Exploring and traveling in the Japanese countryside is one of the most harmonic down-to-earth things you can experience in life. This is because Japan has a more than 2000-year old history, rich with temples, shrines, and other historic places to visit. Japan is also a country with beautiful and varying nature. Not only does Japan offer jungles in southern Okinawa. It also offers snow and a Scandinavian climate in northern Hokkaido. Nature also varies greatly with altitude, and Japan is 73% mountainous! This also means that 73% of Japan lies in the countryside! So, how to best start traveling ..read more

Have you ever wanted to study Japanese in Japan? We often receive questions about the different options to study in Japan and live in the country.  We created this article about the different options to study in Japan and the pros and cons of each. While most people choose to study long-term between 6 and 24 months at a language school or up to four years at a university, there are short-term options as well. If you are interested in moving to Japan now or in the future, this article may help you decide on what kind of trip you want to make! Read on to see all the options for living and s ..read more

It can be very difficult to start studying for JLPT N1 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). This is because the gap in difficulty from N2 to N1 is huge and it can take students between one to three years to go from JLPT N2 to N1. To pass the test you need to have a proper study plan and be consistent in your studies over a long period. Let’s tackle the beast called JLPT N1. Read on if you want to learn how to conquer JLPT N1. An Introduction to JLPT The JLPT is a standardized multiple-choice test that was introduced in 1984 and has since become the most widely-taken Japanese language test in ..read more

Kabuki is one of the great performing arts, with a long, rich history and origin that dates back over 400 years. Throughout history, kabuki in Japan has gone through a lot of transitions and reforms. Still, supported by many kabuki lovers and the extraordinary efforts of actors and producers continuing to play traditional plays and creating new plays, it holds a significant place in Japanese culture.  In recent years, kabuki in Japan suffered a lot from the COVID-19 pandemic with many restrictions and decreasing audiences. But as the pandemic is coming to an end, the audience is coming ba ..read more

If you are studying Japanese it is highly recommended to aim at passing the JLPT N2. The test is hard, but there are many benefits to passing. Having a JLPT N2 certificate makes you linguistically qualified to get jobs in Japan, and also grants access to enter a Japanese university! But what do you need to pass the JLPT N2 test? And how can you best prepare for the test? Learn that and more as we take a deep dive into the JLPT N2. An Introduction to JLPT The JLPT is a standardized language test in a multiple-choice format and the most widely-taken Japanese language test in the world. The exam ..read more

Having the opportunity to work full-time in Japan is truly a dream come true for some. It offers a glimpse into a dynamic and intricate work culture. From punctuality and team collaboration to professionalism and dedication, Japanese workplaces thrive on these values but can sometimes be the cause of a few struggles foreign workers face in Japan. If you are looking to start a career in Japan, or even someone who is no novice to a Japanese workplace there are some struggles you may face from time to time. In this article, we are going to highlight some of the struggles foreign workers face in J ..read more

A lot of magic happens during the spring in Japan, think cherry blossoms in full bloom and a fresh start to the school year in April – that is the kind of backdrop we’re talking about. When deciding to study at a language school, it’s always better to start planning sooner rather than later. So, if you are wondering whether or not it’s a good idea to study in Japan in April, we’ll guide you through the top 5 reasons to consider it! 1. The 2-Year Visa Opportunity The #1 reason to study in Japan in April is the unique two-year visa opportunity. Starting at a Japanese language school during the s ..read more

When autumn arrives in Japan, landscapes across the country turn all shades of red, orange, and yellow. In Japanese, the process of leaves changing colours is called “momiji“, which is also the name of the Japanese maple tree, and people all over the country travel every year to see the best momiji.  Here are some of the top places to experience the magic of autumn in Japan.  Hokkaido The northernmost of Japan’s islands is also the first to experience autumn colours. Combine the colours with the gorgeous natural scenery and it makes for a stunning experience. Some of the recommended ..read more

Once the capital of Japan and now more of a laid-back city with lots of temples and shrines, living in Kyoto is for those of you with a spiritual side. It could be described as a cozy city, it has a lot of history, it’s generally low-rise in comparison to somewhere like Tokyo and the locals are welcoming and friendly, despite a large amount of tourism in the area. Let’s dive into what makes the idea of living in Kyoto so special. Exploring the area Arashiyama Situated on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a place full of the historic delights of Japan. The town itself is still full of tradi ..read more

Whether it’s calling your hairdresser or a dental office for your yearly dental checkup, you’re going to need to make an appointment in Japanese at least a few times while living in Japan. Talking on the phone in a foreign language can be stressful, especially if you don’t feel confident speaking the language yet. Unfortunately, while apps and websites sometimes offer online appointments, a large portion of clinics, salons, and even restaurants still only accept them over the phone. But don’t worry, we are here to help with some need-to-know words and phrases for when you need to make an appoi ..read more