDM-living_food_shopping_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/z14AM-living_tokyo_shinagawa-kuSo last time was about facing the dreaded application process that is everyone's worst nightmare.This time it's result and opinion time. Get ready!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/z14AM-living_tokyo_shinagawa-kuSat, 24 Dec 2016 16:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/z14AM-living_tokyo_shinagawa-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GB1nz-living_food_tokyoIt can be hard to make your Christmas festive in Japan. The KFC doesn't really hit it, and the low level acceptance (which is understandable) does nothing to really hit the spirit. So let spruce it up a bit with some Christmas cookies.This recipe makes 15 - 20 cookies.100g margarine (or vegan margarine)100g sugar150g flourraisins (as many as you want)1 tablespoon allspice (optional)1 - 2 tablespoons brandy2 teaspoons of baking powderMethod1)Grease a baking tray and preheat oven to gas mark 4/ 180 C.2)Beat together sugar, butter, and brandy.3)Add flour, raisins, and baking powder.4)Bring it together to a large dough ball. Add more flour if the dough is wet. 5)Take a piece about the size of a ping pong ball and roll in your hands to make a ball. Place on the baking tray and press down with a fork. Repeat the process.6)Bake for 12 - 15 minutes in the oven, and then cool on the cooling rack.Enjoy.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GB1nz-living_food_tokyoSun, 18 Dec 2016 21:57:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GB1nz-living_food_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Gy95G-living_food_money_tokyoChristmas is coming, but it can be quite difficult and time consuming to make a full traditional Christmas cake. So this year I wondered how on earth I was going to make one. I checked my ingredients and found that I had enough to make a bare cupboard cake.The bare cupboard cake originates from rationing in the war. As eggs were only one per family, this recipe relies on water and flour to bind the cake together. This cake also uses spices that are associated with Christmas. This cake is vegan.Ingredients200g caster sugar2 tablespoons of oil175g of raisins1/2 teaspoon of salt1/2 teaspoon of allspice (ground)1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg (ground)1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (ground)350ml of water250g plain flour1 teaspoon of baking powder1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of sodaFor the festive spirit you can add some dashes of brandy or rum.1) Preheat oven to gas mark 4 / 180 C and grease a 20cm tin.2)Combine sugar, oil, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and raisins. Bring to the boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.3)Sift the flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda together, and add the the liquid. Mix together until nearly combined. Tip the mix into the tin and bake for 20 minutes in an oven.If you have a toaster oven, then you will need to cover the cake with tin foil and bake for 20 minutes, and then remove the foil and bake for a further 30-35 minutes. Check its cooked in the middle by using either a plastic chopstick or skewer.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Gy95G-living_food_money_tokyoMon, 12 Dec 2016 12:24:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Gy95G-living_food_money_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GQ9mG-living_tokyoGiven my last years experience of the dreaded Tokyo Shinagawa Immigration Bureau experience, I felt the need to talk about this years test to try and obtain a three year visa. Having lived in Japan for three years, I have never been granted a three year visa. Last year I was nearly sent home by immigration because of a notification failure which, of course, they would never accept responsibility for. It is part of their contract.So here in part 1 I discuss last years incident, and submit this years application and share my experience. Part 2 will follow when I receive a phone call from them or a notice. In the mean time, I'm dreading the wait.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GQ9mG-living_tokyoSat, 03 Dec 2016 20:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GQ9mG-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MJV2M-living_food_shopping_transportation_fashion_tokyoSo we looked at the good ways to live in Japan in the last article. Now it is time for the bad.10) CyclingActually, cycling is a great way to get around Japan as it beats the overcrowded commuter trains that they have here. However, it makes the bad list for a few reasons. The first reason is that all bikes in Japan must have a number plate and be registered to cycle on the road. So the system itself is not a bad idea. It can make your bike easier to track, if it gets stolen. The downside is that the paperwork is all in kanji, and it is not easy kanji either. If you are on your own buying a bike, then you may struggle with the registration details.The problem with owning a bike here is where do you park it when you are out and about. There are a lot of signs up over the city saying you can't park here or there, and there are parking lots for your bicycle. However, Japan has a bike over population issue that can make it very difficult for you to park your bike. It has become so much of a problem that they have been considering the possibility of building underground parking lots too.Cycling can be increasingly frustrating. Japan have a 'strict' cycling law. However, they have no cycling on the pavement system. It is a cycle and hope that you don't crash into anybody system. There are allocated cycling and predestination spots, but nobody follows them making the risk of an accident a lot higher.Another common thing to see recently is cyclist playing Pokémon Go whilst cycling!!9) HygieneJapan is quite particular about hygiene. They like to be clean and not sweaty. So much so that they will take countless showers a day just to stay fresh. However, they do not really believe in covering up body odor with the use of deodorant, hence the countless showers. So finding deodorant that is large and good quality is pointless. When you do find it, the quality is poor, the size is small, and it is very expensive.This bottle is a 40ml bottle and it cost me about ¥600!! That is three times as much as I would pay in my own native country!8) Hand WashingLet's stick with the hygiene. Hand washing is a bit of a palaver in this country. Any high end bathroom in Japan will always have soap and paper towels. However, don't let yourself get caught short. If you are out and about using a public bathroom, then the chances of you finding a sink with handsoap and paper towels is virtually zero. They like to keep the trash down, and they will not provide it. Most Japanese people are accustomed to taking their own hand towels to dry their hands, but no soap. It is a little bit of a problem - in my opinion - that is how bugs are spread around. Even alcoholic hand gel can be hard to come by.7) No Garbage Cans!This is more irritating than anything. The lack of garbage cans on the street can be a big pain. It is logical as to why it is done, but that means you can be carrying it around all day with you, if you can't find one. All convenience stores, parks, and train stations have them, but you will not find any on the street.6) Small ApartmentsDon't ever be deceived by a picture of an apartment in Japan. It is a lie. Most apartment (in particular the ones in the city) are small, pokey, and over priced with a severe lack of storage space. You are better off living just outside of the city, even if that means a longer commuting route.Small utility area.This was my first ever kitchen here. It was smaller than my current kitchen. However, this apartment was 24 square metres with a high ceiling. It also cost ¥56,000.This was taken the same day I moved into my current place. It is 21 square metre and costs ¥85,000 without bills.This was my first bedroom. It is called a loft. The plus side to this was that my living area was big.My living and sleeping area now.I first lived in a Leo Palace 21. It was a company apartment, but I got lucky with the size. It taught me a lot about apartments in Japan. Check out my video tour.5) ServiceIt is sure great to have a nice service, but there is too much formality to the service here, and everything takes so long. I am someone who really values my time. So I would rather not be asked if I have this or that, and do I want this or that. I know they are paid to do this, but it is due to this that I prefer to do my gift wrapping at home.4) AllergiesCatering for allergies is small here. Especially lactose intolerant. You have to really hunt for allergen specific foods. Especially when there are no symbols on it.3) Abandoned Items from Store ClerksThe shopping isles are small in Japan. One of the things that is really bad is how things are just left blocking the way. You want to pick up your packet of noodles, but you can't get to it because there is a cart full of boxes of heavy tins in the way. You aren't allowed to move it because of health and safety and the attendant, who is supposed to be manning the cart, is out of sight. I nearly became a cropper in the ¥100 shop once, because the clerk left a step ladder out of my field of vision.2) Mobile / Cell PhonesJapanese people love their gadgets. They always have to be up to date on the latest gadget. This includes their communication device. It makes the bad list, because they are so engrossed in their phones and social media that they forget where they are. They walk around head down in their phone. They meet for dinner, but don't talk and just play on their phones. Social media is killing socialization here.1) Commuting TrainsThis could very well make the ugly list too. The trains are effiecent yes, but at the price of stuffing too many people on a train. They hire people to push people onto crowded trains at the risk of health and safety. One of the funniest things I have seen was when I was on a jammed packed midnight train. The alarm rings to announce the train was leaving, and this man ran down and tried to jump onto the train instead of waiting for the next one. The wall of people was so great that he bounced backwards and fell over. Being British, I laughed. I couldn't stop. My other half was whispering in my ear to stop laughing, and that just made me worse.Another dislike about trains that I have here, is that people are desperate to be on their phones that they wedge their heads down between the shoulders of commuters and use those shoulders to steady themselves.One of the funniest things about catching a train in Japan is how they all line up in an orderly fashion waiting for the train. Then (especially if it is the first station) as soon as the door opens they don't give the passengers much chance to elite when they run and push people out of the way to get a seat. They sit down, head straight in the phone, and act like they didn't do it. I have seen people who were at the back of the queue suddenly run forward and jump in just to get a seat.So that is the bad covered. What about the ugly?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MJV2M-living_food_shopping_transportation_fashion_tokyoTue, 15 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MJV2M-living_food_shopping_transportation_fashion_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYjgz-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_fashion_education_tokyo_kyotoJapan is always full of awesome things. It is old, modern, traditional, and sometimes downright bizarre. That is why people want to come here. They really want to experience this for themselves. Of course it's not all just plus, plus, plus. There are some downsides to living here, and some really big downsides to living here. I would like to explore all of these things over the course of a few articles.Let's begin with the good about living here!10) Super Cute Cafes!!!!Do you love cats? Do you like dogs, owls, snakes, goats, or any kind of animal? Then Japan is definitely something you might want to consider. They have a plethora of animal cafés. The animal cafés are generally catered towards the tourists that come to Japan. Most of the cafés are actually bilingual, and they are more than happy for you to come and play with the animals, drink coffee, and take photographs. The only downside to this experience is that you may come out smelling a bit like an animal, and a lot of cafés expect you to pay a high price to cover charge. If you are willing to pay it for the cuteness overload, then do it! Animal cafés are really not hard to find in Japan.9) Famous SightsMost people come to Japan for the anime on the manga. Yes yes that is great. However, they generally do not know what else is lying underneath until they get to Japan. That is the sights. Japan have some really spectacular famous sites. The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and many others. They are very picturesque.8) Purikura, Bags, Robots, and DeerPurkiura is just plain fun! The bags here are super cute, and the deer just roam the streets in Nara. There is also a Robot Restaurant. Enough said about that one! Oh, the have some really cool optical illusions museums as well.7) IlluminationsOne thing that the Japanese do really well is their illuminations. Their illuminations really do rival other countries. In particular my own. Some of the best time of year to see their illuminations is at Christmas and New Year. They illuminate the cities and put on special illumination displays all over Japan. When they are not illuminating at Christmas and New Year, they illuminate special tourist spots. Oh, and don't forget those firework festivals in the summer!6) A Nice Potty for your BottyWant to feel like a queen on a porcelain throne? Japan is very concerned about health and hygiene. Latest modern toilets and bathrooms come separately. Out in the public, the toilet has gone from the good old squat to a lady of the highest order. The most highest tech of toilets come with lids that automatically rise, a toilet seat for the potty training child, heated toilet seat for the ladies, automatic flush (be careful not to get an accidental bottom wash), bottom wash, bidet, hot and cold water options, and heated seats. Sorted!5) Shrines and TemplesJapan is steeped in history. The one history that they really set by is there shrines and temples. You can find some of the most famous shrines and temples in certain areas of Japan. Temples will normally have a pagoda nearby. Shrines are easily recognizable as they will have a large gate (torii gate) placed outside of all the entrances. These gates with be either bright red or stone colour. If you are lucky, then you may get to see monks putting on a service.4) Matsumoto / Matsumoto CastleMatsumoto is a very severely underrated tourist spot. That in itself is actually quite sad. Matsumoto is one of the most quaintest old cities that there is in Japan. It's quite close to Tokyo, and that is generally the reason why it is overlooked. It really shouldn't be. It sits in the mountains, and it boasts a large castle which is illuminated at night. It also has a quirky art museum and a miso soup museum where you can eat miso flavoured ice cream.3) Bullet TrainThe one thing every foreigner must try is the bullet train. Expensive it may be, but if you have yourself a JR pass, then Japan is your oyster and you can travel as many times as you like on it.2) Food and DrinkYes, Japan is very good for food. Sushi, donbori, soba, sakura (cherry blossom) flavoured soba, sakura pepsi, green tea senbei (rice cracker), plus normal foods. They also like to make food into characters such as Anpanman or Kitty. You will never be dissappointed.Oh in that picture above, the chocolates in the box and big hearts are nama chocolates, the chocolates on the plate are almond and coconut chocolates, and the chocolate in the bag is vegan chocolate. I made all of these. My own recipes.1) Seasons and LandscapesThis makes number one. Japan has amazing views in all seasons. The most famous is cherry blossom season, but autumn, winter, and summer all yield great photographic opportunities. My favourite though is landscapes. My most favourite landscape is on Miyajima Island.So that was the good. What about the bad?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYjgz-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_fashion_education_tokyo_kyotoSun, 06 Nov 2016 21:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYjgz-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_fashion_education_tokyo_kyotohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GOKdG-living_tokyoI really want to know. Do any of you really hate going to immigration? If you are like me, then I know you do. What needs to be done needs to be done, right? So my visa renewal is coming up very quickly again this month. A year has flown by. I am hoping and praying that this years will be a lot easier. Knock on wood.I am nearly all ready to go. I have my N1 and N2 application form completed (currently) in pencil, photocopies and originals of my supporting documents. Just got the big boss to complete his documents before he hands them to me and I trundle on down to Shinagawa before 9am to hand in my documents. I will be applying for my fourth and final year here in Japan, before I jet back to the coldish waters of England.However this year is not what I really want to share with you. It is last years I would like to talk about and how I managed to survive.The year before last was plain sailing. In and out and done and dusted. I had zero problems. Smooth as silk. Last year was a complete catastrophe!I took my documents and the organization documents into Shinagawa immigration three months early. I handed them over and they checked them. They noticed something was missing from the company documents. In order to proceed I had to go and wait for clearance at a special counter. That clearance took nearly two hours. They gave me the go ahead because all my documents were there, and they had a letter for my boss requesting the missing documents. I was asked to give it to him, and then they cleared me to go and collect the police notification certificate to show to them if ever they stopped me and asked me for my visa.I then played the waiting game. I waited and waited and waited and waited. Wait, wait, wait. It was nearly ending the time of the expiration of the police notification certificate. I made a call to them. I stated I hadn't received my result of my visa. They told me that it was because there was another document missing. I asked if they had sent notification to the school, as I hadn't received one. They said there was no record, and they sent it immediately and directly to them.Then me and the boss took another trip to immigration and handed over the missing documents. By the Friday (2 days later) they phoned me to say they had the result of my visa. I had to go to a different counter than I had the previous year, which I thought was odd. I took a number and sat and waited. They then called my name and called me into the office.They told me there and then that my visa had been denied. The shock and dread that filtered through my body at that point was like cold blood. They told me they were going to give me a one month designated visa extension to make the decision if I should resubmit or leave. Of course, I was not prepared to leave mentally and physically. I said I wanted to stay. I then asked them what the problem was with the last application. They said I didn't work 75% of the time teaching English. I was baffled, as I was 95% of the time teaching English. I asked how they got the wrong information. They said that they had asked for the school schedule. They showed it to me and I took a look. They had indeed asked for the school schedule. The wrong one! I told them that the school had two different types of schedule and they should have been more specific. I told them there was a teaching schedule and a day care school schedule with a few English classes. So it was entirely their fault. However, as they are immigration, they accept zero responsibility of the forgetting to make request of missing documents and requesting the wrong type of document. I asked what I needed to do. They said to resubmit my application with a new photograph, and the correct schedule. They said I could reuse all my current documents as they were correct. So I took the one month extension.I wondered how on earth I was going to survive, and when I got back to work I had made up my mind ... once I had cancelled my entire trip to Florida. Luckily got a massive refund on that.I redid my application (this time a change of status) with a photograph as requested. The boss made a trip to immigration to meet the person who denied my visa to discuss the mistakes made. When he returned he printed out the correct schedule. He then decided he would write a cover letter explaining the changes, and why they had been made (a big risk) and he bigged me up in the letter. I then got the other teacher to take a picture of me teaching games, reading, writing, speaking, and textbook lessons, which we put into the file. I then submitted a polite letter explaining what I was doing in each lesson. I photocopied worksheets and examples of the children's work and placed it in the file too. The more evidence we had, then the quicker we could prove that I really was a full time Lead English teacher, right?Me and the boss both took it in. Then to make sure the result didn't get lost in the post the boss put his own address in Japanese onto the postcard. They seemed to realize the importance of the gesture. Plus men in authority always look more commanding than women in authority. I'm in authority, but the boss more so. It was cool.I only had to wait two weeks before the result came back. I went in and collected my visa as if nothing had ever happened.That was how I survived immigration.What are your survival stories? Have you ever had any bad experiences with immigration? Please share them!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GOKdG-living_tokyoFri, 04 Nov 2016 21:03:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GOKdG-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wN0Az-living_food_tokyo_shinjuku-kuI'm a vegetarian with a dairy issue. So eating cakes is virtually impossible for me to do. That's where my expertise comes in and my vegan head switches on. This recipe is vegan and with a good dose of Christmas cinnamon, and it is tasty enough to replace any Christmas cake. This recipe is entirely my own recipe. I am quite good at that. No degree in cooking, mind.Pastry225g / 8oz plain flourpinch of salt100g / 4oz vegan butter (at room temperature - you can buy soken sha vegan butter at health food shops)2 1/2 tablespoons cold water2 tablespoons of sugarPastry Method1) Mix all the dry ingredients together, then add the vegan butter and mix it into breadcrumbs style.2) Add the water and bring the pastry breadcrumbs to a dough.3) Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 20 minutes.Apple Jam1 apple with pink skin very finely chopped1 - 1 1/2 juice of lemon3-4 tablespoons of brown sugar4-5 tablespoons of water (you may need more water)Apple Jam Method1) Put all the ingrediants into a pan.2) Cook the apple down and keep gently on the heat until all the liquid is dissolved.Rose TartVegan pastryApple jam1-2 medium sized red apples (depending on the size of tin)Cinnamon or cinnamon sugar.Rose Tart MethodI normally use a 5 inch baking for this, but you may make bigger if you wish.1) Grease the baking tin and roll out the vegan pastry. Put the pastry in the tin and cut it to size. P***k holes with a fork. Place a piece of baking paper over the pastry and weigh it down with baking beads. Blind bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 180`C. A toaster oven is also capable of making this tart. Remove from oven and place tin on a cooling rack.2) Cut your apple into quarters and core them. Slice very thinly longways. Put them on a plate and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. This will make them soft and pliable. This is important because these will make the roses.3) Put liberal amounts of apple jam into the blind baked pastry. Spread evenly. The jam will secure the roses into place.4) Take a slice of apple and using a flat surface roll the apple into a curl and support it at the bottom with your fingers. The pink skin should form the top part of the petal. You can now add more slices around it using this method. You can make the roses as big as you like.5) Place the rose into the tart. If the jam doesn't secure it immediately, then use a knife to hold it in place.6) Keep repeating steps 4 and 5 until the tart is full with roses. You may need to add some more jam in.7) Once the tart is full, then dust with of cinnamon OR liberal amounts of cinnamon sugar. (Remember pure cinnamon is very strong), and bake in the oven at 180`C for 12 - 15 minutes.8) Do not remove from the tin immediately, or you can brake the tart and burn yourself. Place the tart on a cooling rack. Once the tin itself is cool, you can remove it easily and continue cooling out of the tin.9) Serve as dessert for Christmas dinner or as a main dish at a Christmas party, or even any meal. Its great with a dollap of vegan ice cream ... if you can find it in Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wN0Az-living_food_tokyo_shinjuku-kuFri, 04 Nov 2016 20:05:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wN0Az-living_food_tokyo_shinjuku-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zKaKw-money_fashion_tokyoHere is a list of the 10 top animal cafes in Tokyo. As I have not visited all of these cafes, I recommend visiting the websites for images. In the future I will add photographs!10) With BunnyWith Bunny is located in Asakusa and costs ¥2,500. It expands 5 floors. The bunnies are said to be super cute and they like to roam freely all over the shop!With Bunny website9) Mocha Shibuya Cat CafeMocha Shibuya Cat Cafe in Shibuya. ¥200 per 10 minutes and the cats are still extremely young and exceptionally cute. Me and one of the Japanolites visited there back in September this year. It is worth it!Mocha Shibuya website8) Kotori CafeKitori Cafe is in Omotesando! No cover charge, but you must order a drink to sit with these cute birds! It is one way for the ment to pick up the chicks!Kotori Cafe website7) Fukuro SaboThis is an owl cafe! It is located in Kokubunji. Price depends on the owl.Fukuro Sabo website6) Sakuragaoka CafeThis cafe is located in Shibuya and it is a goat cafe! Prices are reasonable!Sakuragaoka Cafe website5) Tokyo Snake CenterThe snake center is located in Harajuku and the snakes are very well trained. Pay ¥1000 for a drink and a snake.Tokyo Snake Center4) Cafe BaronCafe Baron is an owl cafe located in Koenji. There is no cover charge and the prices are good.Cafe Baron website3) Dog HeartIn Yoyogi-hachiman there is an adorable cafe called Dog Heart. Prices start from ¥600 and for ¥3,600 you can rent a dog!Dog Heart website2) Harry Hedgehog CafeHarry Hedgehog Cafe is located in a backstreet in Roppongi. The charge is ¥1000-¥1,300 per 30 minutes. It is the first hedgehog cafe in Japan, and you can buy them as pets!Harry Hedgehog Cafe1) Temari no OuchiThis is not an ordinary cat cafe. It is set in a fairy tale style. Cover charge is ¥1,200 on weekdays and cheaper after 7pm. It's located in Kichijoji.Temari no Ouchi websiteFor my more detailed vlog please watch this!Find the Reviews Here!Harry Hedgehog Cafe ReviewTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zKaKw-money_fashion_tokyoFri, 04 Nov 2016 14:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zKaKw-money_fashion_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zDpQz-living_tokyoThere are reasons why I write this article. There are lots of articles out there about Westerners dating Japanese women and what to expect. However, there are very few about dating the Japanese man and what to expect. After being in a relationship with a Japanese man I think that I know why. Very few Japanese men are willing to date Westerners. They are considered a rare breed in Japan. The Western man and the Japanese lady are far popular. This article was illustrated by myself.1) They Like Us, But They Don'tSo you are standing there in a bar and you see that really cute Japanese guy. You are really hoping that he will come over and talk to you, and then suddenly he disappears. Where did he go?Well, if he was giving you the eye, then he probably did like you. However, that could be as far as you get. Most Japanese men think that the European and Western women are very beautiful. That is definitely true. Only a few men will actually come up and talk to you. These men are the rare exception.One of the things that I learnt from dating a Japanese man for nearly two years, is that they perceive European and Western women to be outspoken, loud, and bolshy. Yes, some of that may be true, but not all of us are like that. Like we would, they put us into a very stereotyped category. They may also be afraid that they would have to speak English.What a Japanese man would really want is a shy, timid, not very outspoken, not very confrontational woman, who dresses in a reserved manner. Everything that they want in a European and Western woman that they can find in Japanese women.If you are interested in that Japanese man, then go up to him. Try to speak Japanese. You should ask for his number, or line, etc.I got lucky. The man I dated came up to me and spoke to me. I asked for his line, and he asked me for a date.2) The First DateThe chances that he will ask you on a date is next to zero. Put it down to ineptness, lack of social experience, or scared, the chances are slim. Save the waiting game. You will have a long wait. Do it yourself, but not forcefully.3) Work is PriorityAlas, again the work is priority comes up. In European and Western countries the work in most relationships is second. In Japan it is very much the opposite. The Japanese work system is so strict, and it's drilled into them from kindergarten that your job is the most important thing in your life (visit my two "Work in Japan" articles for more information about that) and that everything else is the bottom of the list. It is sad to say, but the men are bread winners and women are just considered baby making machines. Although recently people in Japan have started to marry for love, so the times are changing, but very slowly.I had to learn that I had to be supportive and understanding of him. I had to wait. Whilst it can be increasingly frustrating, you just have to accept it, or move on.4) Payment for DatesIn Western and European countries women like to display their independence and at least pay for something. Here though, it is the other way. Japanese men want to pay for everything and can be confused if women want to pay.For me I got quite lucky. My boyfriend respected the fact that I wanted independence, and I came from a country where it was given to me (thanks to the Suffragettes chaining themselves up), so he opted to let me have it. Not all the time, just some of the time. So occasionally I was allowed to pay for everything. He always paid for coffee shop visits, and really expensive meals. Other times he let me give a contribution and not the whole bill.5) P.D.A (Public Displays of Affection)P.D.A only stretches to hand holding. Everything else is a big no no. I guess this is not so shocking.6) ArguementsThis I learned quickly. They hate confrontation. They will not argue, and they will not tell you if you have done something wrong. Now then, not everything is sorted via an arguement. I once told my boyfriend that it is really important to say to each other if we get upset by something, but to no avail. If you can let it go, then do that. It will be a waste of time giving the silent treatment or shouting, because he will not apologize (unless he really has to) and he will not fight back.7) Being PyschicJapanese men do not communicate. They expect you to be able to read what they feel. That is always the way it has been in their society. Don't talk about their feelings, just expect the foreigner to know. That is near impossible for us to do that. Japanese women can because they too have been brought up that way.8) Keeping it QuietThis can be a huge problem. Japanese men prefer to keep the relationship quiet. This is because Japanese men are expected to marry Japanese women and it would be an embarrassment for them to be seen dating a foreigner, much less than Japanese women. It is hardly surprising, because the first foreign acceptance arrived only around sixty - seventy years ago in Yokohama.I remember asking my boyfriend at the time, "Why am I not allowed to meet your parents?", to which he replied, "It is because you are my personal life. It is my business and they will ask too many questions." To me that said a lot.Bonus PointNot all relationships end well in Japan. Have you ever heard of ghosting? For the Japanese it is socially/culturally acceptable. Ghosting is where the person who doesn't want the relationship anymore suddenly stops contacting you. The reason why they stop contacting you is because they hope that it will be "easier for you", they will be sparing you from "the pain" and that you assume you just "grew apart". In actual reality it is the reverse. What they are doing is making it easier for themselves, sparing themselves the pain, saving themselves the confrontation, and the guilt of having to be the one to call it off. This is how most relationships end here. Painful to recipient of the ghosting and easy for the other. For a foreigner it is not good emotionally and psychologically.There are many other points. Mostly good. I have mainly just highlighted the parts that we would consider a little irritating, and maybe a little subjective. Do you have any experiences that you would like to talk about?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zDpQz-living_tokyoTue, 01 Nov 2016 18:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zDpQz-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wX7xG-living_tokyoJapan is surrounded by strange stories of the supernatural and the paranormal. It's one of the things that attracted me to Japan. In the light of Halloween coming I unearthed and illustrated three Japanese urban legends which creeped me out. Are they true? I'll let you decide. The fourth and last story is my own personal experience, and remains unillustrated because of how much it freaked me out.YureiYurei is the Japanese ghost. Not all Japanese ghost will look the same. However, there are certain characteristics you must look out for when you go out ghost hunting. A yurei may wear a white kimono that is worn right over left, a triangular headdress, long black hair that is very straggly, no feet, and may be seem with hitodama. Hitodama translates into human souls, but in English we would know them as orbs.1) Wet WomanShe is said to be the head of a woman and the body of the snake. She dates back from the Edo Period. Although her true purpose remains unclear, it is said that she is supposed to lure people to water with the intent of 'killing' them. Other stories tell of the woman simply washing her hair and getting irate if people interrupt her.Moral of the story is to not interrupt her ... or never interrupt any woman when she is beautifying herself.2) Snow WomanThe Snow Woman supposedly died in snow, so therefore she only appears in snow. She is said to be very stunning in her beauty and has long black hair and dressed all in white. As she moves she leaves no trace of footprints in the snow. Do not let her looks deceive you. Beautiful as she may actually be, she serves the purpose of luring travelers to her. She has only one intent in mind.3) Slit-mouthed WomanThis is probably the most creepiest of all the urban legends that I researched. She is definitely not someone I would want to encounter anywhere in Japan. The story goes that her husband attacked her with scissors. Since then she is said to roam the streets and stopping strangers and asking them the question, "Do you think I'm pretty?"Now then this situation is a slightly tricky one. If you answer "no", then she will do the worst. If you answer "yes", then she will remove her mask and show you her face and ask you the same question. If you answer "no", then she will do as above. If you answer "yes", then she will get her scissors and make your mouth the same as hers so that you can both be pretty. The situation is a no win one. In more recent versions of the legend it is said you can outwit her by asking her an ambiguous question back and then run away. Hmmmm..... not really sure about that one.Grey Man in the ElevatorIn August of 2016 during the Bon holiday, I found myself with a week off work. One of the things that I opted to do was go to karaoke. I went to the karaoke building and called the elevator. I noted that the building had nine floors, but the elevator only had five stops. The fifth floor was the entrance to the karaoke.I stood and waited for the elevator. After a few minutes I was joined in line by two young men and a man that was in his forties. He was wearing grey. The elevator arrived and the doors opened. The elevator was extremely small. We all got into the elevator and the man wearing grey walked straight past me and stood facing the mirrors with his head down in the corner of the elevator.The elevators doors snapped shut and we all went up to the fifth floor. The doors sprung open and the two young men got out. I followed next, and I turned around to hold the doors open for the man, and he's disappeared. I look around. There was no way that he could have physically got past me and the two men without knocking into us. The assistant then called to us in Japanese, "Is it three of you for karaoke?" At that point I release the doors and the elevator went back down to the first floor.At first I thought I might have been going crazy. That man who was wearing grey clothes was as solid as any human. He was reflected in the mirror, and it was not like anyone hadn't seen him. The elevator didn't stop until we got to the fifth floor, and he had been there the whole time we travelled up.So ... where did he go? I even guested on a paranormal podcast to discuss it, because I was so baffled and freaked out.I hope you have a very spooky Halloween!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wX7xG-living_tokyoSun, 30 Oct 2016 17:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wX7xG-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MPYyz-living_tokyoSo we know what are the highlights about working in Japan are, but with every pro there is a con. Here are the things that they don't tell you about working in this amazing country.1) Starting Rate and Pay DateOkay, so maybe this is not an unusual one, but it is something that they do not tell you initially. It is also the reason why they tell you to make sure that you save a lot of money. Your first months or two months pay in Japan is not at the rate that they would have told you in the interview. You have a trial rate, and on top of that you will not get paid until you have completed your second month in most circumstances. Be prepared for it. It is the hardest transition you will have to make money wise.2) 29 Hour ContractBe very careful of this one. If you are employed on a 29 hour contract, and they are paying you a full time wage, it means that this company you are working for refuse to pay your health insurance out of your wages. By getting you to sign a 29 hour contract, you are responsible for your own health insurance. By that I mean that you have to go to the city ward office and apply for it yourself, and make sure that you pay it every month. It also may make them not responsible for any accidents you may get at work, and it would mean that they don't have to pay out on the insurance to cover part of the health insurance treatment bill. When you quit or move house, you are the person who would have to notify the city ward office of this.3) Health InsuranceThere are several bands of health insurance that you can have in Japan. Make sure you know which health insurance you are paying for out of your wages, even if your company is responsible for your health insurance. The higher band your are in, the more expensive it is. If it is too expensive for you, then maybe consider asking to switch to the lower rate.4) PensionSome companies insist on paying your pension. Make sure you know how much they are paying, because when you return to your country, you'll have to take the pension information with you, so you can transfer it across. That's a nice plus if you can get a pension from your company.5) TravelYour company will generally pay your travel for you, which is great! However, if your train is late, then you need to get a densha chien shoumeisho (train delay certificate) from the train guard at the station where you elite, otherwise you will loose either a small amount of pay, an hours pay, or your monthly bonus. Most train station guards will stand at the ticket gates handing them out. If no one is there, then you need to go to the booth next to the gates and say, "Chien shoumeishou onegai shimasu?" (May I have a train delay certificate please?) The role of the densha chien shoumeisho is to apologize to your company because it is their fault that you were late.6) Registration of Alien Card / AddressWhen you arrive in Japan you'll be required to registrar your address on your alien card. You have to register it at the city ward office of your own city that you will be living in. You will be given advice at immigration in the airport when you arrive. If you can get your address registered before you start your new job, then that is the best way. All city offices are open five days a week, except for national holidays. Very few opening times are made on the weekend. There are a few for some reason or another. The bad news is that if you can't get in and register your address, then you will have to take time off work. If you have just started, then this won't look good, and they will make you take it unpaid. An even bigger downside to this is if you have to move and re-registrer your address whilst working for the company, then you will have to take a days holiday.7) SicknessIn Japan the only time you are sick is when you have a fever, or are ridden in a hospital bed. Any other kinds of sickness (migraines, headaches, period pains, etc) or injury is not generally recognized as allowance for taking a day off sick. Stomach bugs count if you work with children.When you get sick, you are required (for most companies) to provide a shindan (a sick note from your doctor; ask by saying "Shindan sho wo itadakemasenka") for your company. It is expensive to get a shindan. Other companies may not require that. Some companies will give you a certain amount of holiday and sick days you can take off work. The clever side to this (and it's crafty because of the work is priority) is that if you take a day off sick, then they first expected you to put in as holiday! YES! HOLIDAY! They call it nenkyu. Seems unfair right? It's very true. It has happened to me. By doing that, it means that they can have you for more days, as it is unlikely that you will use up your sick leave, but you will use up your holiday leave.Tell me ... would you rather use up your holiday as sick leave, or get a sick note from the doctors and take it as a sick day?For hospital appointments, most companies are okay for you to leave for a few hours and return to work. That's a plus, I guess.8) Personal Days and HolidaysA lot of companies will allocate a certain number of personal days. It's important.All that being said, I believe that the decision to work here and survive here when working is solely based on the persons mentality to how work plays in their everyday life.9) Souvenir A.K.A OmiyageIf you take a holiday from work that's not a national holiday or a personal day, then you are expected to bring back souvenirs for everybody in your company. Except it's not actually a souvenir. Omiyage is an obligation. Omiyage is something that you can eat. You will generally see omiyage displayed out in souvenir shops or at the airport. It is generally regional based. Omiyage is something that you can take to someone's house. Omiyage is expected to be given at work when you return from your holiday. Omiyage is almost apologizing for taking holiday from work, and leaving your jobs to everyone else. Omiyage can be expensive, but at least you can buy it in a big box.10) Work PartiesOne thing that the Japanese like to do is drink. They love to drink. You may start working for a company that has a lot of work parties. This will generally be organized by your boss. You will also be expected to attend. Not so bad if you like to party, and yes you will be expected to attend even if you have worked for 12 hours with one break. Then on top of the work party, you may have to attend an after party party. A lot of the younger generations in Japan are not overly fond of this.During work parties you will be expected to attend to your higher ups by making sure they have a drink in their hand and participate in drinking and 'social' games.11) OvertimeIn Japan overtime can be extremely hard. The Japanese have been known to clock up anywhere between 60 - 100 hours and more of overtime per month. They don't understand the business of 'if you have finished all your work, then you may leave'. The purpose of overtime is to finish all your work yes, but generally it is not a case of how hard you can work, but how long you stay at work. In a lot of companies many workers will stay on until after their boss leaves. That could clock up to twelve hours plus more, and if you leave before your co-workers and boss you may have to apologize for leaving before them. The sad thing is that not every company pays you for the overtime you put in.It may not be so much frowned upon if you are a foreigner, but it would be bizarre to them if you clock off on the dot each day, even if you haven't finished all your jobs. My own overtime clocks in anywhere from 12 - 25 hours overtime per month. Ideally I would like to finish at my contracted time of 6pm everyday, but I have to do minimum of 30 minutes overtime everyday. It is more than my job is worth to question it as well.The saying is in European countries and Western countries is that you have to have a 'work, life prioty'. In Japan they say 'work is priorty'.In ConclusionPersonally I would recommend that any person who is considering to work here should opt to experience Japan in a long holiday format. Japan offer a ninety tourist visa upon arriving in the country. Take time and travel around. That is a really good way. Try to understand what they are about.If you are under 25, then you can possibly apply for a working holiday visa. You can work a minimum of 21 hours a week, and they can't expect you to do more than that. If you are a natural hard worker, then give it a go.I don't regret attempting the working life out here. I have managed it for three years and yes, I'm exhausted from it. Working here has taught me what I really need in my life. The Japan working life is a great learning experience, and it teaches you about yourself and what and who you are as a human being. It teaches you about how to make sure you keep in a fit and healthy mind and it helps you build up your resilience for problems and issues you may have to address in the future.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MPYyz-living_tokyoMon, 24 Oct 2016 22:15:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MPYyz-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GLoyz-living_tokyoSo you want to work in Japan? Then this two part article is for you.A young person like yourself wants to experience life in Japan. I was the same. I took the opportunity to visit this country twice before making that definite decision.I was already a trained teacher, so I decided to also qualify as a TESOL/TEFL teacher as teaching English is the easiest way for obtaining a working visa. Once I qualified I had to proceed to the next step.Most of the initial information that you receive from potential employers is given during the interview stage. No further information is provided until you start your job. Some things you will actually find out as you are working, but we will save that for "What They Don't Tell You"1) Applying for JobsJapan advise that you apply for jobs through certain websites that companies work with. The most popular areGaijin PotandDaijob, althoughYolo-Japanis fast becoming popular. They like you to be prepared to do interviews via Skype. It's pretty straight forward.2) VisaMost companies are more than happy to sponsor your visa. They will ask you to go to the Embassy in your own country, and they will sort out the paperwork at their end.3) Flights and AccomodationThey will generally tell you in the interview if you have to pay for your flights and accommodation. Some employers are happy to sort your flights and accommodation. You'll also be told to save a certain amount of cash before you arrive. They don't give a reason why. So my advice is to make sure you have at least $3000 - $5000+ to start you up in Japan.4) Starting Your JobYou'll be given a start date in your interview or job acceptance. You will be expected to find the company by yourself and turn up on time.5) ScheduleYou'll be told how many days a week you work in the interview stage, and what your days off are. They leave it as that, because of two reasons: A) You may not get the job B) They may scare you away with whats expected of youIt sounds somewhat plausible.6) Have a DegreeThe potential employers like you to have a degree. It doesn't matter what the degree is. You need one to get your visa. It could be a degree in potato peeling for all they care, just make sure you have one.7) TEFL/TESOLIt's not really required here in Japan. All you need to teach English (or your native language) is a degree and native level in English. If you cant speak Japanese, then there is no point in applying for other jobs in Japan, because unless you can get lucky, most jobs would require you to have some level of Japanese ability to take on their job and they generally won't provide a translator.If you're interested in gaining a TEFL/TESOL then these sites are worth looking at.I-to-iITTT8) Be GenkiThis is one of the hardest things about working in Japan. Being genki. It means be happy. Be fake. All day for at least eight hours minimum per day. The customers can't be seeing you looking like you're stressed, depressed, concentrating, or hungover. It's hard work to do all the time because it can sap a lot of energy. It also makes everything so robotic and extremely structured. It also explains why they all still look so young. It takes less muscles to frown.9) BowingMost companies will expect you to do this. Bowing is part of the Japanese culture, and hierarchy is quite big in certain companies, so it will be expected of you. It will feel strange. You should learn how to bow before you come here.10) There is no Number 10The information they provide you about working here in Japan when you are first applying for jobs is extremely minimal. They won't tell you much about company expectations. When I first arrived at my first job in Japan they actually expected me to know all of the company/Japan work ethics. Truth is, I didn't. I did do my reserch, but back then there was little information about working life in Japan. It's only in the last few years has certain information become available.There are the basic things that companies will tell you before you come to Japan. Other than that, the information they will give you after that will be sparse until you get to the company. Most of the things you will learn about when you're going along.Now let's talk about what they don't tell you. Don't worry ... it's not all bad.In the mean time, check out the Work in Japan: What they Tell You comedy vlog.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GLoyz-living_tokyoThu, 29 Sep 2016 12:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GLoyz-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zDOlM-money_education_tokyo_shibuya-kuSo recently I attended some special events that were held by Arts Council Tokyo and Tokyo Traditions at the MOSHI MOSHI Box in Harajuku. I learned how to make Japanese lanterns and I also learned how to weave Sudare style. I weaved bamboo into coasters. I recently posted a full review about it hereTokyo Traditions (Arts Council Tokyo)for the leisure of anybody who's interested. It's not just open to travelers, and it's real value for money at a starting price of around ¥500.Whilst I was there I also filmed my experience. The video is now finally ready ... After I finished shouting at it. HA! Please watch and then don't forget to check out my other blogs on here, and my other pages!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zDOlM-money_education_tokyo_shibuya-kuWed, 31 Aug 2016 23:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zDOlM-money_education_tokyo_shibuya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Mqxaw-living_food_shopping_money_gifu_takayama-shiSo do you remember my Summer in Japan post about Takayama? You do? Great!I thoroughly enjoyed making that article and those vlogs that went with it. However, you may not have time to watch those vlogs. Here's an idea! Check out the trailer for it instead!Once you have done that, why don't you check out my Facebook! I could do with a few more friends on there! ;-)Small Girl, Big JapanI'm all about the Japan It Forward hash tag I made. I'm all for spreading the word about Japan!#japanitforwardTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Mqxaw-living_food_shopping_money_gifu_takayama-shiFri, 12 Aug 2016 16:55:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/Mqxaw-living_food_shopping_money_gifu_takayama-shihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/M9R9z-living_food_tokyo_chiyoda-kuToday I attended a lesson at the Coto Language Academy.I paid ¥2500 to learn how to make Oshi Zushi. The class was in basic Japanese. It was a lot of fun! We got to learn how to make this different type of Oshi Zushi. It's a cold dish, and ideal for the summer. The money you pay is for all the food, utensils, and the teachers time.I got to learn how to make sushi rice. You steam the rice, and then transfer some rice to a bowl and add sushi vinegar. Using a rice spoon you cut through the rice to mix in the vinegar, whilst someone fans the rice to cool it down. The rice needs to be cooled down, otherwise you can burn yourself.Once the rice is ready you set up the mould. Make sure you wipe the bottom of the mould with water, because the rice is sticky. You don't want it to stick to the bottom when removing it. Put a layer of rice into the Oshi Zushi mould and press down to make it flat.Then you can add any filling you like. Here I chose tamago (egg). Then I added avocado to it.Then you need to add another layer of rice. I chose the pink rice.You then need to press down again.The mould needs to be only 90% full. Remove the press, and take a sharp knife. As you can see on the mould there are slats. This is where you put the knife to cut the Oshi Zushi. Replace the press. You now need to remove the rice from the mould. You need to push on the press and pull up on the mould. It should come away easily. Remove the top press and using the sharp knife again, cut the Oshi Zushi. Don't forget to add your decorations. Then remove the Oshi Zushi from the base of the mould to a plate. My plate was too small, so I did piece by piece. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and miso soup. Serve watermelon for dessert.The Coto Language Academy is located in Iidabashi, Tokyo. They offer regular classes in cooking and arts in addition to their Japanese lessons. They also cater for allergies and vegetarians. You need to advise them of this information in advance.Coto Language AcademyTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/M9R9z-living_food_tokyo_chiyoda-kuWed, 10 Aug 2016 17:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/M9R9z-living_food_tokyo_chiyoda-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zKjkM-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyo_minato-ku_setagaya-kuThe humidity is building. The sweat on your brow is forming. Summer in Tokyo is definitely here. As we try to beat the heat, we may find that we can't beat it at all. So what do we do? Brave the heat? No. Join the heat!A new craze jumped to my attention in the very hot, humid, and sun burning Roppongi. Certainly very unique. It caught my interest. Hedgehogs!Uh ... hedgehogs? Why hedgehogs? Well hedgehogs are not actually native to Japan. Being a country girl I am very accustomed to wild hedgehogs. However, I have never seen a hedgehog in captivity; let alone the chance to keep them as a pet. Sounds crazy, right? Well, this is Japan and this is what Harry's Hedgehog Cafe aims to achieve.I was very interested in how they kept nocturnal animals awake during the day. I found out that it was in Roppongi and that booking was recommended. So I pre-booked. I traveled there via Hibiya line and braved the scorching heat of blazing sun. I found the cafe just one minute away from the station. I announced who I was and found out the staff were bilingual.At at the cafe you are expected to pay immediately. You pay a typical Roppongi price of nearly ¥3,000! That's just for one hour! Shocking, but you get all your drinks included in that price and the fee helps with the health care of the animals. You are also aloud to bring your own drinks to the cafe. That is a rarity here.This is nothing like the neko jala experience where the most you do is play with the cats. No, with this you can choose from a selection of hedgehogs that you can sit, cuddle, feed and play with whilst you're drinking your coffee. What's more is that they have the rare albino hedgehogs too. The hedgehog you choose is your hedgehog for the hour.The cafe itself is small, and the hedgehogs seem to be well cared for. The staff do allow the hedgehogs to sleep during the day. It would seem that their sleep patterns are not entirely disrupted, and staff encourage their customers to allow the hedgehogs to sleep in their hands if that's what the hedgehog wants to do.All in all, it's a warm and bright place. Is it worth the ¥3,000? I'd say if you're a tourist, then definitely. Where else are you able to really experience what it's like to hold a hedgehog? Make sure you arrive on time, or the automatically cancel your reservation.If hedgehogs are not your thing, then you can visit Miss Bunny upstairs.Animal cafes not your thing whatsoever? Then how about cracking the heat up even more? Have a BBQ! Seriously! You can't beat the heat, then join it. A BBQ is a summer trade mark anyway, and it definitely is in Japan.I attended a bilingual BBQ Saiko Park (take the Saikyo line to Musashi-Urawa, leave east exit, take the number 1 bus). For full details about how to get to the park, please visit their website. Saiko BBQ Park BBQ photographs are courtesy of William Kuang Photography. Permission must be sought from W. Kuang before being used elsewhere.You are free to go there and cook your BBQ. If you are interested in meet ups that are bilingual, then the Tokyo Meetup Group is a good place to start.Tokyo MeetupPlease watch the Vlog for more!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zKjkM-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyo_minato-ku_setagaya-kuWed, 10 Aug 2016 17:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zKjkM-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyo_minato-ku_setagaya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wmN2M-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_gifu_takayama-shiIt's heating up, but it's time to escape the humidity of the urban life and head for the old and traditional Japanese town of Takayama for two days.Takayama is the city of old. It's famous for its Hida beef, senbei, and sake. It's also famous for its national historic treasures that I'd recommend all tourists to see.You can access Takayama via Shinkansen or the express bus from Shinjuku. The express bus goes through the mountains and has more views than the ShinkansenI would advise anyone planning to stay in Takayama to take a ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional style Japanese hotel. There are plenty in Takayama. In fact, there are more traditional hotels in Takayama than modern hotels. They are a little on the pricey side, but most ryokans are very comfortable. I stayed in Ryokan Kaminaka (¥8000) and it was a very nice hotel. The owner doesn't speak much English, but is able to make her point well. I advise to take a bilingual travel book with you.There is a lot you can do in two days, and it's not very expensive at all. All of the shrines and temples are free. The Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine is a fabulous shrine, and if you are lucky you may catch the monks in a service.If you choose to visit the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, then I'd recommend to visit it the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition. Takayama is known for its festivals and elaborate Mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) that they carry on their shoulders. It's around ¥700 to visit the exhibition, but it's worth seeing. The attention to detail is immense. As you go in you get your picture taken, and when you get to the end of exhibition you can receive a small copy of the photograph for free. You can also buy the large version for ¥1000.You can also visit Hida Kokubunji Temple for free, and you can eat street senbei for ¥100 (minimum) and street Hida beef sushi. You can also go sake tasting in the old town. Once you have gotten yourself full and drunk, you can visit old museums for a couple hundred yen, check out the morning market, or take a hike up to the Takayama castle ruins. Warning: It is a hiking route, so don't get too tipsy.There are a lot of hiking and walking routes around Takayama.If you don't fancy that kind of thing, then easily the best thing to see there is the Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village) for around ¥700. It is walkable from the station, but as Takayama can get hot it is better to take the bus from outside the station.Hida no Sato is an outdoor museum where you can see how the villagers of Old Takayama used to live. The first sight is glorious, and you can have a souvenir picture taken. They also take one for you on your own camera.The houses there are big and spacious. Especially compared to today. You can experience how they used to live. The museum has recommended walks you can do, and craft centres where you can learn how they used to do things. Also you can visit the houses and take living and craft lessons inside the traditional houses.Once you have completed everything you wanted to, you can go to the public footbaths; Hanami and Sakura. They are free.Please watch my two day travel vlogs for all the goings on in Takayama!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wmN2M-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_gifu_takayama-shiWed, 10 Aug 2016 16:32:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wmN2M-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_gifu_takayama-shihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYV6z-living_money_education_tokyoIt's Fact Friday! Latest Jvlog is about the top 10 shrines and temples you might want to visit in Tokyo. Trust me, my list and my number 1 is not what you would expect!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYV6z-living_money_education_tokyoSat, 06 Aug 2016 00:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYV6z-living_money_education_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYVLz-living_food_shopping_money_education_tokyoEveryone loves fruits and yoghurt, especially at this time of year. Eating fresh fruits and yoghurt at a tepid heat just doesn't cut it though. So I have put my summer brain inside my head and thought about what you Japanolites need to cool off this summer.Summer Fruits Smoothie Ice PopsLevel: Easy peasy!IngrediantsBlueberries,Banana,Grapes,Pineapple,Honey,Yoghurt,If you are vegan or allergic to dairy, then you can switch out the yoghurt for some dairy free yoghurt. You can find these at health food shops. If you can't find dairy free yoghurt, then some soft sweetened tofu may be a good substitute.MethodPlace ice all the ingredients in your blender pot.Blend until smooth, then devide the mix between ice pop molds.Place the sticks in the molds and put it in the freezer. Allow 4 - 5 hours set time, or leave them overnight.Remove from rom the freezer and rinse the molds under running water to release the ice pops.Amazing! One Summer Fruits Smoothie Ice Pop! Itadakimasu!For the video instructions please view my Jvlog on my YouTube!For more cooking, please visit my Facebook page.Small Girl, Big JapanTo view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYVLz-living_food_shopping_money_education_tokyoMon, 01 Aug 2016 23:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MYVLz-living_food_shopping_money_education_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GyoYM-living_food_shopping_money_tokyo_shinjuku-kuKabukicho, Shinjuku, is full of nightlife. It is known as the electric city. The neon lighting, arcades, host bars, karaoke, and the giant Godzilla really set the tone. However, did you know that Kabukicho plays host to one of the most unique modern experiences you'll get in Japan? The Robot Restaurant.The price is a little pricey (¥8,000 per person; ¥1,000 extra if you want a Japanese bento box) but the show runs for around 90 minutes and you get your money's worth of robots, neon lighting, singing, and dancing. It's also a very sexy, so ladies don't worry too much if your boyfriends tongue is hanging out. My boyfriend was doing that and all I did was laugh at him.More information available here!Robot RestaurantCheck out this sneak peak.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GyoYM-living_food_shopping_money_tokyo_shinjuku-kuSun, 31 Jul 2016 20:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GyoYM-living_food_shopping_money_tokyo_shinjuku-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/G0Anw-living_education_nagano_matsumoto-shiVisit Matsumoto Castle in the summer. A light, cool, and breezy experience, mixed with glorious illuminations and a chance to become more educated about tradition in Japan!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/G0Anw-living_education_nagano_matsumoto-shiFri, 29 Jul 2016 12:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/G0Anw-living_education_nagano_matsumoto-shihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MdWEw-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_nagano_matsumoto-shiThe following morning after my venture to Matsumoto Castle, I wondered what I could do to beat the Matsumoto heat (although it was nowhere near close to the Tokyo burners) so I jumped down the stairs - well not quite - and spoke to the staff of Matsumoto Backpackers.The recommended the Ishii Miso factory and the Yayoi Kusama art exhibition. That sparked an immediate interest for me. They were both in walking distance of each other, and I'd heard that Yayoi Kusamas' art work was bizarre and amazing.I was able to leave my bags at the Backpackers hotel, so I didn't break a sweat.I decided to go to the Ishii Miso Factory first. It was slightly off the beaten track, and when I did find it I wasn't sure if it was the right place. Thankfully it was.The day was hotter than the day before, so it was nice to get inside. It was cool, with a strong smell of miso fermenting and wood expanding. Whilst inside I was able to find out exactly how the miso was made (watch part 2 of my Jvlog to find out) and go around and taste samples of how they use miso in cookies and snacks.I was being miso soup here!The factory also serves a lunch which looked amazing. I didn't eat it because you need to pre-book your lunch. However, there was miso flavoured ice cream (yes, for real and only in Japan) that you could buy. You could buy Italian style or whippy style. It would be an awesome and bizarre way to beat the summer heat.Watch my Jvlog down below to see the lunch and ice cream.Once I had bought some miso paste (¥800) from the factory I went to the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. It was a little over ¥400.Yayoi Kusama was born in Matsumoto. She began her art when she was a child. She translated the hallucinations that she had into art. That is what made her famous.She later went on to admit herself to hospital for her own safety, but continues to translate her hallucinations to this day.I like to associate summer with bright colours. Yayoi has a way of using bright colours and strong light to great effect. It's amazing that one person can see all that and is able to share it with the world.The exhibition is really worth something. It was spectacular to see.I heard that soba was extremely famous in Matsumoto. I decided that I would buy some soba to take home. It cost ¥200. Soba is best served cold in the summer. It would made a great cold lunch with some salad and ice cold tea. I also bought some wasabi flavoured chocolate for ¥600. Wasabi is also famous in Matsumoto. There is a wasabi farm nearby that tourists can go and visit.After sovenir shopping it was time to head back to the hotel to collect my bags to go home. I bought some 711 ice coffee and jumped on the bus.The only thing that I regret not doing was something I always enjoy in the summer. Cycling. Matsumoto have a free rental bike system where people can rent a bike for the day. Next time I am there and it's sunny, I'll invest in it. It'll get me so much more time there.Matsumoto really is an overlooked city of beauty and wonder. It's even more splendid in the summer. The light from the sun makes for excellent photography, and it was very easy to film there and get about. It really makes good for a short summer break.For the rest of the Matsumoto images please visit and become a Japanolite by liking my Facebook Page Small Girl, Big Japan!Small Girl, Big Japan (Facebook page)As I can't pay to promote my page it'll be great if you could follow me and spread the word!Check out part 2 of my Jvlog to find out more about the break in Matsumoto.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MdWEw-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_nagano_matsumoto-shiThu, 28 Jul 2016 08:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MdWEw-living_food_shopping_money_transportation_nagano_matsumoto-shihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/weWdz-living_money_transportationBon is a national holiday in Japan that celebrates the ancestors. Most Japanese people return home to their relatives to do so. Most foreigners are left behind in Japan wondering what to do in that week where everybody suddenly disappears. Unless you're married to a Japanese national, you don't want to spend seven days twiddling your thumbs. It got me thinking as to what people can do in the summer whilst the Japanese citizens are taking their Bon holiday.Recently I went on a budget break to Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture). I really needed to escape the heat and humidity of Tokyo. It was a lot higher than I have ever been used to, and being from the country side in the UK, I'm not used to this type of heat and humidity. I chose Matsumoto because it was more open land, and it's situated in the mountains. My experience in Japan is that the mountainous areas are much more of the cooler climate. I had only ¥15,000 in my pocket, so I couldn't take the Shinkansen. I jumped on the Expressway Bus in Shinjuku (¥6,000) return journey and took off for the weekend.I didn't know what was in Matsumoto, and I didn't care. I just needed to escape the heat and explore on a budget. So I booked myself into Matsumoto Backpackers. It's easy to book it online with no credit card via Booking.com. When I arrived at the hotel nobody was there (as check in time was much later), so I was able to just 'dump' my bags and go and explore.I picked up some flyers and read about Matsumoto Castle. I decided it was there I would go first. From the Backpackers hotel it was really easy to locate. It was around a ten minute walk. It was still hot in Matsumoto, but there was no humidity. It made a huge difference.On the way I grabbed some refreshing drinks and an ice pop. Then I headed to the castle grounds. It was a very sunny Saturday. The castle looked amazing in the sun.I took advantage of the free English speaking tour guide that was made available. He took me into the castle (¥400) and gave me a fully guided tour. The castle was very cool, light, and breezy on the inside. You wouldn't need air conditioning in this castle. The guide was very friendly, good English, and knew how to make English jokes. It's a voluntary service that they offer on Saturdays. It keeps them busy and out of the sun.Once the guide finished, I ventured outside. I had to take some pictures of the stunning views of the castle. Who couldn't resist something like that? I also chose to wait until nightfall to take pictures of the illuminations.Once I was done at the castle I decided to head back to the Backpackers hotel. It cost me just over ¥2,000 for a night. It really is a lovely place to stay. It's light and airy. It's owned by English and Japanese speakers, and working travelers take care of the place during the day to earn money for their travels. It's a nice friendly atmosphere and very relaxed. They have a common space where everybody can sit and drink cold drinks on a summers night. The house is a traditional Japanese house, and they have rooms that you share with other people.Turning in for the night was very easy. The windows were open, you could hear the cicadas buzzing away outside against the crash of the river. It added to the effect of a nice summers evening.To see more about my Saturday in Matsumoto, please watch my Jvlog.Watch my blog to read part 2 of Summer in Japan: Bon is... Well... What... What Can We Do in Bon?To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/weWdz-living_money_transportationWed, 27 Jul 2016 12:38:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/weWdz-living_money_transportationhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GLgVz-living_food_education_tokyo_shinjuku-kuDo you like sushi? Do you know how to eat it if you went to a high rise restaurant? Watch this Jvlog and learn how to eat sushi the old fashioned way. This is the traditional method of eating sushi, and if you go to an expensive restaurant, then you will be expected to eat it this way.NOTE: In a standard sushi restaurant OR a cheap restaurant, you don't have to do this. You can use your chopsticks.Please leave comments below and follow my Jvlog for more awesome vlogs!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GLgVz-living_food_education_tokyo_shinjuku-kuTue, 26 Jul 2016 12:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/GLgVz-living_food_education_tokyo_shinjuku-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wj31M-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyoSummer in Japan can be like walking into a furnace. Especially in Tokyo when the humidity is up 90%. I sometimes wonder how the Japanese survive the heat compared to European people like me. The simple answer is that their bodies are designed to deal with heat, and ours are designed to deal with cold. My partner (who is Japanese) often complains about being freezing cold in the winter, and he's never too hot in the winter, and I'm cooking up a sweat. I often think he wouldn't survive if he came to England. He'd be cold every day, even in the summer.So how exactly can we beat this heat? Whilst air condintioning is great, going in and out from the cold can often make you catch a cold. When you are out and about, it's completely different.UV Protection and TowelsI guess you could say, when in Japan do as the Japanese do. What do they do? They take out cold towels and dry towels to remove the sweat. You can get cheap towels from Daiso. They wear UV protected sun hats, and the ladies like to protect themselves with UV umbrellas and parasols at ¥1000+. They also like to wear UV protected arm sleeves. However, a foreigner like us may find that a hinderense more than a help ... Also Japanese women like their skin to remain as white as possible so they look more like European women.Staying FreshThe Japanese also believe the way to freshen up each time is to take a shower or bath whenever possible, and they seldom use deodorant. Although, nowadays it's a little more easier to find, but much more expensive than perhaps you would pay in your own country. If you have a visitor coming, then ask them to bring over provisions.ClothingThe Japanese also have a brand called AIRism. It's a unique type of clothing that's designed to keep you cool in the summer. You can buy it from UniQlo. It's relatively inexpensive, and there is generally a very large choice of AIRism clothing that you can actually buy. It's about ¥1000 for one or two items. UniQlo also do a large stock of loose clothing for the summer.Speaking of clothes. Japan always do their summer sale before the summer starts. Stock up whilst you can and get summer clothing. You can also claim tax free, if you're on holiday here. You have to spend over a certain amount to do so.You can also carry a change of clothing around with you. If you are a worker in Japan, then make sure you take advantage of the "Cool Biz" work policy.FoodAvoid eating hot foods! I can't stress this enough. Salads, cold soba, cold udon, sushi, ice cream! The Japanese think that lemon flavoured foods are a great way to cool down and beat the heat, but I say eat and drink anything that's cold. The Japanese do green tea ice cream, if you fancy giving that a whirl. The convienience stores do frozen drink bottles at this time of year. They are very popular.Popular beer festivals take place during the summer. The Japanese love to drink cold beer. The best time is normally in the early evening. They quite often do Octoberfest. Festivals at shrines often serve ice cold beers.One way to enjoy a summers evening in Japan (and a good way to cool down) is to attend a Hanabi (fireworks) festival. Wear a light yukata, take a picnic, alcohol, and watch the night sky light up!ShadeWhilst air conditioning feels lovely, you can't be inside all the time. Get some shade. That's the best option, if all else fails. That and ice coffee. 711 do a good and cheap ice coffee. Don't forget to wear your sunglasses!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wj31M-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyoMon, 25 Jul 2016 22:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/wj31M-living_food_shopping_money_fashion_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zaWLw-living_food_shopping_money_tokyo_shibuya-kuGolden Week is a national holiday celebrated in Japan. Most people don't work. So what can foreigners do in Japan during Golden Week?Find out in this Jvlog!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zaWLw-living_food_shopping_money_tokyo_shibuya-kuMon, 25 Jul 2016 21:16:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/zaWLw-living_food_shopping_money_tokyo_shibuya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MvBXM-living_education_tokyoIt's hard going to a country where they don't know English. Particularly one that isn't used to foreigners Japan is also still very new to us English speakers, so it's a good idea to be prepared with the basics. That way you're not entirely caught short.Below is a link to a lesson in my Jvlog. Please check it out!Learn Japanese (#1 Traveler Basics)To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MvBXM-living_education_tokyoMon, 25 Jul 2016 12:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/smallbigjapan/MvBXM-living_education_tokyo