Are you traveling to Japan during New Year’s? You might’ve heard that most stores are closed during this time, and you’re worried about your trip. 😰

Japan has its own unique traditions, and this time of year is a special occasion for many families to gather and ring in the New Year together.

Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, understanding these customs can help you fully appreciate the season’s unique charm. It’s also important to be prepared for any hiccups in your itinerary due to holiday hours!

In this guide, you’ll learn all about celebrating New Year’s in Japan, and we’ll share some important travel tips you need to know. Let’s get this party started!🥳

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Whether you’re being sent abroad by your company or you’re a student taking a gap year, leaving Japan indefinitely can be both exciting and stressful. Figuring out what needs to be on your leaving Japan checklist can often feel overwhelming.

Even after figuring out what needs to be done, dealing with the departure procedures can be one of the most daunting tasks, no matter the country. 

To help with these procedures, this article will provide a checklist of everything you might need to do at the Ward Office and Immigration Office, with tips, if you’re leaving Japan indefinitely.  

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Going home for the break? Maybe your company is on vacation for the holidays. Whatever the reason is, if you are exiting Japan temporarily while a resident, there are a few procedures to do before your departure.

Here is a checklist to ensure a smooth and relatively stress-free exit and re-entrance for your month-long departure. Make sure to complete these steps for leaving Japan temporarily!

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Thanksgiving back home is quite different from Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi), held on November 23rd. But that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the feast!

Whether you’re missing home or want to introduce a traditional Thanksgiving meal to friends in Japan, here’s a step-by-step guide to hosting Thanksgiving dinner in Japan. 🦃

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Imagine spending your winter in Japan, waking up to snow-covered mountains, hitting the powdery slopes of world-famous ski resorts, and capping off your day with a soak in a hot spring.

A working holiday at a Japanese ski resort is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dive into Japan’s culture, meet new people from around the world, and experience the country like a local.

In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know for working the winter season and preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. Keep reading for our ultimate guide to finding jobs at ski resorts in Japan! ⛷️
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Living and working in Japan long-term? While you’ve probably gotten past the initial culture shock, daily life still holds a few nice, and not-so-nice, surprises!

In this article, we’ll share the top 10 most surprising things that expats discover about Japan. 🗾

See if you can relate to some of the surprises in our list that keep expat life here so memorable!
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