|
|
 Tips for Living in Japan
Do you want to know more about living in Japan and working for Amity? There is no better way to gain information about these important matters than by receiving advice from other teachers. Here are some tips from some of our current and former teachers. |
Teachers send
money home for a variety of reasons. The two most common
methods are postal money orders and wire transfers. Sending
money by postal money order requires you to bring the
money to the post office in cash. There is a limit to
how much you can send at one time and it takes longer
than a wire transfer but it is significantly cheaper.
Sending money by wire transfer will be faster and can
be done through a registered account, but it is more expensive.
Banks in your home country also charge for receiving money
by wire transfer, so that should be taken into consideration.
| Teacher tip |
 |
|
 |
| Many teachers
choose to use a cellular phone while in Japan. When selecting
a cell phone company, consider which provides the best
service in your area for your needs. Most cell phones
have the capability to send and receive email messages
and receive international calls. In addition, the majority
of mobile service providers allow you to make overseas
calls from your cell phone.
Traditional land telephone lines may be rented or purchased.
Renting a landline typically costs between 2,500 yen
to 3,500 yen per month. The cost of purchasing a phone
line varies from 40,000 yen to 70,000 yen. Landlines
can be bought and resold for often as little as half
the price; in addition they can be moved to another
city in Japan if the owner relocates.
| Teacher tips |
|
|
|
|
DSL is vastly
becoming the most common means for Internet connections
in Japan. Dial-up access is becoming less accessible and
cable is not yet as common in Japan as it is in some parts
of the world. Information on the various service providers
is available in the community in which you will be residing.
Larger companies often have English-speaking staff available
to assist in setting up the service in your apartment.
| Teacher tips |
|
|
|
Many teachers
desire to study the Japanese language during their time
in Japan. A variety of options for language instruction
are available to foreigners living in Japan. In many cities,
Japanese lessons are offered at the local community or
international center for a nominal fee, and even in some
cases, for free. Community members often volunteer to
teach these lessons. For individuals who would like more
intensive studies, there are a number of Japanese schools
offering both short-term and long-term courses.
|
|
Most cities
have fitness or health clubs, which offer aerobics,
swimming pools, and weight lifting equipment. There
are usually yearly memberships fees in addition to monthly
user fees. Monthly fees may cost from 6,000 yen to 13,000
yen for various membership packages. Many cities offer
use of a community gym, sometimes including use of a
swimming pool. Although it is less expensive, approximately
350 yen per visit, the equipment is often limited and
outdated.
Tennis is
very popular but it is often hard to find an open court.
Joining a tennis school or club is an option for avid
players. Monthly fees will be about the same as joining
a fitness club (8,000 yen to 12,000 yen per month).
Skiing and snowboarding
are very popular winter sports in Japan, and the slopes
are usually only a few hours away. Equipment and ski clothing
can both be rented at most locations. The cost of a day
on the slopes is fairly expensive, usually between 10,000
and 15,000 yen for lift tickets, rental equipment and
lunch. If you plan to do a lot of snowboarding or skiing,
it might be wise to invest in used equipment, which is
commonly available at very reasonable prices.
|
|
Larger
sizes of both men's and women's clothing and shoes are
difficult to find in Japan. Although some western stores
such The GAP, J Crew, and Eddie Bauer, can be found
in larger cities, they often do not carry many larger
sizes. It is wise to bring plenty of clothing items
and shoes if you have concerns about finding your size.
The humidity
in Japan is much higher than in most western countries,
and this is especially evident during the summer months.
It is beneficial to bring clothes that do not wrinkle
easily and to avoid fabrics that do not breathe well.
In addition, Japan can be quite cold in the winter,
depending on the location, and Japanese apartments are
not equipped with central heating. Therefore, bringing
the appropriate winter clothing and shoes will keep
you warm.
Japanese
culture places emphasis on appearance, and Japanese
people take great care to appear attractively and tastefully
dressed. Wearing neat, clean and pressed clothing is
the norm in the Japanese work environment. The culture
emphasizes conformity, not individualism, as western
countries often celebrate. Dark suits, white or pale
colored shirts and subdued patterns and colors for ties
are commonly worn in the workplace.
| Teacher tips |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
