{"id":17394,"date":"2023-07-26T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=17394"},"modified":"2025-06-29T23:24:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T14:24:49","slug":"5-things-you-should-know-before-relocating-to-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/5-things-you-should-know-before-relocating-to-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Should Know Before Relocating to Japan\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Moving can be a daunting experience whether it\u2019s your first time doing so or the 10<sup>th<\/sup>. However, the difference between moving within your own country and packing up to move across the globe is stark and can present a whole slew of different and unique challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One popular country that attracts many would-be expats is Japan, also poetically known as The Land of the Rising Sun. Located in East Asia, Japan boasts the world\u2019s third biggest economy, and its citizens and residents enjoy a generally high quality of life full of convenience.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on what passport you hold, individuals can stay in Japan for up to 90 days visa-free but for those intending to stay for a longer period of time, a long-term visa is necessary and can be applied for at your nearest Japanese diplomatic embassy or consulate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to apply for a long-term visa, individuals need to be wanting to move to Japan for work, study, or family reunification. One of the most efficient ways to obtain a long-term visa is to get sponsored by a company in Japan, who will process the paperwork for you and help you obtain a Certificate of Eligibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have arrived in Japan with the correct visa for your purpose of stay, you will receive a Landing Permit at your chosen port of entry (most likely the airport). This landing permit replaces your tourist visa, allowing you to legally staying Japan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Housing In Japan&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Demand for housing can be quite high in Japan, especially in its urban areas. Tokyo currently holds the title of being the densest city in the world, and if you choose to settle in Japan\u2019s capital, be aware that the rent prices reflect the high demand for accommodation as Japan is a small country with limited space for building.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On average, rent in Japan can be between \u00a550,000 and \u00a570,000 but again, this is dependent on whether you\u2019re in the city or countryside, what prefecture you\u2019re in etc. Tokyo, Japan\u2019s capital is the most expensive city to rent in with shared accommodations starting at \u00a520,000, a single \/ studio style apartment going up to \u00a5150,000, and a 2-bedroom apartment starting at \u00a5200,000.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing you\u2019ll need to get used to when looking at rental listings in Japan is the rental property terms:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>L<\/strong> stands for living room&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>D <\/strong>stands for dining room&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>K<\/strong> stands for kitchen&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S<\/strong> stands for storage&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>R<\/strong> stands for the whole apartment that is a studio style aka. Everything in one room.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, you\u2019ll see \u201c2LDK\u201d or \u201c1K\u201d on rental listings \u2013 the former means 2 rooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen; whereas the latter means 1 room with a kitchen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-47-1024x682.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17404\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-47-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-47-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-47-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-47.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>It may come as a surprise to you but traditionally, rental properties are unfurnished, to the point where there isn\u2019t a stove, A\/C unit or light bulbs. However, certain organizations like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.villagehouse.jp\/en\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=2022&amp;utm_content=2023-07-20-native-link-1x1-relocatingtojapan-enhp-readers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Village House<\/a>, are catering to those looking for furnished apartments at budget friendly prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also important to note that nearly 100% of properties in Japan are rented through a realtor or real estate company, who will negotiate with the landlord or owner on your behalf.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the trickiest hurdles of renting in Japan is the need for a guarantor or a co-signer. A guarantor is a person who is legally bound to cover your rent should you not pay it. Traditionally, a guarantor would need to be a Japanese citizen with feasible income and of a certain age. Many fresh graduates looking for a place to stay will usually name their parents as their guarantor but non-Japanese residents don\u2019t have this luxury.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cue in the guarantor companies or <em>hosyo gaisha <\/em>who will act as your guarantor in the unfortunate even that you\u2019re unable to pay your rent. Many real estate agencies will recommend a guarantor company they\u2019ve partnered with when you sign the lease but you\u2019re also free to go with one of your own choosing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another shocking thing about renting in Japan are the initial costs, which can be shockingly high \u2013 up to 5~6 months\u2019 rent! Why? Well, here\u2019s a generalized breakdown of what expenses are included in the initial costs:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guarantor fee \u2013 50% ~ 100~ of one month\u2019s rent&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security deposit \u2013 1 month\u2019s rent&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insurance fee \u2013 starting at \u00a520,000&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Realtor fee \u2013 100% of one month\u2019s rent&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cleaning fee \u2013 a minimum of \u00a530,000 up to 100% of one month\u2019s rent&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key money (a kind of \u201cgift\u201d to the landlord to say thank you for being able to rent the apartment) \u2013 1 ~ 2 month\u2019s rent&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changing lock fee&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other miscellaneous fees like an additional deposit if you have a pet&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.villagehouse.jp\/en\/?utm_source=vhblog&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=2020&amp;utm_content=2019-12-16-static-property-768x300-v1-enhp-sitevisitors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/768x300-EN.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1862\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/768x300-EN.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/768x300-EN-300x117.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost of Living&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living in Japan is highly dependent on where you live, the type of accommodation you\u2019re living in, your spending habits, if you\u2019re single, a couple, or a family etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general though:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Housing in Japan can cost anywhere from $800 to $500 USD.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food, groceries, eating out, delivery etc. can cost between $250 to $700 USD&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport (depending on where you are, what transport passes you purchase, and if your company foots the bill) can cost between $30 to $150 USD per month&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utilities (gas, power, water) can range between $100 and $300 USD&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-48-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17408\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-48-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-48-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-48-768x513.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical Insurance&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone \u2013 Japanese and non-Japanese residents \u2013 presiding in Japan for over 3 months needs to sign up for mandatory health insurance known as National Health Insurance or <em>Kokumin-kenko-hoken)<\/em>. The health insurance you sign up for will depend on your employment status, age, and residence so you can\u2019t choose.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best things about Japan\u2019s NHI system is that there are no limitations or restrictions on where you can receive medical care but bear in mind that some clinics and medical providers don\u2019t accept NHI.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan\u2019s NHI includes hospital care, outpatient care, mental health care, prescription drugs, and dental; and patients need only to pay up to 30% of the total bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-49-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17412\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-49-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-49-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/image-49-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Japanese Education System&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>The schooling system in Japan is broken down as such:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>6 years of elementary schooling&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 years of junior high schooling&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 years of high school schooling&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This is followed by either a 2 to 3 year junior college education or a 4 year university education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mandatory education in Japan is 9 years, which implies that elementary and junior high school are compulsory for all students.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The school year in Japan begins in April and ends in March. It follows a 3 semester system:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Semester 1 is from April 1<sup>st<\/sup> to August&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Semester 2 is from September 2<sup>nd<\/sup> to December&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Semester 3 is from January 3<sup>rd<\/sup> to March&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a summer break from the end of July to the end of August; a winter break from the end of December to the beginning of January; and a spring break from the end of March to the beginning of April.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>School runs from Monday to Friday and sometimes Saturday for junior high and high school students. Club activities or extra-curricular activities are a big part of student culture in Japan are signing up is strongly encouraged.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schooling in Japan is free for public schools for both Japanese and non-Japanese residents though parents and guardians will need to cover costs for lunch, school materials and uniforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those looking to put their child(ren) in international schools, there are around 40 accredited international schools in Japan. More information can be found on Japan\u2019s Council of International Schools database.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work Culture&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan\u2019s work culture is infamous for demanding extreme dedication from its employees resulting in the environment being seemingly harsh and very hierarchical.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 2015 survey revealed that 53% of Japanese employees were unaware of how much annual leave they were entitled to, which makes it unsurprising to know that Japanese employees are the world\u2019s 2<sup>nd<\/sup> most vacation deprived workers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reflecting Japan\u2019s collectivist society and culture, working as a team and making decisions as a team is highly valued. A hierarchical structure also means that promotions may happen based on your rank and\/or how long you\u2019ve been with the company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Company loyalty is also highly sought after and thus, staying with one company is still far more commonplace than job hopping.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.villagehouse.jp\/en\/?utm_source=vhblog&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=2020&amp;utm_content=2019-12-16-static-property-768x300-v1-enhp-sitevisitors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/768x300-EN.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1862\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/768x300-EN.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/768x300-EN-300x117.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, moving to Japan can be extremely rewarding and enriching but be sure to do all your research and preparation to make the transition as smooth as possible. If you have already made all the necessary preparations to live legally in Japan for the foreseeable future and are looking for accommodation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.villagehouse.jp\/en\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=2022&amp;utm_content=2023-07-20-native-link-1x1-relocatingtojapan-enhp-readers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Village House<\/a> offers budget-friendly properties across all of Japan\u2019s 47 prefectures with low initial costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/a-foreigners-guide-to-renting-in-japan-common-pitfalls-to-avoid\/\">A Foreigner&#8217;s Guide to Renting in Japan: Common Pitfalls to Avoid<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/moving-tips\/a-foreigners-guide-to-clearing-the-tenant-screening-process\/\">A Foreigner\u2019s Guide to Clearing the Tenant Screening Process<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/a-students-guide-to-apartment-hunting\/\">A Student\u2019s Guide to Apartment Hunting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/moving-tips\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-buying-your-own-home-in-japan\/\">Everything You Need To Know About Buying Your Own Home In Japan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/renting-in-japan-benefits-of-chintai-vs-bunjou\/\">Renting in Japan: Benefits of Chintai vs. Bunjou<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about relocating to Japan? There are many reasons why you may want to inhabit the land of the rising sun. Before making your final decision, check out these 5 things you must know about living in Japan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":17395,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japanese-apartment-life"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17394"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17394\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}