Go! Go! Nihon blog
Author: Go! Go! Nihon Staff
Learn Japanese
If you’re thinking about studying Japanese in Japan, understanding how Japanese language school terms work is key to planning your move. There are generally four terms per year, which means four chances to start. But...
Japanese Culture
Spring may best be symbolized by sakura, or cherry blossoms, in Japan. Cherry blossoms also symbolize the beginning of the year for many, as the Japanese school year and fiscal year start in April, just...
Learn Japanese
Spring is, without a doubt, the most popular time of year in Japan. The weather is warming up, the flowers are starting to bloom, and pastel spring-themed snacks are making their way into cafes and...
How to
Train fares in Japan can be quite expensive. If you stay for a short period, you can get the Japan Rail Pass, but for anyone staying long enough to require a visa, this is not...
How to
If one of your goals is to study in Japan long term, then you’ll want to know all you can about applying for a student visa for Japan. This article will go through everything from...
Life in Japan
Visiting Japan during spring hopefully means you will be able to experience the bloom of the famous Japanese cherry blossoms (桜 sakura). For the cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, these pink and white beauties typically...
Learn Japanese
You may have heard that it’s impossible to study in Japan over 30 years old. Luckily for those who fall in that category, this isn’t actually true and it’s never too late to chase your...
Life in Japan
As a country that loves celebrations, there is certainly no shortage of popular Japanese events and festivals to enjoy over the course of one year in Japan. Read on to find out about some of...
Japanese Culture
There are a total of 16 Japanese public holidays throughout the year. They can range from the typical New Year’s and National Foundation Day to the more obscure Coming of Age Day and the Emperor’s...
Life in Japan
Sometimes known as the “second city” of Japan, living in Osaka is very different from Tokyo. It’s often described as “gritty”, but Osaka is also a lot of fun and has arguably some of the...
How to
The idea of living in Japan is attractive to many because it offers adventure, career advancement, and a high standard of living. However, one of the main challenges many expats face is navigating the job...
Life in Japan
Updated November, 2024Japan during the winter is a magical place for many reasons. Whether you like winter sports or relaxing in an onsen in the mountains, there’s a lot to choose from. But what if...
Life in Japan
Snowboarding and skiing in Japan are popular winter pastimes, for good reason. The country is recognized as a world-class destination for winter sports lovers, providing high-quality snow, good weather conditions, breathtaking scenery, and relaxing après-ski...
How to
Japanese hot springs (onsen 温泉) have been enjoyed by the Japanese for well over a thousand years; in the days before modern medicine, it was believed that a dip in the onsen could cure just...
Learn Japanese
Learn Japanese online with one of Tokyo’s largest Japanese language schools, Akamonkai. Together with Go! Go! Nihon, Akamonkai offers a 12-week online Japanese course, designed to teach you the fundamentals of the Japanese language, entirely...
Learn Japanese
Whether it’s to send a postcard from your travels or a box full of goodies to your friends back home, you’re bound to need to visit the post office while you’re living in Japan. It...
News
Japan has a specified designated activities visa for travelers who want to stay longer for sightseeing and recreation. The long-stay tourist visa for Japan lets you and your spouse live and travel in the country...
Life in Japan
You’ve made the decision and you’re ready to move to Japan: awesome! Out of all the countries in the world, you have concluded that Japan is the place you want to be. But what about...
Japanese Culture
When autumn arrives in Japan, landscapes across the country turn all shades of red, orange, and yellow. In Japanese, the process of leaves changing colours is called “momiji“, which is also the name of the...
Learn Japanese
Studying Japanese in Japan might be your dream but what comes after that? Starting a job hunt can seem daunting but you’ve already taken a step in the right direction by deciding to learn a...
News
For 15 years, helping students from around the globe start their journeys to live and study has been the goal for Go! Go! Nihon in Japan. Founded in 2009, Go! Go! Nihon has assisted more...
Japanese Culture
Why should the living get to have all the fun anyway? Every 7th month of the year, Japan celebrates Obon お盆, one of the biggest holiday periods of the year. But what is Obon? In short,...
How to
In Japan’s larger cities, the lines in front of popular restaurants are continuing to get longer and longer. Although trying the best foods is one of the most memorable things you can do while traveling...
Life in Japan
If you’ve finished a Japanese language course, graduated from a university, have the right qualifications, and are dreaming about finding a full-time job in Japan, there is a lot to learn about the process. Job-hunting...
Japanese Culture
The Tanabata festival is one of the most joyous and colorful summer festivals in Japan and there are plenty of them that happen all over the country. The word Tanabata (七夕) means the seventh evening...
How to
The digital nomad visa in Japan is a six-month “specified activities” visa where foreign nationals can work remotely from anywhere in the country without the need to be hired by a company in Japan. The...
Life in Japan
Being LGBTQ in Japan comes with unique challenges and experiences. Stan Fukase, a prominent figure in the queer community, shares his personal journey and insights about navigating life in Japan as a gay person. This...
Life in Japan
While the cherry blossoms are a spectacular sight to see in spring, summer also has a surprise up its sleeve with Japan’s rainy season. Early June to mid-July is the perfect time to see an...
How to
The reality is that it’s not possible to study in Japan if you’re under 18 long-term without restrictions. Although you could technically obtain a student visa, your accommodation options are extremely limited as a minor...
Only in Japan
Japan’s rainy season or Tsuyu (梅雨) is well-known to most regular visitors to this beautiful country. If you travel here from around the beginning of June to mid-July, you’ll be sure to get a bit...
Only in Japan
With spring in the air and the sun shining many people in Tokyo are thinking about hanami 花見 (flower viewing) and how they can enjoy the sakura 桜, or cherry blossoms. Did you know, though,...
News
As of spring 2023, the Japanese government has introduced two new visa programs for foreign nationals, the Future Creation Individual (J-Find) and Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip) visas. Both J-Find and J-Skip visas are work-related visas...
Life in Japan
Living in Tokyo and studying abroad can be one of the most exciting times of your life, but learning a new language, navigating a large city, and being away from home can sometimes feel isolating....
News
The sakura, or cherry blossom forecast for this year has already started to roll in. The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases its forecast each year around January to give an indication of when it thinks the...
Japanese Culture
Kabuki is one of the great performing arts, with a long, rich history and origin that dates back over 400 years. Throughout history, kabuki in Japan has gone through a lot of transitions and reforms....
Life in Japan
Convenience stores, or conbini (コンビニ), in Japan truly live up to their name. From buying food and drinks to paying your bills, the services available at convenience stores in Japan are guaranteed to make your...
Life in Japan
The spirit of Halloween in Japan is alive and well, but things are done a bit differently than you might expect. The holiday is less about trick or treating and setting up spooky decorations and...
Only in Japan
Information updated as of September 2023 When you arrive in Japan, one of the must-haves for a seamless and convenient trip is a prepaid all-in-one IC card such as Suica or Pasmo. IC cards in...
Japanese Culture
Having the opportunity to work full-time in Japan is truly a dream come true for some. It offers a glimpse into a dynamic and intricate work culture. From punctuality and team collaboration to professionalism and...
Life in Japan
A lot of magic happens during the spring in Japan, think cherry blossoms in full bloom and a fresh start to the school year in April – that is the kind of backdrop we’re talking...
Life in Japan
Once the capital of Japan and now more of a laid-back city with lots of temples and shrines, living in Kyoto is for those of you with a spiritual side. It could be described as...
How to
Whether it’s calling your hairdresser or a dental office for your yearly dental checkup, you’re going to need to make an appointment in Japanese at least a few times while living in Japan. Talking on...
How to
If you’ve dreamed of living and studying in Japan for a year but are unsure of where to begin, worry not! We have put together all the essential information needed to guide you through the...
Japanese Culture
It’s on the back of the ¥1000 bill, on the first page of a Japan Google Image search, and is an almost perfectly symmetrical volcano neatly capped in snow during the winter months. Mount Fuji—Japan’s...
Life in Japan
The month of July in Japan is notoriously hot and humid. But there are many great things to see, do, and add to your Japan summer itinerary. From ancient festivals, delicious food, and rare opportunities...
Learn Japanese
Embark on a new and unique language adventure by learning Japanese slang with Go! Go! Nihon! In the past, we’ve teamed up with renowned language institutions to bring you the best online Japanese courses from...
How to
If you are a part of the United States (U.S.) military, you might know all about the benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers. These include educational benefits to veterans, active duty service members,...
Japanese Culture
In Japan, the Western holiday of Valentine’s Day was popularized in the 1950’s. There’s also a follow-up holiday called White Day (ホワイトデー) on March 14, which was invented as a day for men to give gifts and...
Life in Japan
Ancient temples woven into bamboo forests, festivals with old incantations of long-lost dialects spilling onto the streets, and open-air hot springs daringly embedded in active volcanoes. It’s no wonder nearly 20 million people and rising...
Life in Japan
It can be a maze navigating a job search in your own home country, which can make finding part-time jobs in Japan even more intimidating. Go! Go! Nihon helps students to get a student visa...
Japanese Culture
In Japan, New Year’s is the most important holiday of all. Celebrating the Japanese New Year, or Oshōgatsu (お正月) in Japanese, means spending time with family and loved ones while eating lots of food and...
News
Christmas in Japan is an experience that is unique and magical in its own way. Although it’s not a traditional holiday in Japan, Christmas has developed its own identity here and there is plenty to...
Life in Japan
Japan in winter often gets overlooked, but it’s a magical time of year for a lot of reasons. From delicious warming oden 御田 (various stewed ingredients) to relaxing in an onsen 温泉, or getting your...
Life in Japan
The health insurance scheme is required by the government in Japan for all Japanese citizens, permanent residents and any non-Japanese residing in Japan with a visa for three months or more, including students. Kokumin kenkou...
Life in Japan
Hiroshima 広島 City is a travel destination loved not only by tourists, but also locals. It’s a city with a deep history, awe-inspiring nature, and insanely delicious cuisine. If you want to know what to...
Learn Japanese
Do you want to go to Japan to study, but not sure if it’s for you? Applying for a language course and making the move to Japan can be a bit intimidating, especially if you...
How to
If you’re planning to visit Japan in the future, choosing to buy the Japan Rail Pass could be one of the best investments you’ll make. Whether or not the Japan Rail Pass is worth it...
Life in Japan
After a long day spent pounding pavement and taking in the sights, you find a secluded spot to sit – stone steps along a canal that weaves in and out of the city proper. You...
Food&Drink
Fierce samurais, rich feudal lords, heavenly emperors, and you can bet even the farmers on the rice field have shared a toast of Japanese sake (酒) with the deities. The alcoholic beverage from Japan has a...
How to
Leaving Japan for a few weeks during school break? You will want to make sure you are all set and ready to leave, and don’t forget the most important thing of all: your re-entry permit....
How to
Japan has strict rules in place for many immigration and import-related matters, and medication is no different. Bringing medication to Japan comes with its own set of rules, and failure to observe them can lead to...
Life in Japan
When looking at options for schools in Japan, you may automatically be looking at Tokyo – but it’s not for everyone. It’s busy and heavily populated, a sensory overload for some. With the rest of...
Life in Japan
Having to make friends in Japan – or any unfamiliar environment – can be daunting. Add language and cultural barriers in the mix and it can be a recipe for a lonely start to life...
Life in Japan
Imagine this: you make your way through a throng of people scattered about a busy street. Neon lights wash the asphalt a kaleidoscopic spectrum of colour. Hawkers shout as you pass, beckoning you to some...
Only in Japan
Don’t be afraid. If anything, get excited. Oh sure Japan’s filled with beautiful temples, food you’ll never forget, and history to get lost in. But how about using a Japanese toilet?? If you have never...
Learn Japanese
Starting to learn a new language can seem like an overwhelming task. It seems like there’s a lot to learn and you don’t always know the best way to start. Even more difficult with a...
Only in Japan
A peaceful city full of friendly deer walking freely like in a Disney movie. That’s what many people imagine when they think about Nara. But Nara City has way more to offer its visitors. And...
Life in Japan
You’ve done your research, picked a city you think you’d love, and even started hunting online for good schools or jobs in the land of the rising sun. There’s just one question burning in the...
Life in Japan
Updated September 2023After a foreign national successfully applies for their Japan visa, they will receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Japan (COE) if their application is approved by the local immigration authority. The COE serves...
Japanese Culture
What’s in a name anyway? Well, if you grew up in Japan, a lot. A rich history lives behind every Japanese family name. Each one tells a story linked to a historic clan of ancient...
Life in Japan
If you want to come study in Japan, you are going to need to obtain a visa. The most obvious one is the student visa, however there are other types of visas that allow you...
Life in Japan
It is a fact that Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world. The punctuality of its public transport, clean streets, public safety, and high life expectancy are well known outside the...
How to
Moving to Japan for the first time will probably be one of the most exciting moments of your life. It might also be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with all the things you...
How to
There are many reasons why you might want to change to a student visa in Japan. You might be on a Japanese work visa but wish to study full-time to improve your language skills. Or...
Learn Japanese
Conversation is king when it comes to learning another language. There’s no faster way to learn to communicate than the challenge of a real, uncontrolled conversation in that language. That’s why we recommend making the...
Life in Japan
When first arriving to Japan, there are plenty of things to do. One of the questions you will likely encounter has to do with pension: these slips are similar to the health insurance ones, coming...
Japanese Culture
What are those interesting-looking, red Daruma dolls anyway? You’ve likely seen them in Asian restaurants around the world or hiding just about everywhere in Japan. But few know the interesting and somewhat dark history behind their...
Life in Japan
If you have been through the process of moving to Japan already, you’ll know that there’s a lot to prepare in advance and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. From ensuring you have a valid visa,...
Japanese Culture
They’re an absolute must-see whether you’re religious or not. Japan’s temples and shrines are some of the most beautiful in the world. Most of them are nestled into gorgeous locations across the country. Think secluded cliff-side...
Japanese Culture
There’s nothing wrong with a Attack on Titan binge, or rewatching Mononoke Hime for the umpteenth time. They’re great! But, there are so many other movies in Japanese aside from your favourite anime. Besides language...
Learn Japanese
Free Japanese language resources can be a great learning accompaniment, or give you a good taste of the language before you commit fully. We’ve got some great free resources, from our blog articles to online...
Food&Drink
Light and crispy tempura, rich and hearty curry rice, delicate omurice. There are so many classic dishes that come to mind when we think of traditional Japanese food. But, you might be surprised to know...
How to
Moving to a new country to learn a new language by yourself can be intimidating. Some people may prefer to study in Japan with a friend. Or you might be in a relationship where you...
Learn Japanese
If you’re a Japanese learner, you might have already come across words like rashii らしい, sou そう, mitai みたい and ppoiっぽい. These words are used to express “seems like” or “looks like”, or to express...
Learn Japanese
It’s true! You already know some Japanese even if you’ve never studied the language before. From emojis to zen, Japanese culture is a global influence that is a part of daily life everywhere. You might...
Life in Japan
Student life abroad can be tough to manage. You’ve got a new language to learn that your future success depends on, social needs that demand attention, and perhaps a bank account barely in the black...
Only in Japan
Just one more step. That’s the mantra. Through fatiguing legs, panting breath and beads of sweat starting to form on your skin, you keep telling yourself to push through to your goal – the mountain summit....
Food&Drink
There are plenty of wondrous things to take in on a typical Japanese city street. You’ve got throngs of people bustling through their day. Bright neon and digital advertisements light up the pavement. And traditional-style...
How to
It’s fairly straightforward to open a bank account in Japan, but it’s impossible to do this before you arrive in the country. You can use your existing cards to withdraw any money you need when...
Life in Japan
Depending on where you live in the world you may or may not be familiar with the seasonal sniffles of hay fever, but hay fever in Japan is very common. With distinct seasons comes strong...
Life in Japan
Marco is one of our students from Italy, who was meant to start Japanese language school from April 2020. But then the global pandemic hit, the world went into lockdown and Marco was faced with...
Japanese Culture
You might not be familiar with the term “Ukiyo-e”, but there’s a good chance that you have seen the famous Great Wave of Kanagawa. This beautiful piece was created as a woodblock print and alongside...
Learn Japanese
Why study Japanese? Well let’s start with you. Why are you interested in learning Japanese? There’s a number of reasons why there’s a growing number of people interested in learning Japanese, and each have their...
Only in Japan
Already world-famous for its quality powder snow and ski fields, winter in Japan is a truly magical experience. Aside from the snow sports though, there are plenty of ways to experience snow in Japan that...
Life in Japan
Hear “Nagano” and you might think: snow, Winter Olympics, snow monkeys. And while Nagano is all of those things, it is also so much more. If you’re thinking about whether to live in Nagano, read...
Japanese Culture
Shibori is a Japanese tie-dyeing technique that has been used for centuries. Famous for its blue dye, shibori is the result of experimentation with more interesting approaches to textile production, rather than just colouring clothes...
Japanese Culture
The Japanese kimono is a quintessential garment and despite changing fashion over the years, it’s still seen as an icon of Japan. Literally meaning ‘worn thing’, it’s had a prominent place in the history of...
How to
If you’re looking to study at a Japanese university or vocational college, you may know about or already be signed up for a Bekka program. Designed for non-Japanese students, this preparatory course is normally taught...
Life in Japan
Just a little to the southwest of Kyoto and west of Osaka, Kobe is a beautiful port town bordered by some mountains to the north and west and the sea to the south. As for...
Learn Japanese
Is learning Japanese from anime really an option? Or will you just learn a lot of slang and fighting talk? Well actually anime can be a great accompaniment to your Japanese language studies (although definitely...
Who we are
Go! Go! Nihon Live and Study in Japan!
In 2009, after meeting and studying at a Japanese language school together, Davide and John start working on a project that will make the process of living and studying in Japan much easier. The idea for Go! Go! Nihon is born. The service and website is launched with Italian, Swedish, and English language support. There is an immediate positive reception to the service and the first long-term students start the October session that year.
