MOVING TO JAPAN

The Japan Expat Shopping List. What do you haul back in your suitcase each trip home?  Compared to 20 years ago (when I was an exchange student), many items can be purchased in Japan at Costco, Amazon or Foreign Buyers Club, but we still stock-up when traveling back. As a …

Traveling or Living in Tokyo Japan with a Baby is an adventure everyday, so we are sharing our Tokyo Baby Guide to help make your life easier and more fun! We have six kids (ages 19-4) who have all been raised in Japan – learn about our favorites and from …

One of the most common conversations amongst busy moms and working parents is how to hire a helper. There is a lot to consider but here some info to help you out. The three most common options are; 1. hire a local service company to provide help, 2. sponsor a …

The Best Living Japan Tokyo Jump-Start Orientation is perfect for you if your family is new to Tokyo. Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything new and need info? Do you want to meet some new friends? If you answered yes to any of the questions, then the Tokyo Jump-Start …

If you are a mom or dad to Japan, here are some great Japan Parenting Groups and Resources you should know. Some of the groups are purely online support groups; other have offline events and meet-ups. There are over 30 parenting groups on this list which includes special interest groups …

We have gathered some of the top Tokyo International Schools’ Calendars for Winter 2020 (January to July 2020) in an attempt to help simplify planning. We often hear from other parents and organizers of community events that all the international schools’ schedules being different causes may headaches. Hoping readers find …

Are you moving to Tokyo, Japan? Although your home shipment may not have arrived yet, and you might still be in temp housing, don’t delay on settling down in Tokyo. Here are our tips on how to reduce the stress a bit and start enjoying this great city sooner. We …

It is really important to learn how to do a furikoi (bank transfer) in Japan as soon as you arrive. Furikomi (お振り込み / お振込) is an electronic funds transfer between your bank account and a recipient. Many banks have upgraded their ATMs to offer this service in English however some only offer …

Calling all US citizens – Republican, Democrats or Independent – we all have the right and responsibility to vote from abroad. If you want to voice your opinion about US politics, then vote! Please remember to register and request your ballot to vote in the upcoming November general elections. Your …

Looking for English language Tokyo Churches, Temples & Synagogues?  There are many places of worship in the Tokyo area that say English is spoken, and foreigners are welcome. However, I have found to feel truly comfortable and part of the congregation the service needs to be delivered by a native speaker and the …

This time of year many international families are planning their home country returns or next country moves so thought I would share 10 Sayonara Tips for moving with kids. Moving can be very stressful for parents and kids as they leave their homes, friends and daily routines. I overheard a …

Are you relocating to Japan and worried about bringing your dog or cat to Japan? Here are our tips on how to prepare.  Moving abroad can be stressful. Add your furry family member to the mix, and you’ve got a lot to juggle – airline accommodations, vaccines, endless paperwork, and …