snow monkeys + hot spring = a must-see!

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!As things start to cool down, many of you may be planning itineraries to travel to and around Japan. We want to start the month off with some of the must see, do, eat, and drink attractions around the country! Le...

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Oct 02, 2023
what do Japanese people in Japan actually eat?

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!We're all some level of foodie but the real question is - how adventurous are you? Are you game for natto - the stinky (but super healthy) fermented sticky soy beans? How about horse sashimi? Many school students...

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Sep 19, 2023
beyond Tokyo - where should you visit in Japan?

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!If you're planning a trip around Japan, whether you're here or on the way, here are some of our favorite things to see, eat, and do all over the country that aren't Tokyo or Osaka! You've probably seen every othe...

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Aug 31, 2023
how long does it take to learn Japanese?

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!"I want to be able to speak Japanese fluently.""I want to watch anime without subtitles." "I want to live in Japan." If you've thought or said any of these things out loud, chances are you've wandered a ways down...

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Aug 22, 2023
thinking about getting a tattoo in Tokyo?

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Here are some of our latest articles to help you with getting inked, learning Japanese, and planning your trip around Japan!Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Tattoo Art & HistoryWhile tattoos are still frowned upon in...

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Jul 31, 2023
the Japanese art of bento and lunchbox art

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Let's skip the preamble and get right to our latest articles!How to Say Please in JapaneseUnlike in English where you can simply tack on a 'please' here and there, Japanese has a few ways to say 'please.' The two...

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Jul 18, 2023
can non-Japanese people wear kimono?

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Let's dive into the kimono and a little more of Japan's beaten path! Yukata vs KimonoWhat's the difference? Maybe you've heard that one's heavier and one's more formal. One is associated with geisha and the othe...

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Jun 28, 2023
so you think you're an otaku?

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!Without any adieu at all, let's dive into this week's otaku-special edition for those of you seeking that badge of honor! Top 24 Things to Do in AkihabaraAkihabara, often referred to as "Akiba" by locals, is a v...

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Jun 12, 2023
do you need health insurance in Japan?

Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!If you've booked your ticket to Japan or are thinking of booking one - we've collated a couple of our most popular articles to make sure you're informed of what you're getting into when you land!Ultimate Guide to...

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May 24, 2023