Best Things to Do in Japan During Winter

Posted by Lior on January 11, 2022 | Featured

Best Things to Do in Japan During Winter

Japanese people are very proud of their well-distinguished four seasons. Winter is not an exception. In you winter some of the areas become really stunning and also there are many fun activities. Here is a short list of the best things to do in Japan during winter.

Sumo Grand Tournament

One of the most iconic and familiar to pretty much everyone things in Japan is sumo. One of the biggest important sumo events is held for 2 weeks in January. You can book your tickets here.

Snow Festival in Sapporo

Probably the most famous winter event is the Snow Festival in Sapporo. This year due to the virus, the festival will be held on a smaller scale. But hey, at least it is happening! You can enjoy snow creations along with Sapporo sightseeing or visit a popular ski resort in Niseko.

Illuminations

Winter in Japan is also the time when you can enjoy stunning illuminations. No, not all of them end right after Christmas! For example, you can visit Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest for the Sailor Moon illumination. Or you can go as far as Hokkaido for the Shirogane Blue Pond Winter Illumination.

Open Onsens

Open onsens are basically the onsens under the sky, outside, in the snow. It is the best feeling in the world, to enter the hot water when outside is below 0 degrees. One of those you can find in Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku.

Early Sakura Festival

Many tend to think that Sakura viewing is strictly a spring event. However, not too far from Tokyo, in Kawazu City, Shizuoka prefecture, you can enjoy cherry blossoms as early as February. There is a special kind of sakura tree, its leaves are more pinkish than the other trees and the tree stays in full bloom for a month. In Kawazu you will find 8,000 trees and 4 km of pure pink beauty.

Tags: expatlife, festival, illumination, thingstodointokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife, tokyowithkids, winter

Life Hacks for Life in Tokyo (and in general)

Posted by Lior on January 3, 2022 | Featured

Life Hacks for Life in Tokyo (and in general)

At first, Tokyo might seem to be overwhelming, when you do not know where to go, what to do, where to eat, etc. Of course, there are many solutions you can use in such situations. Here we will give some of the most useful life hacks for life in Tokyo.

Things to do

When you just arrived in Tokyo and still have no idea what you can do here, or when you have been living here for way too long and you are running of ideas what to do after work or on weekends, check the Tokyo TimeOut Tokyo website. Here you will find ideas for things to do literally every day. Another useful website is Tokyo Weekender. Subscribe to their newsletter and get a chance to get tickets and free invitations for parties, art exhibitions, etc. If you read Japanese, another helpful source of information can be Let’s Enjoy Tokyo. Chose the right category and find your options for various situations, such as going on a date or meeting friends, and more.

Eat your fancy meals for lunch

Tokyo has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Of course, the popularity of these places goes along with pretty high price tags. However, if you check the lunch deals at some of these restaurants or other fancy places, you will find many great deals. For example, 2-star Michelin restaurant in Roppongi, L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon, offers lunches starting from ¥3,500. For an authentic Japanese lunch head to Shinjuku Kappo NAKAJIMA, also very cheap.

Google Maps for trains

A train system in Tokyo might look complicated and stations seem to be a maze. However, if you use Google Maps right, things become so much simpler. For example, once you find your route from point A to point B, press on it. It will tell you not only which direction you should head but also what car you should board, so it will be the closest to the exit. If you look by the side of the station where you need to get off, you will see what exit you need to take. Press on “Walk x min” and it will change a walking mode and show you the route from the station to the destination. Easy, right?

Instagram

Let’s say you go to a new unfamiliar area and you really love good ramen or an instaworthy cafe. How do you find one? Just by strolling around the streets? And what if you are short on time or from the outside nothing looks good? Better to make your preparations ahead of time. For this, open Instagram and then search for the name of an area and what you are looking for, for example, 西麻布カフェ (Nishiazabu cafe) or 池袋らーめん (Ikebukuro ramen). Works great in Japanese.

Reduce tax legally

Last but most definitely not least hack is known as “Furusato nozei”. Basically, it is a hometown tax, where you donate to local independent producers in exchange for a credit on a residential tax. For more details, you can check one of the websites that provide this service. But generally speaking, based on how much tax you need to pay, you can choose certain items from these websites, present the slips of the purchase, and get a tax reduction. Your options vary from trips to different prefectures and locations around Japan to ordering beautiful crab meat from Hokkaido or fresh vegetables from Kushu. It is a “win-win” situation, where you support small businesses in exchange for a financial benefit for you as well.

If you looking for a place to live in Tokyo, please check a list of our furnished apartments.

Tags: expatlife, furnished apartments, furusato nozei, google maps, japan, life hacks, life in tokyo, taxes, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife

A guide to Azabujuban

Posted by Lior on December 22, 2021 | Featured

A Guide to Azabujuban

Overview

Azabujuban is a well-known area in Tokyo. It is mainly known for its traditional shopping street and for pretty expensive real estate tags. However, it is way more than that. In Azabujuban you will find how old Japan mixes with modern trends. It is also a good place to stay if you are a foreigner in Japan because many other expats live here too and many embassies are placed here. So, even if you are new to Japan and do not speak the language, you will be able to enjoy your time here after reading our guide to Azabujuban.

How to get there

Access to the area is easy from almost any part of the city. There is Azabujuban station, which is served by two lines, Numboku line and Oedo line

Traditional eateries and shops

Once you arrive at Azabujuban, the first thing you will notice will be its charming, old-school Japan vibes. That happens thanks to many traditional shops and restaurants. For example, did you know that one of the oldest taiyaki shops is located in this area? Naniwaya sohonten is in business since 1909. It is more than 100 years! Another long-run establishment is 230 years old soba restaurant, Sarashina-Horii. All the noodles are made from scratch at the restaurant and their specialty is a special kind of white soba called Sarashina soba.

Azabujuban is also full of souvenir shops where you can buy a traditional Japanese snack, called senbei or simply saying rice crackers. Tanuki senbei is one of these shops. The current shop was reopened after World War II and it is now run by the third generation.

Trendy Shops and restaurants

Alongside the hundred years old establishments, there are also many new and modern cafes and shops. Blu Jam Cafe serves American-Mexican food, Green Brothers will fill your daily need for vegetables. Popular chain shops such as Dean and Deluca or Starbucks also have their branches here.

Noryo Festival

Noryo Matsuri is one of the Tokyo’s most popular festivals with a history of more than 40 years. The festival is usually held in end of August. One of the main attractions of this festival is the food stalls. Many shops from around this area prepare a special menu and sell it for attractive prices. It is a chance to try dishes from more upscale stores for affordable prices. The matsuri is popular among all age groups but especially among young people and families.

If you don’t want to be just a visitor in this lovely area but if you think about living here, we have furnished apartments in Azabujuban. All the apartments are fully equipped and ready to become your home away from home.

Tags: azabujuban, expatlife, festival, minato, roppongi, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife, tokyowithkids

Christmas Events in Tokyo 2021

Posted by Lior on December 14, 2021 | Featured

Christmas Events in Tokyo 2021

After having fewer festive events last year, it seems like Tokyo is back in full power. Here are only a few picks of the best Christmas events in Tokyo 2021.

Harry Potter Illumination

We know it is hard to believe, but it has been 20 years since the first Harry Potter movie was released. To commemorate this historical event, Marunouchi Bright Christmas comes up with a themed Christmas illumination. If you have enough time to see just one installation, check out Marunouchi Building which features Hogwarts Magic Tree. Other notable installations can be found at Tokyo Torch Park, Marunouchi AOZO, and Marunouchi Brick Square. If you want to get even more into Harry Potter and Christmas mood, treat yourself to a warm drink and cake from the HP menu at Tully’s Coffee.

Ice Rink at Ralph Lauren Ginza

Skate rink by Ralph Lauren will be open this winter at the brand’s Ginza branch. 45 minutes will cost you ¥2,000 and the reservations must be done in advance through the official LINE account. After doing a bit of sport, treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee at Ralphs Coffee.

Hibiya Christmas Market

The festive market at Hibiya Park is back! Plenty of Christmas food and goods from all over the world. A reservation in advance is required and it costs ¥1,000, but a cute mug is also included in this price.

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Accueil

A popular pancake cafe in Ebisu is offering and an affordable afternoon tea set called “Petit Noel”. 13 different, sweets and savory, food items and free refills on the drinks for as little as ¥3,300 (¥2,680 without the drinks).

Naked Star Aquarium in Shinagawa

This time Shinagawa Aquarium and Naked.Inc present a romantic Christmas-themed event. Here you will find out how sea creatures and the latest technologies can create a beautiful show. Very existing for kids and their parents!

Where to stay in Tokyo during the holidays

For those who come to celebrate Christmas in Tokyo from outside the city, we offer our furnished apartments. Why pay a lot for a tiny room in a hotel, when you can have a whole apartment for yourself? All the apartments are located in central locations, provide high-speed internet connection, etc.

Tags: afternoon tea, christmas, christmas market, events, expatlife, food, harry potter, illumination, japanesefood, japanesesweets, roppongi, shibuya, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife, winter

6 Furnished apartments central Tokyo JR line yamanote short term stay hotel BNB Ikebukuro 202 TAw

How to furnish your apartment in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on December 7, 2021 | Featured

How to furnish your apartment in Tokyo

Most of the rental apartments in Japan and in Tokyo are completely unfurnished when you first move in. In this post we will explain how to furnish your apartment in Tokyo

Offline stores

In Tokyo, there is plenty of furniture stores. Starting from chain shops such as Ikea and Nitori (Japanese Ikea) to furniture boutiques located in fancy areas, such as Meguro and Aoyama, to secondhand and antique shops.

Pacific Furniture Service

Roche Bobois

Lloyd’s Antiques

Online stores

Some of the offline stores also have their homepages, where you can shop for furniture without leaving your home. Most of the websites are in Japanese, but everything is pretty much straight forward and online shopping should not be an issue.

Nitori

Ikea

Online services

By online services we mean not official online shops, but websites such as craigslist, or Facebook groups, or Mercari.

Craigslist Furniture

Mercari Furniture

Furniture rental services

In Tokyo, since many people come here only for a short term and do not invest money into buying furniture and try to rid of it when moving out, some services provide furniture for rent. For more information about this option, you might want to contact services such as Gaijinpot Housing Service.

Furnished apartments

Last but not least! You have the option of renting a furnished apartment with us! Tokyo Furnished provides weekly apartments, monthly apartments, and long-term furnished apartments. The apartments are located in the central areas, such as Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc.

Tags: expatlife, furnished apartment, furnishedapartment, furniture, nakameguro, roppongi, shibuya, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife

Fun Day in Tokorozawa

Posted by Lior on November 29, 2021 | Featured

Fun day in Tokorozawa

Tokorozawa is a city in Saitama prefecture, about 30 km west of central Tokyo. Proximity to Tokyo and low rental costs make it a popular bedroom community. However, you really should not see Tokorozawa as a boring suburb town. In the past several years the town’s government was trying to develop it a lot. Now you can find here museums and popular art exhibitions like the one made by TeamLab, for example.

Breakfast

Start your day at one of the Tokorozawa stylish cafes. For a cup of coffee and delicious sandwiches head to Mitaru Coffee or to Ichian. Both are located just a short walking distance from Tokorozawa station.

Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park

After a boost of caffeine and carbs, check out the city’s memorial park and aviation museum. This spot will be interesting for both adults and kids.

Lunch

For lunch head to Tokorozawa’s famous ramen shop Kappa House. Their ramen and tsukemen are not only tasty but they will also look good on your Instagram.

Afternoon

In the afternoon take a train and go to the Higashi-Tokorozawa area. If you are still hungry or want to buy some delicious bread for home, stop by BellTeco bakery or try a famous Japanese dessert, shaved ice, at Kakigori Sango. Their menu changes seasonally and everyone can find here a kakigori he or she will like.

Tokorozawa Sakura Town

The rest of the day we recommend spending at Tokorozawa Sakura Town, which features Kadokawa Musashino Museum and Acorn Forest by TeamLab. The museum was designed by a famous Kengo Kuma, the architect who designed a new Tokyo Olympic stadium. The building is interesting from the outside as well as from the inside and features 5 floors. Here you can find a library, exhibitions related to anime, and changing exhibitions from Japan and all around the world. The currently running exhibition Spirit of Japan by Danny Ruso is beautiful and highly recommended. If you want to save a few hundred yens, make sure to buy the tickets online.

After exploring the museum and nearby facilities, head across the street to Acorn Forest. In the evening silvery acorns turn into a light show. Same here, you can save a few yens if you buy a ticket online. But also get a tip from us, the light show is well visible from the outside, so unless you want to touch the acorns, you don’t really have to pay and get inside the forest. Instead, you can buy yourself a hot beverage or a snack from a nearby cafe and enjoy the show at the cafe.

As you can see, Tokorozawa had a major transformation in the past years, and it makes a wonderful day trip from central Tokyo.

If you like to move to Tokorozawa, make sure to check out our Tokorozawa furnished apartments.

Tags: expatlife, museum, park, saitama, teamlab, tokorozawa, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyofoodie, tokyolife, tokyowithkids

Spend a Day in Roppongi

Posted by Lior on November 18, 2021 | Featured

Spend a Day in Roppongi

Here is a mini-guide with ideas on how to spend a day in Roppongi.

Morning:

Bricolage bread & co.

There is no better way to kick off your morning than with Bricolage bread & co. This bakery is famous for serving its bread even at some of the Michelin restaurants in the area. You can try any of its freshly baked bread, pastries, and morning sets, which are served every day (except for Mondays) from 8 AM to 10 AM, and you won’t regret it.

Explore art:

After a good breakfast, you can begin with your cultural binge. There are three main art facilities in Roppongi, known as Roppongi’s Art Triangle. The Mori Art Museum displays big names in modern art and architecture, while The National Art Center, is one of Japan’s largest art venues and presents large-scale and immersive exhibits. The Suntory Museum of Art specializes in Japanese art and offers regular tea ceremony events. Another art highlight includes the design museum 21_21 Design Sight, designed by a famous designer Issey Miyaki and architect Tadao Ando. If you’re after something less touristy, Roppongi also boasts dozens of small art galleries along with a variety of public art.

Lunch

Falafel brothers

This is a good option for anyone who is looking for a cool chill place with delicious healthy vegan food. You can choose between falafel in pita bread or falafel bowl, or order one of their vegan sandwiches or pizzas.

Coffee break

For a coffee break head to one of the many coffee shops in the area. For example, Blue Bottle Coffee Roppongi or Verve Coffee Roasters both offer great specialty coffee and are located in really beautiful spaces.

Shopping:

Roppongi is a paradise for anyone who loves and appreciates good shopping. Here you will find two main mega-shopping complexes. The first one is Roppongi Hills, which is mostly known for the Mori Art Museum but also boasts a cinema, an art gallery, a hotel, an observatory, and many luxury stores of both Japanese and international brands. The second one is Tokyo Midtown, which features several stores that offer Japanese craftsmanship as well as fashion boutiques and concept stores.

Dinner

Jomon Roppongi

Just like for breakfast or lunch, there are way too many dinner options in the area of Roppongi. However, we would like to recommend this izakaya called Jomon. There is a special unique vibe to this place, also the service is great, and of course, the food is astounding.

Let us know what are your recommendations for the Roppongi area.

If you liked the area and you would like to live here for a reasonable price, please check our furnished apartments in Roppongi.

Tags: accommodations, apartments, apartmentsintokyo, expatlife, furnishedapartments, monthlyapartments, roppongi, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyoguide, tokyolife

The best mobile plans and how to join them

Posted by Lior on November 9, 2021 | Featured

The best mobile plans and how to join them

Just 5 years ago it was almost impossible to find a free sim phone and a mobile internet plan that wouldn’t cost at least ¥10,000 per month. Today the situation is completely different. Many phone users do not know, but now there is plenty of providers that offer cheap (some of them are literally free of charge) internet plans. Below you will find some of the companies with the best mobile plans and how to join them.

IIJMIO

IIJMIO is a low-cost mobile provider. Its internet works on a DOCOMO base, which means that it covers the whole country and that the connection is good. There are several plans. Starting from less than ¥1,000 per month. Another good thing is that if you do not use all of your data in one month, it will be transferred to the next month.

Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten is a popular online retailing company. About a year ago they also started to provide mobile internet. The plans are very cheap. Some are even offered for free (for time being). But be noted that the coverage of Rakuten is weaker than DOCOMO, so you might have some difficulties staying connected outside of Tokyo.

OCN mobile

It is another player in the market of cheap mobile providers. For example, one of the current plans offers 10 GB for just ¥1,760.

UQ mobile

UQ provides mobile planes for a good value. They even have special plans for people who do not only use data but also need to make many phone calls. So if you call a lot, definitely check them out.

Aeon mobile

Many might know Aeon as a chain of malls across Japan, but they also have a mobile service. You can choose between buying a phone and a sim or just getting a sim card. The variety of plans is pretty impressive, so you can choose the one that meets your needs exactly. Starting from 500M all the way to 50GB in data plans.

Great deals, aren’t they? And you don’t need to commit to the big companies for years with monthly bills that easily go over ¥10,000 per month. So how do you join these programs? It is very easy. All of them usually have small shops inside Bic Camera or along the shopping streets, or even online.

Tags: expatlife, japan, mobile, tokyo, tokyoexpats, tokyolife, travellingjapan, wifi

Helloween Events in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on October 28, 2021 | Featured

Halloween Events in Tokyo 2021

Halloween is really awesome in Japan. There are many events related to this day and also many spooky yummy treats that you can buy. From this post, you will learn about the best Halloween-related events that Tokyo has to offer this year, from buffets to parades.

Halloween Sweet Buffets

You can find all-you-can-eat desserts buffets all-around a year. However, during the month of October, they become just so much cooler with all these Halloween-themed decorations. So definitely check them out:

School of Wizards & Witches by Marble Lounge at Hilton Shinjuku. The buffet is inspired by Harry Potter books and movies.

“Pink & Shadow” Halloween Sweets Buffet at Conrad Tokyo. Enjoy Bewitchingly Beautiful Halloween Sweets presented in Two Worlds.

Dark Fantasy Sweets Buffet at Hotel Metropolitan, Ikebukuro. Plenty of special Halloween treats that look like a Suica card penguin.

Sumida aquarium

Sumida Aquarium, which is located in Tokyo Sky Tree, only for this month turned its kaleidoscope tunnel jellyfish exhibition into the Halloween version. Eight jellyfish aquariums embedded in the wall will be decorated with background panels with patterns such as witches and pumpkins. In addition, each aquarium will introduce one of seven mysteries about the ecology of jellyfish, such as “Jellyfish have no heart” and “Actually, they have a lot of eyes”.

Tokyo Disneyland

Every year and this year is not an exception, Tokyo Disneyland holds Halloween Parade and many other activities related to this day. So get dressed up and come to take a part in the event. While the tourists still cannot enter Japan, you can have the place pretty much for yourself.

National Azabu Costume Contest

Grocery shop National Azabu in Hiroo is having a photo contest. They will set up a photo booth from October 22nd to October 31st. All you need to do is: dress up in your scariest costume and take your best shot in the booth. Then send the picture with the hashtag #nahcc2021.
National Azabu staff will repost the entry photo on Instagram. The photo with the most likes will be a winner. A winner will be announced on November 1st.

Halloween goods

Tokyo started its Halloween preparations already in August. By now you can find Halloween goods literally everywhere. In 100 yen shops, such as Daiso or Can Do, or in grocery shops such as National Azabu. Also, shops such as Muji sell themed goods.

And for the sweet treats head to the closest convenience store, where you will find #pumpkineverything sweets and other yummy stuff.

For more posts like this one check out our blog.

Tags: disneyland, food, halloween, minato, shibuya, shinjuku, tokyo, tokyoexpatlife, tokyoexpats, tokyofood, tokyolife, tokyosweets