Since we’ve all been spending a lot of time in our living spaces, it’s a good idea to make sure we’re getting the most out of the space. Apartments have had to change from already being small multifunctional living and sleeping spaces to now being workspaces too. Although people normally speak of spring cleaning, perhaps this year we might benefit from trying out some new home decorating ideas and …

What Are Bathrooms Like in Japanese Apartments? While apartments in Japan have similar bathrooms to western countries, Japanese bathrooms can have some quirks and interesting differences to those back home! Like many things here, bathrooms in Japan have been designed with careful consideration, and with convenience and practicality in mind. The Japanese bathroom is most commonly separated across two rooms. They will often have one room which is the …

Separating trash in Japan will vary from how you separate the trash in your home country. It’s one of the more unexpected challenges of moving to Japan. Recycling in Japan varies from town to town. If you can’t figure out the system of separating trash in Japan or your local garbage collection, please visit your city hall and they will be able to offer you the relevant information. With …

Bugs! Cockroaches. Ants. Earwigs. Cicadas. Japan is abundant in nature, so with this comes plenty of insects. Though you might not want them inside your house, it’s important to remember that insects are natural. You can almost guarantee you’ll come across cockroaches in Japan at some point, particularly in summer. Days are filled with the sound of cicadas squealing in the trees. Step outside on a hot and sticky …