Life in Tokyo can be overwhelming or very easy and enjoyable. Here is some information that we hope will help you to get used to the big city life in no time.

Places to Study Japanese

If you are in Japan and you want to study Japanese, there are several options. You can search for private online or offline classes. Or you can sign up for a Japanese language school. There are many schools all over the city for any budget. Alternatively, you can check if your local municipal office provides free Japanese classes. Though it is the cheapest option, the quality of classes might be a bit lower as well, as the classes are thought by volunteers and not professional teachers.

Libraries

There are many free libraries in Tokyo that everyone can use. They have books in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and sometimes in other languages too. If you can’t find a book that you need, you need to fill in a special form, and the library will order it for you. Anyone can use a library but if you want to borrow books, you need to make a card. It is also free, all you need is to bring an identification card with you.

Garbage Rules

Garbage separation in Japan is very detailed and very strict. There are several categories of garbage and every municipality has its own rules. You can check the rules online or request a pamphlet.

Shopping

There are several main kinds of shops in Tokyo. Supermarkets sell food items and groceries. Usually, in the evenings, there are some sales on the products that the expiration date is close. Convenience stores are usually open 24/7 and sell food and daily necessities. Individual shops are private shops, usually producing and selling one thing. Remember that many of these shops won’t accept credit cards. Shopping malls are large shopping centers with various shops. Department stores are similar to shopping malls but usually will offer higher quality and higher prices.

National Holidays

Japan has many national holidays. There is at least one holiday every month. On these days most companies will have a day off. All the governmental institutions, banks, etc will be closed.

More about life in Tokyo:

What to Do When You Arrive in Japan

Finding Home

Public Transit

Finances and Communications

Tokyo has various transit options. This post is going to talk about the basics of public transit in the city.

First, get yourself a Suica or a Pasmo card. With these cards, you will be able to pay the transit fares and even use them in some shops. The main difference between the cards is that Suica gives you a small discount on your commute fares. You can get these cards at the train stations from the ticket machines. The machines have an English menu, so the operation should not be a problem. These days, you can also download a Suica/Pasmo app and use it from your phone.

Trains

Plenty of train and metro lines are operated by various companies in Tokyo. However, it only seems to be complicated. In reality, the train system is pretty easy to use. In order to check what line you should take, use Google Maps. It is the easiest and very reliable navigator, especially in Tokyo.

The most popular lines within Tokyo such as the Yamanote line, Oedo line, and some others run pretty frequently. This means you do not really have to check the timetables. If one train had left, another one will come shortly. However, if you go outside the city, the trains arrive with longer gaps between them. In this case, you should check the times and arrive at the station on time.

One important rule to know and keep, you are not allowed to speak on the phone on the train. Please keep your manners.

Buses

It might take you by surprise but using a bus in Tokyo might be trickier than a train. That’s because where you enter the bus, depends on the bus. Where you pay the fare depends on the bus. Some fares a fixed, and some buses will charge you based on the distance between the boarding stop and the final destination. So watch others around you, what they do, and do the same. When you want to get off the bus, please press the buzzer. Usually, it is placed near the window or the handrails.

The bus fee you can also pay with your Suica card.

Taxi

You can download one of the taxi apps (for example, DiDi) or go outside and try to catch one. If you are in central Tokyo, it should not be a problem. Once you are in, tell a driver your destination address. The fee will depend on the distance. Also at night time, the fare might go up by about 20%. That is due to a higher demand because at night there are no trains or buses available.

Also at the taxi, you can use your Suica card, a credit card, or cash. Please be noted that the passenger’s door opens and closes automatically, you do not need to touch it.

Bicycles

If you want to know where to buy or rent a bicycle and also the basic rules of riding a bicycle in Tokyo, read this post.

Cars

If you want to learn about which driving license can be used in Japan, please refer to this post.

Probably everyone who arrives in Japan is worried about managing finances and communications. In this post, we will explain the first steps you should take.

Opening Bank Account

If you are planning to stay in Japan for the long term, you should open a local bank account. In order to open a bank account, you need to bring with you an ID card and inkan (hanko – personal seal which can be purchased in different stores or online). Depending on the bank, you might need some additional documentation. At least for the first time, we recommend going with someone who speaks Japanese well. Also, remember that banks are open only on the weekdays between 9 AM and 3 PM.

Applying for a Credit Card

Some credit cards issued abroad can be used in Japan. However, additional fees might apply. Therefore, it is better to have a local card too. A card can be issued from one of the banks, from major department stores, or from flying companies, etc. You can apply for a credit card via the Internet, by mail, or by coming to the credit card application counter. You will need your ID card, bank account number, and inkan. Some credit companies will ask for additional documents, such as your yearly income and proof of employment.

Mobile Phone, Internet, TV

if you want to buy a phone in Japan, you can buy it from one of the big telecommunication companies, such as Au or Docomo. Usually, a contract will be for two years. Every month you will pay for the device itself and for your plan. Or you can buy a sim-free phone, which doesn’t have to be from Japan, and then buy a sim card. Usually, these plans are much cheaper. If you purchase your phone at one of the big stores such as Bic Camera or Yodobashi, you will also get points, that later can be used in the store for buying other products.

As for the Internet, the process is very similar. Head to Bic Camera, talk to different providers, chose your plan, and sign a contract. Be noted, that the installation time will be about 2-3 weeks, so be ready for it. Meanwhile, you can use the mobile internet. Also, in the past few years, many WiFi spots were added across the city, at convenience stores, in the metro, etc. Hence, finding an Internet connection is not a huge hassle.

If you decide to buy a TV, you will have to pay a monthly fee to Japan’s telecommunication company NHK. You will have to pay for it, even if you do not watch the NHK channel at all.

Starting life in Japan – Part 1, Part 2.

At last, after two long years, Tokyo is getting back to life. Still not full power. Many of the annual festivals will be canceled this summer as well, but many will be held. Here is a list of some of the hottest Tokyo Summer Events 2022.

Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival

Many of the fireworks festivals won’t happen this year. However, luckily for us, one of the most impressive and easily accessible festivals will! The festival is scheduled for August 8th. It can be watched from the Olympic stadium area for free. Or you can purchase tickets for the event and get comfortably seated and also enjoy a concert before the fireworks.

Website

Mitama Festival at Yasukuni Shrine

Another happy news is that a very popular festival at Yasukuni shrine will be held on July 13-16, starting at 6 pm every night. It is popular for featuring 30,000 lanterns on the grounds of the shrine.

Website

Shinjuku Eisa Festival

Eisa is a traditional dance that originated in Okinawa. The dance and costumes at this festival are quite different from other festivals. To see it yourself head to the Shinjuku East exit on July 30. The event will be held between 1 pm and 4 pm.

Website

Midtown Summer 2022

Like every year, Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi will be holding a summer festival. This year the festival will be featuring CHANDON SECRET GARDEN MIDPARK LOUNGE and ASHIMIZU (bath for feet).

Tokyo Kaikan Ginza Sky Beer Terrace

One of the nicest beer gardens this year will be held at one of the most beautiful locations in Ginza from June 20th until September 9th. Here you can enjoy your drinks and the beautiful city view from 40 meters above. Different drinking menus are available. And not just beer, but also many cocktails, different kinds of wines, and highballs will be served.

Website

Finally, for more summer ideas check out these posts:

Best Beaches Around Tokyo Area

Tokyo Camping Getaway Ideas for You

Finding a home in a new country might be a bit overwhelming and stressful. In this post, we will explain some initial things you should keep in mind when you are looking to rent an apartment in Japan.

Starting the Process

In Japan, finding an apartment usually happens through a real-estate agency. If you are looking for an apartment in Japan, you can go to one of the real estate agencies in the area that you are interested in. If you are applying from abroad, you can start checking international and foreign-friendly services such as Tokyo Furnished.

Initial Payments

Once you found a place you like, but before signing a contract, make sure you are familiar with all the additional fees above the basic monthly rate. These include utilities and home management fees.

Please remember that in Japan when moving into an apartment, above the monthly fee, you have some initial costs. Firstly, you will have to pay a security deposit. The security deposit is used for the unpaid rent or for the damages caused by you to the apartment. Normally, this deposit will be refundable, sometimes it is not. The second payment is key money (usually equal to 1-2 monthly rent). This money you pay to a landlord for letting you live in his/her apartment. The third and last payment is an agency fee, which is also about 1 month’s rent.

You might be happy to know that here at Tokyo Furnished, we do not charge key money or agency fees, and the deposit is always refundable.

Utilities

Most times the tenants need to pay their utilities by themselves. The most common utilities are gas, electricity, water, and the Internet. You can apply for it by phone or Internet and arrange monthly (water bill is bi-monthly) payments either in cash or by credit card. Electricity and water will be connected automatically, while for connecting you to gas, someone from the gas company will come to your place.

Resident Registration

When you move into a new apartment, you need to change your resident registration at the city hall. More about it please read our previous post.

Once, all these are set, you are ready to start living your life and making the new apartment your home away from home.

It has been 2 very long years, but finally, Japan started to reopen its borders. This article is not for tourists, but for those who come here for the long term. Moving to a new country can be stressful and overwhelming. Here we will try to put things in order, so you know what to do when you arrive in Japan.

Residence Card

First thing first, you need to get a status of residence, which will determine the activities you are allowed to perform in Japan. Then you need to obtain a residence card. This card will be your ID for Japan. You must carry it with you at all times.

Another thing to do and remember every time you are moving into a new place is a resident registration. If you are staying in Japan for longer than 3 months, within 14 days of moving into a new apartment, you need to inform your municipality about it. If this is not your first place in Japan, and you are moving between places, always remember to let both your new and old municipal offices about the change of your residence and address. Actually, even if you move within the same ward, you still need to go there and update the address.

Health Insurance and Pension

The next thing you should do is enroll in the Japanese health insurance system. This insurance is not optional and every long-term resident must obtain it. Additionally to health insurance, you should also pay pension money. If you work a full-time job for a company, the company should take care of it. However, if you are a part-timer, self-employed, or unemployed, please contact your municipality, and they will make the calculations, so you know, how much you have to pay. Don’t worry, if you leave Japan before the age of retirement, you will get your money back. for that 2 conditions should be fulfilled: 1. you have been paying pension for more than 6 months; 2. you requested this money within 2 years after leaving Japan.

Taxes

As a long-term resident, you will also have to pay the taxes. There are 2 main types: resident’s tax and income tax. Again, if you work full-time for a company, they will automatically withdraw it from your paycheck. Freelancers, part-timers, etc should take care of it on their own. Also, remember to prepare an annual tax report in April.

This is the first article in the series of posts, in which we help newbies to start their lives in Japan.

In a few days, Golden Week starts in Japan. In this article, we collected some of the best things you can do in Tokyo during the Golden Week.

Tokyo Skytree Town Carp Streamer Festival

This Carp Streamer Festival is one of the biggest in the city and it is dedicated to Children’s Day.  800 carp streamers will be fluttering in the air. Besides the main event, there are many other activities available for the whole family at Tokyo Sky Tree. The festival will last until May 8.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival

Sakura is not the only famous flower blooming in Japan in spring. Wisteria is another very popular and absolutely stunning plant you can enjoy in late April-early May. In Tokyo one of the best locations to see it is at the Kameido Tenjin Shrine. The event is completely free of charge and will last until May 5.

Bunkyo Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine

Another beautiful flower is Azalea. The bloom starts in early April and lasts until late May. A popular spot to head to, if you want to see these flowers in Tokyo, is Nezu Shrine. The event will be held until May 1 and the admission cost is 300 yen. As the shrine is very close to Yanaka Ginza, you can visit this shopping street after the festival.

Spicey and Delicious Gourmet Festival in Hibiya

The festival will take place from April 30 till May 4. It is going to be full of delicious food, mainly meat, but also seafood and sweets. One of the most interesting dishes seems to be a burger made of shark meat, so make sure to come early before it is sold out.

Tokyo Tower Taiwan Festival 2022

This ongoing festival will be held until May 8. What makes this festival so popular is that you get a chance to try all of the most famous Taiwanese dishes in one place. A ticket for one day is 800 yen for an adult, but for this price, besides the access to the event, you also get two instant noodles and a bottle of tea. Or for additional 200 yen, you can switch it to a juicy Taiwanese pineapple.

World Wine Festival Tokyo Midtown Hibiya

The wine festival will start on April 29. More than 120 kinds of wine from all parts of the world will be represented in this event. Even if you work until late, you can stop by after your work as the event will be running until 9 PM every day. The event is free of charge but if you want to participate in the free tasting seminar, you should make your reservation online 3 days in advance.

Things with kids during the rainy season 2

More and more companies allow or even require us to refrain from coming to the office and working from home. However, working from home can be difficult if you have a small apartment, small kids, or a problem focusing. Also, some people just like going to cafes and changing the scenery a bit. Here is a list of the cafes that have free WIFI, outlets, comfortable tables, and an overall atmosphere that brings you into working mode.

Downstairs Coffee – Mercedes Benz Connection

Located in Roppongi just across the street from Tokyo Midtown. This is a very comfortable cafe that can be your improvised office throughout the whole day. The prices at the cafe are also very comfortable, and you can buy yourself a lunch or a cup of coffee with sweet treats.

Standard Coffee Aoyama

A cozy cafe located just a step away from Aoyama-Itchome station. WIFI is pretty reliable and some of the seats have outlets. Lunches and seasonal baked goods are also available.

Berth Coffee

Located inside Citan hostel in Chuo ward. The cafe has two floors, with comfortable chair seats or sofa seats on the underground floor. Despite being located in a hostel, the cafe is pretty quiet and allows good concentration.

Seattle’s Best Coffee Roppongi Store

On the second floor of this cafe, you will find tables equipped with outlets and WIFI, of course. On the first floor, you can buy yourself a cup of coffee and the famous original Cinnabon.

Cozy Style Coffee

A bit off the beaten path, but cozy, and stylish, and serves great coffee. They roast their coffee on-site, and light meals are great too. Not everyone knows but there is a sitting area on the second floor, too.

Brooklyn Roastery Tokyo International Forum

This cafe is located inside Tokyo International Forum. Only a few minutes from Tokyo station. Totally suitable for work. But they also have nice baked goods and bagels from one of the most popular bagel shops in Tokyo, Tanuki Appetizing, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Starbucks Azabujuban

Days, when you could charge your PC at Starbucks, are pretty much gone. Now only a few brunches have this option. One of them is the Starbucks shop in Azabujuban, specifically on the third floor.

Café 1886 at Bocsh

Cafe at the showroom of Bocsh. There are plenty of outlets, free WIFI and you can also eat here a full lunch.

Roasted coffee laboratory

This cafe is conveniently located in Shibuya. You will find here good coffee, WIFI, and outlets, and on a sunny day, you can enjoy their terrace seating (no outlets there tho…).

Jaho coffee

A stylish coffee shop in Tamachi/Mita area. Serving plenty of baked goods, some lite meals, and of course coffee. The atmosphere inside is also very nice, both for work and for meeting friends.

Café Jaskolka

One of the cafes in the back streets of Setagaya. The food is good, with plenty of seasonal desserts and cakes, great coffee, and WIFI with the outlets. The interior is very nice and cozy which makes it a nice place to stay for a couple of hours.

Valley Park Stand

A cafe in the Sequence Hotel in Miyashita Park. This cafe is located in a convenient central area. Good WIFI connections, outlets, and light meals along with the coffee. If you are hungry for something more substantial, just go and grab something from the food court of Miyashita Park.

Racines FARM to PARK

This cafe/restaurant is located in South Ikebukuro. Super chilled vibes, green park nearby… The food is nice, and you also can bring in the donuts from their sister donut shop Racines, Bread & Salad. Or you can just order their coffee, which is also quite cheap and makes it a pretty budget working space.

10 ° CAFÉ

If you are anywhere Takadanobaba area, head to this cafe, where even talking is not appreciated, as the cafe focuses on the working mood. This makes it another cafe where you can spend hours working with breaks for food and snacks.

KNOT HOTEL

The lobby of the Knot Hotel in Shinjuku is perfect for work. However be noted that since the coronavirus started, the number of seats was shrunk. When you become hungry, you can buy some bread goods from their bakery. On Sundays, the bakery sells only vegan goods. So, even if you do not work on the weekends, stay worth paying a visit.

Tullys, Jonathan’s, Doutor Coffee, Komeda

Aside from the very specific cafes mentioned above, many of these chain cafes and restaurants are also equipped with WIFI and places to charge your laptop.

Best Breakfast Spots in Tokyo

We have all been to Nakameguro, Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park, and Sumida River to see the famous cherry blossom. So, in this guide, these places won’t be mentioned. Here we bring you the less-known but absolutely mind-blowing spots to enjoy the sakura.

Nakano Street

Want to be mind-blown? Head to Nakano Street which starts from Nakano stations and lasts, lasts, lasts. It is absolutely breathtaking. Not many words are needed. Just come and see it by yourself.

Kinuta Park

This place is ranked as one of the 10 best spots to see the cherry blossom in Tokyo, and yet it is not very much known among the people who do not live in Yoga. The place is stunning with many sakura trees and plenty of space to have a picnic.

Sengawa river

Another nice place by the river is to enjoy the cherry blossom if you are in Setagaya. Actually, if you walk all the way, you can get to the previously mentioned Kinuta Park.

Kanda River

The place started to become more known in the past years, but compared to the other Sakura places, this one is still quite free of tons of people and you can see the Sakura and take photos without other people in the background. Also, there are several kinds of sakura trees, so the blooming period is pretty long.

Omiya park

Okay, so technically this is not Tokyo, but the access here is pretty easy. And it is worth the effort to come here, as we are talking about a beautiful peaceful park with more than 1,000 Sakura trees.

Shingashi River at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Again, not Tokyo, but very close. In a small town like Kawagoe, you can find here quite a few places to enjoy the cherry blossom. But the most recommended is the Shingashi River. You can come here when the bloom is almost finished, and you will see the river full of beautiful pink petals. It is stunning.

There are also 3 special illuminations that will be held during this period.

Shibuya Sakuragaoka Sakura Matsuri

The illumination will be held until April 17, but the best view will be during the bloom peak, which is until about April 5. The event is completely free of charge and anyone can enjoy it.

Kioi Spring at Tokyo Garden Terrace

This illumination is also free of charge and located just a short walking distance from Akasaka. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the rainbow illumination as well. Why lucky? Because it happens only once a day for a minute and the times are random.

Naked Sakura Pilgrimage

Last but not least is the illumination which is a collaboration between Kanda Myojin Shrine and digital art collective Naked Inc. The event will be held until April 10. The shrine will be not only illuminated but also interactive. Come here, pray for luck, and enjoy the event.

Our Favorite Foliage Spots in Tokyo