Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kobe Sannomiya PREMIER Review | Best Business Hotel in Kobe?

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Introduction Hello, I’m Taro! I recently stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kobe Sannomiya PREMIER, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. If you’re looking for the best business hotel in Kobe Sannomiya, this review will cover everything you need to know about its location, amenities, comfort, and dining options. For those wondering, I flew in using Skymark Airlines from Ibaraki Airport, and I’ve written a separate guide about that journey. Feel free to check it out here: A Guide to Ibaraki Airport: Japan’s Hidden Gem. I often visit Kobe for work, and every time I stay in the city, this is my go-to hotel. Just a quick … Read more

Experience “Dinner in the Sky” in Tokyo’s Toyosu

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Overview The globally renowned “Dinner in the Sky” is making its debut in Japan on March 13, 2025, at Kiranah Garden Toyosu in Tokyo. This unique dining experience involves being seated at a table suspended 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) above the ground by a crane, allowing guests to enjoy their meal amidst breathtaking aerial views of Tokyo Bay and the iconic Rainbow Bridge. Origin of “Dinner in the Sky” Originally from Belgium, “Dinner in the Sky” was conceptualized in 2007 by David Ghysels, a marketing executive, and Stefan Kerkhofs, a bungee jumping organizer. They created this sky-high dining experience for the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe, an association of young European … Read more

Japanese Barbershops vs. Hair Salons: What’s the Difference?

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If you have short hair like me, you probably visit a barbershop or hair salon once a month. But did you know that in Japan, barbershops and hair salons operate under different laws? Today, let’s dive into the differences between Japanese barbershops (理容室) and hair salons (美容室) and help you decide which one suits you best! 💇‍♂️💇‍♀️ 1. Legal Differences In Japan, barbershops and hair salons are regulated by separate laws: In simple terms, barbershops focus on grooming and maintenance, while hair salons emphasize aesthetics and beauty. Can Hair Salons Offer Shaving Services? 🤔 Only licensed barbers can perform face shaving with a straight razor. However, some hair salons offer … Read more

A Guide to Japan’s Major Mobile Carriers for International residents 📱

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If you’re planning to live in Japan or are already residing here as a international resident, choosing the right mobile carrier in Japan is crucial. Japan has four major cell phone carriers: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au (KDDI), and Rakuten Mobile. Each offers different SIM card options in Japan, so let’s break them down to help you make the best choice! Best Mobile Carriers in Japan 🇯🇵 Among the four, NTT Docomo and SoftBank are the most recommended due to their extensive network coverage in Japan and reliable service. Rakuten Mobile: The New Challenger 📡 Rakuten Mobile is known as the “fourth carrier” in Japan and has been actively expanding its … Read more

Introducing “Welcome Suica Mobile”: A New Era for Seamless Travel in Japan

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Background and Purpose East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is launching a new mobile-based Suica service, “Welcome Suica Mobile”, designed to enhance the convenience of railway travel for international visitors. By expanding related services, JR East aims to enable smooth, ticketless travel, allowing visitors to navigate Japan using only their smartphones for transportation and payments. Overview of “Welcome Suica Mobile” Key Features Main Functions Future Expansion Plans (1) Fall 2025: Integration with “JR-EAST Train Reservation” (2) Spring 2026 Enhancements Related Services (1) “JR EAST Rail PASS Search” (Launching Summer 2024) (2) Improved Japan Rail Pass Collection (Spring 2026) Summary Benefits of This Initiative With these advancements, JR East is making … Read more

Best 100 Yen Shops in Japan: Daiso, Seria, Can★Do & More (2025)

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Japan’s 100 yen shops, or “hyakkin” (百均), are a must-visit for anyone looking for high-quality, affordable products. These stores offer a wide variety of goods, all typically priced at 100 yen (approximately $0.70 USD, excluding tax). In recent years, some stores have also introduced products priced at 300 yen, 500 yen, and even 1,000 yen. Best 100 Yen Shops in Japan (2025): Which One Should You Visit? Several major brands dominate the 100 yen shop market in Japan. Here’s a closer look at the four most well-known companies: 1. Daiso 2. Seria 3. Can★Do 4. Watts Fake 100 Yen Shops: Brands to Watch Out for in 2025! As Japan’s 100 … Read more

A Guide to Ibaraki Airport: Japan’s Hidden Gem

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If you’re looking for a quiet and hassle-free airport experience in Japan, Ibaraki Airport might be just what you need. Located in Omitama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this airport opened in 2010 and shares its facilities with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Hyakuri Air Base. While not as well-known as major airports like Narita or Haneda, Ibaraki Airport offers a relaxed atmosphere and serves as a convenient gateway for certain domestic and international flights. Flight Routes and Airlines Ibaraki Airport is primarily served by Skymark Airlines for domestic flights and several international carriers for overseas travel. Here’s a breakdown of the current routes: Domestic Flights (Operated by Skymark Airlines) ✈️ International … Read more

Best STEM Universities in Japan

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Introduction Hi, I’m Taro! I studied physics at a national university in Japan and earned my master’s degree there. Given my background, I have some insight into Japan’s top STEM universities. In this article, I’ll introduce some of the best STEM universities in Japan based on my personal perspective. The right university choice depends on your goals—whether you aim to become a researcher or secure a job at a top company. These two paths lead to very different university recommendations. Best Universities for Research in Japan If you want to pursue research and become a scientist, I strongly recommend aiming for a national university in Japan. Research in Japan is … Read more

Best Affordable Conveyor Belt Sushi Chains in Japan (Nationwide Edition) – A Personal Ranking

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Hey there, it’s Taro! 🍣 Japan is home to countless conveyor belt sushi (“kaiten-zushi”) chains, but not all of them are created equal. While there are incredible local sushi chains like Toriton in Hokkaido and Numazu Uogashi Sushi in Shizuoka, today, I’ll focus on affordable nationwide conveyor belt sushi chains. I’m also excluding higher-end chains like Kanazawa Maimon Sushi, which, while delicious, doesn’t fit the “affordable” category. So, let’s get started! Here are my personal recommendations for budget-friendly, nationwide kaiten-zushi chains. These are places you can find almost anywhere in Japan (some even have overseas branches!). 🏆 My Top 5 Affordable Conveyor Belt Sushi Chains in Japan 🥇 #1: Uobei … Read more