Useful Daily Living Information

Information on everyday life for foreign residents in Tokyo

If you are not familiar with the local community rules and systems where you are living, you may become overwhelmed by unfamiliar menial tasks in your daily life. By knowing and understanding the ins and outs beforehand, you will be able to navigate daily life in Japan more effectively and comfortably.

Below, we have gathered and assortment of information related to daily life in Japan, in English, covering such topics as how to discard garbage, or how to pay the bills.

International SupermarketsSupermarkets popular among Tokyo Expats that carry international foods.

How to Change Electricity Providers in Tokyo

In Japan, you are free to select your electricity and gas supplier of your choice. There may be companies that can save you more money on your electricity and gas bills than you are paying now. Here, we introduce the benefits of switching providers, as well as Hinatao Energy, which offers cheaper r…

How to Apply for Electricity and Gas in English in Tokyo

Electricity and gas procedures can be challenging for foreigners who do not speak Japanese. Frequently, you find websites that explain their services in English but then switch to Japanese when you get to the application or account creation page. Here we introduce you to a gas and electricity provi…

How to Read Recycling Symbols on Products in Japan

Navigating Japan’s recyclable garbage system can be more than a little confusing. In this article, we explain what Japan's recycling symbols mean.

International Money Transfers to Japan

When sending money to Japan, using one of the international money transfer service has certain advantages over traditional bank transfers. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of overseas remittance services that you can use to send money to Japan from a number of countries around the world…

BOOKOFF: How to Sell Your Unwanted Items in English in Japan

BOOKOFF is the most famous second-hand shop in Japan and they have about 800 shops in Japan. In this article, we introduce BOOKOFF's purchase service and its "on-site" purchase service that you can use in English.

Furusato Nozei: How to Benefit from Japan's Hometown Tax

Furusato Nōzei, or the hometown tax, is a system by which taxpayers can pay their income or residential tax to a regional area, rather than the area in which they actually reside. Why pay tax somewhere else? Because under this system, regional areas will provide “gifts” as a show of thanks. These…

Plastic Shopping Bags will be Charged in Japan Starting in July 2020

Since July 2020, retailers in Japan have been charging fees for plastic bags and it is mandatory. The law applies to all retail stores including convenience stores like Familymart, Seven-Eleven or Lawson. It is handy to carry a shopping bag with you and preserve environment. These shopping bags are…

Paying Bills in Japan Conveniently: A Simple Guide

Paying bills is no one’s favorite thing to do, regardless of where you live. When it comes to paying though, the easier it is the less painful it will be. This is another area in which Japan stands out among the rest. There are a variety of convenient ways you can pay your bills in Japan, whether i…

How to Pay Utility Bills in Japan

Lifeline utilities provide necessary services to each city such as electricity, gas, and water. These basic services are needed for everyday life. In this article, you can learn about the rate structure and payment methods of Japanese Utilities. Electricity and gas rates vary monthly according to c…

Connecting and Disconnecting Utilities When Moving Home in Tokyo

When moving to a new home in Japan, the property will initially not have any of the utilities connected. If your landlord or real estate agency has already set up and had the utilities connected for you, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if they are unable to help you with having your…