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One-day trip from Tokyo – Hakone
Hakone doesn’t need a big plan. About an hour and a half from Shinjuku, it’s the kind of day where the getting-there is half the point and the rest sort of falls into place once you’re up in the mountains.
Culture & Society
One-day trip from Tokyo – Kamakura
About an hour by train from Tokyo, Kamakura is the perfect day trip: temples, a beach, a bamboo forest, and if you’re lucky, a view of Mount Fuji. Here’s a full itinerary with all the practical info you need to plan your day.
What Is Tanabata? The Star Festival Explained
Every July, Japan does something quietly extraordinary. Across the country — in shopping arcades, school corridors, temple grounds, and train
What’s On in Tokyo This Weekend (June 21–22, 2026)
Tokyo in the third week of June sits in that sweet, slightly sweaty spot between the tail of tsuyu and
Enjoying the Holidays: A Guide to Golden Week in Japan
Spring in Japan isn’t just about cherry blossoms; it’s also the time for Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク)! For international students and new residents, this is the longest and most exciting holiday season of the year.
If you are planning your new life in Japan, here is everything you need to know about this special week!
A New Chapter for Life in Japan: The “Specified Residency Card” (特定在留カード)
Spring is the season of 新生活 (shinseikatsu / new beginnings) in Japan. For those planning to move here, a major update is coming to make your administrative life much easier!
The Japanese government has officially announced that starting June 14, 2026, the 特定在留カード (tokutei zairyū kādo / Specified Residency Card) will be introduced.
This is a new, unified ID that merges your 在留カード (zairyū kādo / Residence Card) and your マイナンバーカード (mainambā kādo / My Number Card) into a single, smart card.
Spring in Japan
As winter fades and cherry blossoms begin to bloom, spring in Japan brings a sense of renewal, beauty, and tradition. One important date that marks this seasonal shift is Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日 / しゅんぶんのひ), celebrated each year around March 20th.
But beyond being a public holiday, it’s also a perfect opportunity to learn some beautiful Japanese spring vocabulary.
The Unwritten Rules of Japan That International Students Discover Too Late
Studying in Japan is exciting, but many cultural rules aren’t written anywhere. From silent trains to strict queue etiquette, here are the unwritten rules international students often discover only after arriving.
Why National Foundation Day Matters When You Study in Japan
Discover why National Foundation Day matters when you study in Japan. Learn about Japanese culture, holidays, and student life in Japan.
Celebrating New Year in Japan: Traditions & Student Life
Experience Japanese New Year traditions, holidays, and what language schools do during year-end breaks. A cultural guide for students in Japan.