Tokyo, one of the 47 prefectures, is the largest city and the capital of Japan.
It is better called a metropolis rather than a prefecture and is the largest in the world with more than 30 million inhabitants.
Having Useful Addresses:
One important aspect of living in Tokyo is finding addresses. It is important to have few useful addresses while living in Tokyo. Most of the streets in Tokyo did not have names when Japan’s postal system was established, so the country has a unique address system. Addresses are written in Kanji and are usually found on buildings beside doors, on telephone poles, and by streetlights. A typical Tokyo address might read Minato-ku Minamiaoyama 2-27-22. “Ku” refers to ward within the city and “machi” is the district within the ward. To find your way around, you can get the help of police officers who have area maps or collect information from ‘Koban’, police boxes located everywhere.
Accommodation:
Tokyo is known for its residential areas. It is difficult to find an apartment or a house to rent in Japan. But there are several real-estates agencies that are specialized in renting apartments. To rent a house, you have to pay a two month’s rent deposit in advance, not to mention, another two month’s rent as a security deposit, which is refundable.
If you are looking for budget accommodation, it can be found in the Taito area, especially Asakusa and Ueno. There are also capsule hotels that offer cheap accommodation. However, the cheapest way to stay is in a youth hostel in the Shinjuku area where the prices start at ¥1200.
Shopping:
Tokyo offers many shopping facilities. There are many supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, 100 Yen shops, etc. They offer all kinds of goods, for example, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen seafood, meat, tofu, pickled, dried and canned food, bread, dairy products, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and household articles. 100 yen shops, in other words, hyaku en shop sell a wide range of products for 100 yen. There are thousands of 100 yen shops across Japan.
Transport:
From high-speed bullet trains to first class taxis, transportation in Tokyo is convenient and certainly an experience in itself. The best way to go around Tokyo is by train. Tokyo trains are clean, safe, efficient and incredibly reliable. Another option is taxis. They are clean and convenient but expensive. Further, the Haneda Airport in the South of Tokyo can also meet your domestic travel requirement in around the city.
Childcare:
There are public daycare centers operated by local ward, town or city offices that provide convenient services. You can gather more information about them from municipal offices.
Banking Services:
You can find some major banks which offer the services you are likely to need. It is better to opt for direct debit payments as they are the easiest and most common way to pay your bills in Japan. There are many ATM’s available at banks and convenience stores.
Healthcare:
In Japan, you can find general hospitals, medical clinics and general private practitioners. Almost all Japanese hospitals have outpatient departments for consultation and treatment. But it is always good to be registered with a clinic for assistance.
Author: KCKudr