Welcome to Ibaraki Quest!Your friendly guide to navigating life in Ibaraki, Japan — without getting lost in translation. Whether you’re figuring out garbage sorting, tackling city hall paperwork, finding English-friendly doctors, or just looking for local tips, we’ve got you covered. Think of us as your in-game quest log for real life: clear steps, no fluff, and a few laughs along the way.
About the author
Hey, I’m Paul Shibuya. I first came to Japan over ten years ago, and I’ve lived everywhere from the Sea of Japan coast to the foothills of Mt. Fuji. These days, I’ve settled in Ibaraki — a place that’s got a little bit of everything: great food, friendly people, and more fresh air than you’d expect this close to Tokyo.But I know living here isn’t always smooth sailing. Between paperwork, local rules, and language barriers, Japan can feel like a game where nobody gave you the manual. That’s why I started Ibaraki Quest — to share what I’ve learned, cut through the confusion, and make life here easier (and more fun) for other foreigners.