Up until last year, I had been using my credit card from back home in the Philippines and sending payments every month. Not only was this a hassle, but I also realized I was missing out on many benefits of having a Japanese credit card. That was when I decided to apply for one from […]
6 Easy Steps to Clean Your Washing Machine In Japan: A Quick Guide for Foreigners
Let me give it to you straight: Cleaning your washing machine in Japan is surprisingly straightforward, even if it sounds like a chore. Living through Tokyo’s tsuyu season can feel like an endless string of gloomy days. Trust me, everything feels damp and just kind of… meh. So, when my kitchen and bathroom rugs started […]
A Clueless Foreigner’s Complete Guide to Sanitary Napkins in Japan
Holler to my ladies in Japan. This blog was made for you. And if you’re a guy and you’re reading this anyway, well I’m just happy for the view and I ain’t judging. Today, we will take a deep dive into sanitary napkins in Japan. The Many Types and Descriptions of Sanitary Napkins in Japan […]
Japan Bathroom Control Panel: A Helpful Guide For Foreigners
In the Philippines, I didn’t even use a heater in the bathroom because, honestly, there was really no need for it. So, imagine my shock and frustration the first time I tried to take a bath in Japan and had to face a control panel that had so many buttons – not to mention indecipherable […]
Japan Apartment Intercom: A Helpful Guide for Foreigners
Most Japanese apartments come equipped with an intercom (usually locally referred to as interphone or ‘in-taa-hon’). Aside from providing security, this handy device is great for receiving guests and deliveries. A lot of apartment buildings in Japan have an ‘auto-lock’ feature, prohibiting anyone from entering the premises unless allowed by one of the tenants. So, […]
Washlet Wonders: Mastering How to Use Japan’s Advanced Toilet Technology
One of Japan’s most popular inventions and a machine you are actually probably excited to try out because it is not so common abroad is the washlet. In this blog, we talk about the unique features its buttons offer and how you can use this appliance on the daily. In Japan, washlet toilets are like […]
How to Use Japan’s Ceiling Light Remote Control: A Complete Guide for Clueless Foreigners
Of course, the light in your room could have just a simple ON/OFF switch. However, since it’s Japan, chances are even your ceiling light affords you more options. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Japan’s ceiling light remote control effectively. Before Using Japan’s Ceiling Light Remote Control Note that the light itself still […]
How to Do a Bank Transfer in Japan: A Helpful Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners
In writing another blog about the money transfer app Wise, I realized that many expats might be eager to try it out but are hesitant because they’re unfamiliar with doing a bank transfer in Japan (furikomi). While many ATMs in Japan now offer English menus, the translations usually cover only the most common services such […]
Japanese Washing Machine: A Useful Guide for Foreigners
Moving to another country can be a stressful experience that a lot of us would just rather stay within the comfort of our new homes, at least for the first couple of days. But heck, how are we supposed to feel better when even the things inside the house bring confusion with its every button? […]