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JoynTokyo

We provide insights, guidance, and practical advice to help you settle in Tokyo.

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geisai 2025
Student Life

Geisai 2025: Your Insider Guide to Tokyo University of the Arts’ Three-Day Carnival

Ueno Park’s leafy avenues burst into colour every September when Tokyo University of the Arts — affectionately known as “Geidai” — hosts Geisai, a student-run arts extravaganza that feels equal parts Renaissance fair and block party. If you have only one weekend to taste Japan’s campus-festival culture, circle 5–7 September 2025 on your calendar. Free

By JoynTokyo
Japanese slang
Language

Japanese Slang Words – Your Friendly Guide to Wakamono Kotoba

Japanese slang words can sometimes feel like a secret code, but cracking it is the quickest route to having relaxed, real-world conversation. This guide unpacks what wakamono kotoba means, when it fits, and — most importantly — how to drop it without sounding forced. 12 Must-Know Japanese Slang Words Below are twelve high-frequency terms you

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Commuter Pass Japan Mastering the Teikiken
Daily

Commuter Pass Japan: Mastering the Teikiken to Cut Daily Travel Costs

A teikiken is Japan’s commuter pass. Load it onto an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo and you can ride the train between two pre-selected stations, including every stop in between, an unlimited time for a fixed period. Standard durations are one, three or six months, and a few operators even sell annual passes.

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meaning of sumimasen
Culture

What Does “Sumimasen” Really Mean in Japanese?

Picture yourself on a packed Tokyo train. Someone taps your shoulder with a gentle “Sumimasen.” In that split second, you’ve heard an apology for the intrusion, an expression of thanks for your patience, and a polite request for space. Few Japanese words offer so much meaning with so few syllables. Why This Single Word Matters

By JoynTokyo
Top Swimming Pools in Japan: Where to Swim, Soak, and Surf — cover image
Things To Do

Top Swimming Pools in Japan: Where to Swim, Soak, and Surf

Japan may be an island nation, but a refreshing dip is often closer than the coastline. Whether you crave Olympic-length lanes, towering water-slides, or a wine-infused hot spring, this guide will walk foreign residents and travellers through the best places to beat the heat, and teach you essential etiquette so you can swim like a

By JoynTokyo
Real Life Anime Places in Japan: Must-Visit Pilgrimages — cover image
Culture

Real Life Anime Places in Japan: Must-Visit Pilgrimages

Visiting Japan in 2025 means you can do more than just watch your favourite shows: you can walk straight into them. From neon-lit crossings to quiet riversides, this guide distills the year’s essential anime pilgrimage spots and shows you exactly how to experience them with respect, while enjoying them to the full. Why 2025 Is

By JoynTokyo
Konbini in Japan: Your 24/7 Lifeline for Everyday Living — cover image
Culture

Konbini in Japan: Your 24/7 Lifeline for Everyday Living

Japan boasts more than 56,000 convenience stores, also known as konbini, blanketing cities and the countryside alike. The “big three” chains, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson, have re-engineered the corner shop into a one-stop hub for food, finance and daily admin, all delivered with typically Japanese precision. If you master konbini culture, youwill save time, make

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Energy Drinks in Japan: A Foreigner’s Guide to Staying Wired Safely and Cheaply — cover image
Culture

Energy Drinks in Japan: A Foreigner’s Guide to Staying Wired Safely and Cheaply

Moving to Japan means quickly discovering a wall of neon cans, palm-sized brown bottles, and even jelly pouches promising instant stamina. In this guide, we’ll condense what matters:the types, ingredients, prices, and smart limits so that you can grab the right boost without crashing. Why Japan Feels Like an Energy-Drink Theme Park Every convenience store

By JoynTokyo
Skate Parks in Tokyo 2025 — cover image
Culture

Skate Parks in Tokyo 2025

Tokyo is more than a haven for anime fans, gamers, history buffs, and foodies. It’s also an incredible place for skaters, and there are many skate parks in Tokyo that you can choose from. Whether you’re am or pro, whether you’re using your decade-old board or you’ve just picked up some new wheels from Longboard

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Dress Code in Japanese Business: A Practical Guide for Foreign Professionals — cover image
Job Hunting

Dress Code in Japanese Business: A Practical Guide for Foreign Professionals

Landing a job in Japan is exciting, yet many newcomers worry that one wardrobe mistake could undermine their hard work. The good news is that Japanese office attire follows a clear structure, shaped by tradition, social expectations, and modern business culture. By understanding these rules, you can present yourself with confidence while showing respect for

By JoynTokyo