Enjoying Life in Japan: 8 Things Only Residents Truly Experience
Beyond the glow of Kyoto’s temples or Hokkaido’s snow, daily life in Japan opens a world of unique, slow-burning pleasures that tourists barely scratch. These aren’t bucket list check-offs. They’re lifestyle joys, discovered only when you stay long enough to belong.
From fixing up an old countryside home to quiet mornings with calligraphy and a bowl of miso soup—you’re not visiting Japan anymore. You’re living it. Let’s explore eight things that make expat life here truly special.
1. Akiya: Your Renovation Adventure
Japan has over 8 million empty homes—akiya—and they’re a quiet treasure for adventurous expats. You’ll find rural akiya for under ¥1M and urban fixer-uppers around ¥5M, which still beats Tokyo’s ¥2M/year in rent.
Whether you renovate to live in or rent out, akiya life can be a rewarding long-term project. One friend of ours is already on his third—turning renovation into a lifestyle. It’s challenging, yes—but also soothing, creative, and full of character.
Check out:
Can you believe the house below in Kyoto costs $23K !!!! Must be fix and wrapper in side though.
2. Crafting & Woodwork: Furniture with Soul
Japanese woodworking is world-renowned for its precision, minimalism, and beauty. As a resident, you can actually learn the craft—take local workshops, learn traditional joinery, and build furniture that means something to you.
Dive into:
It’s not just DIY—it’s art, mindfulness, and legacy in wood.
3. Bonsai Gardening: Grow Your Calm
Bonsai isn’t just a hobby—it’s a practice in patience and peace. The Omiya Bonsai Village in Saitama is a haven, with schools, shops, and museums dedicated to the art.
A Dutch psychiatrist I know swears by its calming effects—and my own mother studied there for years, progressing through various proficiency levels.
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4. Sports & Movement: From Stadium Cheers to Zen Discipline
Baseball is big in Japan—and cheering with locals at a Yokohama BayStars game is electric! One time, expat cheers were so loud. (Their Boohooing is so loud too.)
Beyond the stadium, there’s so much to explore:
Cycling through your neighborhood (yes, we almost bought a hoop at Costco!)
Martial arts like Kendo or Aikido—not just for physical fitness, but for discipline and no-mind.
Golf, jogging, skiing—Japan’s powder snow and public parks are perfect for staying active without fancy machines
5. Pet Life: Dogs and Community Vibes
Japan has ~10 million dogs—and they’re family. We brought our dachshund, Jager, from Chicago. He’s a total homebody, but walking him has helped us meet neighbors and feel part of the community.
As for apartment life with pets, just check that your building allows them. At ours, there's even a wall at the entrance with pictures of all resident cats and dogs—it’s adorable.
6. Akihabara: Second-Hand Tech Heaven
Tokyo’s Electric Town isn’t just for tourists—it’s a goldmine for second-hand gadgets. Cameras, audio gear, computers—you name it. Japanese second-hand items are often in pristine condition.
My husband’s camera trail: Sony → Fuji → Nikon… and I don’t mind, because they’re affordable finds and he’s happy. Many stores have English-speaking staff too, especially in Akihabara.
7. Japanese Domestic Cooking: Healthy, Humble, and Delicious
Japanese home cooking is a joy you only discover by living here. Nothing fancy—just fresh vegetables, good miso, grilled fish, or a simmered dish. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and deeply comforting.
Chopping, peeling, mixing—it’s hands-on, but rewarding. As they say, our bodies are built by what we eat. Cooking at home lets you explore seasonal ingredients and appreciate Japan’s food culture at its most intimate. When I was raising kids, cooking felt like a daily chore—but now, I can truly enjoy it.
8. Learning Shodō (Japanese Calligraphy)
There’s something beautifully calming about brush, ink, and quiet repetition. Shodō, or Japanese calligraphy, isn’t just an art form—it’s a meditative practice.
The smell of sumi ink alone is grounding. With time, you not only improve your technique, but also deepen your understanding of kanji (Chinese characters). Many community centers offer classes with kind, patient sensei.
Wrap-Up: This Is Only the Beginning
Welcome to Japan—not as a tourist, but as someone who gets to live, explore, and grow here every day. From renovating old homes to calligraphy and second-hand camera hunting, expat life in Japan is a chance to write a whole new chapter.
Young or old, introvert or extrovert—you can thrive in Japan.
Let’s make Japan your masterpiece.