Go! Go! Nihon blog

Category: How to

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My introduction to life in Japan started in 2008 when I began studying at a Japanese language school on a student visa. Immediately following this, I worked some 21,434 odd part-time jobs, founded a sole...
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If you’re applying to study Japanese, you might have come across the 150 hour Japanese study requirement for language schools in Japan. Currently, this requirement isn’t enforced across the board and depends on the school...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Exploring and traveling in the Japanese countryside is one of the most harmonic down-to-earth things you can experience in life. This is because Japan has a more than 2000-year old history, rich with temples, shrines,...
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It can be very difficult to start studying for JLPT N1 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). This is because the gap in difficulty from N2 to N1 is huge and it can take students between one...
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If you are studying Japanese it is highly recommended to aim at passing the JLPT N2. The test is hard, but there are many benefits to passing. Having a JLPT N2 certificate makes you linguistically...
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If you’re planning to pursue further education in Japan or if you are in search of employment, having a JLPT (Japanese Language Certificate Test) certificate will come in handy. JLPT N3 is the intermediate-level test...
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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...
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If you are studying Japanese, chances are that you’ve come across the term JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). The JLPT is a nationwide standardized Japanese test for foreigners and is recognized in all of Japan....
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Whether you’re looking for a full-time job, or already found one after studying, you might be wondering how to change from a Student Visa to a Work Visa in Japan. It’s a fairly common process...
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If you’ve dreamed of living and studying in Japan for a year in 2024 but are unsure of where to begin, worry not! We have put together all the essential information needed to guide you...
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Have you ever considered buying an apartment or a holiday home in Japan? Buying property in Japan as a foreigner can seem daunting, but it is an achievable dream and can be a good investment...
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If you’re learning Japanese, you’ll probably have heard about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). In this five-part series, we will break down each test level, what they test you on, how they’re scored, and...
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Ever missed the last train after a party and had to grab a taxi to get home? Knowing how to take a taxi in Japan can be beneficial when going somewhere outside the public transportation...
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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,...
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Have you ever considered creating a side business in Japan? Or maybe opening up an online store? Perhaps you have a creative-side and love doing painting, knitting, crafts or photography, or maybe you have another...
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A visit to the Immigration Office is inevitable during your time in Japan, especially if you wish to stay long-term. Whether you want to extend your Japanese student visa or change it to another visa,...
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Is one of your goals in life to move to Japan to study or work? If that is the case, you will need a visa and a visa sponsor for Japan. This can be quite...
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Preparing for a move is a daunting task regardless of where you live, and the added stressor of being a foreign resident in a country known for its red tape and endless paperwork can make...
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Looking to step off trains and subways and explore the country a bit more personally? For those wanting to drive in Japan, foreign residents can get behind the wheel straight away if they meet certain...
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If your long-term goal is to work in Japan, there are a few essential things you need in order to make that dream a reality.  From having an excellent grasp of the language to understanding...
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Whether you’re building strength, working on your cardiovascular health, or wanting to join some group fitness classes, signing up for a gym membership can help you achieve your fitness goals in Japan.  Chances are, there...
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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...
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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....
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If one of your goals is to study in Japan, then you’ll want to know all you can about applying for student visas for Japan. This article will go through everything from when you actually...
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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...
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There’s a good chance that if you lose something in Japan, you’ll be able to get it back again. Overall, people are fairly honest if they have come across something that’s not theirs and lost...
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It’s easier now to do freelance or remote work than ever before. Therefore, freelancing or working remotely in Japan while studying could be an attractive option for those who want to work while studying.  Maybe...
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After two years of a travel and entry ban, short term visas to Japan are available again for those wanting to study in Japan for a shorter time.  Most people who study in Japan apply...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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One of the most important things you need for your study abroad experience is money. You need it for rent, tuition, daily life and without meeting the minimum amount required by Japanese immigration, your visa...
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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...
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Being able to speak and hold a conversation in Japanese is often a major hurdle many learners struggle to overcome. But it’s an important one because once you start to speak Japanese more, your language...
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If you have ever tried to send post from Japan to another country, you’ll know it can be a confusing process. This is truer now more than ever after Japan Post changed its requirements around...
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Studying abroad is a big life event and you might feel a lot of pressure to choose the right Japanese language school. This decision involves many personal factors and what is right for someone else...
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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...
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The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognised Japanese proficiency exam. Foreigners who want to work in Japan sweat blood and tears to pass the coveted JLPT N2 exam – the level...
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Chopsticks are the ubiquitous eating utensil in Japan, but it’s not just something you eat food with. Using chopsticks in Japan comes with its own set of rules and etiquette, which may not be apparent...
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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...
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While living and studying in Japan, you may need to make a bank transfer from your Japanese bank account. If you’ve never done this before, or if you feel your Japanese language skills aren’t quite...
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Among the many things that Japan is known for, the prevalence of earthquakes is perhaps one of the least pleasant. Earthquakes in Japan have been incredibly destructive, but at the same time, they have been...
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When you think of travel in Japan you may first think of trains and the bullet train or Shinkansen in particular. However, what you may not realise is that you’re missing out on a much...
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Japan often seems to be at the forefront of many things, but when it comes to zero waste living, it can feel like it’s in the dark ages. Living zero waste in even the most...
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When you imagine your future in Japan, what do you see? Study, then work? Language study, then higher education? Running your own business? Whatever your vision is, you need to have a visa plan in...
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When travelling anywhere in the world it’s important to think about what you’re packing and most importantly what you can and can’t bring into a country. Japan is no different, so we’ve put together a...
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Train fare in Japan can be quite expensive. If you stay for a short period you can get the Japan Rail Pass, but for students staying long enough to require a visa this is not...
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Japan’s weather can be variable across the year with its 52 micro seasons. What’s more, with the country stretching from Hokkaido to Okinawa, there’s a range of temperatures from city to city. It’s no surprise...
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Bringing your pet to Japan is a process that can be both time-consuming and expensive. But, it is absolutely possible to successfully bring your fur friend to Japan, with a bit of patience and a...
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While in Japan you’ll probably get some recommendations or instructions to go to a specific place or address. Finding your way there might be a bit tricky if you can’t read a Japanese address, so...
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In Japan, millions of commuters board trains and subways everyday, and if you’ve ever been on a train in Japan you know that it’s usually a very orderly and smooth experience. The train etiquette in Japan...
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In Japan there’s so much more to do at the post office than you might think. It’s the place to go to send mail and parcels, but also to withdraw money and even get souvenirs! In...
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It’s been a long day and you just want to get in the bath and have a nice long soak. But wait, while having a bath might seem like a relatively straightforward task, it’s not...
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When you’re settling into your new life in Japan you’ll think that you won’t have to worry about some of the basic things like setting the heating or using a Japanese washing machine but if...
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We’ve already introduced you to the mysteries of this magnificent mountain but if you want to climb Mount Fuji then you’re going to need a little more information so that you’re ready for your trek....
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Recycling in Japan can have some pretty tricky rules and these rules change from town to town. It takes a little bit of time to get the hang of, but that just means cleaner rubbish...
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Coming from the US, redelivery—Fuzaihyou (不在表) in Japan—can be a touchy subject. It’s a common joke over there to hear about our postmen ringing the doorbell and slapping a “We missed you! We’ll try again...
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You’ve picked your language school, you’ve booked your flights, there’s just the packing left. It can be a tricky task when you’re moving country whether studying short term or long term, so we’ve put together...
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If you don’t already know it, you’ll soon realise that Japan is still a very cash-based society and it’s not unusual to carry large amounts of cash around. Soon after you’ve arrived in Japan you’ll...
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It’s hard enough finding an apartment in your own country, let alone searching for a Japanese apartment! On top of the standard criteria to keep in mind, there are a couple uniquely Japanese fees to...
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Congratulations! You’ve got an interview scheduled. As with interviews anywhere else in the world, you should be prepared to answer some of the most common questions asked in a Japanese job interview. We’ve listed the...
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As a student, you might not have a lot of discretionary money to spend. Sure, you want to go out and experience Japan, but you need to be conservative in spending in certain areas so...
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The Japanese job hunting and recruiting processes is very structured. Although there are strict rules, it makes it easy to figure out what to wear since there is an expected protocol on interview attire. This...
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Much like in other countries, applying for most jobs in Japan will require a resume, regardless of part-time/full-time or industry. However, Japanese resumes have a fairly strict structure so be sure to adhere to the...
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If you’re moving to Japan to study Japanese, chances are you’ll be looking to take the JLPT—the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験). It may sound like I’m just trying to get you to take tests...
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The “My Number” system (マイナンバー) was introduced in Japan around the end of 2015 with the aim of providing all residents of Japan with an individual number ID for social security, taxation, and other government...
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You may decide during your course of study that you would like to change language school in Japan. Changing or transferring to a new school is certainly possible, but there are a number factors to...
go-go-nihon-who-we-are

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.