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The Pollen Problem in Japan: What You Need to Know 🌲🤧

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Hey there! Taro here. Today, I want to talk about a seasonal issue that affects millions of people in Japan—pollen allergies. If you’re planning to visit or live in Japan, you might want to pay attention because this could affect you too! Japan’s Pollen Allergy: A Nationwide Struggle 😷 According to surveys and medical studies, nearly half of Japan’s population suffers from pollen allergies, known as kafunshō (花粉症) in Japanese. The primary culprits? Cedar (sugi, 杉) and cypress (hinoki, ヒノキ) trees. These trees release a massive amount of pollen each year, triggering allergic reactions in millions of people. When is Pollen Season in Japan? 📆 Pollen season in Japan typically … Read more

Popular Digital Payment Methods in Japan

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Hi, I’m Taro! 😊 Since the COVID-19 pandemic, digital payments have rapidly gained popularity in Japan. Among these, QR code payments have seen the most significant adoption due to their relatively low implementation cost for businesses. QR Code Payments: Best Mobile Payment Apps in Japan QR code payments are now widely accepted across Japan. Some of the most well-known QR payment services include: Among these, PayPay is by far the most widely used. Even small, family-owned businesses that previously only accepted cash now often support PayPay. This service has also partnered with international e-wallets such as AliPay, Kakao Pay, TrueMoney, OCBC Digital, JKO Pay, MyPB, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, NAVER … Read more

The Unique World of Messaging Apps in Japan: What You Need to Know

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Hey there, it’s Taro! 😊 Today, I want to dive into an interesting topic: the most popular messaging apps in Japan. If you’re used to apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or WeChat in your country, you might be surprised by how different things are in Japan. Let’s break it down! The Most Popular Messaging App in Japan: LINE 👑 If you’re planning to live in or visit Japan, you NEED to have LINE. It’s the undisputed champion of messenger apps in Japan. Almost everyone in Japan uses it—whether it’s for personal chats, work communication, or even booking appointments. It’s not just an app; it’s an essential part of daily life. Why … Read more

How to Order and Pay at Saizeriya in Japan | Complete Guide

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Saizeriya is a budget-friendly Italian restaurant chain in Japan, popular among high school and university students. While it may not be the best place for a quiet meal, it’s a great option for those who want a nutritious and affordable meal without resorting to fast food. However, it’s not exactly a go-to spot for a romantic date! 😆 I personally visit Saizeriya for lunch about once or twice a week. Saizeriya’s Ordering System | QR Code-Based Ordering 📱 Saizeriya’s ordering system has evolved from traditional paper order slips to a more modern QR code ordering system. Each table has a QR code that you can scan with your smartphone to … Read more

Online Shopping in Japan: A Guide to Major Platforms

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Hello, this is Taro! As someone who shops online almost every week, I’d like to share insights into Japan’s e-commerce landscape. Whether you’re living in Japan or just curious about its online shopping scene, this guide covers the best nationwide platforms to help you shop smarter. 🛒✨ Best Online Shopping Sites in Japan Japan has several major e-commerce platforms, each with unique features and benefits. The most popular ones include: Amazon Japan: Best for Fast Delivery & Convenience Amazon Japan is one of the most widely used online shopping sites in Japan. With multiple distribution centers across the country, it offers a vast selection of products, a user-friendly interface, and … Read more

Exploring the Tsukuba Express (TX): A Convenient Railway Line in Ibaraki

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Hi, I’m Taro! 🚆 Living in Ibaraki Prefecture, a region where cars dominate daily transportation, I rarely use trains. However, when I do, my go-to option is the Tsukuba Express (TX). This private railway line, along with JR’s Joban Line, serves as one of the major railways in Ibaraki. A Brief History of Tsukuba Express (TX) The Tsukuba Express (TX) is a relatively new railway line in Japan, having opened in August 2005. It connects Tsukuba Station (Ibaraki) to Akihabara Station (Tokyo) in just 45 minutes at its fastest, making it a crucial transport option for commuters and students alike. Key Stations on the TX Line The TX line stops … Read more

The Best Gyms in Japan: Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, ChocoZap, and More

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Hey there! Taro here. I go to the gym about once or twice a week, and my go-to gym is Anytime Fitness. Japan has a wide variety of gyms, ranging from public and local fitness centers to major gym chains. Some of the most well-known chains include Anytime Fitness, JOY FIT, Gold’s Gym, ChocoZap, and Konami Sports. Among these, I find Anytime Fitness to be the most convenient option in Japan. Why? Because as an Anytime Fitness member, you can access any of their locations worldwide! Japan is actually the second-largest market for Anytime Fitness, with over 1,100 branches—second only to the U.S. With locations in every prefecture, there’s always … Read more

Hello, World! 🌏✨

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Hey there! I’m Taro (just a handle, but let’s roll with it), a 100% born-and-raised Japanese guy. Since I’ll have a dedicated page for my full introduction, I’ll keep it short for now. (I’ll drop the link later, so stay tuned!) Through this blog, I’ll be sharing all sorts of things about Japan in English. But instead of just covering the usual tourist spots like Tokyo and Kyoto, I want to introduce you to hidden gems and local experiences that don’t always make it into mainstream travel guides. Since I live in Ibaraki, a prefecture often overlooked by tourists, I think it’d be fun to dive into what makes this … Read more