Daily Life
Table of Contents
Shopping
Convenience Stores (konbini)
There are over 50,000 convenience stores (called konbini in Japanese) across Japan. Most are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and continually develop new products and services. You can find nearly everything you need for daily life, although most items are sold at suggested retail prices and not discounted.
Services typically offered include ATMs, copy and fax machines, ticket reservations for sports events and concerts, photo printing from digital cameras, payment services such as utility bills, mobile phone charges, and certain taxes, and parcel delivery or postal services.
Supermarkets (supā)
Modern Japanese supermarkets (called supā in Japanese) are quite similar to those in Western countries. They offer groceries, clothing, and daily necessities at relatively low prices.
There are many supermarkets that belong to large nationwide chains, and they often advertise special deals through flyers included in newspapers. In addition, large electronics stores also exist and often sell appliances at significantly discounted prices.
Department Stores (depāto)
Compared to supermarkets, department stores (called depāto in Japanese) offer more upscale goods. Prices are generally higher, but purchases often come with elegant wrapping and attentive customer service. Women’s clothing departments typically occupy several floors, followed by sections for men’s clothing, children’s clothing, and household goods.
Food sections are usually located in the basement, while the top floor often features a variety of restaurants. Most department stores are open on weekends and holidays, though some may close on one weekday.
Flea Markets, Recycle Bazaars, Garage Sales
Events where you can buy second-hand items in good condition at surprisingly low prices are held in many locations. Near the University of Osaka's Suita Campus, a garage sale is regularly held at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (Banpaku Kinen Kōen), usually two or three times a month, although the schedule may vary.
For schedules in other areas, please refer to: https://garagesale.co.jp/ .
IRIS, the Information Room for International Students at the CIEE, the Center for International Education and Exchange, of the University of Osaka, also provides information on flea markets, international exchange associations, and recycling centers: https://ciee.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/ .
Noise
Most people in Japan try to avoid making loud noises at night. They keep the volume of their televisions low and use earphones when listening to music. People also refrain from using noisy appliances late at night, such as vacuum cleaners and washing machines.
When inviting friends over in the evening, it's considered courteous to keep voices down. In Japan, especially in private apartments with thin walls and floors, such considerations are part of everyday social etiquette and are important for maintaining a comfortable living environment.
Trash Disposal
In Japan, all household waste must be separated by type. In addition, garbage must be placed at designated locations on the correct day and time, otherwise it will not be collected. Following this rule is considered one of the first steps to living responsibly in Japan.
Each municipality has its own regulations for sorting and disposing of waste, so be sure to check with your landlord, neighbors, or city office.
In general, large items that do not fit into designated garbage bags—regardless of whether they are burnable or not—are collected on specific days for a fee.
Below are contact numbers and websites for inquiries about garbage disposal: