Moving to Japan

Intro

If you’re seriously considering moving to Japan, that’s exciting, and it’s completely doable. Many people come to Japan each year to work, study, be with family, or start a new chapter in life. But it’s also true that the logistics can feel overwhelming at first. Visas, paperwork, where to live, how to open a bank account. It’s a lot.

This guide is designed to walk you through the entire process in a clear and friendly way, so you know what to expect and how to prepare. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap you can actually follow, not just vague advice.

1. Choosing Your Visa

Your visa determines how you will live, work, and stay in Japan. Before anything else, ask yourself:

Why are you moving to Japan?
What do you want to do here?

Your answer guides your visa type.

Common Long-Term Visa Types

Visa Type	When It Applies	Key Requirement
Work Visa (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services)	You have a job offer in Japan	Employer sponsorship
Student Visa	Enrolled in a language school, university, or vocational program	Proof of enrollment and financial support
Spouse/Family Visa	Married to a Japanese citizen or joining a resident family member	Relationship documentation
SOFA Status (U.S. Military)	Active-duty personnel stationed in Japan	Managed by your command

Data Source: Japan Immigration Services Agency
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/index.html

Work Visa (Most Common for Professionals)

If you’ll be employed full-time, the company usually helps with the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once issued, it becomes the basis for receiving your visa at a Japanese Embassy.

Supporting Data:

This is the largest foreign professional visa category as of 2023, reflecting increasing demand for international workers.
Source: Japan Immigration Services Agency Foreign Resident Statistics
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/statistics/toukei.html

Student Visa

Language schools and universities assist with the visa paperwork. Many students later switch to a work visa after finding employment.

Spouse / Dependent Visa

If you’re married or joining family, this visa offers more flexibility for work than most others. Proof of relationship and financial stability will be evaluated.

If You’re U.S. Military

Active-duty military and dependents enter under SOFA rather than a standard visa. If you plan to stay after leaving the military, you will need to apply for a standard visa before your SOFA status expires.

Source: U.S. Forces Japan SOFA Information
https://www.usfj.mil/

2. Choosing Where to Live in Japan

Where you choose to live will shape your daily rhythm, the people you meet, and how you experience Japan. The country is small in land area but very diverse in lifestyle, culture, and pace. Thinking about what environment you feel comfortable in will make a big difference in how smoothly you settle in.

Area / Cities	Typical 1R–1K Rent	What It’s Like	Things to Consider
Tokyo (23 Wards)	¥75,000–¥100,000+	Fast-paced, many job opportunities	Higher cost of living
Osaka / Kyoto / Nagoya	¥55,000–¥75,000	Balanced city life and culture	Slightly fewer English services
Fukuoka / Sapporo / Other cities	¥40,000–¥60,000	Relaxed lifestyle, close to nature	Fewer job opportunities without Japanese skills

Data Sources:
SUUMO https://suumo.jp/
HOME’S https://www.homes.co.jp/

Living in Tokyo

Tokyo is the most common destination for newcomers. It is dense, energetic, and full of opportunities. It is also where you are most likely to find international workplaces or companies willing to sponsor visas. Convenience defines daily life. Convenience stores are truly everywhere, trains come quickly, and you can access almost any service without going far.

However, rent and general living expenses are the highest in the country. Many people find themselves living in smaller apartments than they are used to. If your priority is career growth, networking, and access to global-style work environments, Tokyo is often the strongest choice. If you prefer quiet, you will want to look at neighborhoods a few train lines away from central hubs.

Living in Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya

These cities offer a comfortable balance. There is still plenty to do, public transportation works well, and daily life is lively without the intensity of Tokyo. Osaka has a friendly and expressive culture that many newcomers enjoy. Kyoto has deep history and a slower, more thoughtful atmosphere, especially outside tourist-heavy areas. Nagoya is practical, clean, and business-focused, with a stable job market.

English support and foreigner-oriented services exist but may not be as abundant as Tokyo. If you plan to stay long-term, learning even basic Japanese will make life easier and help you feel part of the local community.

Living in Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Smaller Cities

Many people who settle long-term choose these cities for quality of life. Rent is more affordable, apartments are often more spacious, and nature is much closer. Fukuoka has a growing international scene and excellent food. Sapporo has wide streets and a calm atmosphere, with seasonal changes that are very noticeable.

The trade-off is that job opportunities requiring little or no Japanese are fewer. Most foreign residents who live happily in these regions either work remotely, have a job arranged in advance, or are comfortable learning Japanese to integrate locally. If you want a slower pace and can manage the language side, these areas can be very rewarding.

How to Decide Where to Live

Ask yourself:

Do you prioritize career opportunities or quality of life?
How comfortable are you with Japanese language right now?
Do you want busy nightlife and events, or do you prefer quiet evenings?
Is being near nature important to you?

People who choose well tend to pick a city that fits their daily energy and comfort level, rather than just reputation.

3. Visiting the Japanese Embassy to Get Your Visa

Once your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is approved, the next step is to receive your actual visa. This requires visiting a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. The COE confirms that Japan has already reviewed your purpose of stay. The embassy visit is mainly to verify your identity and check that your documents match your application.

You will need to schedule an appointment in most regions. Some embassies allow walk-ins, but many have switched to online booking systems since 2022. It is best to check your local embassy’s website as procedures vary by country.

What to Bring

Valid passport
It should have enough blank pages for the visa. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before applying.
Certificate of Eligibility (Original)
This document is issued in Japan and acts as the foundation for your visa. Make sure your information matches your passport exactly.
Visa Application Form
Download from your specific embassy’s website. Handwritten or typed is usually acceptable as long as it is neat.
Passport Photo (typically 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
Many embassies require a recent photo from the last 3 to 6 months.
Visa Fee
Costs vary depending on nationality and visa type. For example, U.S. citizens usually do not pay a fee due to a bilateral agreement, while many other nationalities pay around ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 equivalent.

Embassy list: https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html

4. Planning Your Move: Housing and Daily Setup

Finding housing is one of the biggest challenges when moving to Japan. The system works differently compared to many Western countries. Many rentals require multiple upfront fees, landlords may request a guarantor, and some properties are hesitant to rent to foreigners. Knowing this ahead of time reduces stress and keeps the process realistic.If possible, start by securing temporary accommodation (such as a weekly apartment or shared guesthouse) for your first month. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods in person, view apartments, and set up your address registration once you decide where to settle.

Apartment Hunting in Japan

Unlike in some countries where you simply pay first and last month’s rent, Japan’s move-in costs can be significant. The total is commonly four to six months of rent upfront, especially in larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka.

Fee Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Security Deposit (Shikikin)	1–2 months rent	Refundable minus cleaning/repairs
Key Money (Reikin)	0–2 months rent	Non-refundable
Agency Fee	1 month rent + tax	Paid to real estate agent
Guarantor Company Fee	0.5–1 month rent	Required if no guarantor

Sources: LIFULL Real Estate Rental Fee Reports
https://www.homes.co.jp/cont/press/

Foreigner-friendly housing websites:

Learning Basic Japanese Helps A Lot

Even reaching a basic conversational level makes daily life easier.

Free beginner resources:

NHK Easy Japanese: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/learnjapanese/
Japanese Ammo with Misa (YouTube)

5. After You Arrive in Japan

Residence Card

You receive your Residence Card at the airport when entering Japan. This card serves as your legal ID and proof of residence. Always carry it with you, as you may need it for identification at banks, hospitals, and government offices.

Visit the City/Ward Office (within 14 days)

After moving into your new residence, you must register your address within 14 days. At the city or ward office, you will:

Submit your residence registration (転入届)
Enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI), which covers roughly 70% of medical costs
Receive your MyNumber card or notification, which is necessary for taxes, banking, and social services

City offices can vary in English support. Some provide translated guides or staff who speak English, but having a Japanese speaker with you is helpful.

Opening a Bank Account

Bank	Ease for Foreigners	Notes
Japan Post Bank	Easy	Accepts short-term residents
Shinsei Bank	Very easy	English support and online banking
MUFG / SMBC / Mizuho	Moderate	Some branches require 6+ months residency history

When opening an account, you usually need your Residence Card, passport, and proof of address from the city office. Some banks may also ask for an initial deposit or signature verification.

6. Tips for Living Comfortably in Japan

Garbage Sorting Takes Getting Used To

Each city has different rules for trash separation. You will usually divide trash into burnable, non-burnable, plastics, cans, bottles, and sometimes even more categories. It is very normal to feel confused at first. Most people learn simply by checking the schedule sheet that the city office gives you. It helps to watch how your neighbors handle garbage day, since rules are often followed quite strictly.

People who have lived in Japan long-term say the easiest way to adjust is to keep small labeled bins in your kitchen. This turns sorting into part of your daily routine so collection days feel natural rather than stressful.

Carry Cash, Even If You Normally Use Cards

Japan is modern, but not every store accepts credit cards. Small ramen shops, neighborhood izakaya, older bars, local markets, and family-run businesses may only accept cash. Convenience stores and major chains are fine, but it is smart to carry the equivalent of around 3,000 to 10,000 yen on you.

Most residents mention that using IC cards like Suica or Pasmo makes daily payments quick. You can load them at any train station and use them almost everywhere in major cities. Still, having a little cash prevents awkward situations in shops that are cash-only.

Set Up Automatic Payments for Utilities

Once your bank account is active, setting utilities to auto-pay keeps your life simple. Electricity, water, gas, and phone bills can be paid at convenience stores, but people often forget or miss due dates when life gets busy. Auto-pay removes that stress.

Many long-term residents say they learned this the hard way when they found a payment notice in the mailbox after it was already late. Switching to auto-pay takes about five minutes on each service’s website and eliminates the chance of missing a bill.

Social Life Happens If You Show Up

Many people who move to Japan worry about loneliness at first. Making friends is absolutely possible, but it does not happen by accident. Joining language exchange groups, coworking spaces, sports clubs, volunteer groups, or music communities is one of the easiest ways to meet people.

There are meetups in almost every major city. Some groups are primarily foreigners, others are mixed, and some are mostly Japanese who want to meet new people. People who live here long-term say saying “yes” to small invitations is usually what leads to real friendships over time.

Conclusion

Moving to Japan takes preparation and patience. Once the paperwork and first few weeks are behind you, everyday life becomes easier and more enjoyable. Whether you are coming to work, study, or explore a new chapter, Japan can become a comfortable and rewarding place to live.

Welcome to your new beginning!