1. Hello Japan!

Congratulations on surviving the long flight! I still vividly remember the thrill I felt when I first landed at the central airport. It’s super well-connected to trains and buses, making travel a piece of cake. You can easily skip the pricey taxi ride by hopping on a regularly scheduled train! Whenever I arrive in a new place, I always ask a friendly staff member for directions. Japan’s signs are incredibly clear, but a quick question can save you from early confusion.

Tip: The train ride from the airport to the city centre costs about 500 yen. Don’t forget to grab a ticket, pick up a Manaca train card (http://(https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/eng/train/Ticket/manaca/) , or consider a day pass if you plan to commute frequently.
Extra: To keep track of your expenses from day one, consider downloading budgeting apps like Money manager, Money Lover or Zaim—they help you monitor spending on transportation, food, and more.

2. On the Train…

The trains here are super clean—you have to see it for yourself!
Once you’re on board, be sure to stow your luggage neatly. Japan values mindfulness, so it’s essential to consider others’ comfort. Look for the designated luggage area and make sure you’re not blocking anyone’s way.

Here are a few etiquette points to keep in mind:

• First: Please avoid eating on the train. Some trains have clear stickers indicating this rule, but even if they don’t, it’s a widely understood courtesy. Drinking is okay, but remember to clean up and take your trash with you.
• Second: Keep your voice down. Japanese public spaces are quiet zones, so please be mindful of others.
• Third: Don’t place your hand luggage or handbag on the seat. I regularly see foreigners doing this, and it can create a negative impression. Let’s all do our best to maintain a good image!
  Extra: This is a great time to practice basic Japanese courtesy phrases—knowing a few words in Nihongo can make a difference.

3. Navigating After the Station Exit

After you’ve found your stop, get off, and exited the station—what’s next? First, double-check that you have your destination saved on your phone or in Google Maps if you don’t have data or roaming, no problem! Just find the nearest conbini (convenience store) and connect to their free Wi-Fi.

At the airport, you might have the option to purchase a short-term SIM card before exiting the gate. However, these are often quite expensive, and you’ll need to have your documents printed and ready to present. If you can wait a few days, I recommend getting your other documents in order first, then signing up with a network provider that offers a better data package tailored to your needs—this approach can save you a lot from the start. Once you leave the airport, tourist SIM cards or short-term contracts become much harder to find. Instead, you’ll need to register with a network provider—such as SoftBank, NTT Docomo, KDDI, or Rakuten Mobile—and have your initial documents ready before signing up.

Extra: Download helpful apps Google maps updated, and Google Translate or DeepL (https://www.deepl.com/en/translator) to bridge any language gaps during your travels.

4. Where to Stay: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals

Depending on how long you’re planning to stay, you’ve got some great options:

• Short-Term (2 to 3 weeks):
  Hostels, hotels, or dorms are perfect for a brief stay while you get a feel for your new environment.
• Long-Term (1 month to 1 year):
  Sharehouse rentals are a fantastic choice! When I arrived in Japan, I opted for a sharehouse because the upfront cost was lower than renting a full apartment. Plus, monthly fees usually cover everything from Wi-Fi to utilities—and many sharehouses even offer weekly cleaning services. Talk about hassle-free living!
  Bonus Tip: If you’re considering renting a flat, check out foreigner-friendly agencies such as Mini-mini, Nishiyo, Summo, and andhomes. Platforms like GaijinPot Apartments can also be very helpful.
  Extra: Use online property search sites that provide English support to make your house-hunting process smoother.

Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more about different rental options in a future post!

5. Daily Essentials & Survival Kit

Now, let’s talk about the costs of daily life. I’m here to give you the scoop on where to get your very first “survival kit” in Japan, which includes all the essentials you won’t want to be without. And yes, food is definitely at the top of the list!
As soon as you arrive, grab some fuel to keep you going. I suggest a quick stop at a conbini for water and bread. Eating out is an option, but depending on where you land, restaurants might be few and far between—so it’s wise to stock up on some basics. Here’s a handy list of items to grab:

• Water: (You can drink tap water, but if you prefer extra caution, bottled water is a good choice.)
• Tea: (Sweet or herbal, whichever you fancy.)
• Coffee: (Freshly brewed, available hot or cold.)
• Pocari Sweat or Aquarius: (You’ll thank me for these in the summer!)
• Bread and Sandwiches: (Or even Obento lunch boxes.)
• Onigiri: (This lifesaver will keep your hunger at bay.)
• Cup Noodles or Cup Soup: (I recommend the “miso shiro” flavour—it tastes like a warm hug from home.)
• Supplement Drinks: (Vitamin C, B-complex, etc.)
• Snacks: (Go wild and try some new varieties.)
• Basic Toiletries: (From wet wipes to toothbrushes and creams—they have it all.)
• Cash from the ATM: (If you need it, this is a great way to access funds.)
• Access to a Copy Machine or Printer: (Trust me, you’ll need it eventually.) And if you stumble upon a drugstore, that’s an extra win!

Extra: Keeping a daily budget using apps like MoneyForward, Money Lover or Zaim can help you monitor these expenses over time.

Coming Up Next…

Extra Tips for Newcomers:

• Language Tools: Although many signs in Japan are bilingual, having a translation app like DeepL can be a lifesaver when reading labels or asking for help.
• Cultural Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with basic Japanese etiquette (like proper recycling methods, bowing, and greetings) to make your daily interactions smoother and more enjoyable.
• Trash Disposal: Carry your own plastic bag for trash, as public areas often don’t have any trash cans or bins. Remember, it’s important not to leave any trash behind—pack it out with you!

I hope these tips and additional details help you navigate life in Japan with confidence and ease. Enjoy exploring, stay savvy, and be happy living in Japan!