Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!When you're planning your trip to Japan, you think about all the wonderful things you're going to eat, right? Well, if you live here, it's pretty much the same story! There's always new specials, new restaurants,...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Did you know there are 2 different words for part-time jobs in Japan? They're either referred to as arubaito or paato, and each hints at the kind of worker. Arubaito, sometimes shortened to baito, often refers to...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Everybody does Disneyland. Everybody hits Hachiko Crossing.Everybody strolls around Ginza. But there's so much more to Tokyo if you look beyond the typical guidebook recommendations, so let's dive into some of o...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Summer is in full effect again, and it's time to slow down for Obon. This is the time of year when people get excited for summer holidays, but it's also about paying respect to our deceased relatives across the a...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Dating can be a mystery in our own cultures, so it should come as no surprise that dating in Japan, too, can be a little confusing at times. Take goukon - the blind group date (3-5 men and equal number of women,...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Learning Japanese has a reputation for not being a cake walk. Never mind kanji. Just figuring out the right level of politeness can be a headache! Fortunately, Japanese people are typically very understanding whe...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Summer is almost here! In other words, I've got a couple months ahead of cicadas screaming outside my window all day. But there is a lot to love about Japan's summer. And there is a lot to do.So, I'll save the le...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Some people love Japan on the basis of having read a Murakami or some One Piece, downed a few matcha lattes, and eaten at Benihana's - and there's no shame in that!We are totally against gatekeeping Japanese cult...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!You've been looking forward to planning a trip to Japan, and now the big question: Where should you stay? Luxurious hotels and infinity poolside selfies have flooded our social media for years now, and they're gr...

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!This is actually a pretty big thing in Japan that you never hear about outside of the country itself! Golden Week is basically Japan’s version of a spring holiday rush - kind of like if Thanksgiving, Christmas, a...