Free And Affordable Japanese Classes for Foreigners in Tokyo

As a foreigner in Japan, learning japanese is very important. Not only it gives you an advantage to someone who doesn’t speak Japanese, but it’s also a way for you to pay respect to their culture.

You see, learning a new language especially when you are a foreigner to a country means you are showing your appreciation to them as a nation, their people. By learning and understanding their language, you immerse yourself in their world and you also get a glimpse of how they communicate with one another. Plus, native japanese speakers will appreciate you practicing their language since it entails that you are interested to learn more about them: their ideas, how they think, and most importantly how they convey their viewpoint to others.

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Visiting a Doctor in Japan for Foreigners

Health is an important aspect of one’s wellbeing. A good health means a person can perform optimally on a given task, be it at work, school, or sports. Getting sick however, is a reality that we all go through at least some few times in our lifetime. That’s why an access to proper medical facilities is tantamount to you getting the adequate healthcare you need so you can recover fast.

 

Being sick in your own country is a totally different experience compared to being sick in a foreign one. There are so many factors that can affect your overall experience, especially with how you’ll navigate your way through that country’s healthcare system. Add to that problem are the issues you’ll encounter such as unfamiliar customs and language barrier. If you happen to live in a foreign country, particularly Japan, then you are in the right place. I’m going to share with you some tips and tricks on how you can ease your way through in finding a good doctor in Japan.

 

Japanese healthcare system overview for a foreigner

It is mandatory in Japan to get yourself enrolled in the Japanese healthcare insurance system particularly when you’ve been residing here for longer than 3 months. Even if you are already covered by your insurance company in your country of origin, you still have to get yourself enrolled in their healthcare insurance system.

If you have a full time job, most likely, your employer will process your health insurance in which part of your salary will be deducted in order to pay for it. Consequently, if you are self-employed or not working  you’ll be required to get yourself enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance. You can process the application at any local city hall near you.

Once you successfully get yourself registered in their healthcare insurance system, when you visit a doctor you’ll pay more or less 30 percent of the actual amount. Concurrently, the govt will shoulder the remaining 70 percent of the remaining balance. And don’t forget to always bring yourself with you your health insurance card since they’ll ask you to present it if you are visiting for an appointment.

 

How to set an appointment with a doctor

 

 

  1. Once you find a nearest health care facility/ Clinic/ Hospital, call them and set for an appointment. Usually, clinics in Japan don’t accept walk in patients.

 

  1. Be on time on your schedule, otherwise they will give your slot to the next patient.

 

  1. Register at the information; fill out the forms for clinic records. Show your medical insurance card.

 

  1. Ask for a bilingual doctor if you can’t understand Japanese.

 

  1. Wait for your number to be called. Then the waiting game begins (approximately 30min-1hr of waiting before your name gets called).

 

  1. Once your name is called to see the doctor, be meticulous in detailing your condition as much as you can.

 

  1. When you’re done talking with your doctor, they’ll prescribe a medicine and will ask you to go back to information desk.

 

  1. Pay your medical consultation fee and get the medicine slip. You can also ask for a medical certificate if you need one. And that’s it, you’re done with your appointment.

 

 

How to get Mobile Phone Service in Japan as a Foreign Resident

Getting a mobile phone service has got to be one of the most important task one has to go through in order to be connected with virtually anyone and anything around the world. By doing so, it allows you to have access with vast information via the internet, or even play games using your smartphone when you are bored, or get yourself to learn new skill through different phone applications. All these are possible when you are connected through a mobile phone carrier.

There are three major carriers in Japan namely: NTT Docomo, AU and SoftBank. Applying for these mobile carriers is so easy and simple steps

1.You will only need your residence card

2. Your bank account (Credit Card or Debit Card)

Once you get to their respective offices, just present the aforementioned documents. Afterwards, they’ll hand you a form that you have to fill-in. When they are done reviewing your documents, you’ll be given options on what services you want to be enrolled to (the services may depend on which carrier you’ll choose). As soon as you have chosen the mobile plan that works for you, you’re now good to go and can now start using their mobile phone service.

 

10 Things to do in Tokyo for Free

Tokyo is an expensive city. In fact, it has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Everywhere you go you will inevitably going to spend some money. But don’t worry, there are proven ways to enjoy the Tokyo metropolis without costing you a single yen. Here are 10 things that you can do in Tokyo for free.

1. Experience walking on world famous Shibuya Crossing

  Shibuya Crossing at Night

                                      

Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing and is the busiest intersection in Japan (and probably in the world). Everywhere you turn your gaze around you’ll see sea of people crossing the iconic intersection. The intersection is also a popular location for movies and media taking place in Tokyo.

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