Tips for Living, Working in Japan

Have questions about living or working in Japan? Craig Barran landed in Tokyo in 1987, armed with a Working Holiday visa, and took employment in positions ranging from English teacher to film extra. Now he has put his knowledge and expertise into a 43-page booklet, “A Practical Guide to Living and Working in Japan,” to help like-minded travelers find work in Japan.

Barran’s booklet includes advice and information on visas, employment opportunities, prices, transportation, health care, accommodations, language courses and useful contacts.

The author points out that perceptions of Japan are of “sky-high food and land prices.” To help budget travelers plan a trip, he indicates prices and offers suggestions for eating inexpensively.

One of the most helpful sections is a listing of 55 accommodation services suitable for budget travelers. Among possibilities included are hostels, a YMCA and other facilities geared toward economical travel.

The author points out that since some Japanese youth hostels have restrictions on hours, a good alternative is a gaijin house. Gaijin is the Japanese word for foreigner. A gaijin house can be cheaper than a youth hostel and rarely has restrictions. Expect dormitory-style rooms--private, double or shared (two singles in a room). Generally, there is a common room with a TV and VCR.

“A Practical Guide to Living and Working in Japan” can be ordered for $8 (includes all taxes and shipping costs) from Transglobal Publications, 81 Renfrew Ave., Ottawa, Ont. K1S 1Z6, Canada.

For those travelers willing to deal with restrictions, there are 420 public and private youth hostels in Japan. Dormitories are closed between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and often the hostels close for the evening by 9 or 10 p.m. Overnight charges for dormitory beds range from about $10 to $24 per night. Breakfasts cost $4-$6, dinners about $6-$12.

A helpful service for foreign visitors is offered by the International Service Club of the Japan Youth Hostel Assn. Volunteers help visitors plan their travels within the country. At Tokyo Yoyogi Youth Hostel, volunteers provide the service on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The service is also available at Utano Youth Hostel in Kyoto and Hattoriryokuchi Youth Hostel in Osaka.

Japan has a nationwide telephone service for those who need assistance and travel information in English. The service, available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, is toll-free outside Tokyo and Kyoto. Within Japan, dial 0120-222-800 for information on eastern Japan, 0120-44- 4800 for western Japan. In Tokyo and Kyoto, there is a charge of about 10 cents for three minutes. Within Tokyo, dial 3503-4400; within Kyoto, it’s 371-5649.

For more information on travel to Japan, contact the Japan National Tourist Organization, 624 S. Grand Ave., Suite 1611, Los Angeles 90017, (213) 623-1952.