Japan offers a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, safe streets, and an efficient transport network, but settling in requires navigating visas, language barriers, and a culture that takes time to understand.
So, you have decided to move to Japan, a country with a completely different culture that is both unique and challenging. The longer you live there, the better you will understand how the world works on this archipelago of islands.
I have been living in Japan for more than 10 years. First, I moved here simply because of my love for Japanese culture. Then, I got a teaching job in Japan, and now I am married to a Japanese person. It’s a completely new life for me.
However, to help you move to Japan, I’ve created this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about relocating to the country based on my own experience. From finding work to securing a place to stay and everything in between, it’s all listed below.
Contents
Here is a list of the pros and cons of living in Japan. Although you have to decide for yourself, this is an objective summary to give you a better idea of what it’s like living here.
First, here are some of the pros of living in Japan.
With centuries of heritage, I couldn’t possibly get into the intricacies of Japanese culture in a short paragraph. That being said, as an expat, the number of opportunities you’ll have to experience different aspects of Japanese culture is endless.
Each Japanese prefecture has its own famous food, characteristic dialect, rich history, geography, and appeal. Even after living here for more than 10 years, I haven’t gotten to experience the charm of many of these regions. Coming to appreciate various areas for their unique points is certainly a pro of living here.
Information on domestic travel is available anywhere on the Internet, and if you’re someone who likes new experiences, then Japan is really a treasure trove of customs, local festivals, and tradition.
Is living in Japan more affordable than Western countries? The answer is both yes and no. The reality of the economy right now is an unpleasant situation for everyone in the world, and the Japanese Yen to United States Dollar ratio is equally distressing.
However, rent is fairly reasonable, and the cost of living in some ways is a bit more affordable.
You will read articles about how living here is much cheaper than the U.S., but that is if you come here with zero debt. Paying for bills, loans, or anything else you still have outstanding in your home country in yen is extremely inconvenient and costly.
Moreover, you quickly learn that your paycheck is taxed in small increments that stack up to a large sum, and you may be surprised by what you actually receive in your bank account each month.
Overall, though, considering the superior national healthcare, efficient and low-cost transportation, and relatively low rent, the cost of living in Japan is reasonable. Many websites offer a breakdown of costs but take these with a grain of salt. They tend to be based on individual lifestyle choices rather than averages.
Later, I’ll go into this more deeply with a more explicit breakdown.
World-renowned transportation efficiency is not an exaggeration. The transportation systems in Japan are amazingly punctual and connect all major cities and far-reaching countryside towns.
On top of this, it is beyond safe, people tend to have proper manners while traveling, and the trains and buses are well maintained. Even if you don’t have a car, as long as you have a bike to ride to the nearest train station, you can get where you need to go.
This means you simply don’t need to buy a car while living in Japan unless you live in a rural area or have a family.
While Uber services have become available in major cities, taxi services are everywhere in general. You should be warned, though: taxis in Japan are expensive. Don’t make the mistake of riding more than 20 minutes in a taxi, or you will pay upwards of JPY3,000 to JPY4,000 on average.
Last but not least, the awe-inspiring bullet trains can get you almost anywhere in Japan at over 320 km/h (199 mph).
Amazon.co.jp, Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Costco Online, IKEA, and a plethora of other sites make living in Japan very convenient. You can, for the most part, get the products that are familiar to you when you want them. Online shopping and worldwide shipping have changed the experience of living here as an expat.
I have to add a few personal recommendations though. One is The Meat Guy, a website that allows you to order steaks and meat from all over the world. Then there’s iHerb, which has vitamins, shampoos, and self-care products you can’t find in Japanese stores.
Japan 10 years ago and today are two different places. In fact, it’s becoming more and more convenient to buy products online every year.
Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and you can feel this every day you live here. I have dropped my wallet twice. Not only was it waiting for me at the local police office, but it had all of my cash and cards inside on both occasions.
You can walk alone at night in most major cities without worrying about crime, and public violence and fighting are practically nonexistent. For the most part, you don’t experience a sense of danger in Japanese society.
Most people look out for each other and watch over children to make sure they don’t get hurt — even if the child isn’t their own.
While no country is completely crime free, the lack of gun violence, school shootings, and violent public protests is more noticeable the longer you live in Japan. It’s a peace of mind you don’t get in some other countries.
Below are some of the cons of living in Japan.
Japan is not for everyone. Despite how much you prepare yourself, nothing can get you ready for culture shock.
Some common “shocks” for expats might include:
Japanese is without a doubt difficult to learn. Not understanding anything going on around you is a large con to moving here.
Do not listen to scam websites or any other article that tells you that you can become proficient in two months with a “special system” or by enrolling in a “fast-track course” or that you will be “speaking in no time.”
This is simply not true.
There is no fast way to learn Japanese. There are no shortcuts to having meaningful conversations in the language. It will take substantial effort on your part. It’s a journey that you must be prepared to set out on or a journey that you’re not willing to take. There is no halfway studying the language.
Due to the unique, vague, and contextual nature of the language, it’s not a language you will absorb and understand simply by living here and listening to the people around you.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can learn Japanese online.
Studying language is based on what works or doesn’t work for you, and if you don’t want to study Japanese, I recommend that you try to live in Tokyo or another major Japanese city.
More Japanese people speak English in major cities, and the signs have a better chance of being written in English to accommodate foreign residents. We’ll discuss this in greater detail, and I will provide some helpful options to get you on a study path toward intermediate fluency.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to learn Japanese. You can start with JapanesePod101, which is one of the most comprehensive online courses I have seen so far.
If you’re someone who cares about the world around you, specifically politics and world issues, the attitude of Japanese people might surprise you — specifically Japanese young people.
Young people in Japan are not that interested in politics, their own government, or taking part in the democratic process.
This could be refreshing for you if you’re coming from a politically charged society in a country that values the opinions of its citizens. Or it can be frustrating to be surrounded by a population that does not seem to care or actively vote.
Everyone has a different experience with this particular topic. However, living here long term, racism is bound to eventually affect you in some way. You are an outsider, and this makes you a target for a different kind of treatment than other people.
Maybe it will come in the form of being denied a service, a loan, a credit card, or a reservation at a restaurant. Maybe it will be in the form of differences in your work contract compared to that of a Japanese person.
As an American, while I have experienced both blatant racism (or xenophobia) and passive-aggressive racism, it has not been a major issue for me. More often than not it’s due to different patterns of communication style and cultural misunderstandings.
Again, it’s on an individual basis, but I advise you to prepare to have “thick skin” toward this kind of treatment.
While the cost of living in Japan is among the highest in Asia, the country is affordable in some ways and ridiculously expensive in other ways you would not expect. I will give you some examples, so you have a better frame of reference.
There are many Japan cost-of-living guides out there on the Internet, but keep in mind that you can reduce these costs on many websites by about 20 percent for the countryside or places outside of the city centers.
On average, your cost of living in Japan should be around JPY200,000 to JPY300,000 for a comfortable lifestyle. A comfortable lifestyle is certainly different for each person, and your family size is a large factor. Also, if you have someone to share the cost of accommodations with, it will be lower.
Here is a breakdown of my own personal living expenses.
I pay JPY80,000 per month for a fairly spacious (in terms of Japan) 2LDK (with 2 living spaces and one kitchen) apartment or small house in the Chugoku region of Japan.
For your electricity, gas, Internet, and water, the cost is around JPY25,000 to JPY30,000. All prices have gone up significantly in recent years due to economic conditions.
Grocery costs depend on the size of your family, but for a single person who doesn’t go out to eat more than once or twice a week, it could range from JPY50,000 to JPY60,000.
The price of food has skyrocketed in recent times due to supply chain shocks for imported goods.
If you like to eat fruit, you will pay almost triple or quadruple the price for most fruit in Japan. Grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, and apples are dependent upon the season of the year, but fruit is expensive in Japan, though it comes with good quality.
This cost is usually reasonable and based on your spending patterns and what you need. You can buy most beauty essentials at drug stores, and quality clothes are cheap at places like Uniqlo or GU.
You can also buy makeup at any mall. Japan still has vibrant and clean malls where you can go shopping. You will probably spend an average of JPY15,000 or less a month on these types of items.
As I mentioned earlier, Japan has amazing transportation systems. You can charge one of the many transportation cards available in Japan with a set amount (often this will be reimbursed by your company if you work in Japan).
Many people use ICOCA cards or Suica cards, but some people still use paper tickets from the train station ticket machines. You should spend about JPY10,000 a month for public transportation, depending on your commute to and from work.
Taxis and buses are also an option, although most Japanese people own bikes that they use for commuting and everyday tasks.
Find out more:
Once you initially buy your household appliances and furniture, you’ll be set for a good amount of time, but getting set up is not cheap. You’ll need a refrigerator, as most apartments and houses don’t come with them. These vary in price but on average can run you JPY150,000 to JPY200,000 for a mid-size fridge.
You also have to think about heaters and air conditioners. Many places have these included in some of the rooms, but they may be old or need a cleaning. A new air conditioner or heater for your room is expensive, ranging from JPY170,000 to JPY200,000.
Besides these large necessities, there is a long list of other items to consider: a microwave, a coffee maker, plates, dishes, cups, silverware, light bulbs, lamps, rugs, couches, a bed, window shades and curtains, and pillows.
Luckily, many of these items can be found at your local KOHNAN or Nitori, your one-stop shop for household goods.
Japan offers narrow career choices for expats, and these choices are directly linked to your work experience, qualifications, and language ability.
Some expats open businesses while some work for corporations.
Others choose job paths in teaching, while more tech-savvy expats work in IT. This decision is ultimately up to you, and due to the fact that you cannot switch visas from a tourist visa to a work visa, you will most certainly get hired for your first job before you move to Japan.
A reality check is in order: you should understand that Japan has a strict seniority system in most industries.
You will often get a job in Japan only to realize that someone less qualified will be making substantially more money than you.
Moreover, the only reason they are making more money is their older age. You have to put in time at a Japanese company to earn more. And even if you do that, your pay will only increase marginally each year.
Keep in mind that while LinkedIn is an option for recruitment, your best bet is to do your own research on what options are available.
Find out more: An Expat’s Guide to Finding Work in Japan
A visa is required for residency in Japan if you’re not a Japanese citizen.
If you can find a job in Japan, you will most likely be assisted by your new company with the required paperwork. If not, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page has vital information about the application process.
If you’re a student, you’ll receive a student visa from the Japanese college or university you’re attending.
A Japan work visa is non-negotiable if you’re going to work here. This indispensable document has three classifications:
Japan also launched a Digital Nomad Visa in 2024, which allows remote workers and freelancers earning at least JPY10 million annually from non-Japanese sources to live in Japan for up to six months. Applicants must also hold private health insurance for the duration of their stay.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided on the specific range of professions that are eligible for a work visa.
This list includes artists (more recently full-time YouTubers/streamers), company employees, IT professionals, educators, journalists, and healthcare industry workers. The list is more expansive, but these are the main occupations it encompasses.
Most companies will help you apply for the actual visa (or apply for you), but you will need:
Upon your arrival in Japan, you’ll be presented with a landing permit, and this will allow you to enter the country on this particular visa.
You will want to apply for your work visa before you come to Japan. Please remember, if you’re a traveler or short-term guest, you cannot work in Japan. Working without the proper visa is illegal and punishable by law.
In addition to a work visa, Japan also has a family visa or a spouse visa if your family or a spouse stays here.
If you have been living in Japan for more than 10 consecutive years (and pay taxes every year), then you can apply for a permanent resident card. Spouses of Japanese nationals and highly skilled professionals may qualify sooner.
Find out more:
With seemingly endless possibilities, choosing where to live in Japan can be a real challenge.
The obvious city choices that may stand out to you might be bustling places like
These three cities have the most job opportunities for expats in Japan. But the cost of living is also among the highest. They are the top choices for expats in Japan, especially for those who have just moved here during the first few years.
In addition to these places, I will briefly introduce a few other prefectures for your consideration.
Situated in the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido, with its capital city, Sapporo, is the nation’s largest prefecture, renowned for its heavy snowfall. This region is also the ancestral home of the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous community.
Hokkaido, or the snow country, attracts tourists every year who come for the natural beauty and amazing food. It’s famous for its dairy products thanks to its abundant cattle farms and has a prevalent horse-riding culture.
The roads here are wider than anywhere else in Japan, and the local cuisine, particularly the seafood, is a culinary delight famous throughout the country. If you like snow, snowboarding, and the outdoors, then this could definitely be the destination for you.
Okinawa is in the southern region of Japan, and it’s a tropical haven with plenty of beaches. With its subtropical climate, Okinawa is a year-round destination for both tourists and Japanese domestic travelers.
However, Okinawa is known for housing a significant number of American military bases, resulting from the U.S. presence since World War II. These bases contribute to the local economy, despite the continuous debate over their impact on local Japanese life.
This situation is not for everyone, and it may be a turn-off if you live in this region. Additionally, people compare living in Okinawa to living in a different country, because the local dialects can be very different from standard Japanese.
Kyoto, situated in the Kansai region, is widely recognized as Japan’s cultural epicenter. Its rich cultural heritage is illustrated well by its abundance of historical sites. Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, along with charming age-old streets like Gion and Pontocho, epitomize Kyoto’s appeal.
There are plenty of jobs for expats in Kyoto, but as you can imagine, the sheer number of tourists makes living in Kyoto a bit different from other places in Japan.
Located in the southern part of the Chubu region along the Pacific Ocean, Shizuoka is a beacon of cultural, historical, and natural significance. The prefecture’s capital, Shizuoka City, serves as the hub of the region, while Hamamatsu City, the area’s most populous city, is celebrated for its gyoza dumplings.
The prefecture is most famous for Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain peak, which straddles the borders between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. It’s a beautiful area to live in if you enjoy the slower countryside lifestyle.
The Shikoku region, particularly Tokushima Prefecture, is a wonderful place to live. It’s renowned for the Awa Odori Dance Festival, which is held every summer during the Obon Lantern Festival. Apart from the festival, the prefecture boasts several other attractions.
You’ll find the iconic Kazura Bridge, which is constructed from over five tons of intertwined vines; Mt. Bizan, a symbol of Tokushima City, offering panoramic views of Awaji Island and the Kii Peninsula on clear days; and small waterways through the city where boats offer sightseeing tours.
In general, Shikoku is a much cheaper place to live because it’s separated from the main island of Japan.
Find out more:
People moving to Japan with the intent to stay long term always wonder what they should bring, and more importantly how to get it here. With the exception of a few things I mention below, you can get everything you need in Japan.
There is no need to overthink this, and a minimalist approach to packing may be the best route. The items that you may consider packing that you won’t find in Japan, you will have to research yourself.
Go to Amazon.co.jp and see if your favorite soap, deodorant, nail polish, shirt brand, etc. is available in Japan, or if it can be shipped here. You will save yourself luggage space by restocking those items when you are settled in.
Just in case you do want to bring furniture and large items, here are some international shipping companies.
Things you won’t always find in Japan: prescription medications (please follow this guide on bringing medication into Japan), dietary items, your favorite snacks, specific styles of sneakers, Western deodorant brands, liquid flavored coffee creamer, turkey, tasty bacon, hummus, and so on.
Honestly, the list goes on and on. But there are many things you can live without or find a Japanese equivalent.
Renting an apartment in Japan is the most popular option for expats. It’s more convenient and requires less time and resources.
Normally, accommodations in Japan come with the Internet. But sometimes, you may need to set up Internet service yourself.
Keep in mind that some landlords still decline foreign applicants entirely, and many require a Japanese guarantor — a guarantor agency can cover this for a fee if you don’t have a local contact. Below are some of the different types of accommodation available in Japan.
Studio Apartments (1DK – 1 Dining Room and Kitchen)
These are typically small, one-room apartments, perfect for single occupants. They have a combined living area that doubles as a sleeping space, a compact kitchen, and one bathroom with a shower/tub.
One-Bedroom Apartments (1LDK – Living Room, Dining/Kitchen, and One Bedroom)
These apartments have one separate bedroom, one living room, a small kitchen, and one bathroom.
Mansions (A Large Apartment Complex with Many Floors)
These high-rise apartment buildings are often found everywhere in Japan. One thing to look for is whether the apartment you choose has “RC” walls (made of concrete) or thinner walls.
Traditional Japanese Houses
Often, older houses that are more than 30 years old but have been renovated are available to rent all over Japan.
You want to consider both heating and cooling expenses, as they are often made of wood and can get very hot or cold during the seasons.
In addition, if you live in northern Japan where it snows heavily during the winter, you need to clear snow from your property and roof.
Using Real Estate Agents
Finding a real estate agent is not difficult. You can walk into any agency in person or find one online.
However, please keep in mind that some places won’t rent to you because you are not Japanese. This is a real phenomenon, and it’s frustrating for many expats who live in Japan.
Read our guide to finding an apartment for rent in Japan to find out more information.
While we have a comprehensive article on how to open a bank account in Japan, here is a brief explanation and some useful links for getting set up.
Some popular banks that expats choose are Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), Shinsei Bank, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Sony Bank, and my favorite — the Japan Post Bank.
Normally, the bank you open is going to be the one recommended by your university or company.
After you open a bank account, you can open an online bank account. I recommend doing it immediately since Japan is becoming a cashless society. Contactless payment is now widely used throughout the country.
I will also link some articles about getting a Japanese credit card, and sending money both to and from Japan — something you will absolutely need to do when you move here.
Find out more:
Getting a credit card in Japan as an expat can be challenging.
You first have to establish yourself, typically by living and working here for more than a year. In my case, I worked here two years before applying for my first JCB credit card.
It is one of the easiest to get if you already have a Japan Post Bank account. The necessary documents you will need when you apply are:
Credit card companies will also require proof of stable employment, which can easily be proven using a bank statement showing direct deposits from your employer.
Unlike some countries, Japanese credit cards also have multiple payment choices when you buy something. You can choose the payment system that you want to use on the day that you make the purchase (often at the register).
One method is called a one-time charge (ikkatsu barai), which means you pay the amount you charged back in full with zero interest the next month. Or you can choose to break the purchase into multiple payments over many months (similar to a revolving credit system).
If you plan to use your foreign credit card in Japan, it will work just fine.
Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are typically accepted everywhere, with the exception of small bars and cash-only establishments that still exist.
American Express is seldom accepted at stores in Japan due to its high fees.
Before arriving in Japan, you’re going to want to consider your phone situation.
Make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use a Japanese SIM card, which is easily obtainable at the airport.
The cost of a prepaid SIM card ranges from JPY1,000 to JPY10,000. Some people even prefer to buy an eSIM and set it up in their phone before they land.
After you have a SIM card, download two applications to your phone immediately. The first one is Line. It’s a messaging app like WhatsApp that is used widely in Japan. The second one is PayPay, a digital wallet app used in Japan.
Both of these apps are integral parts of everyday life in Japan.
Japanese healthcare is affordable and easy to use at any hospital or clinic in the country. You will get national health insurance through your workplace. If not, you can enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme directly, which covers roughly 70% of medical costs. Enrollment in national health insurance and pension is mandatory for stays over three months, and skipping them leads to back-bills that can jeopardize visa extensions.
What is unique about Japan is that your job will require mandatory yearly checkups for each employee at a company.
These are comprehensive tests (blood work, eye tests, urine samples, etc.). Depending on where you work, large vans with medical test equipment will come to your workplace — meaning you can do your yearly checkup on site.
Find out more:
Driving in Japan might be something you want to do.
As I previously said, the transportation system is more than sufficient, but the Japanese countryside may require driving for a convenient lifestyle.
Do not attempt to ship your own car here. You can buy a used car that will suit your needs for a fraction of the price.
Depending on what country you’re from, you will also find that transferring your license to a Japanese license is not difficult.
Americans seem to find it the hardest because they are required to take a driving test, but other countries also experience similar difficulties.
You can only bring dogs and cats into Japan. Additionally, your pet must be microchipped for identification. Shots and vaccines are also required.
Other provisions also exist, with specific waiting periods based on the situation. You will also have to think about what residences allow you to have a pet.
To learn more about the process, check out this resource: official website for pet importation.
If you search “the Japanese language” on the Internet, you’ll find so many resources it might make your head spin. There are three alphabets, countless kanji characters, and grammar points that are tiered according to politeness levels and formality.
However, understand that you will need to know Japanese during your life in Japan. Many people say that learning a language is a personal journey. I completely agree that every one of us has our own way of studying and learning. You can base your study path on your personality traits, interests, or lifestyle, or something about Japanese culture that really captivates you.
But if you live in Japan long term, it is important to learn Japanese. If you don’t, you won’t be able to communicate with your co-workers. You won’t be able to accomplish everyday tasks, and you will be constantly in the dark about what is going on around you at all times in almost every setting.
I encourage you to put in the time and make your best attempt to learn Japanese for your personal survival and happiness. I have listed some invaluable resources below to help you along the way.
Google Translate is something I use almost every day. It has a great photo function that allows you to take a picture or video of Japanese writing and translates it into English.
Additionally, for a Japanese-to-English dictionary, although there are many options, I believe that Japanese in the Apple Store is by far the best one.
To begin learning Japanese, I recommend:
Find out more:
You have read all of this information, and I hope it has given you some guidance in your move to Japan.
I am sure you have a lot to process, but as the Japanese say, “Ganbatte!” This means good luck and do your absolute best.
Find out more:
I’ve been to Hokkaido countless times, and driving there is still one of my favorite experiences. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about renting a car in Hokkaido, from winter driving tips to the best routes and rental companies.
I spent 10 days in Japan using Airalo’s eSIM instead of my usual roaming plan. Here is my honest experience with coverage, speed, pricing, and what to watch out for.
Renting an apartment in Japan as a foreigner is possible but comes with a steep learning curve: expect key money, strict guarantor requirements, and upfront costs of several months’ rent. This guide covers accommodation types, search strategies, contract details, and rules for apartment living so you know what to expect before signing anything.
In this article, I am going to cover the answers to your questions, from types of hospitals and clinics to the reservation process (although these may vary), to the best course of action in case of an emergency.
While some of it may seem obvious, you will be surprised at a few differences that you will be glad you knew ahead of time. After all, knowing what you’re getting into is half the battle.
In this article, we’ll guide you through setting up the internet in Japan as an expat. We’ll cover the options available to you, expected monthly costs, and the benefits of each choice.
Japan’s job market offers solid opportunities for foreigners in English teaching, IT, and engineering, but building a long-term career requires JLPT proficiency and an understanding of Japanese workplace culture. This guide covers job search strategies, visa requirements, salary expectations, and the workplace challenges expats commonly encounter.
I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on an essential aspect of settling in Japan: opening a bank account. While it isn’t rocket science and doesn’t demand any specific skills, I hope this guide smoothens your experience. I’ll also share some insider tips to make the process hassle-free.
Some expats have gotten by for 10 years or more with the bare minimum of Japanese, and have no idea how to read a single Japanese character. If they can do it, then it means it is possible.
So, if you are one of those people who is not particularly interested in studying or learning the Japanese language, this will be the perfect article for you.
I have prepared a guide, based on my experiences, to help make this as easy as possible for you. Whether you are ordering brand items, having packages sent to you, or in some cases, ordering something very large, like furniture or even a car, the shipping process will require some know-how and preparation.
When you have a child in Japan, sooner or later you will need to consider using a childcare service. You might think it is just a matter of applying and sending your child to the nearest facility, but it is surprisingly over-complicated and depends on all sorts of factors that you will need to think about.
This article is a comprehensive guide to help you send containers or parcels from Japan to any country in the world. From preparing the package to choosing the right courier services, to understanding the necessary paperwork for international shipping, I will show you how to get it right the first time without any mistakes.
In this article, I am going to show you different daily life scenarios, so that you will have more ideas about whether or not you need to know Japanese to live in Japan. In addition, I’ll also tell you about the additional benefits of learning Japanese and give you different sources and materials to start off on the right foot.
GET IN TOUCH
Room 607, Yen Sheng Centre, 64 Hoi Yuen Road
Kwun Tong, Kowloon,
Hong Kong 999077
ABOUT
© 2026 ExpatDen. All Rights Reserved
