COLUMNA Beginner`s Guide to Japan
No matter where you go, the most important good is information. We are reporting on various topics all around Japan, for foreigners interested in Japan. If there is some specific topic or information you would like to hear about, please feel free to request.
- Had enough of transaction fees? Send money from your credit card through PayPal
Had enough of transaction fees? Send money from your credit card through PayPal
PayPal is a very common payment method for ebay users. Accepted by Japanese e-commerce giant “Rakuten” and many... [Read More] - Heading west? The best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka
Heading west? The best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka
Osaka, the second largest city of Japan. Its unique culture so different from Tokyo always attracts many touris... [Read More] - First time in Japan! How long it takes to clear immigration inspection procedures?
First time in Japan! How long it takes to clear immigration inspection procedures?
Before 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Japanese government have been the greatest effort ever to entice foreign touri... [Read More] - What happens if you don’t pay your residential tax?
What happens if you don’t pay your residential tax?
If you have been living in Japan for a certain period of time, you probably know about the resident registry ne... [Read More] - What happens if you don’t pay your National Health Insurance tax?
What happens if you don’t pay your National Health Insurance tax?
Introduced based on one of the guiding principles of Japanese social security system “Universal health insuranc... [Read More] - What would happen if a foreign national resident neglect to pay pension contributions?
What would happen if a foreign national resident neglect to pay pension contributions?
If you are living in Japan as a mid-to-long term resident, you probably are a member of one of the public pens... [Read More] - Important tips for foreign travelers. Things to do after losing your ID, credit card or wallet
Important tips for foreign travelers. Things to do after losing your ID, credit card or wallet
Losing your wallet is a nightmare. It doesn’t happen very often in everyday life, but once it happens, your da... [Read More] - Heading south? The best way to travel between Tokyo and Okinawa
Heading south? The best way to travel between Tokyo and Okinawa
Okinawa is the best known resort island of Japan. The beauty of the ocean of Okinawa is on top of all other re... [Read More] - No Japanese required! 2 Japanese banks providing online banking service in English
No Japanese required! 2 Japanese banks providing online banking service in English
Hi there! When you were in your own country, what payment method were you using to pay monthly bills? Probably... [Read More] - Beauty of Japanese autumn, Best 5 autumn view spots around Osaka accessible by train
Beauty of Japanese autumn, Best 5 autumn view spots around Osaka accessible by train
October is about to end and air feels deep fall everywhere. What highlights Japanese fall is beautifully color... [Read More] - How many times can tourists enter Japan on Temporary Visitor visa?
How many times can tourists enter Japan on Temporary Visitor visa?
Temporary Visitor visa, which is unofficially called “tourist visa” or “short stay visa”, is the most commonly... [Read More] - 5bars to visit in Osaka when you miss English conversations
5bars to visit in Osaka when you miss English conversations
Osaka, the second largest city of Japan. It is one of the most popular tourist destination in Japan for totall... [Read More]