The flea market comes of age in Japan
March 31, 2008
Days, weeks and probably - if I added the time up - months of my young life in England were spent trawling around second-hand and antique markets with my parents. Now, it seems, here in Japan the equivalent ‘flea market’ has shifted from something students and young people frequent and entered the mainstream. Read more
Events in Tokyo, from Tokyo Art Beat
March 30, 2008
A list of the current and popular art events from the bi-lingual arts guide for Tokyo, Tokyo Art Beat. Read more
Hanami: watching the cherry blossom in Japan
March 27, 2008
The annual profusion of blossom in Japan - ume [plum], momo [peach] or sakura [cherry] - is a magical sight. With the blossom comes the promise of warmer weather and people begin to enjoy coming back out, gathering in parks and having fun together. Here are some photos and some suggestions of where to go for the best hanami, or blossom viewings. Read more
A rasher, a rasher, my Kingdom for a rasher….. of ‘real’ bacon
March 18, 2008
It has been five months since I moved back to Japan. This time it is for good and I am perfectly happy about the prospect. But, there is one small thing missing: bacon. In fact, it is in danger of becoming a big thing if I don’t find some real bacon soon. Read more
Photograph postcards of Japan and the UK for sale….
March 18, 2008
Japanorama.co.uk is delighted to be able to offer you a selection of stylish postcards, all created from original photographs by the British, Tokyo-based photographer, Alfie Goodrich. Superb shots of Japanese nature, landscapes, people and some of the classic tourist spots like Mount Fuji, as you may not have seen them before. Read more
Useful tips for planning a trip to Japan
March 17, 2008
Japan is a fascinating country and planning a trip here could get off to a handsome start using this set of recommended links and resources. Read more
The Japanese national tourist agency
March 17, 2008
The Japanese National Tourist Organization [JNTO] has some excellent information, guides, deals and photos on its website. Here is our little guide on the best of it. Read more
Alien registration & entry requirements
March 17, 2008
Once you have parked your spaceship, get down to your local alien registration office to do the necessary paperwork. “Nanu, nanu”. Read more
Getting a Japanese driver’s licence
March 17, 2008
Like most things in Japan, the route to obtaining a driver’s licence is one strewn with red-tape and beuracracy. Here we tell you how to go about it.
If you are lucky enough to be from one of the countries who have an agreement with Japan [England is one of them], then a straight swap can be made without one having to take a driving test. The first and most important criteria is that you are in posession of a valid driver’s licence from your host country. And that you were resident in that country for three months or more after passing your test.
All JET scheme persons and potential residents beware: do not expect to pass a test in the UK, jump on a plane to Japan less than three months later and swap your British licence for a Japanese one. No amount of pleading will result in a bending of this rule.
Assuming you have a valid licence, which you have held for more than three months back home, and the process is relatively simple thereafter. Your local Japanese Auto Federation [JAF] office will be able to issue you an official translation of your home licence and with that, off you go to the Driving Licence centre and apply for your Japanese licence.
Important point number two; the translation must be an official one. Having an immaculately typed-up translation from a friend, relative or spouse will be rejected instantly. The official translation costs 3000Yen and yes, it is a money-making scheme. Get used to this in Japan, it will save you having any stress about other such beuracratic charges elsewhere in your life here.
The licence is valid for three years from the date you applied. Note, not the day it is issued.
Resources and links
For a list of local JAF offices issuing translations, click here.
For details of the translation and for a form you can print out to apply for it, click here.
Good luck and happy motoring! Oh, and if you are used to driving at over 40kph back home, get ready to be frustrated in Japan [or have your spouse perpetually nagging at you to slow doan, in my case]. Even on the motorways you can only ever get up to 110kph [65mph] and speed really freaks the locals out.
