Leopalace

                    Most ALTs from Interac stay at Leopalace Apartments. These apartments are all around Japan. They are good for those who just moved to this country because they are fully-furnished and rent includes internet connection. Above all, there is no need for a guarantor to rent a Leopalace apartment. 

                     One can easily identify a Leopalace apartment because most houses have the same designs anywhere in Japan. 

                    Usually, Leopalace in cities have lofts while those in countrysides have beds with storage shelves underneath.  Rooms on ground floors have big sliding doors while rooms on second floors are carpeted with smaller windows. 

                         Each apartment has a tv, airconditioner/heater, intercom, microwave and washing machine. It also includes a small kitchen with narrow counter top and an electromagnetic stove.  Bathrooms (with dryers) and toilets are usually separated.

                         These shots were taken in Hatogaya, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama. Hatogaya used to be an independent city in Saitama but it's so small the government decided to combine it to Kawaguchi. Hato means dove so there are pictures and statues of doves almost everywhere in this place.

                   
                         

When in Japan...

1.     Keep left! Especially on escalators, you must stay at the left side if you’re not on a hurry. The right side is for those who are on a hurry. Weird though, when you go to Kansai region, you have to keep right (the picture above was taken in Osaka)! 

2.       Clean your table after eating at a fast-food. I know this is followed in other countries too but not in ours so I included it here. 

3.   Separate your garbage well; biodegradable,non-biodegradable, cans, bottles etc. You should know the schedule for throwing each.

4.      Pack your groceries after paying at a supermarket. They’ll give you plastic bags; you have to do it on your own. Some supermarkets don't give away plastic bags so you have to buy one or bring your own reusable bag.

5.       Always take off your shoes when entering someone’s house (even at your own house actually).

6.       Don’t go out with wet hair.

7.      As much as possible, go to the toilet when you have to blow your nose (It’s more polite to sniff than to blow your nose in Japan). Also, never use a handkerchief when blowing your nose, they find it gross!

8.       It’s ok to use your phone but never answer phone calls when riding on a train. You even have to turn it off if you are near the priority seats (seats for senior citizens).

9.       Don’t eat while walking.

10.   Apologize (sometimes for no reason at all). Just say “sumimasen” when you are in awkward situations. This word can mean “thank you”, “sorry”, “excuse me” etc.

11. Use both of your hands when accepting something such as business cards, receipts, change etc.

12. Buy a business card holder since you'll receive a lot of business cards.