I really like to travel around Kansai so a couple of weeks ago I took a trip through Nishiki Market in Kyoto. The first time I’d gone there was when I’d first come to Japan on vacation in 2012. I remember how crowded it was then and every other time since then. But when I […]
English Success at Smith’s Sagamihara
Smith’s School of English Sagamihara City opened in Hashimoto in April of 2005. Shiro was the 8th student to join. Now into his 16th year, he remains “student #8;” studying privately with me for most of those years. Even after suddenly relocating this English school to JR Sagamihara Station a year ago, he didn’t hesitate […]
A Tip From Smith’s School of English- Don’t Tip in Japan!
No need to tip any Smith’s English School teachers or anyone else in Japan! Jim here, franchise owner and teacher at Smith’s School in Sagamihara. Many know that I come from the northeastern United States. Tipping is a custom in the USA that many people don’t understand. Upon moving to Japan many years ago, I […]


