“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” Hearing this Christmas song playing in my car as I’m stuck in traffic on the Tomei Expressway reminds me it is a special time. It’s the time of year when billions of people mainly from the Western World or from countries with deep Christian values celebrate Christmas as a enjoyable time for family, … Read more
Despite Japan’s unique heavy drinking culture, it is obvious that no one should ever drink and drive. My best friend lost his mother due to a drunk driver many years ago and I have personally been a witness to a terrible accident that left a 12 year old girl dead with the drunk driver of the other car with a … Read more
Owning a car in Japan is an expensive feat. Here are the top 5reasons why it is not worth owning a car in Japan. You have to pay automobile taxes every year. Some people think the only time they pay taxes on their car is for sales tax when they buy it. However, in Japan, registered owners of vehicles must … Read more
In Japan, there are two categories of cars you should be aware about. Before I go any further on why you shouldn’t drive the small yellow license plate cars, I’d like you to know the differences between the white and yellow license plate cars. Why the two types of plates? Taxes. Light vehicles are yellow plated and owners pay less … Read more
Have you even been to a house in Japan? Have you ever noticed how fast home builders erect a house in Japan? Have you ever checked constructions sites that built homes? A house in Japan generally become worthless after reaching the 15~20 year mark. For any person who wants to become a home owner, it takes a lot of responsibility … Read more
Having a Japanese driver’s license can help many foreign residents integrate themselves smoothly into Japanese society. It has come to my attention however, that people who take the driving practical tests in Japan fail many many times (on average about 3 or more times). I wrote this particular guide so that you can get a head-start learning the Japanese way … Read more
Japan experiences 4 beautiful seasons throughout the year. Even though the 4 seasons is a simple natural concept for many, for some reason, people and are not prepared. Let’s start with the basics! Japan is located in the northern hemisphere. Due to its geography, the northern areas experience subarctic weather while the south experience subtropical to tropical weather conditions. The … Read more
Do I really need a smart phone to travel? It depends what you want. Having a phone is very helpful and I carry mine as a backup for emergencies and never use it unless I decide to contact a friend nearby. But if you really want to fully experience travel in Japan, I’d say turn off your phone and just … Read more
A travel opportunity is always greeted with a plan. Here’s a few tips on what to bring when you travel in Japan! Three days before departure… It almost always begins with the packing. With all the excitement of going to Japan, almost any traveler would be blindsided with their priorities. From choosing what to bring to making sure your passport … Read more
Japan’s has three emergency numbers: 110,119, and 118. Unlike the United States, where dialing 911 will get you all three fire, police, and emergency services; in Japan, you have to call the designated numbers. 110 For Police (Crime and Accidents) To call the police in Japan, 110 or as many like to say hyakutoban, is the number to report an … Read more