4 Tips for Convenient Life in Japan
There are untold rules and tips that makes your life easier while living in a foreign country or culture. Acquiring and compiling this knowledge can take months or even years. However, if you are reading this and are planning to relocate to Japan (or perhaps already living in Japan), you should find this article useful. Here are four tips that will add an increased level of convenience to your life in Japan.
KONBINI (Convenience Stores)
Or COMBINI, if you prefer
Convenience stores in Japan are awesome. While you might think of convenience stores as just a place to buy junk food and soda, convenience stores in Japan carry a wide range of food and other useful life essentials. Of course, you can find your essential junk food, but you'll also find very nutritional premade meals, from Japanese-style fish to Ramen to Bentos to sandwiches. Japanese convenience stores focus more closely on nutrition and health. In addition, many convenience stores will have small lounges with tables where you can sit down to either enjoy your morning coffee or partake of your Bento. There is most likely a convenience store within walking distance from wherever you're staying. This is an easy option for healthy food and snacks that is typically open 24 hours a day.
Train System
A positive aspect of Japan being one of the most densely-populated countries in the world is the conveniently efficient and ubiquitous train system. Japan has one of the most extensive train systems in the world, and you'll most likely find a train station within a short walk of wherever you are. If you are working in Japan, it might be more cost effective and convenient to take a train into work rather than to commute by car. Although you might be overwhelmed by the system in the beginning, you will quickly grow accustomed to how easy and accessible it is from anywhere you are.
Spend your Change
When shopping and making daily purchases (see the section on convenience stores above) you will quickly amass a lot of coins in Japan. Unlike countries such as the US, Japan does not have a one-dollar note, instead there is are ￥100 and a ￥500 coins (about $1 and $5 respectively). As you use your larger ￥1,000 and ￥5,000 yen notes, you will start to feel the weight of the coins in your pocket weighing you down. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use your change whenever you can. Try using your coins to pay with exact change whenever you can.
Japan also offers many cashless payment options these days, so that's another way to keep from amassing pockets full of loose change.
Earthquake Safety
Japan is a country that experiences earthquakes quite frequently. Although the majority of these earthquakes are not strong enough to harm you, it is good to be aware that an earthquake can happen any time. For such reasons, Japanese supermarkets and 100 Yen stores will carry items that will help you
survive an earthquake safely. These items include furniture and shelve stoppers that will prevent heavy objects from falling over. You'll also want to pick up items for your bug-out bag including dried and canned food items, water, flashlights, first-aid kit, etc.. all widely available at local shops... until there is an emergency, that is. Be sure to prep before!
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