​Ryokan "旅館" are traditional Japanese inns, and a visit to one is the highlight of many, a trip to Japan.


​They can be found throughout the country, especially around tourist areas such as hot spring resorts, ski resorts and in mountains. 

​There are two types of ryokan; the small traditional-style one with wooden buildings, long verandas, and gardens, and the more modern high-rise sort that are like luxury hotels with fancy public baths.

Since some knowledge of Japanese mores and etiquette is required to visit one, many will hesitate to take non-Japanese guests especially those who don't speak Japanese, but some cater specially to this group. 

February and March in Japan is tax season. Filing a tax return isn’t easy at the best of times, but doing it in another country can be particularly challenging. 


Fortunately, if you work for a company and that’s your sole source of income in Japan, they will take care of everything for you. However, those who are self-employed or have multiple sources of income will have to file a Tax Return "Kakutei Shinkoku - 確定申告". 

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The two main forms of tax are Income Tax "Shotokuzei - 所得税", and residence Tax "Juminzei - 住民税". The rates you pay for both kinds of tax are calculated according to your earnings.

​To rent an apartment in Japan, would-be tenants visit real estate agents located in every neighborhood and browse through copies of apartments for rent. Apartments are usually rented through real estate agents rather than landlords. 

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Real estate agents usually have the layout of the apartment for rent and the costs to rent this apartment. Real estate offices can be recognized by listings of available apartments in their show windows. They also advertise on signs in the neighborhood and in various publications. 

Foreigners in Japan renting apartments on their own often face discrimination from real estate agents or landlords who refuse to rent to foreigners. Finding a guarantor is also difficult for many foreigners. Some agents will explain to foreigners directly that it is difficult to rent to them.

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Living in a Guesthouse is one way to circumvent these problems. There are many guesthouses in Tokyo, but they can also be found in other major cities in the country.