15 Unmissable Places To Visit In Japan part 2 – Part one is here.

Overview of the Pros & Cons of Holiday in Japan

Japan is a beautiful country that has retained its history and tradition hundreds of years ago. The culture and tradition in Japan travel worldwide by travelers who go for a vacation to Japan every year.

Although there are many pros of holidaying in Japan, due to some unforeseen circumstances, not everything is as rosy as they seem to be. This article will highlight the pros and cons of holidays in Japan.

Travel to Japan Is Fast and Easy

The Tokyo airport is one of the busiest airports in the world because many people travel there for vacation or to visit relatives and friends. Due to its busyness, it has amazing amenities to make traveling enjoyable.

For example, the airport offers free electrical chargers that you can use to charge your cellphone or laptop. Moreover, they have huge rest areas where you can sleep for free until your flight is scheduled to depart. If traveling isn’t really your thing and privacy is important to you, then you can stay in one of their many hotels within the airport complex.

The cost of traveling to Japan is relatively cheap. One can buy a flight ticket for as low as $ 400, which is great, especially if you are not earning much money at your job. On the other hand, the country will be more expensive for first-timers who have never visited before due to their lack of knowledge about how things work in Japan.

Get To Experience Some Culture

Japan has retained its beautiful culture and heritage passed down to them by their ancestors. They have beautiful shrines visited all-round the year by many people who walk around in religious clothes.

For example, they have ancient structures like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where one can go and pray to the gods so that they can be blessed. People who want to experience this beautiful culture should visit Japan during the spring season because it is their most beautiful time of the year.

Relax in the Beautiful Nature of Japan

One of the beauties about Japan is its beautiful nature which is full of mountains and rivers. A little walk around the town will give you a breathtaking view which you can enjoy as you take selfies with your friends without having to worry about embarrassing moments. The countryside will also give you some peace and quietness that most large cities cannot offer.

The Food in Japan is Delicious

The food is great in Japan, and they add a little bit of their twist to everything. One can purchase Japanese meals from famous restaurants that sell miso soup, ramen noodles, fried rice, and sushi, among others which you will be able to enjoy at cheap prices. Also, there are many local eateries where one can go and buy some omelets and steaks at a very cheap price.

Short Distance from the Rest of the World

Japan is located near the Asian continent, making it easy for travelers from all over the world to fly there without any issues. In addition, they have many direct flights to different parts of Asia, which makes it easy to travel to other countries from there. Moreover, it is geographically located to visit China, Indonesia, and Vietnam within a short period.

The Country Has a Perfect Climate

Japan has a perfect climate and temperature all year round, making the country more convenient for travelers who want to enjoy their holiday. At some point during the year, it may get a little bit cold, especially during winter because of their heavy snowfall, but once the seasons change, the weather will become pleasant, and you can enjoy your holiday without having to worry about any discomfort.

The Cons of Holiday in Japan

Unsettling Climate

Japan, like most Asian countries, has an unsettled climate that is hot during the summer season and cold during the winter months. This will make it hard for people to adapt, especially if you come from a country with moderate weather conditions.

During the winter season, temperatures can get as low as 10 degrees which is not a pleasant experience, especially when it rains. One also has to put on warm clothes during the cold season because the wet conditions make everything uncomfortable.

Lonely Life

Japan is famous for its thriving communities that always ensure that everyone lives in peace and harmony. If you are looking for some adventure, this country might not be the ideal destination for you because most people are not open to new experiences. Moreover, there is no much tourism in this country which means that there are barely any cafes or tours agencies that can take you around town.

Inconvenient Transportation

The transportation system in Japan is sound, but it gets very inconvenient when in large cities like Tokyo. They have an extremely large population which means that most of their cities are crowded with cars and other vehicles. One might also find it difficult to go around these cities because many locals will not offer you some form of assistance, especially if you are a foreigner.

Traveling does not need to be expensive, but planning your trip is the key to a cheap and affordable trip. Make sure you plan for the famous destinations that you definitely need to visit, but also decide how long you want to stay in each of these places on your travel itinerary before booking your flight or hotel rooms.

Conclusion

Japan is a country known for its high population and incredible technology. Despite all the controversy surrounding it, such as whaling and nuclear energy, Japan remains a top-rated tourist destination. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry now, and get your visa!

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Since I moved to Hiroshima, I’ve often been asked, “How do you like it here?” Normally, my response is something along the lines of “I love it! The people are friendly, and the food is great! “Now that I’ve lived in Japan for more than two years, though, I feel like an expat rather than a tourist.

I’ve gotten used to the quirks of living in a foreign country, and I’ve made friends with other expats who are going through the same thing. This doesn’t mean that everything is perfect – there are still days when I feel frustrated by the language barrier or cultural differences.

But overall, I’m delighted with my decision to live in Hiroshima. Have you ever wanted to live in Japan? If so, here are five things that I wish someone had told me before I moved to Hiroshima – and that might change your mind about living here!

1)    The Food Is Great, but It’s Not For Everyone

When I first arrived in Japan, nothing sounded more delicious than a big bowl of ramen, a donburi, or a teishoku meal. Now, I’ve learned that not all Japanese food will be amazing. If you want gourmet cuisine, you’ll have to spend a lot of money at expensive restaurants in Hiroshima or Tokyo – and even then, it might not be what you’re expecting.

On the other hand, if you’re okay with sampling a variety of different dishes (including some strange ones), you’ll be in for a culinary treat. There are so many delicious foods to try in Japan, and Hiroshima is no exception. Just be prepared to eat a lot of rice.

2)    The Locals Don’t Speak English

One of the most significant differences between living in Japan and anywhere else is that not many people know how to speak English, so you might feel a little more cut off from whatever country you come from. But this shouldn’t discourage you!

Yes, it’s true that sometimes I crave speaking with someone who shares my native language. However, I’ve also made some wonderful Japanese friends who always make me feel welcome in Japan.

3)    You’ll Miss Your Friends and Family

Moving to a foreign country is incredibly difficult, especially since I had to leave my parents (who live in the United States) behind. But I’ve never felt genuinely disconnected because of technology. With FaceTime, Skype, and the Internet, I can see my family whenever I want – so even though they aren’t physically in Japan with me, it feels like we’re in the same place.

4)    It Takes Time to Adjust To Life Here

In the beginning, I often felt homesick and overwhelmed by everything from shopping for groceries to communicating with my new co-workers. But once I got used to all of these little things – like taking off your shoes when you enter a house – Japan started feeling more like home every day.

5)    The Phrase “I Love Japan” Can Mean Different Things

When I first moved here, I thought that “I love Japan” meant the same thing as “I love America.” But I’ve come to realize that there are a lot of things about Japan that I really appreciate – even if they’re not the same things that other people love about it.

For example, I love the way that people are so polite and respectful here or the way that there’s always something new to discover. Living in Hiroshima as an expat can be a challenge, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn about another culture and make friends from all over the world.

7 Top-Rated Tourist Attraction in Hiroshima

Did you know that Hiroshima is a wonderful place to visit? Home of the famous teahouse Kissa Yojoki and internationally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are plenty of reasons why it’s becoming one of Japan’s most visited cities. Here are seven top-rated tourist attractions in Hiroshima.

1.    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Hiroshima – and for a good reason. The park is dedicated to the memory of the atomic bomb victims dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. The park has memorials, monuments, photos, and art reflecting what happened during that time.

Also, there are various museums in the park that explore the events leading up to the atomic bomb and its impact. But, most importantly, the park is a place for people to come and reflect on peace.

2.    Miyajima Island

This island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hiroshima Prefecture (Hiroshima Prefecture). It’s famous for its vermillion temples and floating Shinto shrine. It’s a great place to stroll around and take in the beautiful scenery. Meanwhile, the floating shrine is definitely a sight to behold. And, if you visit during the autumn, Miyajima Island is a great place to take pictures of the autumn leaves.

3.    Shukkei-en

Feudal warlord Mori Terumoto initially built this traditional landscaped garden in 1620. The landscaped garden contains miniature versions of famous Japanese landscapes, including Lake Biwa (Japan’s largest lake). That being said, it’s a beautiful place to walk around and admire nature. Furthermore, it’s huge – you can spend hours walking around and still not see everything.

4.    Hondori Shopping Arcade

This is one of the best shopping arcades to visit in Hiroshima City. It’s filled with stores selling all kinds of goods, including antiques, crafts, and souvenirs. Many people also come here to try the local food in the various restaurants housed within the arcade.

In fact, a lot of locals come here regularly to do their shopping. Not only is that, but the arcade is very beautiful and ornate, making it a great place for shopping and eating.

5.    Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

This museum is dedicated to Japanese art from ancient times to the modern era. It’s been around since 1968 and has over 7,000 items in its collection. In fact, it also runs several special exhibitions and events throughout the year. It’s a great place to come and learn about Japanese art history, as well as to appreciate it first-hand. Meanwhile, there are also cafes and shops within the museum for visitors who want to grab a quick bite or drink whilst they’re there.

6.    Miyoshi Umefune Shōtengai

This shopping arcade is one of the oldest in Hiroshima. It was once a town for feudal lords and their retainers to buy, sell, and trade goods within. Today, it’s a great place to shop for local products and crafts while taking in some beautiful scenery along the way.

Moreover, the arcade is quite large, so you’ll likely spend a few hours here if you want to see everything. Also, the arcade is home to a number of traditional Japanese restaurants, making it the perfect place to have lunch or dinner.

7.    Tukayama Umaimon

This is one of the best places to visit in Hiroshima Prefecture (Hiroshima Prefecture) if you want to try hikiyama, a local form of yosegi zukuri. Hikiyama is a technique that uses thin strips of wood to create intricate patterns on wooden boxes, chests, and other items.

Also, Tukayama Umaimon is an excellent place to buy souvenirs, as they have a wide selection of items made using the hikiyama technique. In addition, the shopkeepers here are very friendly and happy to show you how to do hikiyama yourself.

8.    Hiroshima Castle

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hiroshima. The castle was originally built in 1589, but the atomic bomb destroyed it in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1958 and is now a beautiful symbol of Hiroshima’s history.

The castle is open to the public all year round but, when it’s lit up in the evenings, it truly looks magnificent. Also, Hiroshima Castle makes for a great place to visit during spring and autumn, when you can enjoy the cherry blossoms or maple trees that line its moat.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Japan is a very beautiful Asian country with an incredible history and culture, a developed economy, and a high standard of living. Thanks to quality medicine and healthy eating, Japanese citizens live the longest in the world (85 years on average). For example, on the famous island of Okinawa, there are over 400 registered people over the age of one hundred years.

The population of Japan is about 127 million people. Unlike many Western European countries, the share of foreign residents is only 1.6%. These are mainly Koreans, Chinese, and representatives of some other peoples of Asia. We will talk further about the prices and cost of living, taxes, demanded professions, salaries, education, medicine, the pros and cons of living in Japan in 2021.

Pros and cons of living in Japan

Today, more than 20% of Japan’s residents are over 65 years old, and the birth rate in the country has reached record lows. According to the forecast of the Ministry of Health of Japan, by 2060 the population of the state will fall by more than 40 million people.

Already, Japan has the highest labor shortage in 40 years. All these factors are likely to contribute to the influx in the coming years of a large number of immigrants, including Europeans. Let’s highlight the positive and negative aspects of living in Japanese territory.

The pros of living in Japan

• The Land of the Rising Sun has many cultural features and colorful traditions, fascinating architecture and picturesque nature. For example, the former Japanese capital Kyoto is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
• According to the report “Global Peace Index”, Japan is among the top 10 safest countries on the planet.
• The ideal infrastructure, transparent legal system and absence of corruption create optimal conditions for the effective functioning of business in Japan, including profitable investment.
• Quality medicine and a top-class education system.
• Japanese food is not only delicious but also healthy, and the local restaurants and cafes have some of the best service in the world.
• Japan’s transportation infrastructure, including buses, trains and subways, operates like clockwork – fast, reliable and convenient.
• Japan has a good environment and all conditions for a comfortable life have been created.

The cons of living in Japan

• Many experts include Japan in the list of the ten most expensive countries in the world to live in.
• Japan is a very closed state, which is extremely wary of immigrants.
• Learning Japanese is very difficult.
• It is a known fact that the Japanese work hard. Not every foreigner is able to keep up with the work schedule in Japan.
• Natural disasters are frequent in Japan, including devastating earthquakes and tsunamis.
• Overpopulation and small living space.
• The European will never fit in 100% of the local society and will not become one of their own in Japan.

Education in Japan

Studying in Japan is a combination of tradition and modernity. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world: by signing up for the Japanese course, you will find yourself in the heart of it.

Study programs in Japan combine language courses with cultural activities and tourist travel, leaving you with plenty of free time. Studying in Japan lays a solid foundation for further improvement of the language, allows you to learn it in a natural environment through direct contact with native speakers.

Studying in Japan leaves enough time to immerse yourself in exotic island culture and life, for example, in the case of living with a Japanese family, visiting tourist places, traveling around the country with a high level of personal safety for foreigners.

Unlike many other Asian countries, the adaptation period for newcomers to Japan does not last long and is usually painless. International students who choose to study in Tokyo are delighted with the style, cleanliness and order in public places.

Whether it’s studying in Japan on an exchange or studying in Tokyo at the modern school, the process is suitable for anyone who wants to plunge into the life of a densely populated Japanese metropolis, get rid of stereotypes, touch a centuries-old culture, and, most importantly, gain valuable knowledge that will be useful even far away, outside the Land of the Rising Sun.

Every child is entitled to free education in Japan under the age of fifteen, whether he or she is Japanese or not. As a foreigner to get an education for your child in Japan only your expenses will be exactly the same as any Japanese parent, for example, for textbooks, school uniforms, etc.

You might prefer to enroll your child in one of the international schools to be found in Tokyo, where classes are taught in both English and Japanese. This can be an expensive option but is perhaps preferable to an entirely Japanese learning environment. Having said that, children will learn Japanese much faster and easier than their parents.

Below we will review the most popular international schools in Japan and give a short review of them, in order to make it easier for you to orientate in further decisions for your kids.

Japan is home to many international schools offering first-class education and many different curricula to choose from. International schools are popular with expatriate parents, bicultural families with an expatriate parent, Japanese parents with an international mindset, and parents of children with special educational needs.

Why choose an international school in Japan?

Finding the right school for your child is one of the main challenges for many foreign families when moving to a new country or city, and they can be sure to find a wide variety of private international schools to their liking. These schools usually offer a variety of study programs, the most popular of which are British, American, and International Baccalaureate.

Japan offers expat families life in an amazing country that combines modern and exciting cities like Tokyo and Osaka with the historic and traditional rural landscapes of places like Kyoto and Matsumoto.

The population of Japan is estimated at about 127 million. Currently, there are about 2 million expats living in Japan, of which approximately 75% are from neighboring Asian countries.

Economy

Japan is the third-largest national economy in the world after the United States and China in terms of nominal GDP and the fourth-largest national economy in the world after the United States, China, and India in purchasing power parity.

Language

Public and private schools generally require students to attend Japanese language classes as well as English courses.

Climate

Japan’s climate is predominantly temperate but varies greatly from north to south. Geographical features of Japan divide it into six main climatic zones: Hokkaido, Sea of ​​Japan, Central Highlands, Seto Inland Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Ryukyu Islands.

Below we will review some of the best and schools in Japan, which can be a great option for your kids.

The American School in Japan (ASIJ)

ASIJ offers American-style preparatory education for children from international families. The American School in Japan (ASIJ) is an independent, coeducational day school serving students of all nationalities. Founded in 1902, ASIJ offers American-style preparatory education for international children, including those in temporary jobs, and families who make Tokyo their permanent home.

The school offers a standards-based curriculum culminating in an American high school diploma. The ASIJ program develops the necessary skills for the student to be successful in their future academic endeavors, including Advanced Placement courses and other courses on advanced topics.

To complement its academic curriculum, ASIJ encourages students to participate in a wide range of collaborative activities, including visual arts, athletics, and service-related clubs, which they believe contribute to the development of the entire child.

ASIJ also draws on its unique presence in Japan, including linguistic and cultural studies dedicated to its host country. ASIJ is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

AOBA – Japan International School

Aoba International School, founded in 1976, received accreditation in the CIS countries and NEASC in 1997. In 1998, she merged with the Japan International School.

In the fall of 2011, Aoba expanded the secondary section to include grades 9 through 12. In 2013, Business Breakthrough Pty,. OOO., (BBT) acquired Aoba with a lifelong learning vision from kindergarten to graduate school and beyond.

Since in 2015, Aoba became an IB worldwide school, consisting of an elementary section (PYP K2 to 5th grade) and a middle section with MYP (grades 6 to 10), and a high school (grades 11 to 12). Aoba has now developed a Global Leadership Diploma to enable their senior students to follow their passion.

They will continue to be a leading international school, providing students with a meaningful international education in a safe and supportive environment. They will provide support for learners’ needs, attitudes, and respect, and assessment and development of their unique qualities.

Through an ongoing focus on educational excellence and innovation, each individual student will be provided with the appropriate resources and opportunities to enable them to get the best out of their future.

Aoba’s students come from all over the world. This includes, but is not limited to, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Zealand, Mexico, Oman, Peru, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.

At Aoba, intercultural learning plays an important role in the development of global leaders. Applying a developmental approach, their students go through stages of learning that begin with developing self-awareness as a basis for understanding how to communicate with others. The students are encouraged to be open, reflective, and caring as they explore new perspectives and different cultures.

AXIS International School

Axis International School was founded in 2003 as a joint venture between Yugen Kaisha Mahr Corporation and a Japanese partner looking for a good international school in western Tokyo to send their children. The school was opened under the Home Study International program from Maryland, USA.

The goal of Axis International is to provide a good education to any child who would like to receive an international education and show aptitude for it. In 2003, it was very difficult for a Japanese student to get into a good international school.

On the western side of Tokyo, choices were even more limited, and it felt like a new school could be opened in the Kichijouji area.

They chose Home Study International, a program designed for the children of the missionaries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They had over a century of experience. Also, they had no intention of reinventing the wheel, so they used their program first.

The Bible is a core curriculum subject and an integral part of a values-based curriculum. Bible study also teaches children to choose between good and evil. As they get older, they need to think about life matters. These issues have an important impact on peoples’ lives, and without their consideration, any education will be incomplete.

To ensure effective interaction between teacher and students, as well as to implement a truly holistic approach, they have adopted the maximum ratio: one teacher to eight students. This ensures that each teacher and student can interact on a daily basis as needed.

BST – British School in Tokyo

British School Tokyo was founded as a charitable foundation in 1988 by a group of parents who wanted their children to receive a British-style education in Tokyo. The school was opened in 1989 in Shibuya, in the center of Tokyo, next to and rented from the respected Japanese private school Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen.

In the early years of school, children were between the ages of 5 and 10, and most of them were British, in contrast to today’s situation where the school provides education from 3 to 18 years old and has more than 65 nationalities, of which more than a third are none British or Japanese.

The school has earned an outstanding reputation for high-quality holistic education over the years. Founded in 1989 in downtown Tokyo with a small elementary group, the school currently has over 65 different nationalities, over 1000 students, and 200 staff, spread over two very well-equipped campuses.

The key to the BST approach is to establish and maintain healthy, caring, and mutually respectful relationships. Their ideal allows school staff to work in unison with supportive and motivated parents, with a focus on the needs of all students.

They value the well-being of each member of the school community and strive to ensure that all students develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Students at school are encouraged to understand that they are all people with unique talents and potential.

From elementary to high school, they are focused on the development of learners demonstrating the characteristics of a BST learner profile. They strive to develop independent learners who are interested in the world around them and have a desire to explore and ask questions – learners who are critical and thrive when faced with challenges.

BST is an inclusive school with high academic standards. Their experienced teachers are consummate professionals who are always ready to do their best to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to fulfill their potential both in the classroom and beyond.

As a result, whether they are returning to continue their education in their home country, transferring to another international school, or looking for places at the world’s top universities, BST students are always well prepared to take the next step in their education.

CAJ – Christian Academy in Japan

The Christian Academy of Japan (CAJ) is a K-12 school founded in 1950 to educate children of evangelical missionaries in Christian education. Continuing to work towards this goal, CAJ also serves other families seeking this kind of education for their children. They serve approximately 450 students in their day school and over 300 students in their school support program. The program uses English as the language of instruction and curriculum in North America.

The school serves students who are missionary dependents (40%) and business and professional dependents (60%). And the students come from over 25 countries, many of which have dual citizenship.

SSS, a division of CAJ, has been serving the needs of English-speaking students in Japan since 1983 with advice, resources, and programs. Some SSS families teach all subjects at home, while others send their children to Japanese schools and supplement them with learning English at home. SSS also provides support to affiliated schools.

Nishimachi International School

Founded in 1949, Nishimachi has been renowned for its innovative achievements in international education in Japan for over seventy years. The language of instruction is English and all students study Japanese language and culture daily.

Working with dedicated faculty and staff, students benefit from the school’s rigorous curriculum, close-knit community, and engagement with a vibrant local culture. Students leave Nishimachi fully prepared to continue their studies in first-class educational institutions around the world.

As part of a community of learners, learners are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, make meaningful connections with others, pursue challenges and persevere, act ethically and respectfully, and use different processes for thinking, innovation, and reflection. Nishimachi students are empowered to know, care, and act to benefit others and have a positive impact on their world.

Nishimachi believes that education should contribute to the all-around development of people through the development of their intellectual, creative, personal, social, and physical abilities. The school strives to educate students of all nationalities in international and independent thinkers. Nishimachi’s educational philosophy is based on a spirit of internationalism and humanism, which allows children to learn in a supportive and nurturing environment.

They believe that learning a second language is not limited to language skills, but also develops an international vision and understanding, giving their students the opportunity to grow beyond a single culture.

They also believe that classroom and extracurricular activities should foster sensitivity and respect for individual talents and differences. They are sure that each student must learn to act both individually and as part of a group. The school’s ultimate goal is for every student of Nishimachi to learn to live harmoniously in world society and contribute to it.

K International School

K. International School Tokyo provides academically motivated children from diverse cultural and social backgrounds with high quality education in a safe and supportive environment to nurture competent, academic and responsive people who make a significant contribution to their global community.

K. Tokyo International School (KIST) is a private, non-denominational, coeducational day school serving the international Tokyo community from kindergarten to grade 12.

Tokyo and the second school in Japan are fully authorized to offer the full IB continuum: Primary School Program (PYP), Secondary Education Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP). KIST is accredited by the Council of International Schools and recognized as an educational foundation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. KIST is authorized by Edexcel to provide the IGCSE curriculum. English is the language of instruction at all levels.

As an international school, KIST welcomes internationally-minded students, regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background, who demonstrate commitment to the mission and guiding beliefs.

To promote diversity, they maintain a balance of nationalities at every level of education as well as in individual classes. They also ensure the diversity of nationalities and language groups, while at the same time they do not compromise the position of English as a language of instruction.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Many foreigners have a hard time making credit and debit card transactions in Japan. My experience as an expat, despite being married to Japanese, has permanent residence, have a stable income, and staying more than 15 years in Japan, I was rejected from a basic card, and that seems unbelievable to me.

The good news is that nowadays, there are some alternatives options to the major banks in Japan. But as we discovered, the best credit and debit card in Japan is the one that will accept you. If you hail from a Western country or just somewhere with a less idiosyncratic financial system, you’re probably used to credit card companies. As a foreigner in Japan, the most important thing is to choose the best.

Now, why do you think it’s hard for a foreigner to get a credit/debit card in Japan? Well, if you’re new to Japan or looking to settle and build a credit or debit history as a foreign resident, this platform is always the best for you. In fact, we’ll take a look at some of the best credit/debit cards in Japan for expats.

At a glance, you’ll always need a photo ID card, such as your passport, and may also need to verify your address, visa application, and residency status. Surprisingly, if you apply online, you’ll find that you’re asked a broad range of questions about your life, including your family situation, employment, and more.

However, we have compiled this article to meet your requirements and provide answers to what you’ve been looking for. We will walk you through the concept of debit and credit cards options in Japan. In addition, we’ve also explained some of the pros and cons of living in Japan. Read further to know more!

Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Japan

As research made it known, the best credit card for expat depends on your personal preferences and how you expect to use the card. Of course, it is pretty essential to do some research but worry less, as we’ve got you covered in this article. Without further ado, below are the best credit cards in Japan.

Rakuten Card

The Rakuten card is among the giant corporations often known as the Amazon of Japan. They offer eCommerce services and also a global service covering a range of online banking and fintech interests. Also, Rakuten credit cards come with a range of different perks and partnerships. While you might choose a card that offers free airport lounge access or Airmiles, Rakuten extends its benefit to students.

While you’re using a Rakuten card, always know that it’s a must when you drive or hire a car. More so, if you use the card to purchase a tour organized by a travel agency, you might get up to JPY20 million coverage for overseas accidents. Below is a detailed description of how the Rakuten card measures.

Orico card

Orico offers credit cards alongside a range of other financial services, including loans and guarantee products. However, nearly 11 million Orico credit cards have been issued in recent years. Moreover, there are a number of different cards it offers, but one of the most popular is the Orico Card THE POINT. And this offers good rewards to potential customers with no annual fee. Let’s quickly glance through it.

JCB Card

JCB is a Japanese payment brand operating within Japan and beyond. Expats can get JCB cards through other banks and card providers or choose to take one of the credit cards JCB promotes themselves. Moreover, there are several types of cards, including one aimed at women, especially for those under the age of 39. With this in mind, you can also choose JCB premium cards that come with an annual fee.

For this comparison, we will walk you through the JCB general card, which is available to anyone over the age of 18, subject to fulfilling application requirements. At the time of our research, there are new offers available for expats using this type of card. Below is what you need to know about the JCB general card.

EPOS Card

The EPOS cards are issued by the firm behind Marui department stores in Japan. Here, you can either apply online or apply in a sore, and many even find the application is approved the same day. Not only that, but getting a card in-store may also mean you get bonus points or a discount as a thank you.

Besides, these cards are available with a variety of features and designs. There are different cashback structures for the different cards; therefore, it’s worth checking which one will fit your spending patterns best. Meanwhile, you may have to pay an extra charge to customize the design of your cards. For this comparison, below is a detailed description of what EPOS cards seem like.

Saison Card International

Saison is one of Japan’s leading card companies and has a decent point system with an online platform. To access this kind of credit/debit card, you must have a valid identity card. Aside from this fact, Saison Card has multiple ATMs in Japan, and you can pay the balance regardless of the date. So, it’s a very convenient card if you need a little budget or want to pay as soon as possible.

Your Local Bank

If you’ve been in Japan for several years and are in good standing at your bank, it’s not a bad idea to ask your local bank for their affiliated credit card. This is because; they’re much easier to get than other cards since it’s a smaller pool of applicants. Moreover, different banks offer different perks to their credit card. Mizuho, for example, offers a card with an auto-refill Suica option, so expats will never be caught with too little money on the subway.

Pros and Cons of Living in Japan (Expat Guide)

As explained in our previous blog post, moving to Japan expat guide that many expats are attracted to Japan because of the high whooping salaries. Undoubtedly, that’s the fact, but there are more to explore in Japan. This way, we’ve compiled the pros and cons that’d help your relocation better. Check it out!

Pros

In any Japanese lover’s life, there comes a time when we find ourselves considering the inevitable; should I settle in Japan? How much is Japan’s cost of living compared to other countries? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore because Japan really has a great factor to consider. Now, below are the pros.

1.    Quality and Sound Education

Japan is no doubt the country that has one of the best quality and sound education. It is renowned for providing all students with a world-class education, whether they attend free public school or private international school. In Japan, when students complete their education, they’re kept to high-performance levels, and the US News and World Report has recently rated the country’s school system among the best in the world.

2.    Excellent Healthcare System

Japan is very affordable with its public healthcare system. In this country, everyone is protected, and out-of-pocket expenses are capped to keep the cost of healthcare manageable. Nonetheless, this great nation is making a concerted effort to keep healthcare costs under check, and they rarely create any problems for people living there.

3.    Exclusive Shopping Experience

Supermarkets in Japan are world-famous for being, well, convenient. Aside from this fact, you can buy almost anything, and they are always clean, safe, and well-staffed. Meanwhile, many visitors from other countries would not even recognize a convenience store in Japan when compared to their own. Likewise, Japan’s cities are known to be the home to major shopping centers where expats can find about everything they want at any time.

4.    Delicious Cuisine

Tokyo’s restaurants were given more Michelin stars than those in Paris, but Japanese foods or cuisines have more to say than sushi.  Besides, these foods are healthy and scrumptious. Not only that but there’s an array of fresh seafood and world-class dishes, including melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef, teppanyaki. This cuisine is cooked on an iron grid and tonkatsu, which is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet.

5.    Job Opportunities for Expat

In Japan, there’s a constant demand for people to teach the English language to students. So, if you’re a fluent English-speaking westerner, you can easily get a job as a teacher in Japan. However, the pay for teachers is steady, and they are provided with living quarters in many cases to facilitate the transition to living in a new culture. With that being said, it could be an easy way to make Japan your new home if you enjoy working with children.

6.    Public Transportation Network

In most of the articles you’ll see online, public transportation network has mostly come under the cons, but in the case of Japan. This is due to the fact that it has excellent, comfortable, clean, fast, and reliable subways, trains, and buses. In fact, the public transportation system makes it very easy to get where you wish to go, even between cities. Meanwhile, the use of public transport in Japanese life is so ingrained that you could comfortably live in Japan without owning a car.

7.    Clean Communities/Environments

As aforementioned, Japan is clean, and nobody would dispute that fact. It may be an Asian country, but there is plenty to find in Western conveniences, including modern toilets, stores, free waters, and many others. Also, with its lovely garden and environment, the houses in this country are also well kept.

8.    Application for Work Visa

Application for a work visa is fairly easy for an expat that wants to relocate. Japan provides many different forms of work visas, including a temporary visa that one can get if you’re doing paper signing research or other work that isn’t paid for. While this process can be complicated and time-consuming to apply, Japan is usually fairly open to encouraging foreign talent to work within its borders.

Cons of Living in Japan

Usually, you’ll definitely see a country with a disadvantage. It’s not that the country isn’t okay for an expat, but you should understand it. Japan, for example,e has a lot of benefits that could make foreigners want to live in the country. However, there are certain disadvantages you need to be wary about. Without further ado, below are the few cons of living in Japan in today’s digital age.

1.    High Cost of Living

The high cost of living is one of the factors to put into consideration. For a country that has an excellent healthcare system, good social amenities, delicious cuisine, and an excellent shopping experience, you should at least expect a whopping high cost of living.

Moreover, you can expect to shell out big bucks for rent if you want to live anywhere near a Japanese city center. Also, the living costs in Japan have long been one of the highest in the world, and while in recent years the country has become more affordable, but it’s still not a cheap place to call home.

2.    Stressful Work-Life Balance

Japan has an incredibly hard-working lifestyle and culture. In this country, individuals are only supposed to turn up early to work and stay late, no matter what position they are in. this could be more stressful if you’re not from a country that practice the same work ethics. In fact, if you’re sick, you’re expected to use vacation time rather than sick leave.

But using vacation time is also frowned on, and your ability to get a job in the future could be negatively impacted. Again, Japan has an insanely hard-working culture, which means a lot of stress and time, which is even hard to get a break.

3.    Japan’s Natural Disasters

Natural disasters could be a great reason not to live in Japan. This is because; they experience earthquakes within their boundaries on a relatively regular basis. And those factors can cause tsunamis which can later devastate the island country. However, you cannot do anything to avoid them because natural disasters in Japan are just a part of their life.

4.    Opening a Bank Account is Hard

Opening a bank account is quite a complicated issue as an expat moving to Japan for the first time. This is because; you’ll have to be a citizen and nearly have proof of your residence, as well as your passport and Japanese visa, to open a bank account in the country. You would also need to have a hand-carved Hanko seal, which is considered a stamp used on official documents instead of a signature.

On the other hand, it’s unnecessary to open a Japanese bank account overseas due to the complicated visa processes and requirements. This means you’ll have to jump through some hoops when you first arrive in Japan to get all your documentation in order before you can open a bank account.

5.    Always a Foreigner

Unfortunately, this could be one of the main reasons why a lot of people avoid traveling to Japan. Additionally, no matter how hard you seek to blend in and integrate into the culture, you’re never going to be accepted as a local individual. Do you see that living in Japan could sometimes be hectic!

Moreover, you’ll always feel isolated and called ‘gaijin,’ meaning an outsider. So, being an emigrant does have its advantages but comes with some obstacles. As an expat, you should beware of that because you might even get questioned about when you’re returning to your home country.

6.    Male Chauvinism in Japan

Gender inequality in Japan is a huge problem, as its till strongly embedded in Japanese minds, education, politics, and economics at all levels. Again, this could be a major drawback in this community, and sadly this comes from ancient samurai times and their bushido code, both historically and culturally.

Furthermore, the gender disparity in Japan is usually so high to the extent that you can compare it to Muslim countries. Meanwhile, you’ll get incredibly depressed at some point as an independent female expat living in Japan, and inevitably you’ll start losing gender equality in society.

Money Tips before Traveling to Japan

Whether you want to live in Japan, or you’re trying to go for a visit. Should you take cash or debit cards? What about an automated teller machine? Avoid being caught out with no cash or access to money on your trip to Japan before you go. With these tips from our team of experts, you’ll surely get what you’re looking for.

Cash is Essential

Well, as mentioned above, Japan is very much a cash-driven economy, with a lot of places still only accepting cash. The national currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen. And it’s best to get some cash converted before you leave home, so you have the change to catch the train to your destination. Otherwise, you can access cash exchange places at the airport.

Besides, keep in mind that while some larger companies in Japan accept credit, debit, and travel money cards, many places (including hostels and small restaurants) will still only accept cash. Therefore, make sure you plan ahead so that you will have enough money on you for the rest of the day.

Using Card is Easy

Using a card in Japan would definitely make your trip easy. There are three main options when it comes to cards in Japan. Some of these cards include; debit cards, credit cards, or travel money cards. So, having at least one on you is essential for ease of access to your money. Also, it’s an alternative to carrying wads of cash, which could easily be stolen, lost, or just spent too quickly.

Take International Run Flight

If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, it’s quite essential to take a run flight. On the way to Japan, we took a United Airlines flight, which was exactly like any domestic flight except that it was nearly 13 hours long. So, we advise you to take an internationally run flight while moving to Japan for the first time.

Book Your Accommodation

Booking your accommodation is another essential thing to talk about. More so, it’s always better to research well about your accommodation before traveling to the country. Meanwhile, make sure you book 2-3 months ahead to get the best deal. You can refer to this platform for more information.

Always take a pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is quite beneficial when you’re traveling to a new country. This is because; it’s a wireless modem that connects up to 5 Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Moreover, they are so convenient, and it’s a necessity for expat in Japan. Besides, you can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi as the country is getting better about providing more free Wi-Fi locations in the country.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, kindly refer to our previous article for more information. On the flip side, we have compiled the best debit and credit cards in the country. So, understand the right one that meets your requirements, and follow the due process to own a card as an expat in Japan.

As a reminder, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here.