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Are you thinking of moving to Japan soon but you’re not sure what to expect? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Moving to a new country can be scary and exciting at the same time. It requires great courage, especially when moving to a country with a culture and language that you’re not familiar with.
So here at fly-jpn.com, we have put together multiple guides on all things Japan-related. We aim to help all foreigners prepare for their big move to the beautiful and, sometimes, overwhelming country of Japan.
- Fly – we’ll share tips on the best time to fly to Japan and what to pack, depending on which season you will be arriving in the country.
- Move – our moving guide includes all the necessary steps that you need to take for an easier and smoother way of transitioning to life in Japan.
- Live – read our guide on how to prepare for and settle into your new life in Japan, along with tips on how to adapt to the culture and make friends with Japanese locals.
- Work – gather ideas and tips on how to search for job opportunities and successfully land your first job in Japan despite the language barrier.
- Enjoy – last but not the least, we’ll share fun ways on how to enjoy your new life in Japan. We’ll offer tips on the best places to hang out and meet fellow expats and how to make the most of your stay in Japan.
Japan is a fantastic country to live in, so it’s no wonder why more and more foreigners are moving here to start a new life.
It is safe, accessible, clean, and offers plenty of great opportunities.
From the busy and modern streets of Tokyo to the traditional and historical life of Kyoto, moving to Japan certainly presents a fascinating experience for all foreigners.
To get started, check out our blog page and choose the prefecture below to learn more about the place.
Tokyo
If you’re thinking of moving to Japan for work, then Tokyo is an obvious choice.
As the country’s capital city, Tokyo is also the busiest city in Japan. It’s often the first destination for all foreigners entering the country to look for work and business opportunities.
This vibrant metropolitan city used to be a small fishing village named Edo.
Nowadays, Tokyo is the industrial hub of Japan and home to various multinational companies and corporate headquarters. Because of this, the streets of Tokyo are always crowded.
It’s a fast-moving city filled with modern skyscrapers and presents various opportunities for foreigners who wanted to work in the fields of technology, finance, real estate, and pretty much any industry.
Despite being crowded, Tokyo is surprisingly clean and has a very efficient transportation system.
Trains are often the most popular mode of transportation and go to all the popular areas of the city, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Harajuku.
Tokyo is home to several foreign companies and has a thriving expat community.
In fact, the Tokyo government is working hard to make the city more friendly and welcoming to foreigners. Some of the street names and signs are now written in multiple languages, and establishments are encouraged to put up signs in the English language.
They have also set up multilingual facilities and services to help foreign visitors and residents to easily and comfortably navigate its busy streets.
There are lots of foreigner-friendly neighborhoods in Tokyo, making it a great city to live for foreigners who plan on moving to Japan.
Living in these areas will make it easier for you to transition to your new life since you will be surrounded by fellow expats.
Some of the best neighborhoods for foreigners to live in Tokyo are in the Minato-ku area, such as the neighborhoods of Aoyama, Azabu, Roppongi, and Shirokane.
In Shibuya-ku, the neighborhoods of Hiroo, Daikanyama, and Ebisu are the most popular places to live for expats. In Yokohama, the popular area for foreigners is Naka-Ku.
It’s home to several international schools and parks, so it’s ideal for families with kids. Furthermore, most of the shops and restaurants in these areas have English-speaking staff, making it easier for foreigners to shop and dine out.
Refer to our blogs about Tokyo to learn more about the city and find out the best places to live and work in the city.
Osaka
Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan and plays an important role in the geographic and economic aspects of the Kansai region.
The city has a thriving economy and used to be the heart of Japan’s economy. In fact, it was Japan’s capital city for a short period of time.
Nowadays, Osaka is home to several small and medium-sized companies, most of which are in the field of manufacturing.
The city is also home to several universities and specialized educational institutions that are engaged in high-level studies. Foreigners who want to move to Japan to further their studies should consider relocating to Osaka.
For many years, Osaka has been attracting international companies to expand their operations in the city. The city has plenty of neighborhoods that cater to foreign expats, especially in Sakishima and Yumeshima.
This area is designated as the Kansai Innovation International Strategic Comprehensive Special Zone, which is part of the government’s plan to attract foreign companies.
Home to the best food, comedy, and a laid back attitude, Osaka is certainly a great place to live in Japan.
But what makes Osaka even more attractive to expats is its low cost of living. Compared to Tokyo and other major cities in Japan, Osaka has a much lower cost of living.
Most of the foreigners in the city live in apartment complexes in the area of Chuo-ku and Kita-Ku, which is right in the middle of the city.
There’s also a good community of expats in the areas of Yodogawa-Ku, Minato-ku, and Naniwa-Ku.
Another great thing about moving to Osaka is that you’ll be living in a city with friendly locals.
All throughout history, Osaka has always been a city of merchants. Because of this, Osakans are known for their laid back, friendly, and easy-going attitude.
If you get lost, you can always expect a local to help you even if they can’t speak English.
When it comes to safety, Osaka will definitely impress you.
Although the entire country of Japan is generally safe, Osaka has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, so you will always feel safe wherever you are in the city.
Here, you will find people leaving their bags in parks and cafes unattended. Children go to school by themselves and you can rarely hear reports of people getting robbed.
Indeed, Osaka is a great city to live if you are thinking of moving to Japan.
To learn more tips on moving to Osaka and living in the city, check out our blogs.
Kyoto
If you are moving to Japan but don’t want to live in busy cities like Tokyo, then Kyoto is definitely the best place for you.
As the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is perfect for foreigners who are fascinated with Japanese culture and want to learn more about the country’s unique cultural traditions.It has fascinating Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and traditional gardens.
Kyoto sits in the middle of Honshu, the largest and most populous island of Japan. Home to several educational institutions, Kyoto is a great city to live for those who are moving to Japan to study.
Kyoto University is one of the best universities in the region. Meanwhile, the Kyoto Institute of Technology is a popular choice for students who want to learn architecture and design.
Just like Tokyo and other major cities in Japan, Kyoto has a well-efficient transportation system. The city has a vast network of railway systems, and several buses ply its major streets. Most people rely on the train and subway system when moving around Kyoto although the bus system is also pretty efficient.
Kyoto is divided into five districts, and each district has a unique character, so it’s important to do your research before settling in.
The Southern Higashiyama district is home to various temples and historical sights, as well as the biggest geisha district in Japan.
If you want to spend most of your time exploring historical sights and learning about Japanese culture, this is a great neighborhood for you to live. But if you prefer a less crowded place, the Northern Higashiyama is perfect.
If you want to live near shopping malls and restaurants, then check out the Downtown Kyoto area.
Living in Kyoto is also cheaper compared to Tokyo and other major cities in Japan.
The food scene here is also incredible.
To find out more reasons why Kyoto is a great place to live when moving to Japan, head to our blog section, and read more about life in Kyoto.
