Utilizing your balcony more often can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you live in a city. Here’s how you can get the most out of your balcony.  Many people in Japan use their balconies to hang laundry. It is also common to see balconies being used as a place to store bicycles. As convenient as balconies are, they can do much more than serve …

Looking for a mattress but not sure where to start? Here’s a guide for you!  Mattress vs. Futon There are a variety of bedding options to choose from in Japan. If a traditional bed frame and mattress were never your thing, you might want to consider sleeping on a futon. Futons have many practical advantages. They’re easier to move and store than mattresses, and can usually be found for …

In Japan, springtime usually means hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season. However, flowers aren’t the only awesome spring sight. Lots of animals come out of their winter homes and are easy to spot during the spring when many baby animals are born. If you want to see adorable baby deer, rabbits, or birds, spring is the best season for doing so. You can also spot stranger creatures, like certain varieties …

In a country where old buildings are frequently torn down, it may be surprising to hear that renovating old apartment complexes is gaining popularity. Danchi renovation shows that old buildings can be revitalized into amazing homes.  While the word “danchi” often brings to mind poverty and old buildings, recent revitalization projects have been working to improve their image. With trendy brands like Muji bringing minimalism and other popular interior …