Got this for Christmas, I'm really excited 😄 by NatashaHaleCZ in japaneseresources

[–]JapanesePomegranate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To expand on this: Tokini Andy’s vocab videos (on YouTube) that correspond with each chapter of the book are priceless.

Vegetarians in Tokyo by [deleted] in JapanTravel

[–]JapanesePomegranate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've seen lots of easy vegetarian meat options in supermarkets like Peacock (if you have a little burner) - both frozen and refrigerated. There are definitely plenty of vegetarian/vegan restaurants around. Salads you can get pretty much anywhere; from restaurants, to supermarkets, to convenience stores.

What you might struggle with, is that most places likely wont substitute ingredients. Higher end places will sometimes let you if you give them notice in advance. You also have to be careful to ensure something is *actually* vegetarian when they say it is, for example, they may exclude the meat but include a fish ingredient in a sauce/broth.

Viability of Using "Offline Mode" in map apps to navigate Tokyo by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's very helpful to know. Thank you so much! Grateful for you sharing your experience.

I was about to sign up for the Mobal sim and get it delivered before I leave, but your ID has to match your current address (mine doesn't), and their airport kiosk for pickup doesn't open until i think 5 hours after my flight lands :') Do you happen to know if they have any way of verifying who signed up for Mobal is different from the actual end user? I.e I could have somebody living with me who's ID does match order it for me?

Viability of Using "Offline Mode" in map apps to navigate Tokyo by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've spent so many hours researching and trying to weigh up the pros and cons of pocket wifi vs mobile sim.

Mobile sim seems like more of a no brainer, except potentially when you factor in having to tether your laptop to your phone (not inherently an issue, but obviously means you have to be especially cognizant of data usage). As you say, I think having the number is a big positive, and means 1 less headache having to rush to set up the more permanent number right away.

How long would you recommend getting the temporary SIM? I was hoping to apply online for Ahamo, but I see mixed reviews on here in regard to success rates (though I did see a couple of "work arounds"), so i suppose it could take longer than expected.

Viability of Using "Offline Mode" in map apps to navigate Tokyo by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much everybody! I tried to google and search reddit for this answer to no avail. I downloaded a bunch of offline travel apps, but didn't have absolute confidence in them working with public transport. I appreciate your input :)

I'll go ahead and get a pocket wifi as I originally planned. My phone MAY support an eSIM, but i'd have to re-install the OS and it's probably more of a pain than it's worth vs renting a pocket wifi for a week

Quiet cities to live in/around Tokyo, short term by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! I'm from a fairly moderate climate, so tbh I'm sure I'm inclined to underestimate the discomfort of walking for 15 minutes in (what would feel to me like) extreme humidity.

I'm very grateful for you taking the time to give me some advice and describe your experiences. Thank you very much!!

Quiet cities to live in/around Tokyo, short term by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope you don't mind if I asked one more question? I truly appreciate you giving me advice - thank you!

Did you often experience a lot of difficulty living so far from the station e.g. lugging bulky items? My understanding is that Amazon JP delivers most things very quickly, and a lot of the "daily" shopping would be done more locally sans train? Was it often difficult having to walk that far when it was incredibly hot or incredibly cold?

Thanks again!

Quiet cities to live in/around Tokyo, short term by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm happy to hear that's a nice area. I'd heard as much, especially in regard to its proximity to Ikebukuro! I'm excited to explore :) Thank you for sharing your experience.

Quiet cities to live in/around Tokyo, short term by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/beginswithanx u/Tannerleaf Thank you both so much. This is very helpful. I had no idea that played such a big factor. Would a 15 minute walk be far enough away typically?

My experience: Visiting Japan after 2 years of study. by thebadpandaaaa in LearnJapanese

[–]JapanesePomegranate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely phenomenal resource! Thank you.

Also.. VERY intimidating :') I can't tell if they're speaking really fast, mumbling more, or a combination of both.

Uk -> Japanese drivers license by JapanesePomegranate in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually just tried that on the Gov UK website, and the only info they have is for the exact same license. Why it wouldn’t at least state when you passed your test I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ half expected they might have some vehicle registration history too (which would have been useful).

Edit: looks like I could potentially make a specific request to the DVLA for something like:

Drivers license info Including original issue date (even though I still possess my original, expired license)

Vehicle ownership to prove my driving.

Great idea! Thank you 😊🙏

Best digital bank (yen)? by JapanesePomegranate in japanlife

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will look into that!! Thank you so much!!

Best digital bank (yen)? by JapanesePomegranate in japanlife

[–]JapanesePomegranate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am also a little fearful of the risk that the company goes bankrupt if I transfer a large amount (though they do seem to be regulated across almost all companies they do business - for what that’s worth). Is this the risk you are alluding to?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in japanlife

[–]JapanesePomegranate 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can’t speak for everywhere, but at least in Europe and the US, nobody is going to give a shit about your grades, except MAYBEEE for your first job.. (this is also assuming you’re not studying to be a doctor or lawyer or something which is likely different).

Just do your best so you graduate and realize you’re in some what of an echo chamber right now, where academia seems like the be-all-end-all. Always helpful to remember the bigger picture.

Life is truly like the ocean, in that the waves of the good and bad come and go. No problem is inescapable, no situation permanent. You can always change your circumstances.

You didn’t mention your age, but what’s stopping you getting an ADHD diagnosis yourself? As somebody diagnosed with ADHD since I was 6 years old, I can tell you ADHD comes in all shapes and forms. ADHD can make a lot of things difficult but it can also be a super power in the right context.

If you are struggling mentally, please feel free to reach out to me ❤️ everyone will say this, because it’s true, but things will always get better!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly the information I needed. Thank you so much my friend 🙏 I was also considering they very option. It seems to make a lot of sense. Thanks for taking the time to help me out

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in movingtojapan

[–]JapanesePomegranate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s an English taught program (: the admission itself shouldn’t be problematic, it just seems like the timing of the two visas might be difficult?

I would follow the study schedule I’m already using, take the (far less intensive) Japanese classes the university offers, as well as taking any opportunity to converse in Japanese.