What was it like moving to Japan?

[Allison_NaraPA]

...Lotion can be pricey here, so if you have one you like, bring it.

For cheap, unscented, bleach-free, lush lotion, you could also check out the baby section of any Japanese shop!

[Namisuke]

I don't think anyone answered about shaving in onsens/onsen rules so much (from what I could hunt - I could be wrong). It is my knowledge that you can do anything in a shower at an onsen that you would do at home, including shaving. Some people only go to onsens to bathe and bring a huge arsenal of stuff when they go.

Onsen etiquiette is fairly simple. There will be baskets in the change room. Grab one and put all of your clothes in there. You are free to get naked right in the first room you go into. I always go to the washroom first though. Grab your wash towel and any products for your hair and body into the shower (you can brush your teeth in there too if you want). Grab a stool and a bucket and find a shower (unless those things are already at the showers). You can leave your basket either at a shower or on a provided shelf. I usually see people wash their hair unless they tie it up really good. It is generally good manners to tie up your hair if it is long so it doesn't get in the water. Bring a wash towel (face towel or hand towel size) to shower with, rinse it well, and bring it with you to the bath. Don't let the towel go into the water. Use it to put on your head or cover your bits when you sit, or you can sit on it if the edge of the pool isn't so smooth. Some people rinse off between switching baths if the content of the water is really different and the showers are easily accessible. Otherwise, jumping from pool to pool is fine (I don't usually see people rinse off between pools). You can start conversations with others as if you had your clothes on. Others will likely try to talk to you if you are in a friendly area. You will likely get stared at as a foreigner, but no worries. Don't worry about how you choose to shave yourself. I find women here choose to shave that area as less as possible, so don't worry about feeling like an ape. None of my girlfriends have tattoos that I have onsened with, but my boyfriend has a big one on his back and hasn't run into any issues. I have heard a trick that if you keep it covered while you are undressing and don't uncover it until you are already naked and wet, the chances of getting kicked out are less. You can rinse off before you get out or not rinse off. I personally like to because there are usually lots of minerals in the water and I dye my hair. If you put the towel on your head, it might be good to do a quick shampoo. If it is that lovely time of the month, do what you would do if you were to go swimming (but since you are naked, hide the string).

Did I cover everything? Any contrasting ideas?

[Cliodhna]

Do they sell fish that has already been scaled and de-boned?

Sure do. Grocery stores also sell sashimi for pretty cheap as well. You will see whole fish, though, along with octopus legs and other entertaining things to poke in morbid fascination when no one's looking. A good grocery store is really priceless, though, as they offer already cooked and freshly fried pork cutlets, croquettes, hot dogs, fried shrimp, fresh gyoza, sashimi and sushi, etc. At a good grocery store, you can pretty much put together an entire cooked meal right there in the store for super cheap. So yeah, don't sweat the food thing so much. While part of my culture shock did deal with the lack of 'bread and milk' centered grocery shopping, I hope it doesn't have to be for anyone else haha.

Also, for women, low-cut tops are a big no-no.

This is just good advice in general, even for casual days. It's kind of demoralizing when you're going out of your way to set a good example and dress smartly and you spot another foreigner with her boobs hanging out lol. Sorry if that's a bit crude, but I feel it's important.




@Namisuke Hahaha, I like your onsen guide!

[Jax]

I would like to take a moment to point out that there is a HUGE difference between life as a student and life as an employed person. You're also going to get a million different responses to this question, even from people with the *exact* same placement.

Grocery stores also sell sashimi for pretty cheap as well. You will see whole fish, though, along with octopus legs and other entertaining things to poke in morbid fascination when no one's looking. A good grocery store is really priceless, though, as they offer already cooked and freshly fried pork cutlets, croquettes, hot dogs, fried shrimp, fresh gyoza, sashimi and sushi, etc. At a good grocery store, you can pretty much put together an entire cooked meal right there in the store for super cheap.

I think our ideas of good grocery stores are completely different. I skip the pre-cooked stuff... especially if it's fried (unless I'm really in a bind) because it's just not healthy to eat that stuff constantly. I look for stores that have a good selection of fresh foods for the best prices. On the JET salary, even the new one, there should be no problem being able to buy and cook healthy things or whatever you like. Unless you're incredibly stingy with your money or think fried foods are healthy or hate cooking..... but there's really no need to live on the super cheap here.

Also, the best grocery stores have discount days!!

Banking is banking -- the transactions book is neat. I discovered that when I put it into ATMs on the wrong page, the machine turns the page for me!

My friend had the opposite experience... she put her book in the wrong way and an alarm went off!

[megandd]

I don't think anyone answered about shaving in onsens/onsen rules so much (from what I could hunt - I could be wrong). It is my knowledge that you can do anything in a shower at an onsen that you would do at home, including shaving. Some people only go to onsens to bathe and bring a huge arsenal of stuff when they go.

Onsen etiquiette is fairly simple. There will be baskets in the change room. Grab one and put all of your clothes in there. You are free to get naked right in the first room you go into. I always go to the washroom first though. Grab your wash towel and any products for your hair and body into the shower (you can brush your teeth in there too if you want). Grab a stool and a bucket and find a shower (unless those things are already at the showers). You can leave your basket either at a shower or on a provided shelf. I usually see people wash their hair unless they tie it up really good. It is generally good manners to tie up your hair if it is long so it doesn't get in the water. Bring a wash towel (face towel or hand towel size) to shower with, rinse it well, and bring it with you to the bath. Don't let the towel go into the water. Use it to put on your head or cover your bits when you sit, or you can sit on it if the edge of the pool isn't so smooth. Some people rinse off between switching baths if the content of the water is really different and the showers are easily accessible. Otherwise, jumping from pool to pool is fine (I don't usually see people rinse off between pools). You can start conversations with others as if you had your clothes on. Others will likely try to talk to you if you are in a friendly area. You will likely get stared at as a foreigner, but no worries. Don't worry about how you choose to shave yourself. I find women here choose to shave that area as less as possible, so don't worry about feeling like an ape. None of my girlfriends have tattoos that I have onsened with, but my boyfriend has a big one on his back and hasn't run into any issues. I have heard a trick that if you keep it covered while you are undressing and don't uncover it until you are already naked and wet, the chances of getting kicked out are less. You can rinse off before you get out or not rinse off. I personally like to because there are usually lots of minerals in the water and I dye my hair. If you put the towel on your head, it might be good to do a quick shampoo. If it is that lovely time of the month, do what you would do if you were to go swimming (but since you are naked, hide the string).

Did I cover everything? Any contrasting ideas?

Thanks for the information about the bath houses! You really did a great job answering all of those lady-centered questions that were bouncing around in my head that I was too afraid to ask. They sound wonderful! I definitely want to try them out if I get to go.

[Sendai_Momiji]

You can start conversations with others as if you had your clothes on. Others will likely try to talk to you if you are in a friendly area. You will likely get stared at as a foreigner, but no worries....Did I cover everything? Any contrasting ideas?

Some people, usually obaachan's or drunk older housewives, might make comments on the size of your ladies but in general most of the people I've exchanged the 'hi. Glad to see we're both naked' head nod+smile with have been the sole of politeness and hospitality. And this was in northern Japan and slightly on the inaka side of things. ESID but that's the only negative I've ever experienced onsen-wise. I miss them. They are wonderful things and I wish we had them stateside.

[Teishou]

Wow, your description of the apartments is really helpful. I didn't know about switching water from the sink to the bath. That is definitely an important thing to know.
I was afraid that banking would be confusing.
Are washiki toilets like the squatting toilets in China, which are pretty much a toilet bowl sunk into the floor.?

Practically. Those toilets were modeled after the Chinese ones, so that's basically what you're going to get. Enjoy.

So you studied abroad in Japan. That sounds exciting. I bet you experienced a lot of Japanese culture by living with a family. What were you studying?

To make it short, Japanese. I was most interested in the interactions between the Japanese outside and inside of the home. So, sociology, basically, I suppose.

Was it difficult to take classes in Japan?

Not necessarily. But real classes there are both a joke, and no joke. The Japanese in certain cases was above my head, but I could generally understand the content. However, the mannerisms for uni classes over there was somewhat abysmal. People sleeping in class is the norm, sure, but why come to class just to sleep? Talking loudly in class enough to interrupt the teacher, doing other things to bide your time instead of paying attention... Plus, there was little teacher/student interaction as the teacher constantly droned on and on... It's hard to adjust from an American classroom atmosphere.

Did you know Japanese before-hand?

I did, yes. Studied for three years beforehand so I wouldn't have too much trouble when I finally went there... Oh well, worked for some things, not at all for others. lol

What were your most memorable experiences?

Most memorable experiences...more than likely, being with my friends and club mates. I'm not a tourist-type person, so traveling around by myself doesn't do crap for me. I visited friend's houses, learned about their culture from the inside out, went out to eat with them, and basically lived a life surrounded with people. Oh well, I enjoyed myself at least. It's the little things that count the most, I think.

[AichiPA_Kevin]

Are washiki toilets like the squatting toilets in China, which are pretty much a toilet bowl sunk into the floor?

As Teishou said, they're basically the same. I think that Western toilets are much more common in Japan, though. In China I went to plenty of places in Beijing where only "Chinese-style" toilets were available. In large Japanese cities, my experience is that, when only one type is available, it's more common to have only Western-style ones.

By the way, about the "girl-specific things you should know" question, there is a massive thread on that topic here.

[Norsehawk]

Are washiki toilets like the squatting toilets in China, which are pretty much a toilet bowl sunk into the floor?

As Teishou said, they're basically the same. I think that Western toilets are much more common in Japan, though. In China I went to plenty of places in Beijing where only "Chinese-style" toilets were available. In large Japanese cities, my experience is that, when only one type is available, it's more common to have only Western-style ones.

By the way, about the "girl-specific things you should know" question, there is a massive thread on that topic here.

The apartment I rented for a month in Tokyo actually had the squat style toilet in it, however they had a cover that sat over it, effectively turning it into a western style toilet with toilet seat and cover.

-----
About the public bathing, that was very stressful for me when I did it. Once I had gotten to the 3rd stage of the process where you had to undress (first was leaving your shoes in 1 locker, 2nd was getting the wristband and putting valuables in the 2nd locker, and 3rd was going up stairs to your floor and going into the baths) I stood in front of the final locker decided to fake it as best as I could and said to myself the famous phrase "When in Rome..." before stuffing everything into the lockers and heading into the shower area (which at this place, Spa World in Osaka) was amazing, It had a whole room full of mirrors and men's care stuff (the 2 main floors swap between the sexes each month) a ton of different styles of baths, and in the 'Asian' floor I was on, part of it had the outdoor style Japanese baths, that were open to the outside in Osaka where you could view the city, which the warm baths and cool air (end of November) was really nice. I spent the whole day there in different baths, eating at the variety of restaurants, and relaxing watching the tv's in the huge room full of couches (there is an option to actually spend the night there for a fee) My whole bill was under 5000 yen, which half of that was the food, for as relaxed as I was when I was finished, it was worth every penny.

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Availability of items:
As far as meat goes, There is a place online that friends have suggested to me that I have saved in my bookmarks for when I eventually live in Japan (whether through JET or not, I will be there eventually) http://www.themeatguy.jp/ apparently sells western style cuts, as well as difficult to get items and exotic meats, from within Japan. For those near Tokyo, there are also services that will cook a Thanksgiving turkey for you since most Japanese households don't have ovens.

Amazon also ships many things internationally which means if you forgot something that you REALLY need, you can get it through there, but it will of course cost a fair bit in shipping if it's not sold through amazon.co.jp Other retailers also do the same.

It is possible for someone stateside to send those Taco Bell seasoning packets to you which you can at least get the flavor of the border if you are really jonesing for it. (myself, I love to get the flavor once in a while, I don't live off the stuff)

I know that I will need to shop at specialty shops/importing to get shoes for my feet. I have US size 13 shoes, which is approaching clown size in Japan.

[Cliodhna]

I would like to take a moment to point out that there is a HUGE difference between life as a student and life as an employed person. You're also going to get a million different responses to this question, even from people with the *exact* same placement.

Grocery stores also sell sashimi for pretty cheap as well. You will see whole fish, though, along with octopus legs and other entertaining things to poke in morbid fascination when no one's looking. A good grocery store is really priceless, though, as they offer already cooked and freshly fried pork cutlets, croquettes, hot dogs, fried shrimp, fresh gyoza, sashimi and sushi, etc. At a good grocery store, you can pretty much put together an entire cooked meal right there in the store for super cheap.

I think our ideas of good grocery stores are completely different. I skip the pre-cooked stuff... especially if it's fried (unless I'm really in a bind) because it's just not healthy to eat that stuff constantly. I look for stores that have a good selection of fresh foods for the best prices. On the JET salary, even the new one, there should be no problem being able to buy and cook healthy things or whatever you like. Unless you're incredibly stingy with your money or think fried foods are healthy or hate cooking..... but there's really no need to live on the super cheap here.

Also, the best grocery stores have discount days!!

This is a very good point. Buying food should be easier on a real salary (my stipend per month as a student was $450 and that had to go towards phone, internet, and trainfare as well as food and anything else). At the same time, though, it's very easy to freak out over the new food selection and inadvertently starve yourself because you feel like you have no idea what you're doing or what to do about it, and let me tell you it will make you REALLY sick if you accidentally stop eating regularly under that sort of stress. Knowing that you don't have to think that hard for your first couple weeks because grocery stores/711/conbini in general have fresh ready-made/decent premade things you can eat and be ok with for your first few days or weeks can take a load off, I think, especially while being bogged down with other elements of culture shock. While it may not be the healthiest, it's one less thing to worry about right away. Since less oil/grease and preservatives are used in general in japanese food, even if you live off of croquettes and calpis for week, it's possible that you're eating healthier than you did at home, especially if you're a newly graduated student haha.

As far as meat goes, There is a place online that friends have suggested to me that I have saved in my bookmarks for when I eventually live in Japan (whether through JET or not, I will be there eventually) http://www.themeatguy.jp/ apparently sells western style cuts, as well as difficult to get items and exotic meats, from within Japan. For those near Tokyo, there are also services that will cook a Thanksgiving turkey for you since most Japanese households don't have ovens.

Whaaaaaat? This is really, really cool. Definitely bookmarking that site! Thanks for sharing it!

edit: holy goodness, you can get CHEESECAKE from them! CHEESECAKE!! D: I'm sold.

[Norsehawk]

I would like to take a moment to point out that there is a HUGE difference between life as a student and life as an employed person. You're also going to get a million different responses to this question, even from people with the *exact* same placement.

Grocery stores also sell sashimi for pretty cheap as well. You will see whole fish, though, along with octopus legs and other entertaining things to poke in morbid fascination when no one's looking. A good grocery store is really priceless, though, as they offer already cooked and freshly fried pork cutlets, croquettes, hot dogs, fried shrimp, fresh gyoza, sashimi and sushi, etc. At a good grocery store, you can pretty much put together an entire cooked meal right there in the store for super cheap.

I think our ideas of good grocery stores are completely different. I skip the pre-cooked stuff... especially if it's fried (unless I'm really in a bind) because it's just not healthy to eat that stuff constantly. I look for stores that have a good selection of fresh foods for the best prices. On the JET salary, even the new one, there should be no problem being able to buy and cook healthy things or whatever you like. Unless you're incredibly stingy with your money or think fried foods are healthy or hate cooking..... but there's really no need to live on the super cheap here.

Also, the best grocery stores have discount days!!

This is a very good point. Buying food should be easier on a real salary (my stipend per month as a student was $450 and that had to go towards phone, internet, and trainfare as well as food and anything else). At the same time, though, it's very easy to freak out over the new food selection and inadvertently starve yourself because you feel like you have no idea what you're doing or what to do about it, and let me tell you it will make you REALLY sick if you accidentally stop eating regularly under that sort of stress. Knowing that you don't have to think that hard for your first couple weeks because grocery stores/711/conbini in general have fresh ready-made/decent premade things you can eat and be ok with for your first few days or weeks can take a load off, I think, especially while being bogged down with other elements of culture shock. While it may not be the healthiest, it's one less thing to worry about right away. Since less oil/grease and preservatives are used in general in japanese food, even if you live off of croquettes and calpis for week, it's possible that you're eating healthier than you did at home, especially if you're a newly graduated student haha.

I ate out of conbini and restaurants for my month in Japan, never starved myself and still lost at least 15 pounds due to the extra walking everywhere and the healthier fare. My little apartment had the 2 burners, microwave and a toaster oven as my cooking gear, and I had no problem cooking stuff from the conbini there. Breakfast was often a combination of a cup of strawberry yogurt (or 2) Huge piece of toast with butter and jam on it, and fresh fruit from the veggie stand that was super close to the apartment (between 2 conbini). I really liked the Japanese bread, when you get a loaf and it is 6 inch thick slices, they are quite filling. I also hit the 7-11 on the way back to my apartment from the station daily to grab a few skewers of karaage (chicken on a stick) and other snacks. Once I got back home to the States, I often wished that we had the conbini from Japan over here as they are amazing little places. I often went in and just grabbed packages of 'interesting' looking foods, and almost everything tasted great.

I will admit that I did acquire a taste for chu-hai (in moderation of course) as well as noodles in a hotdog bun. Eating home cooked yakisoba in Shizuoka was awesome, and I found that I rather like oden as well. The yaki-imo guy in his little truck that is playing a sad wailing song also means that tasty treats are on the way as well.

[megandd]

Availability of items:
As far as meat goes, There is a place online that friends have suggested to me that I have saved in my bookmarks for when I eventually live in Japan (whether through JET or not, I will be there eventually) http://www.themeatguy.jp/ apparently sells western style cuts, as well as difficult to get items and exotic meats, from within Japan. For those near Tokyo, there are also services that will cook a Thanksgiving turkey for you since most Japanese households don't have ovens.

Amazon also ships many things internationally which means if you forgot something that you REALLY need, you can get it through there, but it will of course cost a fair bit in shipping if it's not sold through amazon.co.jp Other retailers also do the same.

It is possible for someone stateside to send those Taco Bell seasoning packets to you which you can at least get the flavor of the border if you are really jonesing for it. (myself, I love to get the flavor once in a while, I don't live off the stuff)

I know that I will need to shop at specialty shops/importing to get shoes for my feet. I have US size 13 shoes, which is approaching clown size in Japan.

Thanks for that link! I'm definitely bookmarking it. If I get accepted, you can count on me ordering jalapenos and baked beans from them. lol

[illeander]

I don't think anyone answered about shaving in onsens/onsen rules so much (from what I could hunt - I could be wrong). It is my knowledge that you can do anything in a shower at an onsen that you would do at home, including shaving. Some people only go to onsens to bathe and bring a huge arsenal of stuff when they go.

Onsen etiquiette is fairly simple. There will be baskets in the change room. Grab one and put all of your clothes in there. You are free to get naked right in the first room you go into. I always go to the washroom first though. Grab your wash towel and any products for your hair and body into the shower (you can brush your teeth in there too if you want). Grab a stool and a bucket and find a shower (unless those things are already at the showers). You can leave your basket either at a shower or on a provided shelf. I usually see people wash their hair unless they tie it up really good. It is generally good manners to tie up your hair if it is long so it doesn't get in the water. Bring a wash towel (face towel or hand towel size) to shower with, rinse it well, and bring it with you to the bath. Don't let the towel go into the water. Use it to put on your head or cover your bits when you sit, or you can sit on it if the edge of the pool isn't so smooth. Some people rinse off between switching baths if the content of the water is really different and the showers are easily accessible. Otherwise, jumping from pool to pool is fine (I don't usually see people rinse off between pools). You can start conversations with others as if you had your clothes on. Others will likely try to talk to you if you are in a friendly area. You will likely get stared at as a foreigner, but no worries. Don't worry about how you choose to shave yourself. I find women here choose to shave that area as less as possible, so don't worry about feeling like an ape. None of my girlfriends have tattoos that I have onsened with, but my boyfriend has a big one on his back and hasn't run into any issues. I have heard a trick that if you keep it covered while you are undressing and don't uncover it until you are already naked and wet, the chances of getting kicked out are less. You can rinse off before you get out or not rinse off. I personally like to because there are usually lots of minerals in the water and I dye my hair. If you put the towel on your head, it might be good to do a quick shampoo. If it is that lovely time of the month, do what you would do if you were to go swimming (but since you are naked, hide the string).

Did I cover everything? Any contrasting ideas?

This is so helpful. You answered so many questions I was too nervous to ask.

[Crowbeak]

One thing to keep in mind is that most JET placements are in rural areas. Although you'll have access to pretty much everything you need, you may end up in a town where you just have to go to the nearest city to get some things. The nice thing about that is that if the store you buy it from won't ship it for you, there's a post office (or a convenience store that ships, or a private delivery service) just around the corner. They'll ship things in plastic bags as long as the bags are sturdy enough, and if the bag isn't good enough you can get a box for a couple of bucks.

If you're really concerned about settling in, you should familiarize yourself with the cycle of culture shock. Most people think culture shock is just getting somewhere and going OMG THIS PLACE IS SO DIFFERENT! However, that's not the case. Since it's possible you'll be in the pits of the bad part of culture shock when your CO asks you to recontract, look it up now and get familiar with it -- I've met multiple JET alumni who regret not recontracting and the only reason they didn't was that they were in the pits of culture shock when the CO asked them to stay on for another year.