Picture yourself coming home to a sleek, modern apartment in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district. The prestigious Park Court Shibuya The Tower puts you right in the center of the action, while providing a tranquil, sophisticated retreat. With rents ranging from ¥560,000 (~$3,600 USD) to ¥1,200,000 (~$8,000 USD) per month, this is luxury urban living at its finest. Rising an impressive 39 stories with 4 basement levels, Park Court Shibuya The Tower cuts a striking figure against the Shibuya skyline. Completed in August 2020, the reinforced concrete structure offers a range of spaciou ..read more

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented surge in inbound tourism, with the country set to achieve its government-set goal of topping the pre-pandemic figure of 32 million annual foreign visitors by 2025. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the January-March quarter saw a record 8.56 million visitors, putting the nation on course to surpass both visitor numbers and spending targets. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during a ministerial meeting on Wednesday, expressed optimism about the current pace, stating, “If we continue at this pace, we can expect the numbers ..read more

After closing its doors indefinitely last November for major renovations, the iconic Starbucks branch overlooking Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing is set to reopen on April 25, 2024 with an impressive new look and expanded layout. The Starbucks, located on the first two floors of the QFront building, shut down as media chain Tsutaya, the building’s main tenant, began overhauling the nine floors it occupies. With no initial mention of Starbucks in Tsutaya’s renovation plans, many feared the beloved coffee shop, a landmark for Tokyo locals and international visitors alike since 1999, ma ..read more

When Chani, an Australian woman, decided to move to Japan, she had dreams of owning a charming, affordable home in the countryside. She found a property advertised for under $20,000 Australian dollars and settled on it, trusting the contract that stated there were no issues with termites, leaks, or the roof. To save on costs, Chani chose not to get a professional inspection, a decision she would soon regret. Just two days after receiving the keys, Chani discovered leaking water pipes beneath the ground. Quotes from plumbers ranged from $3,000 to $10,000, leaving her devastated. A handyman su ..read more

While streaming is steadily gaining popularity in Japan, CDs still account for the largest share of recorded music revenue in 2023. This is a unique trend compared to many other major music markets where streaming has surpassed physical formats. Source: Reddit u/noisymortimer Some key observations: CD sales remain strong: Despite declines in other formats, CD revenue has stayed relatively stable over the 5-year period, dropping only slightly from 2019 to 2023. CDs still make up over 60% of total music revenue in Japan as of 2023. Streaming growth: Streaming revenue has increased significantly ..read more

Tokyo is known for its high cost of living and small living spaces, but one TikToker has recently showcased a surprisingly spacious and affordable micro apartment that has captured the attention of people around the world. this is kind of goals wtf pic.twitter.com/bvveIxsG4t — tania (@boywaif) February 4, 2023 Ryan Crouse, a college student living in Tokyo, gave his 400,000 TikTok followers a tour of his $450-per-month apartment, and the video has since gone viral with over 2 million views on TikTok and 1.5 million views on Twitter. The Apartment’s Features Despite its small size, Crouse ..read more

Japan has recently reopened to international travelers after being closed for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As one of the most popular tourist destinations for Americans, demand for flights and hotels in Japan is surging. However, it is still very possible to book an amazing trip to Japan using points and miles. Here’s how to get started. Flying to Japan Using Miles One of the best options for flying to Japan on miles is with Japan Airlines business class. You can book a one-way business class award seat for just 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles or 60,000 Alaska Airlines ..read more

Japan has been struggling with deflation and low economic growth for over 30 years. Since the early 1990s, the country’s GDP per capita has actually decreased from a peak of $44,210 in 1995 to just $33,949 today. In contrast, the US GDP per capita has nearly tripled over that same period, from $28,671 to $80,412. xr:d:DAF9Dq7exW0:98,j:6001471464399446050,t:24041515Japan’s Decades-Long Battle With Deflation Economists generally agree that deflation can have very harmful effects on an economy. When prices are constantly falling, it incentivizes people and businesses to hoard cash rather than spe ..read more

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? The clock is ticking, and the majestic 20-meter-tall snow corridors at Japan’s Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route are waiting for you! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is only available for a limited time, as the winter season draws to a close. Source: alpen-routeSource: alpen-routeSource: alpen-route Daikanbo Snow Tunnel Source: alpen-route tateyamakurobe_official tateyamakurobe_official tateyamakurobe_official tateyamakurobe_official tateyamakurobe_official Picture yourself walking through a mesmerizing labyrinth of towering snow walls, reaching hei ..read more

Located in the quaint town of Kamiichi in Toyama Prefecture, a charming 108-year-old house is on the market for the astoundingly low price of just ¥1,000,000 – that’s roughly $6,700! Despite its Taisho era origins, this 6K layout wooden house spans an impressive 140.81m² (1,516 sq ft) and sits on a 125.01m² (1,345 sq ft) lot. Just an 11-minute walk from Kamiichi Station on the Toyama Chihou Railway Main Line, this akiya is an unbeatable chance to own a piece of Japanese history for a fraction of what you’d expect to pay. Highlights For this $6,700 House Price: ¥1,000,000 (~$6,700) House Size ..read more