The X-Pat Files

May 2009

 

 (Brought to you by H&R Consultants)

 

The X-Pat Files Community E-Newsletter provides a forum for the spread of information useful for English speakers living in Aichi.  You can use the newsletter as an informational resource, and of course you can send in information you would like to share.

 

This newsletter is a community service from The Japan Real Estate and Relocation company, H&R Consultants (www.japanhomesearch.com), and is edited by Sue Conolly (http://web.mac.com/conolly).

 

  Contents for This Edition

 

 1. Quaint Nagoya – Along the banks of Horikawa

 2. Rental Bicycles

 3. The Curious World of Japanese Medicine

 4. Climb Mt Fuji for Charity

 5. Stocking Up on Indian Spices

 6. 18th Annual Walkathon and International Charity Festival

 7. Meet and Greet Luncheon

 8. Oh, Dental Clinic

 9. Day Trips from Nagoya

10. Independence Day

 

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1. Quaint Nagoya – Along the Banks of Horikawa

 

My husband and I went into Nagoya the other day, to have our wedding rings cleaned at the little jeweler shop where they were forged. While we waited, we walked in the area between Marunouchi Station and Nagoya International Centre, and we literally stumbled upon the quaintest area of Nagoya that we never knew existed.

 

At first glace the river Horikawa was charming. On closer inspection it was smelly and dirty, but then on third inspection it was charming again, lined with little old buildings and bridges in the distance (the trick? Don’t look straight down in the water… eyes should follow the river horizontally!). Many of the buildings have been remodeled, but many more have been kept for posterity, and now house galleries, cafes, restaurants and antique shops. In one such little shop an English/Japanese bilingual map was thrust into our hands and we found ourselves visiting shrines, chasing down little streets and noticing rooftop gods. It was a little touch of paradise, and we dearly wished that we hadn’t had lunch already. Click here for a walking guide I found on the Nagoya International Center website. I also found a citizens group with an English website, with the aim to clean up the Horikawa River.

 

Today, further along the river at Nayabashi I met with a friend, and we sat on the wooden deck of an indoor/outdoor café, Hotoris. Although it’s in a new building, the environment is relaxing and laid back on a beautiful sunny day – right on the river it even has a waterfall in the background, near the historic Naya Bridge. Later when I walked back to Nagoya Station I noticed all the great restaurants, and some really old buildings along this river, so I vowed I would go there again. If you would like to go there too, follow the map to this restaurant which is also along the river, which advertises itself in English as being “the taste of samurai popped out in modern Japan”. Who can resist this old and quaint Nagoya area, popped out so close to Sakae and Nagoya Station?

 

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2. Rental Bicycles

Thank you to Betty Mizutani for this submission

 

I wanted to let you know about a cycle shop in Mizuho-ku that rents bicycles. We stopped at this family run shop today to look at bicycles for our daughter’s upcoming birthday. While we were there, the wife started telling us about their rental bicycles. Needless to say, we left with a 6 month rental bicycle for our daughter for 1500 yen plus a 5000 yen deposit. At her current rate of growth, our little girl may soon be at an 18 inch stage, so why get a bike that she will outgrow quickly? While it's not the snazziest bicycle, it is a nice bike. They have over 300 bicycles to choose from, if I understood correctly. They rent to adults as well as kids. I asked while we were there about an electric assisted (dendo) bicycle, and at this point if you'd like to try one out, it's 1500 yen to rent it for the day. She sounded very reasonable though that if you were seriously considering buying one of those bikes from them, then they'd work with you....

 

I thought perhaps this might be a good idea for the ex-pat community, particularly those here on a very short term assignment or with small kids who grow quickly. Unless you are receiving hand-me-downs from other people, buying bicycles for use here in Japan would be quite expensive if you want some for the entire family. My husband asked if they'd mind if I introduced them to the ex-pat community and they were very happy about that but said to please bring a Japanese speaker with you as they can't provide service in English.

 

Their website is at the following address:

http://www.oota-cycle.jp/index.html

 

Ph: 052-831-5004

Fax: 052-831-5428

Open: 8:30am – 7:30pm, Sundays and Public Holidays 9am – 7:30pm

Closed: Tuesdays and every 3rd Tue/Wed

 

Editors Note: I have noticed recently that day-rental bicycles have been available from the station near my house. I found a quaint little website in English which is a database of rental cycle outlets all over Japan, but as with many things English the information is limited and the Japanese version much more comprehensive. However, from a glance at the Japanese side of the website I can see that many tourist friendly areas have bike rental located close to the major train station. What fun it would be to take the train into the mountains somewhere, rent a bicycle and go for a picnic!

 

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3.The Curious World of Japanese Medicine

Thank you to Eileen Nielsen for this submission

 

It’s very strange for those of us from the West to go to a Japanese doctor and not only receive herbal medicine, but find out it’s covered by Japanese insurance. Unlike the States, herbal medicine is strictly regulated and monitored by the government.

                 

The most common herbal medicine is called “kampo”. Kampo is a combination of herbs, a different combination for each illness. Two cautions, one, herbal medicines usually work much slower then traditional medicines. Second, use Kampo only under a doctor’s supervision. There are often dangerous side effects from unmonitored herbal medicine usage.

                 

Tenteki - Foreigners are surprised to go to the doctor in Japan for something as simple as a cold and find themselves getting an intravenous drip as part of the treatment. Japanese believe this a fast and effective way of dispensing medicine, as well hydrating and supplying vitamins.

                 

Masks - They are usually worn to keep germs in and allergens out. The ever-polite Japanese wear them to prevent spreading their germs to others.

                 

Doctor’s visits - In Japan, appointments are rare. The trick is to get there first thing and sign in early. It is usually better to wait until afternoon, when the chance of a quicker visit is more likely. But during flu season, expected to be there for a while.

 

 

Eileen is a counselor who has lived in Japan for the last 18 years with her husband and 3 children. Contact: eileennielsen@hotmail.com

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4. H&R Consultants and HOPE International Fuji Climb for Charity

Thank you to Erin Sakakibara for this submission

 

How would you like to experience the adventure of a life-time while helping those less fortunate to receive fresh water? Yes, it is time again for the annual H&R Consultants/HOPE International FUJI CLIMB! Money raised will be donated to HOPE International Development Agency, Japan (a Nagoya based NGO) to provide poor families with clean water. Though details are still being worked out, the schedule will likely be:

 

Friday, July 10:

Leave Hongo Station by bus at 10:30pm

Arrive at 5th station (Subashiri train) and start climbing at 3:00am (Saturday, July 11)

Arrive back and depart from 5th station at 3:00pm

Arrive at local Onsen at 3:30pm

Depart Onsen at 5:00pm

Arrive Nagoya at 10:30pm

 

Participation is limited so if interested please contact:

 

Contact H&R Consultants: 052-973-3957

or e-mail HOPE at: info@hope.or.jp

 

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5. Stocking up on Indian Spices

Thank you to Reyvani Naicker for this submission

 

I have sometimes been asked where to purchase Indian spices in Nagoya.

 

Almost all Frante, Effe and Apita Stores have some Indian spices and these are written in English on the bottles, even some Matsazukaya stores have them. There is an Indian Restaurant in Toyota City called Indian Kitchen (Akash Kumar - 0565 32 8234), the owner sometimes sells spices, rice etc and in the same building there is a little Indian spice shop as well. Koko's the Brazilian store in Toyota city sells some spices.

 

The alternative option is to order from www.ambikajapan.com or www.indojin.com

 

Editor’s Note: I never cease to be amazed by the online shopping available for specialty products in Japan. I’ve been here for fifteen years and never knew about even one online Indian food importer, let alone two! If others out there have had success in ordering things online within Japan, please let me know the websites you use!

 

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6. 18th Annual Walkathon and International Charity Festival

 

Sunday, May 24th

10am – 4pm

New Venue: Tsurumai Park (Tsurumai Station on the Tsurumai Line)

 

2009 brings the ACCJ / NIS Walkathon and International Charity Festival into its 18th year. Over the past years this event has been a huge success and has become the largest annual international event in Nagoya. 

More importantly, it brings together nearly two thousand members of the International and Japanese communities to support the vital work being conducted by local NPOs and charitable organizations. 

The Walkathon has also been successful in raising money for local charities and last year the Walkathon Committee was able to distribute over 8 million yen to charities, which support children and those in need in the Chubu Area. This year we hope to improve on that success. 

Along with moving the walk to Tsurumai Koen, the Walkathon Committee has again also set a goal to raise 10 million yen and we need everyone’s help in reaching this goal, whether you are participating as an individual or as part of an association or company. 

The Walkathon should prove to be a fun and memorable event and a super opportunity for international exchange between members of the Japanese and International communities. So invite your friends and family and join in the fun!

 

The ACCJ / NIS Walkathon and International Charity Festival will be he held on Sunday, May 24th from 10:00 to 16:00. In conjunction with its 100th Year Anniversary, Tsurumai Park will be the new venue for this special event. 

Tickets for the event are only 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for students (including high school). Tickets can be purchased from the ACCJ Chubu Office by calling 052-229-1525 or contacting the Walkathon Committee HERE . 

Expect lots of fun, food, an exciting stage show, and a raffle with great prizes. Be sure to mark it on your calendar now and come on out and join the fun.

 

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7. Meet and Greet Luncheon

Thank you to Joey Tan for this submission

 

Are you new to town? Do you want to get out and meet new people?  Or do you just want a nice lunch in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere where you can chat with new friends and old friends? The Meet & Greet lunch is held on the second Tuesday of the month, this month at Hilton Hotel in conjunction with HOPE at the Hilton Week. HOPE is a nonprofit organization that helps in various charities. Check out their website:

http://www.hope.or.jp/en/index.php

 

Date: Tuesday, 12th of May

Time: 11:30 am

Place: Shooters, Fushimi

Price: 1500 yen for buffet lunch and a drink (Pay at the door on the way in)

 

Please RSVP by Friday the 10th of May. RSVP to Joey Tan by e-mail to joeywltan@gmail.com.

 

  

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8. Oh, Dental Clinic!

Thank you to Mira Quilaton for this submission

 

Despite the strange name, “Oh, Dental Clinic” is a good English speaking dentist on the 4th floor of Jusco City in Yagoto. One receptionist and the dentist speak very good English, and when we went there staff were very helpful filling in our insurance forms when we didn’t have Japanese health insurance.

 

By the way, this dentist is part of the Kokufai Medical Corporate Group. If you apply for a Kokufai VISA card, you get 10% off your visits, and you get one free dental checkup per year (although you need to make an appointment for this).

 

Oh, Dental Clinic

4F Jusco City Yagoto (right at Yagoto subway station)

Phone for appointments: 052-836-7064

Opening Hours: 10am – 1pm, 2:30pm – 5:30pm, 6pm – 8pm

Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays

 

After your dental appointment, you can “reward your mouth” across the street from Jusco at the pretty little bakery, Pont Neuf (open 7:30am – 8:30pm, closed Mondays).

 

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 9. Day Trips from Nagoya

 

It’s all very well that you can get anywhere on the highway for 1000 yen on weekends and public holidays, but what if you want to stay close to home for Golden Week? Maybe you don’t want to have the hassle of booking accommodation or sitting in traffic for all that time, so why not strike out closer to home?

 

Below are some English tourist websites for some places in the general Nagoya area that can be an easy day trip. In addition to these, Nagoya International Center has prepared a series of walking guides for many attractions in and around Nagoya.

 

One third of Ise City is covered with forest belonging to the Grand Ise Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto places of worship in Japan. The website gives information on how to get there and away, what to do, and information about volunteer guides who will help you see the sights. More than 5 million visitors go to Ise each year, but there aren’t any festivals specifically in May, so with any luck, all 5 million visitors won’t be there on the day that you visit!

 

Gujo Hachiman is a quaint little town on the way to Takayama. It is closer, and has a smaller town feel than Takayama. Famous for little factories where they make plastic and wax food samples (some at which you can try your hand at this art), Gujo Hachiman also sports a little castle atop a mountain, which overlooks the township. From the 3rd to the 5th of May is the Jokamachi Festival, during which you can travel by rickshaw (called “Jinrikisha” in Japanese) which is certainly a nice change from walking the streets.

 

Tsumago Postal Town in Nagano Prefecture is a wonderful place to go, especially if you like a walk in the countryside. 8km up the road is another postal town called Magome, and both towns have put a lot of effort into restoring the old buildings to their original condition. Baggage delivery is available between Tsumago and Magome, so if you go there by train, stay overnight but don’t want to carry your things, you can choose the easy option. The official Tsumago website isn’t very good, so this link will take you to Tsumago’s part on the larger Nagano Prefectural Site.

 

Near the Centrair International Airport, Tokoname City is a pottery town with a quaint little walking path where you can walk amongst the studios and kilns. The website’s not very good, but Tokoname is absolutely worth the trip, whether you go by car along the Chita Hanto Road, or by train along the Meitetsu Tokoname Line. The trip out there is pretty – past rice fields if you go by road and the seaside if you go by train. And at the end of the walking path, don’t miss the gallery/restaurant Fuu, and the Bakery Fuusha, both part of the Milky Coke chain of restaurants and shops all over the Chita Peninsula (all these restaurants are each worth a day trip in themselves with their good food, and time that slows right down when you enter).

 

If your artistic tastes run to the textile, then tie-dyeing in Arimatsu might be up your alley. The website’s not very good in English, but don’t let this stop you from your one-day adventure. You can try your own hand at tie-dyeing, or leave it to the professionals while you just watch.

 

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 10. Independence Day

Sue Conolly

 

This summer my kids are doing something quite unexpected – they are traveling half way across the world to spend the summer with their grandmother. This has come on me all of a sudden and I am left wondering what I will do for the summer. I’m sure I’ll come up with something.

 

It reminds me of times when I was a child, put on the bus for various holidays by myself to visit older siblings. At various stages of my childhood I was allowed to travel for 2 hours, for 12 hours, and finally for 24 hours on a highway bus, a thought that kind of makes me shudder now. But in those days it was assumed safe, as safe as plane travel is considered now, anyway. The whole independent travel thing has been a rite of passage in my family for some time, I guess since my grandfather traveled from Denmark to New York to New Zealand to Australia, still in his teens, never to return. Now that’s independence!

 

It makes me think about the expat’s journey here to Japan.

 

Some folks are here under their own steam, others are here per company request. Still others are only here because their marriage partner happens to come from here. And others because their marriage partner is here by company request. It seems that many of us are here at someone else’s convenience – not exactly on our own personal adventure.

 

However, I believe that no matter what our reasons for being here, we can treat every day of our lives like the personal adventure and mark of independence that it’s supposed to be. Our times here are very much a rite of passage as we learn to live in the world and accept people in their diversity.

 

When I first came to this country, I could not read my electricity bill which was written in kanji. This worked out well for me, because my Japanese husband-to-be helped me to translate that my electricity had been cut off due to lack of payment – and this was the very start of our blossoming relationship. But over the years I’ve learned to read my own electricity bills, phone bills, and e-mails in Japanese, opening up a whole new world for me personally and professionally. Learning how to stand on my own two feet in Japan, I find myself on steady footing in other countries and in my life in general.

 

So while I’ll find myself a bit lonely this summer, I’ll be steady in the knowledge that my kids are finding their footing, taking one more step toward independence. Maybe I’ll even be working on my own personal independence in the meantime?

 

 

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That’s it for this edition of the newsletter. We hope you found it informative - please let us know what you would like to see in future editions, and we will attempt to address your issues.

 

 If you need to find some information from a previous edition, please try the search function on http://www.xpat-files.com.  Carrying out a text search with key words will take you directly to previous editions of the newsletter in which information appeared.

 

A disclaimer - While we do try to check submissions when they come to me, we do not take responsibility for the accuracy of any donated information.  Nor do we take responsibility if your experience of places and services you find through this newsletter are not as rewarding as they were for the person who originally sent in the information. Obviously everyone`s experience is different.

 

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