With around 38 million people in the Greater Tokyo Area, there are plenty of accommodations available; but finding the right apartment and knowing what to expect is another thing. If you’ve begun thinking about moving to Japan’s largest city, keep reading for tips on renting in Tokyo.
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Japan is one of the most connected countries in the world. With 144 million smartphones among 127 million people, nearly everyone has access to the internet. Coupled with some of the fastest home broadband speeds found anywhere in the world, this makes Japan a great place to use the internet at home or on the go. If you’re looking for a way to use your computer in Japan, you need a traditional broadband connection, a smartphone data SIM for tethering, or a high-speed mobile router. Keep reading to find out which option is right for you during your long-term stay.
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Japan is becoming more popular with different kinds of tourists from all over the world. While many people might prefer to be whisked around by planes and trains, there’s also something to be said for taking it slow and soaking in the beautiful blue of the Pacific ocean and experiencing a culture like no other. We’ll let you in on the awesomeness of cruises around Japan, highlight the perils of cruise ship connectivity and give you a few tips on how to keep your internet connection from being lost at sea.
Wondering about getting a working holiday visa in Japan? Here’s everything you need to know, from what it means, how to apply and how to stay connected.
If you love Japan and would like to spend more time in the country to learn the language, experience the culture or simply travel, one of the best ways is via the working holiday program.
If your country has such an arrangement with Japan, and you’re anywhere from 18 to 30 years of age when you apply (or 18 to 25 years for Canada, Australia and Korea, with a possibility of extending the age limitation to 30 depending on the situation), this could be a life-changing step for you. From its many benefits to how to apply, here’s a simple guide to getting a working holiday visa in Japan.
Japan is in the middle of a mobile phone revolution thanks to a set of recently introduced regulations.
It used to be impossible for mobile phone users in Japan to unlock their handsets, which meant that every phone was tied to a network with no possibility of using them elsewhere. This effectively locked customers into one of the big three service providers and stifled competition. This all changed when regulations were introduced in 2015, and it is now possible to use any unlocked handset with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).
The advent of Japan MVNO carriers is great news for those looking for a cheaper alternative to the traditionally lengthy and costly contracts available from the incumbent networks.
Japan is a country of mountains. Nearly three quarters of the land is considered mountainous, and two thirds is forested. This makes Japan an excellent place to walk and hike, with trails for beginners and experts alike. Some of the popular locations have well-appointed cabins for overnight stays or extended rests, and will even offer the most Japanese of services – vending machines!
Despite these modern conveniences, hiking in Japan, not to mention mountain climbing there, still means planning your trip carefully and being able to keep in touch with civilization when necessary. Staying connected means packing the newest piece of hiking technology, your mobile phone.
For years Japan was the world leader in mobile phone technology. Japan’s mobile network was the first to go nationwide. Japan was also the first to have mobile internet, the first with color screens on phones and the first for a whole host of other things we now take for granted.
But while the Japanese were forging ahead and using technology unique to Japan, the rest of the world was developing standards that now define a somewhat common ground globally. Because Japan has created its own closed mobile ecosystem, termed “Galapagos syndrome” because it has made their technology perfect in-country but incompatible on a world scale, using foreign phones on the domestic Japanese networks has been always been a challenge.
With the advent of 4G LTE networks, this disparity is becoming less of a problem for foreign travellers. It may be awhile before compatibility becomes a simple issue, but in the meantime here is a Japan mobile network guide to show you how to best use your options (such as a SIM card from Sakura Mobile) to successfully use your cell phone in Japan.
WiFi can be a lifeline for travelers around the world, but especially in Japan where your regular cellular service is not available or will cost you in high roaming fees. When planning your Japan adventure be sure to bring a WiFi-enabled mobile device to help you get around. Wifi access will help you get the best value food and shopping, as well as to discover popular tourist spots and hidden gems on the go. You will be able to use your mobile device in diverse locations including airports, convenience stores, and even on many of the super-fast Shinkansen bullet trains. Read below to successfully navigate the sometimes confusing array of WiFi options and get internet in Japan for an even more wonderful trip!
When you think of Japan, what is the first image that comes to mind? For many, it is the picture of a geisha holding an umbrella. For some it is their favorite manga or anime. For those lucky enough to have visited Japan during Spring, the iconic view of hundreds of sakura trees in full bloom is hard to beat. This is hanami (“flower viewing”) season in Japan, and it is a highlight of the year for many people. While many might think that they can only see sakura in the country, Tokyo cherry blossom trees are just as beautiful! Don’t worry about where to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo–we’ll show you some of the best places around.
With two international airports, Tokyo is an obvious starting point for any visitor to Japan. At the heart of the city is Shinjuku, a place full of restaurants and bars with a few nightclubs, some karaoke and plenty of hidden treasures. Shinjuku also has one of the busiest transport hubs in Japan, connecting the city to the rest of the country with a dozen train lines moving millions of passengers daily.
With so much energy and so many people moving through for business and pleasure, it’s not at all surprising that there are just as many great hotels in Shinjuku to choose from. From homey hostels to theme hotels and surprisingly inexpensive high-class digs, here are 7 of our recommendations for the best Shinjuku accommodation out there. READ MORE