SORABYCO | Life in Japan

When I first moved to Japan, I assumed that every place labeled “self-service” worked in much the same way. A supermarket self-checkout and a self-service gas station both require customers to operate a machine, so I expected the payment process to be similar too. I thought I would simply follow the instructions on the screen and choose between cash and a credit card. That assumption changed one day at a gas station. I pulled into an empty fueling lane, parked the car, and looked for the credit card option on the screen. Instead, I noticed a small sign that said “Cash Only.” Until then, I had not realized that payment options could vary not only between businesses, but also between individual machines or lanes at the same location. Fortunately, I had enough cash with me that day and was able to fill the tank. Still, the experience changed the way I use self-service machines in Japan. Now, before scanning groceries, starting a washing machine, paying for parking, or fueling the car, I c...

During my first few years in Japan, I drove past plenty of signs that said Michi-no-Eki . I assumed they were simply places to use the restroom, stretch my legs, or buy a drink before continuing the drive. In my mind, they were smaller and simpler versions of highway service areas. Then I finally started looking around instead of heading straight back to the car. There were vegetables picked that morning, local sweets, freshly baked bread, regional seasonings, and foods I had never seen at an ordinary supermarket. Some places had restaurants, parks, hot springs, observation areas, or small shops filled with local products. Before I realized it, I had started looking forward to seeing the next Michi-no-Eki sign. These days, I do not always stop because I need a break. Sometimes I go because I know exactly what I want to buy. Near where I live, Tomisato is famous for watermelon. During watermelon season, I sometimes visit a local produce market there specifically to buy one. Tomisato has...

Before moving to Japan, I had only seen Japanese summer festivals in anime, movies, and travel videos. Like many people, I imagined colorful yukata, lantern-lit streets, and spectacular fireworks, but I never expected these festivals to become part of my own summer routine. After living in Japan for many years, my perspective has completely changed. Today, summer festivals are no longer something I simply admire as a visitor. Every year, I find myself checking when my local festival will be held and wondering whether I have time to visit another city for one of Japan's famous celebrations. Some festivals are known around the world, while others are loved mainly by local communities. Each has its own atmosphere, traditions, and history. If you're planning a trip to Japan during the summer—or if you're already living here and looking for somewhere new to visit—these are some of the festivals I believe are worth adding to your list. The rankings below are based on a combinatio...