Travel to Japan to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 Japan

Intro

Backpacking in Japan?

  • Backpacking through Japan is best known for its high costs. With proper preparation and planning, you can very well keep costs down and do-able.
  • Features: modern, traditional, varied and diverse. A mix of culture, cities and nature. Even though you can't communicate with everyone in English, there are friendly and helpful people.

Travel in Japan?

  • Traveling through Japan can be done very well by public transportation. The public transportation system works well. Japan is safe and you can either get the crowds or the quiet well.
  • Cities to spot: Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
  • Animal spotting: there are sika deer, tiger cats, macaques, forest chamois, eagle owls, raccoon dogs, cranes and many dog species (including Shikoku and Akita), among others.

Studying in Japan?

  • The universities and colleges have high study requirements and are well regarded internationally.
  • Studies: technology, management, robotics and economics are well known.
  • Characteristics: Japanese education stands for hard work and discipline.

Internships in Japan?

  • Internships: internships can be found in a variety of sectors. Japan is at the forefront of technology, which can be seen in the range of technical courses available.  
  • Characteristics: the English language will get you far in business, you have a big advantage if you speak Japanese.

Working in Japan?

  • Jobs: Language schools employ many expats. Or you can work as a ski instructor. You have a better chance of getting a job if you speak Japanese in addition to English.
  • Characteristics: Japan has a large skala of tech companies and spots in IT available.

Volunteering in Japan?

  • Volunteer projects: especially in the agricultural sector or in hostels.
  • Characteristics: short-term volunteering of 1 or 2 weeks is also well possible.

Working as a digital nomad in Japan?

  • Favorite cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima.
  • Characteristics: internet connection is good everywhere, and there are plenty of other things to do in the area for diversion both historical, cultural and spiritual.

Living in Japan?

  • Language: it's an open door ... if you speak Japanese you have a big advantage over other people who don't speak Japanese. In the cities, you can get along well with English. A challenge is not only getting to know the customs, but also understanding and applying them.

Supporting content

Japan Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Japan Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Image

Content about Japan on WorldSupporter

Japan: Updates & Travel

Japan: Updates & Travel

Travel in Japan

  • Japan is a special mix between hypermodern and traditional. The old codes of conduct still apply and the kimono is still a worn garment, while most of Tokyo is hypermodern with high-rise buildings and life goes on 24/7.
  • The Tsukiji fish market was the largest fish market in the world, where all kinds of Japanese fish are sold. The "famous" market has moved and is now called Toyosu market. Around the place where the Tsukiji fish market was, the activities around it are still going on and there are (fish) restaurants.
  • Attend a sumo match during one of the six major tournaments that are held each year. Looking for something more refined? Then visit a puppet show (Bunraku).
  • Himeji-jo, the most beautiful remaining castle in Japan, from where you have a view over the Kansai plain. This castle plays a role in a James Bond film and in The Last Samurai. Visit a Geisha dance (Odori), which is held in April, May and October.
  • Relax in an "Onsen". Swimming pools and saunas have been built on the spot where a natural spring emerges from the ground.
  • Go to Kyoto, the former imperial city full of temples and stone gardens (to become Zen in). If you are a fan of Japanese manga comics, you should definitely visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
  • Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan west of Tokyo. Climb Mount Fuji in the summer. You will (unfortunately) not be the only one doing this, but the view is worth it.
  • Tokyo has a 24 hours economy. Visit one of the palaces, dive into a karaoke bar, enjoy yourself in an arcade with (computer) games for young and old, view art in the art triangle, eat sushi and visit a tea ceremony. Almost 9 million people in the historic city, constant hustle and bustle and always something to do: Tokyo is either your dream city or your worst nightmare.
  • Hiroshima. The city that was almost completely bombed by the first atomic bomb during the Second World War. This is the place to learn more about Japan and the Second World War in the Peace Memorial Museum.
  • Enjoy the bounty beaches on the Okinawa islands. Also a great place to dive.
  • Be prepared to face crowds and overtourism, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto.
  • Be prepared to experience an earthquake. Yearly around 5.000 small earthquakes are registered in Japan.

Updates Japan

  • More about Japan, updates and contributions, see the link below.
Why live in Japan, why emigrate to Japan or stay for a long time?

Why live in Japan, why emigrate to Japan or stay for a long time?

Why should you live in Japan as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?

  • Because it is really something different.
  • Because it is safe in Japan and there is a high quality of life. The cities are clean, public transportation is efficient and reliable, and health care is excellent.
  • Because the work culture is collective, and the common interest of the team is high on the list.
  • Because the work culture is known for high standards and efficiency. 

What should you pay attention to?

  • if you meet someone for business, or are given someone's business card? Then never accept it with one hand, but always use both hands. By the way, this also applies to cards and money. Also, never put the card in your pocket right away. Look at it and store it respectfully. 
  • in your daily interactions with others, especially colleagues, in the workplace or relative strangers, it is helpful to have an idea of the form of politeness in the Japanese language. For example, address others by last name+“san,” this shows respect, and do not ask direct or personal questions if you do not yet know each other well. 
  • that emotions or problems are not easily talked about because it feels like bothering others. So it can also be difficult to make deep friendships. Hugging is rare and most contact is through bowing. Shaking hands is also out of the question. Still, the contact can be warm and fun, and of course it varies depending on the person you meet. 
  • in many cases, the common thread is consideration for others and mutual respect. In Japan, you almost never communicate “no.” If you can't or won't, you often indicate it in a roundabout way by saying “maybe,” for example, so that you don't offend another person. The message is understood.
  • dealing with each other is formal, for example, communication, dress code and etiquette.
  • overtime is not uncommon. The work culture can be demanding, and balancing work and leisure time can be challenging.
  • arrive on time, adapt to group dynamics, make sure your home is clean and orderly, be very hospitable (hospitality is hugely important in Japan, and also a lot of fun to experience), respect the elderly and go “out of your way” to help them and others.
  • individualism is not always appreciated.

 

 
Where to study in Japan, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Japan?

Where to study in Japan, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Japan?

Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Japan?

  • because it is a good way to get in touch with the rich history and culture, with the mix of traditional and modern elements in Japanese society.
  • because the workplace is a place where group spirit is important. Employees should help each other. Team outings are popular, and usually with food.
  • because the work culture has a clear hierarchy; it is clear that the employer has the say.

What should you pay attention to?

  • that there are many cultural customs, which are often difficult to recognize or figure out. Some important customs are bowing to each other when greeting, when leaving. The deeper the more respect and it is not uncommon to bow several times in a row.
  • respect for higher-ups is very important.
  • decisions are often made by those in charge, without (much) input from the lower ranks.
  • it is customary to bring a little something with you when you visit someone in Japan. Consider something from home, an expensive piece of fruit, or an (edible) souvenir from another region of Japan. 
Which visum for Japan

Which visum for Japan

Image
  • In need of a Japanese visum?
  • The first place to visit is the embassy's/government's website
  • Here you can find experiences and advice regarding Japanese visa

Are you going to Japan some time soon? Maybe for work, travelling or volunteering? Than you might need to get a visum. In this bundle you can find advice and experiences regarding the Japanese visum process. 

Access: 
Public
Supporting content:
Japan Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Japan Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Image

Content about Japan on WorldSupporter

Japan: Updates & Travel

Japan: Updates & Travel

Travel in Japan

  • Japan is a special mix between hypermodern and traditional. The old codes of conduct still apply and the kimono is still a worn garment, while most of Tokyo is hypermodern with high-rise buildings and life goes on 24/7.
  • The Tsukiji fish market was the largest fish market in the world, where all kinds of Japanese fish are sold. The "famous" market has moved and is now called Toyosu market. Around the place where the Tsukiji fish market was, the activities around it are still going on and there are (fish) restaurants.
  • Attend a sumo match during one of the six major tournaments that are held each year. Looking for something more refined? Then visit a puppet show (Bunraku).
  • Himeji-jo, the most beautiful remaining castle in Japan, from where you have a view over the Kansai plain. This castle plays a role in a James Bond film and in The Last Samurai. Visit a Geisha dance (Odori), which is held in April, May and October.
  • Relax in an "Onsen". Swimming pools and saunas have been built on the spot where a natural spring emerges from the ground.
  • Go to Kyoto, the former imperial city full of temples and stone gardens (to become Zen in). If you are a fan of Japanese manga comics, you should definitely visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
  • Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan west of Tokyo. Climb Mount Fuji in the summer. You will (unfortunately) not be the only one doing this, but the view is worth it.
  • Tokyo has a 24 hours economy. Visit one of the palaces, dive into a karaoke bar, enjoy yourself in an arcade with (computer) games for young and old, view art in the art triangle, eat sushi and visit a tea ceremony. Almost 9 million people in the historic city, constant hustle and bustle and always something to do: Tokyo is either your dream city or your worst nightmare.
  • Hiroshima. The city that was almost completely bombed by the first atomic bomb during the Second World War. This is the place to learn more about Japan and the Second World War in the Peace Memorial Museum.
  • Enjoy the bounty beaches on the Okinawa islands. Also a great place to dive.
  • Be prepared to face crowds and overtourism, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto.
  • Be prepared to experience an earthquake. Yearly around 5.000 small earthquakes are registered in Japan.

Updates Japan

  • More about Japan, updates and contributions, see the link below.
Why live in Japan, why emigrate to Japan or stay for a long time?

Why live in Japan, why emigrate to Japan or stay for a long time?

Why should you live in Japan as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?

  • Because it is really something different.
  • Because it is safe in Japan and there is a high quality of life. The cities are clean, public transportation is efficient and reliable, and health care is excellent.
  • Because the work culture is collective, and the common interest of the team is high on the list.
  • Because the work culture is known for high standards and efficiency. 

What should you pay attention to?

  • if you meet someone for business, or are given someone's business card? Then never accept it with one hand, but always use both hands. By the way, this also applies to cards and money. Also, never put the card in your pocket right away. Look at it and store it respectfully. 
  • in your daily interactions with others, especially colleagues, in the workplace or relative strangers, it is helpful to have an idea of the form of politeness in the Japanese language. For example, address others by last name+“san,” this shows respect, and do not ask direct or personal questions if you do not yet know each other well. 
  • that emotions or problems are not easily talked about because it feels like bothering others. So it can also be difficult to make deep friendships. Hugging is rare and most contact is through bowing. Shaking hands is also out of the question. Still, the contact can be warm and fun, and of course it varies depending on the person you meet. 
  • in many cases, the common thread is consideration for others and mutual respect. In Japan, you almost never communicate “no.” If you can't or won't, you often indicate it in a roundabout way by saying “maybe,” for example, so that you don't offend another person. The message is understood.
  • dealing with each other is formal, for example, communication, dress code and etiquette.
  • overtime is not uncommon. The work culture can be demanding, and balancing work and leisure time can be challenging.
  • arrive on time, adapt to group dynamics, make sure your home is clean and orderly, be very hospitable (hospitality is hugely important in Japan, and also a lot of fun to experience), respect the elderly and go “out of your way” to help them and others.
  • individualism is not always appreciated.

 

 
Where to study in Japan, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Japan?

Where to study in Japan, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Japan?

Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Japan?

  • because it is a good way to get in touch with the rich history and culture, with the mix of traditional and modern elements in Japanese society.
  • because the workplace is a place where group spirit is important. Employees should help each other. Team outings are popular, and usually with food.
  • because the work culture has a clear hierarchy; it is clear that the employer has the say.

What should you pay attention to?

  • that there are many cultural customs, which are often difficult to recognize or figure out. Some important customs are bowing to each other when greeting, when leaving. The deeper the more respect and it is not uncommon to bow several times in a row.
  • respect for higher-ups is very important.
  • decisions are often made by those in charge, without (much) input from the lower ranks.
  • it is customary to bring a little something with you when you visit someone in Japan. Consider something from home, an expensive piece of fruit, or an (edible) souvenir from another region of Japan. 
Which visum for Japan

Which visum for Japan

Image
  • In need of a Japanese visum?
  • The first place to visit is the embassy's/government's website
  • Here you can find experiences and advice regarding Japanese visa

Are you going to Japan some time soon? Maybe for work, travelling or volunteering? Than you might need to get a visum. In this bundle you can find advice and experiences regarding the Japanese visum process. 

Access: 
Public
Japan: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Japan: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Content and contributions about Japan shared by WorldSupporters

Experience Japan like a local

Experience Japan like a local

Image

Everyone knows Japan is a special country with many, many things to do. Since experiencing new things is one of the most exciting things while travelling, I want to give you some recommendations on things you absolutely shouldn't miss while travelling through Japan. Since most things are easy to google, like temples and festivals, I will go into other things I experienced as fun and local. This time these recommendations are more city-related, some other time I will write a blog about which places to visit to see some stunning nature. 

1. EAT THE LOCAL FOOD!!
Absolute number one for me (even though I was vegetarian while in Japan). Almost every region/city has a local dish, which makes Japan a Walhalla for food lovers. From okonomiyaki in Hiroshima (or Osaka as some people there claim) to miso paste in Nagoya, snakes in the southern islands of Japan and tofu in Kyoto. Some things might sound strange and not so delicious maybe, but you should definitely try it out. The Japanese really know what to do with their ingredients and are for example one of the best in making delicious fermented food. The best way to find out what the local dish is, is to ask locals of course. So get in touch with them, or ask at your hotel/hostel. Often you can just find it at restaurants in the streets, or at markets. Temple markets are often a great place to find delicious local dishes. 

* One thing I do want to say is that you shouldn't eat everything in my opinion. On Okinawa (one of the southern islands) they sell whale meat, which is absolutely terrible in terms of animal wellbeing. There are more of these examples so please don't just eat anything :). 

2. Try Purikura with your friends
In my opinion, purikura is disturbing but amazing. While in Europe, we can take pictures in a small photobooth with at most black and white or sepia colouring, in Japan there is a variety I can't even explain. These purikura machines are often found in arcades, where sometimes there is even a whole floor dedicated to them. You can choose themes ranging from model style photos, to cute photos, to gothic photos and so on. But what do the machines do then? Well, they don't just change the theme colour, like we are used too. They actually change your whole appearance. How they change you depends on the theme, but the main things are that they create huge anime-like eyes and silky-smooth skin.

When choosing a machinge, you put in 200-400 yen, depending on the theme, you go in alone or with friends and some pictures are taken. The real fun comes afterwards when you have about 15 minutes to edit the photos. Usually two people can edit at the same time and different photos. Backgrounds can be changed, make-up can be added, extra icons, text, eyes can be made bigger or smaller, it really is disturbingly funny. However, do take some time to do this since finding your way through all the options (which are shown in Japanese) can be quite a challenge as well. In the end you can pick a sheet type and the photo's will come out of the machine. 

BUT, THERE IS MORE! Sometimes, in certain arcades, you can even borrow clothes to wear in the purikura, like pokemon onesies, school-girl outfits, or proper anime clothes. Often it is free, but sometimes you have to pay for it. They provide dressingrooms and there are sometimes even mirrors to sit in front of so you can really make the most out of it. I don't understand why though, since you can add all the make-up afterwards. One thing to keep in mind however, is that if you are only boys, you can't enter. You need to have a girl with you, I have no idea why. 

3. Go to an arcade and play some games (or watch people play)
Similar to number 2, I would suggest to go to an arcade. Japan is known for its gaming industry, which is also illustrated by the high amount of game-addicted people. While it is rather a problem, I would still suggest to go to an arcade an try out as many games as you want. The prices are quite fair; last time I paid 100yen and played left4dead on a huge screen for 40 minutes. But it's also just really fun to try out all the amazing games they have. Taiko no Tatsujin for example, is one of the most popular games in Japan, and people are even waiting in line to play it sometimes. You can choose all kinds of songs and drum on the beat, so a kind of guitar hero for the drums. Here you can see a video of an amazingly good Japanese person playing it (watch from around 1:00): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ujTE_GbB4

Don't worry, there are always different levels, so everyone can play :)

4. Join a tea ceremony
One of the more traditional cultural things is experiencing a tea ceremony. This tea ceremony is all about the preparing of matcha, a japanese type of green tea and is often accompanied with food. In Japan these ceremonies were first performed in buddhist monastries. Nowadays they also take place in people's houses on special occassions and in formal and informal settings. Experiencing such a ceremony, however, is hard since you will often have to be invited by someone. What you can do if you're just visiting Japan briefly, is join a more touristy type of tea ceremony. A woman dresses in Kimono can explain you everything about the ritual and about the making of the tea, you can try it yourself, drink it and eat some sweets on the side. It is really fun to experience and learn about it. One of the best cities to join a tea ceremony is Kyoto, where they often happen.

5. Visit a second hand store 
 Japan really really is amazing for their second hand shops. They have so many and also so many types. You can find second hand electronics stores, second hand clothes stores, second hand book stores, second hand home appliance stores, second hand CD stores and so on. There are really so many that you just have to look around a bit, or google and you can find one. However, I want to tell you about my favorite, the -OFF chain. The most famous one is BOOK-OFF where you can find many great books for great prices, sometimes they also have CD's, clothes and other things, but this one is mainly about books. For hardware they have HARD-OFF. I bought my IPod here for around 35 euro's and it still works great. They also have camera's, CD's and many other things. Nowadays they also have a special name for the clothes shops, called MODE-OFF. I have bought many great clothes here, like shirts, dresses, skirts, all for around 100-200 yen (make sure you find the 100yen corner where the amazing treasures are often found). And then there is HOBBY-OFF, GARAGE-OFF and HOUSE-OFF. Well, these are my favorites but there are many more so just google and check it out! 

6. Visit at least one of these three: Izakaya, Maid Cafe or a Cat Cafe
I would suggest you to visit all of them, but if you don't have a lot of time, at least visit one. Izakaya's are amazing places to visit with friends and again, they come in all types and shapes. They are kind of pubs where you can go drinking and have some nice small dishes for a good price. Sometimes they even offer all you can drink I believe. In the modern ones you get a kind of booth with your friends and you can press a button so the waiter comes to get your order. You can order typical japanese dishes and drinks, which are truly great. In a more traditional izakaya you either get a booth with tamatim where you sit on the ground or on small pillows, or you just sit at a bar or table in a bar. These are also really fun, but often don't have a menu except for on the wall and it is always in Japanese writing, which makes it hard to order if you don't speak Japanese or don't have a Japanese person with you. Izakayas are a great option for a night out if you like your late-night snacks or if you want to try some small dishes :). 

Maid Cafes are quite a special thing. As the name already suggests, they are cafes in which girls dressed at maids are at your service. Throughout the time you are there, they serve you your special drinks and food (usually ice-cream). However, they don't do this in a normal way. The cafes are often themed which means that you can order and do all kinds of funny things. In the cafe I went to with a group of guy friends, we had to make the noise of a cat when we wanted to order. When we got our drinks the girl would perform somekind of special love-spell on the drinks so it would be ready for the person. We were also able to take a picture with the girls for a certain price. Well, it's a weird concept, but if you want to find out about the weirder side of Japan, this is a good way to go. I have seen all types of people in these cafes, even business men. However, do pay attention that you go to one where the woman seem to be treated nicely. This is hard to find out but there might be some info available on the internet about it. 

Cat cafes also speak for themselves. Here you pay a price to enter which often includes a drink and then you can sit with the cats for a certain amount of time. You can pet them, play with them and feed them sweets. They are really popular in Japan and therefore easy to find. Make sure that if you find one, you check whether the cats are treated well and have enough space before you decide to put money into the business.. 

7. Do KARAOKE with JAPANESE FRIEND!
Also something Japan is known for; karaoke. This especially is amazing with Japanese friends. Some love it, some don't, but if they do you'll have an amazing night. You'll get a booth with your friends and often this is accompanied with unlimited drinks for around 3500 yen, and then....... it's just another great night of singing! Make sure you try your hardest, since your Japanese friends probably will :). 

8. Last, but DEFINITELY not least, visit a SUMO MATCH!
This is truly one of the best best best ways to experience the local sports culture. Sumo competitions are super interesting and fun to watch. However, it can be hard to get tickets. There are only several big competitions a year and the best tickets can sell out really fast. Don't let this discourage you though, it's really possible to visit these matches, just make sure you check in advance when to be where and where to buy the tickets. 

Well, if you have any more off-the-beaten-track recommendations, let me know! I'm really curious :). And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! 

Sayonaraaaaa,
Hannah

Summer Sonic Japan

Summer Sonic Japan

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Summer Sonic is one of the biggest music festivals in Japan, if not the biggest. It is held every year, this year on the 18th and 19th of August. I don't know why, possibly because Japan is quite big, but it is held at the same time in two of the major cities; Osaka and Tokyo. It is outdoor and usually has a pretty great line-up! So if you're in Japan for the summer and you still have some money to spend, check out this festival :)!

http://www.summersonic.com/2018/info/

How to see the Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel in Japan

How to see the Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel in Japan

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Heyy all!

I had never heard of the Japanese giant flying squirrel before I went to Picchio Wildlife Research Center in Japan. But when I heard about them, I immediately looked up some pictures and of course...... they are just as cute as everything in Japan. 

The Japanese flying squirrel is one of the biggest (not THE biggest though) flying squirrels in the world and is native only to Japan. Therefore when you visit Japan and are looking for some wildlife to spot, this is definitely one of the animals you should try to find! They occur in Honshu, Kyushi and Shikoku, so quite a large area, and next to that they mostly live in the forest. Conditions that make it really hard to find one by yourself. So what to do? Well, like I mentioned in one of my latest blogs, I went to Picchio Wildlife Research Center and was able to go on one of their amazing flying squirrel tours and it was... AWESOME.

I don't want to spoil too much for you, so I won't mention everything, but I will tell you a little bit about how it was so you know what to expect. 

The tours start in the afternoon with an amazingly fun and interactive lecture about the giant flying squirrel. It's truely amazing with how much enthusiasm the guide can talk about these animals, and as he admits himself, he's very passionate. After this lecture it's time to go out. Picchio has helped to accommodate some of the squirrels in the inhabited areas through putting up nest boxes. In this way the squirrels have a place to stay even in areas where many trees were cut down. The staff keeps track of where the animals go, so they know exactly which nest box to visit, and, due to their experience to know quite well when the squirrels fly out to look for food. Therefore the success rate of seeing a flying squirrel when going on a tour with Picchio is quite high. 

So after the lecture you go out with the group to look for some flying squirrels. Sometimes they are really close, sometimes a bit further away, but it's always a nice walk in that area anyway :). When you arrive at one of the locations where a squirrel is, the thing you do is wait. However, you get binoculars from the staff, so you will be able to check the nest to see if they are coming out. Also, there is another little surprise so that even if it takes long for them to come out, you can see them in the mean time. Then, when they suddenly come out, you immediately put away the binoculars so you don't miss any of the action. The squirrel looks around, climbs up a tree and then.. IT FLIES! So cool :D sometimes you even get the chance to see it fly twice, or even to see two of them (rarely happens I think). But it's really amazing. They are so big, cute, fluffy and cool... I have done the tour twice and enjoyed it so much both times. I would recommend it to everyone. It's also great for kids, really exciting and the lecture is entertaining for people of all ages. However, don't expect to take some amazing pictures (I was kind of hoping to take some haha, what was I thinking), since they use a red flashlight and camera flash is not allowed so that the animals aren't disturbed. This was my best picture: 

So, I can say it has been one of the cooles wildlife encounters in Japan so far (in the list of suddenly seeing a big kamoshika walking slowly in the woods, seeing the onsen monkeys, and seeing some snakes here and there). The tour costs about 3300 yen for adults and 2500 yen for children (however, check the website for current prices. The money is well spent since Picchio has an amazing bear conservation project (without them the bears in the area wouldn't have survived) and the staff work day and night to make their conservation work worthwile. 

I would love to hear your experience with wildlife in Japan, or tips and recommendations if you have some. Please tell me about it in the comments! And if you have any questions (also about the other animal encounters) don't hesitate to ask! 

Cheerssssss, 
Hannah

 

Why live in Japan, why emigrate to Japan or stay for a long time?

Why live in Japan, why emigrate to Japan or stay for a long time?

Why should you live in Japan as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?

  • Because it is really something different.
  • Because it is safe in Japan and there is a high quality of life. The cities are clean, public transportation is efficient and reliable, and health care is excellent.
  • Because the work culture is collective, and the common interest of the team is high on the list.
  • Because the work culture is known for high standards and efficiency. 

What should you pay attention to?

  • if you meet someone for business, or are given someone's business card? Then never accept it with one hand, but always use both hands. By the way, this also applies to cards and money. Also, never put the card in your pocket right away. Look at it and store it respectfully. 
  • in your daily interactions with others, especially colleagues, in the workplace or relative strangers, it is helpful to have an idea of the form of politeness in the Japanese language. For example, address others by last name+“san,” this shows respect, and do not ask direct or personal questions if you do not yet know each other well. 
  • that emotions or problems are not easily talked about because it feels like bothering others. So it can also be difficult to make deep friendships. Hugging is rare and most contact is through bowing. Shaking hands is also out of the question. Still, the contact can be warm and fun, and of course it varies depending on the person you meet. 
  • in many cases, the common thread is consideration for others and mutual respect. In Japan, you almost never communicate “no.” If you can't or won't, you often indicate it in a roundabout way by saying “maybe,” for example, so that you don't offend another person. The message is understood.
  • dealing with each other is formal, for example, communication, dress code and etiquette.
  • overtime is not uncommon. The work culture can be demanding, and balancing work and leisure time can be challenging.
  • arrive on time, adapt to group dynamics, make sure your home is clean and orderly, be very hospitable (hospitality is hugely important in Japan, and also a lot of fun to experience), respect the elderly and go “out of your way” to help them and others.
  • individualism is not always appreciated.

 

 
Penis Festival Japan

Penis Festival Japan

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Kanamara Matsuri, or "steel phallus festival", is a yearly festival in Kawasaki, Japan. Having visited the festival I have to say I was intrigued. It takes place in spring on the first Sunday of April. The festivities are not like the ones you usually see at shrine festivals in Japan. 

It takes place at the penis shrine, a shrine that provides blessings of business success, fertility, mariage and marital peace, and safe, easy delivery. Nevertheless, at the festival itself you'll mostly just stumble upon phalli mikoshi, candy, and many, many people. I don't want to spoil too much so if you get off the train at Kawasaki-Daishi Station, just follow the people towards the shrine and you'll see what I mean soon enough!

I think, if you have the time and happen to be in Tokyo in the beginning of April, definitely pay a visit to this festival since it is a unique opportunity. However, I do feel like the festival was commercialised and lost a lot of it's original purpose. Many people walk the streets drunk, some tourists dress up in very revealing outfits and you can buy goodies everywhere. But I guess that happens almost everywhere nowadays. So if you visit, try to remember some of the traditional meaning of the festival, look it up on the internet or ask Japanese people about it, so it doesn't just become another festival day like any other :). 

One of the three views of Japan: Matsushima

One of the three views of Japan: Matsushima

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Hi all! 

Today I want to tell you something about Matsushima; one of the three views of Japan, which were already elected in 1643. These three places are places that provide some of the best scenic views of Japan. Matsushima is one of these places due to it's scenic coast with over 200 small islands. Even though it was hit by the big earth quake and tsunami in 2011, the damage was minimal due to its bay location. 

So obviously the main reason to go to Matsushima is because of the beautiful views. Even though the tourists get a bit in the way of this, it is still a very special place. A day trip to Matsushima (better not to go in weekends or summer because of the amount of tourists) is more than enough to see the area and it also doesn't have to be expensive. There are quite some options for cruises (around 1500-2000 yen) by which you can see many of the islands instead of just the ones near the bay. Some of these cruises take you further than other ones and last between around 20 minutes and one hour. I haven't done a cruise, so to know more about this you'd have to figure it out by yourself, but I've had a really nice day just walking around and swimming on one of the islands. 

Because.... you can actually get to one of the islands by foot! If you look closely at the area on Google Maps you can see a bridge between the bay and Fukuura island. This is a beautiful island and the walk on the bright red bridge to the islands is also quite special. I walked some old trails by myself a bit and took a swim on one of the beaches on the island. Because nobody else was in for a swim I had the whole beach to myself. Although I have to admit the water is not amazingly clear, it was a good way to cool off on a hot summer day. 

Furthermore there are many other things to do in the area. If you decide to go to Fukuura, I would recommend to visit some other sites on the way. When you exit Matsushimakaigan station, turn left, left again later and right to go to the temple area. Here you can for example visit Entsuin temple that was built in 1646, where the grave of Date Mitsumune is housed, a son of a past feudal lord. Furthermore, next to it is the famous Zuiganji temple, a very beautiful and famous zen temple. If you're on a low budget though, this is just a beautiful area to walk through because of all the temple entrances and beautiful gardens. 

After this you could head to Kanrantei tea house. This is on the way from the temple area to the island. This tea house used to serve, among others, samurai and members of the Royal Family, but is nowadays also open to the public. You have to pay an entrance fee (200 yen), but in return you get rewarded with the opportunity to sit in a beautiful old tea house, with a view on Matsushima bay and with delicious traditional Japanese tea.

After this, make your way to Fukuura to finish the day on this beautiful little island and take in the sunset if you're lucky. 

station: Matsushimakaigan 
train: tohoku line from Sendai Station (30 min)

 

Volunteering in Japan

Volunteering in Japan

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When looking for volunteering opportunities you can find an overload on the web, from free to paid. In this blog I will try to give an overview of free volunteering opportunities in Japan. Of course there might be many other opportunities, but this blog can be a first step in finding the best options for you and you can use it as a starting point for further research. 

1. WWOOF
WWOOF offers worldwide opportunities for organic farming, so as well in Japan. The farmers can list the opportunities themselves so it can be really small-scale, but farms can also be huge. You have to pay around 55 euros to join the community for a year, but then you can apply for all the opportunities on there. Often you will get free accommodation and food, sometimes you even get paid (probably not in Japan though). I have never done it myself, but I have heard many good stories. It's a great way to get to know the local culture, lands and food! So if you're into farming, definitely try it out!

Website: https://www.wwoofjapan.com/main/index.php?lang=en

2. WorkAway
WorkAway is something similar to WWOOF, however, it is a platform not just for farming, but for all kinds of work. Offers range from working in a hostel to teaching English to children of just one family. The range of job types is huge, which can make it really fun. However, it can be important to check reviews since some jobs or environments might not suit you. Sometimes you get free accommodation, sometimes free food, but getting paid never really happens I think. I have found some great opportunities in Japan so I would definitely recommend you to check it :). You have to pay a fee of 32 euros a year for a single person and 42 euros a year as a couple. You can even buy workaway as a gift for someone going to japan and wanting to volunteer. 

Website: https://www.workaway.info/

3. Volunteering at an animal shelter
The first time I went to Japan, I was looking for cheap volunteering opportunities. Since I love animals I decided to look for animal shelters in Japan and ask them whether volunteering there was possible. I ended up volunteering for a week at Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK). It was an amazing, rewarding experience. Animal care is not that big in Japan. While many Japanese people love (dressing up) animals, especially when they are young, when the animals get bigger, they often are abandoned since they don't fit in the house anymore, are not cute anymore or are too dirty. Of course, this only counts for a part of japanese people (I also know many Japanese that would never ever do this), it does happen and the couple of animal shelters present have to take care of all these abandoned animals. ARK animal shelter is owned by an English lady who has a passion for animals and who works together with an almost all Japanese staff. When I was there (7 years ago already) she lived in the middle of the shelter and I stayed with her. However, usually you will stay at the volunteering house for free if you work every day. The work consists of walking the dogs, cleaning and socialising the animals. I truely enjoyed it! This is also a good opportunity if you just want to volunteer for one day! They won't let you stay, but if you have a car you can visit them in the morning and walk the dogs or play with the cats I believe. They also have an office in Tokyo, but I think they won't offer you free accommodation if you volunteer there. Sometimes they also need volunteers for translating, social media promotion etc. 

p.s. they have some beautiful animals in the shelter and they are up for adoption, even if you live on the other side of the world. 

Website: http://www.arkbark.net/en/

Another place where you can volunteer is Japan Cat Network. They need help at their two animal shelters, with the events in Japan and you can even help out from home through social media. Even though their name suggests that they only have cats, they also have dogs at their shelter that need help. The animals are truely beautiful and working with them would certainly be fun. 

Website: https://japancatnetwork.org/volunteer

4. Disaster relief volunteering
I don't know so much about this topic. What I did read is that giving money to local organisations working on disaster relief is still one of the most important things. But if you do want to help out on the ground I would like to refer you to this blog: https://disasterjapan.wordpress.com/volunteering-in-japan/
They know a lot more about this topic and the website is regularly updated I believe. So check it out if you're interested in this type of volunteering. 

Well, I hope you have enough options now to start with! Volunteering in Japan is a unique experience. However, do keep in mind the behavioural code and politeness a bit to make sure that you have the best volunteering opportunity! 

Any questions? Let me know!

My job interview experience in Japan

My job interview experience in Japan

Hi everyone! 

My last blog was about tips & tricks for preparing for a job interview abroad. In this blog, I just want to describe my experience so you have an idea of what it can be like. The experience I had in Japan is probably very different from what other people might have experienced, but reading about it can maybe make you feel more prepared for your upcoming interview, or just give you some insights in how things might go. 

So, I applied for a job as a reaction to a call I saw online. I emailed the organisation directly and within a couple of days they came back with a positive response. We talked a bit over email to discuss what the job would be like, but rather quickly they mentioned that they would prefer if I came over to discuss things further. Because this is a rather big step, I explained my situation as a student and they met me in the middle by offering to pay part of my trip (which I think is rather fair if you are asked to come over for a job interview!). So in case your applying for jobs abroad and they ask you to come, it is not a strange thing to ask whether they can provide funding for that. If not, they might settle for a skype interview! 

Finally, we decided that I would come over for a couple of days, to get the feel of the organisation and the work. This was rather different from what I know about other interviews which only last for maybe one hour, but it seemed like a good idea since this definitely gives a better understanding of what kind of organisation you're dealing with. So, before I flew to Japan, I followed the steps I listed in my previous blog. I prepared for what I could expect, what kind of organisation it was, what I could expect in terms of working conditions, I talked to friends about how to act in job interviews in Japan etc. It helped me feel a little bit more relaxed (and to be honest, I was very, very nervous!). When I arrived, I was picked up at the train station and brought to the office of the organisation. We had a talk about my programme for the next couple of days before I was shown my accommodation (yeah, they provided me with accommodation in their volunteer dormitory, which was great!). 

 

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Heya!  This is a recipe I received from my japanese friend Yusuke. He said it's a great summer dish. I haven't made it yet, but I'm passing it on to you so everyone can try it! Step 1:  Mix the tomato sauce, miso, olive oil, salt, pepper and water and put it in the fridge, or add ice bloc...

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Kanamara Matsuri, or "steel phallus festival", is a yearly festival in Kawasaki, Japan. Having visited the festival I have to say I was intrigued. It takes place in spring on the first Sunday of April. The festivities are not like the ones you usually see at shrine festivals in Japan.  It ...

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World Smart Energy Week All kinds of technologies/products related to "hydrogen & fuel cell", "solar cell/module", "PV systems", "rechargeable battery", "smart grid", "wind energy", "biomass power", "thermal power" and "recycling of renewable energy resources" are gathering. Each field is divide...

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Inspired by Staycations, see my former blog. And now inspired by a story of my friend in the Philippines. The lockdown is very strict and with christmas being there soon, people in the Philippines meet each other. They meet each other Online through Zoom meetings. They have dinners together. T...

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Activities abroad: home page

Activities abroad: home page

From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

    • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.

    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

    Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

      Activities Abroad: for work and intern abroad

      Activities Abroad: for work and intern abroad

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      Hi! Since I have been to Japan a couple of times and since the country is becoming more and more popular, I decided to make a magazine where you can find many Japan-related blogs to guide you through your travel plans. :) Enjoy!

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      Everyone knows Japan is a special country with many, many things to do. Since experiencing new things is one of the most exciting things while travelling, I want to give you some recommendations on things you absolutely shouldn't miss while travelling through Japan. Since most things are easy to goo...

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      Set a hook in tofu - Do something useless, as in carry water to the sea Strangle someone with a silk cloth - Be very sweet, to force someone wearing silk gloves To cut the head of a flee with an axe - Shoot with a canon on a mosquito Let peas fall on a lying door - To use a lot of words, someone who...

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      Discover Asia wit Go Pure by doing an internship, become a volunteer, work with wildlife or for traveling

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      Jet Programme

      Japanse organisatie die een uitwisseling en leerprogramma aanbiedt in Japan met als doel interculturele ervaringen delen en het verhogen van het Engelse taalniveau onder lokale overheden door het bieden van Engelse les. Er zijn verschillende functies te vervullen, waaronder werken als assistent taal...

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      SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

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      ~This blog comes from my personal blog "Hannah-chan's travels" for more blog check out this blog page ~ Finding the best way to travel in a country is always a bit tricky. In some countries it can be cheaper to take the bus, in other countries to take a train of flight. What is always cheaper is hit...

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      Hi! Since I have been to Japan a couple of times and since the country is becoming more and more popular, I decided to make a magazine where you can find many Japan-related blogs to guide you through your travel plans. :) Enjoy!

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      Everyone knows Japan is a special country with many, many things to do. Since experiencing new things is one of the most exciting things while travelling, I want to give you some recommendations on things you absolutely shouldn't miss while travelling through Japan. Since most things are easy to goo...

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      Japan, the land of traditions. So you're visiting Japan and are ready for an amazing trip, but after all the stories about polite Japanese people you become a bit worried.... What is okay to do and what isn't? What should you avoid doing when eating? In this blog I will tell you about the most impor...

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      Kanamara Matsuri, or "steel phallus festival", is a yearly festival in Kawasaki, Japan. Having visited the festival I have to say I was intrigued. It takes place in spring on the first Sunday of April. The festivities are not like the ones you usually see at shrine festivals in Japan.  It ...

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      Hi! Since I have been to Japan a couple of times and since the country is becoming more and more popular, I decided to make a magazine where you can find many Japan-related blogs to guide you through your travel plans. :) Enjoy!

      Stories, tips and experiences from Japan

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      Vegetarian in Japan: A guide to vegetarian (or vegan) travelling in Japan

      Vegetarian in Japan: A guide to vegetarian (or vegan) travelling in Japan

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      Being a vegetarian in Japan is quite a challenge, let alone being vegan. However, it is far from impossible! Just like in many other places throughout the world, vegetarian food is becoming increasingly popular. While I was living in Kyoto in 2016/2017 I found quite some awesome vegetarian an vegan restaurants (want to know more, check out this blog). Similarly when I went to Tokyo in 2018, I found some great places as well. While it is still a bit difficult to figure out what you can and what you can't eat (especially if you're a strict vegetarian/vegan), there are some ways to make this life a little bit easier. 

      Learn the Language
      First of all, it definitely helps if you know Japanese, of have a friend who can come along and translate. While it seems obvious, this is one of the biggest problems. Generally, Japanese people don't have a full understanding of what vegetarian or vegan is. So even if you say "watashi wa bejitarian desu" (I'm a vegetarian), it doesn't guarantee you'll get vegetarian food. An easier way to make clear that you're avoiding meat and fish is to say: "watashi wa niku to sakana wo tabemasen", meaning I don't eat meat or fish. Of course you can say this for other things as well, just mention the thing you don't eat followed by wo tabemasen (meaning don't eat) and it will help a lot.

      But even if you say "watashi wa niku to sakana wo tabemasen", you still have to be careful of katsuo-dashi, this is fish stock and often not regarded as 'meat' or 'fish', therefore your meal might still contain this. The same is true for bonito flakes (fish flakes), cold katsuoboshi in Japanese. If you want to make sure this is not in your food either, you can for example say: niku to sakana wo tabemasen. followed by: "katsuo-dashi to katsuoboshi mo tabemasen"

      For vegans it's a little bit more difficult. Of course you can metion all the things you don't eat, such as: 

      - egg: tamago
      cheese: chiizu
      milk: gyuunyuu

      Get a dietary card
      but be prepared to get some startled looks. There's an easier way as well. When I stayed at a hostel in Tokyo, they had these super useful dietary cards which said in Japanese what you could and couldn't eat. In this way you can just show the staff of a restaurant the card and then they can help you choose a dish. the website justhungry.com offers some options for cards for several dietary restrictions. Simply download them and show them on your phone. While these cards are useful, I prefer the cards on which you can circle your restrictions, such as the one provided by LiveJapan. They also show some common ingredients you should be aware of and ways to say you're allergic for example. 

      Get the google translate app
      When you're buying food in a store it can also be rather challenging to find vegetarian/vegan options. While you can sometimes ask the clerk, or another shopper, this is not always an option. Google translate can come in real handy in this case. Since many places have WiFi nowadays, especially convenience stores (although it can be a bit of a hassle to acces it), you can easily use the app. By simply scanning an ingredient list with the app, it will give you an immediate translation of the japanese ingredients. 

      If you're not able to use internet or WiFi, you can also learn the kanji for the words important to you, or list them on your phone so you can check more easily. SurvivingnJapan also provides a great guide to reading food labels and the ingredients. 

      Be aware of ingredients/dishes
      You don't have to eat at vegetarian or vegan restaurants all the time, there are still plenty of options at other places. However, there are some things to be aware of. 

      Sushi
      When you go out to eat sushi, the obvious thing is to avoid fish sushi. However, other sushi options are less obvious such as sushi with fish eggs, sperm, or ground fish, but also the sushi wrapped in tofu pockets, they are almost always boiled in fish stock. Sushi you can eat/ask for are sushi with egg (tamago), cucumber (kappa maki), pickled daikon (oshinko maki), mushroom nigiri, okrah nigiri, eggplant nigiri, avocado onigiri, natto (fermented soy beans) maki, and some other options. So there's still plenty to eat. 

      Ramen
      Unless ramen is labeled as vegetarian or vegan, it will highly likely contain meat or fish broth. However, more and more vegan and vegetarian ramen places are popping up, so don't fuzz, since you'll find some great places to eat. A very popular vegetarian/vegan ramen place is T's TanTan in Tokyo, as well as Sorainoro where they have one delicious vegan option. In Kyoto you can eat vegetarian (not sure if it's vegan) ramen at Mumokuteki in the city center and Mamezen and Vegans Cafe a bit further away. 

      Kushikatsu & Tempura
      Kushikatsu in a great dish which you can find a lot in Osaka for example. Tempura is super delicious as well. While it is often vegan if you choose the vegetable options, the tempura batter can sometimes contain eggs, so be sure to check. The dipping sauce also usually contains fish, since it's often a mix of dashi and soy sauce. Sometimes you can ask for simple soy sauce (however, they don't always have it), or you can dip it in salt. 

      Udon & Soba
      Udon and Soba noodles can either be served in broth, or in a basket with many sides. I would avoid broths since they are always meat or fish based (unless indicated otherwise of course). If you order the ones that are not served in the broth, make sure you order it withous bonito flakes. Also the dipping sauce if other a mix of soy and fish stock and sometimes additional things. However, the noodles come with several sides such as sea weed, spring onion, pickles and can therefore still be greatly enjoyed! 

      Convenience stores
      While many things in the convenience store are not vegetarian/vegan, other things are. To start with: the onigiris. In the konbini you can find ume (pickled plum), seaweed, plain, red bean and corn-mayo onigiri which are all vegan, excepts for the last one. Furthermore you can find two types of vegan/vegetarian sushi. The vegan one is natto (which is quite a thing to get used to), the second one is a big roll with egg, vegetables and some pink grainy stuff that almost looks like fish eggs, this is vegetarian! Other things are things like Dango (rice balls), tsukemono (pickled vegetables), pre-made salads (they are in see through boxes so you can see what's inside), happy dates bars, nuts, edamame (soy beans), and more. If you want to know about more vegan dishes check out this great vlog by Currently Hannah

      Last but not least... Prepare!
      Preparing is a big part of finding the best vegetarian and vegan places to eat. You can find information through the large amount of blogs and vlogs on the internet, which can help you greatly, and you can ask locals or hotel staff. The website happycow.net is also a good source of inspiration. This website lists all kinds of places with vegetarian and vegan food. Other than that, if you're having a hard time finding a vegetarian place wherever you are in Japan, a good alternative is to find an Indian restaurant. Indian restaurants are really popular and always have vegetarian and vegan options. They are very aware of what it means to be vegetarian or vegan so you're safe there. 

      Good luck! :)

      Recipe: Easy vegan Shakshuka recipe

      Recipe: Easy vegan Shakshuka recipe

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      When I was in Budapest over the Christmas holidays, I had the most delicious Shakshuka! It reminded me of the time when to Israeli guys were making breakfast in a hostel in Japan and they shared some of their delicious meal with me.. However, at that time I wasn't able to remember the name of the dish... so it took me 3 years to finally figure it out, in the Jewish quarter of Budapest. 

      What is shakshuka?
      Shakshuka is a traditional North-African/Israelean dish that can be enjoyed at every moment of the day. It is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is very easy to prepare. 

      While the dish usually comes with eggs cooked on top of the shakshuka base, I will leave this out in the vegan recipe. As a replacement, you can add extra vegetables, olives, tofu-feta (https://simpleveganblog.com/vegan-tofu-feta-cheese/, or just eat it as it is with some delicious bread. 

      While many variations of shakshuka can be found on the internet, the traditional verson is basically spiced tomate base with onions and garlic (and bell pepper), and eggs on top. 

      How to make Shakshuka?
      1. You start with chopping the onions garlic, red pepper, bell pepper and tomatoes (if you use any) into small pieces. 

      2. Then you heat 3 tbsp. olive oil in a large iron skillot. Add the onions and garlic and saute them for a couple of minutes. Before the garlic turns brown, add in the red pepper, bell pepper, the spices and the salt and pepper. 

      3. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, but don't let it burn. 

      4. Add the tomatoes (if you use any), tomato sauce and extra vegetables/tofu if using any. Cook for another 10 minutes.

      5. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary. 

      6. Serve the sauce with some parsley on top and some delicious pita bread and/or salad on the side! 

       

      Ready In: 25 min.

      Ingredients:

      • 3 tbsp olive oil
      • 2 large white onions
      • 1 red pepper
      • 1 bell pepper
      • 4 cloves of garlic
      • 1 tsp. cumin
      • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
      • 2 tsp. paprika powder
      • 1 can peeled and diced tomaties
      • 1 tsp. tomato purée
      • salt and pepper to taste
      Japanese food: 1

      Japanese food: 1

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      Let's talk about FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD :D Last week I posted a blog about Ecuadorian Fruits :D which described all kinds of super delicous Frutas, this week I will tell you about Japanese food. Japan is famous for it's elaborate and delicious kitchen. The food is fresh, beautiful, tasty and usually healthy, but if you don't know the names of dishes it's hard to figure out what to get and where to get it. 

      So, let me tell you about some general dishes you can find everywhere, and some specific dishes found in specific regions: 

      Onigiri
      Onigiri are riceballs often wrapped in seaweed and filled with things like umeboshi (pickled plum), salmon, tuna, seaweed. They are great as a snack and cheap as well. You can basically find them at every conbini. 

      Inari Sushi
      Inari sushi is rice wrapped in sweet tofusheets. This you can also often find at conbinis, where you can buy them as a snack for a small price. A good place to get them for example is the 100yen lawson. While the normal Lawson is blue, the 100yen Lawson is green in colour. 

      Shabu Shabu
      Shabu shabu is basically a full dinner. It's a Japanese hotpot dish, in which you dip your meat and vegetables. I have often eaten the vegetarian version, which basically means you only dip in the veggies and ask the others to dip the meat into the other (half of the) pot. For a good place to eat Shabu shabu in Kyoto, check out the building of this restaurant, on one of the top floors there is a 1500 all you can eat shabu shabu place https://goo.gl/maps/whKnp2rCodM2 (there is also a yakiniku place on one of the floors for the meat lovers). 

      100yen sushi 
      100 yen sushi is basically better sushi than we get in Europe, for a better price as well. It's also a fun experience which often means sitting at a sushi conveyer belt. Sometimes the ordered sushi even comes on a sushi train. You just take as many plates as you want and at the end of the meal, the dishes are counted and you pay for the amount with the added tax. If you want to find a 100yen sushi place, check out kappa sushi, they are all over Japan. But there are many more cheap sushi places. 

      Tempura
      Tempura is basically fried anything. It is amazingly delicous, but not very healthy haha. While you can buy it at the supermarket, there are also some great places to eat out. In the supermarket it is usually not very crispy. One great place to eat tempura is here: https://goo.gl/maps/EpBHu2KmNHy . It is cheap and you can just choose seperate dishes like with the 100yen sushi. 

      Local dishes: 
      Okonomiyaki

      Okonomiyaki is an amazing dish which you can get in two different styles; Osaka style and Hiroshima style. Which are also the best places to eat this dish. It is a type of cabbage pancake with all kinds of extra ingredients like cheese, ham, octopus, and a lot more. The dish is topped with bonito flakes, seaweed, amazing okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. As a vegetarian this is a great Japanese dish to try, just make sure you avoid the bonito flakes and ask whether the sauce is vegetarian, but I believe it usually is. For vegans and If you want to be sure about the ingredients, go to this place in Hiroshima: http://nagataya-okonomi.com/ they truly have amazing food! :D It's is often crowded though, so you might have to wait in line. 

      Takoyaki
      Takoyaki are doughballs with as the main ingredient octopus coming from Osaka. I've never had them, but according to other people they are either delicious or strange haha. If you want to eat them, you can find them on the streets in Osaka, or sometimes at temple markets. 

      Miso-katsu & Miso nikomi udon
      This first famous dish is for the meat eaters, Miso-katsu specifically stands for pork cutlets with miso sauce. The second dish is Udon in a broth of miso. Whether this is a vegetarian dish I can't say, but you can probably ask (although I doubt the answer the people at the restaurant will give you). Both are dishes Nagoya is famous for, specifically because of the miso-part. So if you pay Nagoya a visit, you should definitely get a miso-dish to try the best of the best.

      Yudofu
      It sounds like a martial arts type, but yudofu is a tofu dish found in Kyoto. It is a very simple dish, containing tofu, kelp and water, but that doesn't make it less delicious! The tofu bits are then dipped in sauce or just eaten like that. Here you can find more about tofu in Kyoto: https://favy-jp.com/topics/1471
      I personally had the fanciest meal I ever had in Kyoto in a tofu restaurant and it was really amazing and such a great experience! Pure flavours, amazing textures and just super pretty food. I would definitely recommend it! 

      Well, that's it for now! More dishes will follow in the future, but for now... Enjoy :D 

      Cheers, 
      Hannah

      Recipe: Delicious vegan ramen recipe

      Recipe: Delicious vegan ramen recipe

      Image

      It's RAMEN TIME! :D 

      This is a Japanese ramen recipe that is delicious and suitable for everyone, also vegans. It is easy to make and you can create a different dish every time if you change the toppings. This recipe will give you the ramen stock, and some toppings I really like. In case you make the stock with mushrooms, add 1 hour to your cooking time. However, it's also delicious without the mushrooms! 

      1. cut the tempe/tofu and put it in a bowl with a bit of soy sauce and garlic.

      2. cut the garlic and ginger into small pieces and heat it in sesame or sunflower oil for about five minutes on low heating. 

      3. now add the stock, soy sauce, mirin and if you use them, the dried shiitake or different type of mushrooms. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes (the longer the tastier though), but in case you added dried mushrooms, let it boil for one hour before you continue with step 4. 

      4. prepare the toppings (cut them into smaller pieces if necessary).

      - heat some oil in a separate pan and bake the tempe/tofu. 

      - boil some water in a separate pot, add the spinach for about two minutes, then drain the spinach with cold water. 

      5. add the noodles and cook as long as necessary, then turn down the heat, add the miso paste and stirr well (don't boil when the miso paste is in). 

      6. divide the stock and noodles over two bowls and add the toppings. I only use a little bit of pickled ginger in the middle because it looks very pretty but has a strong flavour. And you can sprinkle with sesame seeds. 

      7. Enjoy

       

      Ready In: 45 min.

      Ingredients:

      • sesame oil (or sunflower will do too)
      • 4 cloves of garlic
      • 1 inch ginger
      • Vegetable stock (i used two blocks), so about 1L
      • Two tablespoons soy sauce
      • 1 tablespoon miso paste (usually white, but I used red and it was tasty anyway :))
      • 1 tablespoon mirin
      • about 150 gram ramen (depending on how hungrgy you are)
      • Optional: dehydrated mushrooms (shiitake)
      • Toppings such as:
      • tempe/tofu marinated and baked in a bit of soy sauce
      • 1 spring onion
      • 1 can of corn (200gram)
      • spinach (150-200 gram)
      • mushrooms
      • pickled ginger
      • sesame seeds

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