After living in Japan as an American expat, these are the most curious things I learned about Japanese culture while I was there. So if you’re thinking of moving to Japan someday (or if you already live there as an expat), I hope you enjoy this video about the surprising things I learned while living in Japan. This video covers what I think about the food, WiFi, people, prices, dating as a foreigner, cost-of-living, things to do, and more. [TIMESTAMPS BELOW] 👇👇👇
Have you traveled or lived in Japan before? ⛩ What did you notice as a foreigner living there? What are your favorite surprising, strange, or “only in Japan” things? Comment below! 🍣🍵
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Why I made this video
00:40 – Japan travel montage intro
1:32 – How I ended up living in Japan by accident (literally)
2:43 #1: Nice people
5:20 – #2: Clean and small hotel rooms + quiet and clean city (Tokyo)
7:09 – #3 :Japanese people LOVE to eat
10:51 – #4: Convenience Stores
12:52 – Plastic packaging
13:40 – #5: Unhealthy food
15:20 – #6: Slow Internet
16:00 – #7: EXPENSIVE
17:50 – #8: Stunning scenery and nature; outdoor active culture
18:50 – #9: Japanese sense of humor
19:40 – #10: Work hard/play hard
20:42 – #11: Great dating and social scene
21:49 – #12: Few exercise and workout classes
23:02 – #13: Safety
Watch more videos about living abroad in Japan:
* Cost of Living in Japan for Foreigners and Digital Nomads: https://youtu.be/1CS1oIq6TTE
* Best Coffee in Japan: https://youtu.be/tT8PvjYfU78
* Best Pancakes in Tokyo: https://youtu.be/QnXma8hQPfA
* Tokyo Fish Market: https://youtu.be/B3cUUnuKa6k
* Ice Fishing in Japan: https://youtu.be/YnXUUtHwLJw
* Japan Travel Videos and Vlogs Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsTStwiO7jmrn93UqE0svjWKz1tZeUmUC
(I traveled to Niseko, Tokyo, and Kyoto while living in Japan.)
* More Japan Videos and House Tours: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsTStwiO7jmrnGVLdLvMXAxbojDGwA2Rk
* More International Living Abroad Guides for Expats (Playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsTStwiO7jmpT1XPSR45R3sJv_I6vJ4Oc
You might also like: How I See the US After Living Abroad https://youtu.be/DO5x_tJBn7w
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👱🏻♀️ About: Kristin Wilson is a digital nomad, online entrepreneur, and expat relocation consultant who has lived, worked, or traveled in 60 countries over the last 15+ years. In the past decade, she has helped 1,000’s of people move abroad or travel full-time while working remotely.
Kristin is also a writer, public speaker, podcaster, and TV host who has been featured on The Today Show, HGTV’s House Hunters International, Huffpost, Bloomberg Businessweek, The New York Times, Business Insider, ESPN, and more.
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NOTE: This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not individual consulting or advice. Global travel restrictions and advisories change frequently. Please consult the relevant authorities in your destination and departure countries (such as your local government, airline, embassy, consulate, and/or tourism providers) before before booking international travel, moving abroad, or applying for a work permit or work and travel visa.
#livingingjapan #americaninjapan #weirdjapan
34 Comments
What surprised you the most about this video? PS: Should I make more videos like this about different countries I've lived in?
The whole country is wired, all the noise is amazing. Does not stop. Even garbage trucks yelling out the corona news etc.
I disagree with you about the health of food here. I am a NYer and I weigh less than when I came here in '84. Food is super healthy unless you make bad choices. But then again, you were visiting and had no language ability, and tons of sweets look great, but the locals do not mass consume. That is how we stay thin in general.
YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! You are a fabulous presenter. Informative, casual, honest and poignant. I watch a lot of travel videos and yours stand out. Your magnificent appearance is complimented by your direct and down to Earth style. Just an aside, try not to end sentences where it sounds like your asking a question. (Unless you're from Liverpool…?) Love your work
You just seem like such a lovely woman. Thank you for sharing your experience in Japan.
That was very interesting. Thanks
I lived in Tokyo and in Kansai (Osaka), Osaka is definitely better. I love your comments but would have a different take on a number of your points. I did not find Osaka expensive although not cheap it was not expensive. The food was great but eating in moderation is the key to not getting fat and of course walking everywhere helps with the digestion. I love Japan and Western Europe. I don't even find the U.S. to make my top 10 list of countries. anyway, great job. Lost in translation was great.
One of the great features of Japan is that there is always something to do. Transportation is on time and cheap. If you own and register a bike, you can literally go anywhere in the city without feeling that someone is going to steal your bike. I wish I dated more while there but I stayed away from other foreigners as a rule. Although my best friend is a Japanese, who studied at the U of Chicago and spoke perfect English so hanging out with him was great. Japanese women are beautiful but because I am as shy as any Japanese man, I did not get very far. My Japanese is terrible but my mannerisms are primo! Osaka is louder than Tokyo, the culture there is a little different from Tokyo and Organized crime families live in the Kansai area but they don't bother foreigners…not good for business, I guess.
In the states, I hardly ever drink but in Japan, I was drinking all the time. I smoked more in japan too. There was a gym in the basement of my apartment building so I was lucky there. I paid $500/month includes internet. There was a Lawson and a dollar store at the corner of the street and I lived near one of the major train stations of Osaka (Tennouji) so I loved my time there. Heading out soon to live in Kuwait for a year …I will see how that goes.
That you gained 10 pounds in a country that enjoys very low rates of obesity should hint that you weren't actually eating like a Japanese person. Also, you were standing in the snacks aisle while talking about breakfast. Gross.
Japanese people are so amazing, and the Anime is second to none in this world. Bushido is my credo
I would so love to visit Japan- It is great to get your experiences and advice-Thanks so much for this video. I know is has to be a ton of work to produce these but, I would love if you made a series of these of countries you have been to. I always enjoy your videos and look to watching more. Glad your back on YouTube but, please take care of yourself mentally and physically as we only get this life once- Bless you.
Japan culture is all about RESPECT
I loved it when I went in 2019, but boy has it changed. I met lots of people before the pandemic, even with the language barrier I had so many fun and positive interactions and experiences. I met almost NO ONE new in spring 2022, the culture has become extremely isolating with covid. Masks are worn even at dinner. No one talks to anyone on the train anymore. Masks 24/7 even outside in the middle of nowhere. No talking allowed anywhere at Onsens or you get shamed or yelled at. I feel like a large part of the culture I fell in love with in 2019 – the people! The faces, personalities, the friendliness, has now died and nearly vanished. I’m genuinely worried for them. Low birth rates, high suicide rates. Smiles don’t exist there anymore.
When I was in Japan in 1993-1994 I found it is best to be respectful and patient with Japanese hosts due to language and cultural differences. Sometimes there are humorous incidents, like when I played Santa Claus at a Japanese day school in Akita City. They thought I was the Peter Sellers or Inspector Clouseau because I pulled down my Santa beard to talk and eat with the children at the time. The kids also told their parents that Santa needs to learn his Kanji and Katakana better.
An Akita Inu dog ran 10 km from the Wada train station to chase our Minnesota State-Akita college bus near Yuwa-machi. The dog eventually got back to it's owner. The middle aged man who dropped off The Japan Times newspaper would bow to me when I practiced Tai Chi every morning. I often enjoyed a melon soda drink but hiking and rappelling in the mountains of Akita Prefecture can burn a lot of calories (Part 2).
Mom
Looks very nice to visit.
I've been to Japan shortly and it was during the start of the pandemic. Traffic is bad during rush hour. I have a friend who lives there for many years. There is a dark side about Japan. To be honest, he is not an attractive guy and he is from a third world country. He often doesn't get the kind of treatment you get as a diva.
How were you able to pay for the healthcare as a non citizen?
Ok, so my wife is from the Philippines and my first son has always been intrigued with the Japanese culture going as far as to teach himself how to READ AND WRITE IN JAPANESE !!! When I saw all the letters and symbols posted on his walls in his bedroom at the age of 16……. I asked " DJ what are you doing here and he said dad I want to learn Japanese and someday live there !!! " I was shocked to say the least but understood the origin of his fascination with all things ASIAN…….. My wife is 100% Philipino and came here at the age of 12 and I am 100% Italian American so my children are beautiful inside and out……. As to your impression of Japan I would ask you if you ever saw the NETFLIX Series called "IVAN RAMEN"……. his thoughts and observations about Japan were very touching to me as his initial visit there also ended up becoming a life changing experience. As to the openness of Japanese society……………It's my understanding according to what I've heard that the Japanese people are a very proud and indulgent society focused greatly on the essence and origin of power, wisdom and the use of ones energy to its fullest and most useful capacity in all they do including duties as simple as meditation. I've always been intrigued with the Japanese peoples pursuit of employing both mental and physical prowess in the exercise of their own protection and assertion of force as well. Considering the size of their population 100 years ago they proved to be a very dangerous adversaries against the Russians and USA especially during the Second World War As you very astutely pointed out even the simplest of duties " Tea Time " is carried out with the utmost of care I would suggest you seeking and divulging more information about the evolution of the " Art of Chi " in Japanese society and its correlation to the teachings of Buddha and reason for so many temples there. Most intriguing is Chi's influence and value as a physical and spiritual exercise especially among Japans older populations supporting their belief in Chi's value towards easing the annoyances of the aging process and overall longevity…….. I was hoping you'd delve a little more into exploring some of the smaller towns and communities in Japan as well. Again, thank you for the experience, Dom
Kristin, do they restrict you from photographing some of the zen gardens there….? It would be nice to see some more of that as well as some of the countryside cooking,,,,!!
Hi Kristen, hope you're o.k! Love you videos, btw!
I've been to Japan twice. If you're used to working-out outdoors, you can do this, even though they don't really have parks, as we know it, I'm in the U.K., it isn't strange to find an outdoor space and use it, and they are generally near children's play spaces and basketball nets etc – but it's not like Europe or U.S. Totally agree with you about food! For a small island, you'd never run out of things to see, discuss do enjoy or comment on! W.C.'s, are plentiful clean and everywhere.💚
Food- I love the egg salad sandwiches in the konbini. The Kare (curry) restaurants are also great. The basement grocery section in department stores is another place to shop inexpensively for food
Thank You for the thought filled, extensive review of Japan. My Grandmother taught English at Kobe Womens; College after "Being retired" from the St Louis School system on her 65th birthday. I was fortunate enough to visit her on two occasions when the ship I was on docked there. I clearly remember seeing all these ladders sticking out of huge evergreen trees with elderly men plucking dead needles from the branches. The camus and city were emasculate. I observed the Tea Ceremony, performed by some of my grandmothers students. I remember feeling self-conscious because there were few westerners, at the time and in that place. I appreciated the size of cars, the train system and the beautiful surroundings. Thanks for your attention to details and a trip down memory lane.
Hey kristin.. When you shopping that cup noodles or pasta .. Why didn't you picked up one of them?
lol…they were nice and friendly to you because you are a hot blonde girl …usually they keep them for themselves
I visited Japan in 1990 and I loved it so much. Yes the people are so wonderful.
8:35 Is that ok to work in the coffee shop while on a travelling visa in Japan?
Is she Single
Hi Kristin, I enjoy your video, but just one question. Why you say American? you are from US so for me your country doesn`t exactly is all the continent, is it?
Lawson!
I need snowboard info asap
Japanese food is way, way healthier than any Western country… as long as you stick to traditional Japanese food, such as sashimi, sushi, yakitori, robata, yakiniku, sukiyaki, shabushabu, nabe, etc.
Hi, Kristen! As a Japanese, I really enjoy your video! I live in aa small town in states right now and I miss Japanese food haha ! I think what you mentioned in the "unhealthy food" section might want a lil more contexts and I totally understand where you are coming from from the perspective of a Japanese who grew up there and live in the states for now. the difference I noticed in terms of relationship with food between US and Japan although I cannot generalize…, is that in general, Japanese do not actually think about how much sugar, and all the macro nutrients stuff in the food you want to eat or you are eating as much as I see here in the US. I am awarer of that diet and wellness culture exists and makes people insecure about their bodies and be really conscious about what they eat and people are victimized by the culture. so I have so much empathy towards them especially as a person who went through Eating Disorders. Because diet culture has becoming slowly but surely "popular" in Japan (which is very concerning), more and more people are developing "diet mindset" and I see a lot of people who are having ~ free food or ~ cut food even though they might not need it (although I think trying those food is good and can be super fun! and I cannot judge anyone!). Seeing my grandparents and those who are in the generation having whatever they want including the food shown in the video like gyoza or sweets or what not, enjoying and appreciating them is so amazing! they have very good relationship with food in general and they live for long:) and "gaining weight" part is…, our weight fluctuate throughout life! and I think many Japanese too would gain weight while traveling domestically:) because part of the traveling is trying local food:) I think focusing more on what we gain other than "weight" which you do not need to focus but might while on a journey to body neutrality/ acceptance / love is helpful like I am gaining life experience, joy, connection with people, and what not! ♡
also I really loved you talked about the story behind your umbrella left on the train! I thought it was so normal growing up. and my baseline of my expectation of customer service was so so so high so when I traveled to other countries, that got me a hard time and took time to see it as just difference ! all countries are different from one another and I think it is amazing:)