Country Guide: Japan

Assignment Types:

BT · Business Travel ST · Short Term <6 mo MT · Mid Term ≤1 yr LT · Long Term 1+ yr ALL · All Types

Contents

01 Country Snapshot 02 Quick-Reference Matrix 03 Immigration & Visas 04 Tax Obligations 05 Employment Law 06 Healthcare 07 Social Security 08 Cost of Living 09 Safety & Security 10 Relocation Logistics 11 Key Contacts

City Profiles

12 Tokyo (Neighborhoods, Schools, Transport, Cost of Living)

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01 — Country Snapshot

Capital

Tokyo

Population

125.1 million

Official Language

Japanese (Nihongo)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY ¥)

Government

Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary Democracy

Time Zone

Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9)

Visa-Free Access

190+ nationalities (90–180 days temporary visitor)

Healthcare System

Universal coverage via Shakai Hoken & Kokumin Kenko Hoken

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02 — Quick-Reference Matrix

Category	Status	Key Points
Residence Card	Required >90 days	Zairyu Kaado; renewable every 1–3 years; My Number registration mandatory
Healthcare Coverage	Universal (mandatory)	Shakai Hoken (employer-sponsored) or Kokumin Kenko Hoken (self-employed); 30% copay
Pension Contribution	Mandatory	18.3% combined (employer + employee); enrolled via health insurance provider
Income Tax	Progressive scale	5–45% + 10% local resident tax; 183-day rule applies
Common Visa Categories	Multiple pathways	Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Intra-company Transferee, Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)
Employment Contracts	Highly regulated	Written contract required; strict termination rules; probation max 3 months
Banking	Accessible	My Number required; major banks: MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC; online services available

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03 — Immigration & Visas

Temporary Visitor (90 days, visa-free)

Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)

Return/onward ticket proof

Sufficient funds (approx. ¥100,000+)

Landing card completed on arrival

No employment permitted

Work Visa – Engineer/Specialist in Humanities (高度専門職等 Takaito Senmonshoku)

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field

Job offer letter from registered Japanese employer

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from immigration office

Valid passport

Background check & health certificate

Visa validity: 1, 3, or 5 years (renewable)

Intra-company Transferee (転勤駐在員 Tenkin Chuuzaiin)

1+ year employment with parent company

Managerial, professional, or specialized role

Job offer & CoE from Japanese subsidiary

Corporate documentation & salary details

Visa validity: typically 1–3 years (renewable)

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points System (高度人材 Takaido Jinzai)

Accumulate 70+ points via: salary, education, work experience, professional certifications, publications, research

HSP-1: points 70–79 (5-year renewable visa)

HSP-2: points 80+ (1-year renewable, expedited PR path after 3 years vs. 10 years)

No requirement for Japanese language or specific visa quota

Accelerated permanent residency: 3 years (HSP-2) or 5 years (HSP-1)

Residence Card (在留カード Zairyu Kaado)

Mandatory for stays > 90 days

Issued within 2 weeks of arrival at immigration bureau

Carries: visa status, expiry date, employment limitations, My Number assignment

Renewal timing: typically 1, 3, or 5 years depending on visa type

Must carry at all times; fines for non-compliance

183-Day Tax Residency Rule

Critical for expats: If you spend 183+ days in Japan during a calendar year, you are deemed a resident and subject to Japanese income tax on worldwide income. Days include partial days (arrival/departure count).

Non-resident expats: taxed only on Japan-source income

Resident expats: global income taxable

Track entry/exit dates meticulously for tax planning

Professional tax advice recommended

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04 — Tax Obligations

Income Tax Rates (2026)

Taxable Income (JPY)	National Tax Rate
¥0 – ¥1,950,000	5%
¥1,950,001 – ¥3,300,000	10%
¥3,300,001 – ¥6,950,000	20%
¥6,950,001 – ¥9,000,000	23%
¥9,000,001 – ¥18,000,000	33%
¥18,000,001+	45%

Plus: 10% local resident tax (applied to same income brackets)

Tax Filing & Deadlines

Annual income tax return (青色申告 Aoshiro Shinkoku or 白色申告 Shiroshiro): due 15 March following tax year

Employees on single salary may rely on employer withholding (年調 Nenchou)

Self-employed & freelancers must file individual return

Residence tax (住民税): filed with local ward/city office; typically due 31 May

Request 非居住者 (non-resident) status if leaving mid-year to minimize future obligations

My Number (マイナンバー)

12-digit national ID assigned on residence card issuance

Required for: bank accounts, employment contracts, tax filing, health insurance

Secure information; do not share unnecessarily

My Number Card (個人番号カード) optional but useful (ID photo document, e-signature)

Deductions & Credits

Basic exemption: ¥480,000 (as of 2024; subject to change)

Spousal deduction, dependent deduction available

Pension contributions, life insurance premiums, medical expenses > ¥100,000

Foreign tax credit if paying taxes overseas

⚠ Tax Complexity: Expat taxation in Japan involves nuances around residency, treaty benefits, and worldwide income. Consult a tax accountant (税理士 Zeirisshi) familiar with expat returns. Major cities have English-speaking practitioners.

⚖️

05 — Employment Law

Employment Contracts

Written contract mandatory (労働契約 Roudou Keiyaku)

Must specify: job title, duties, salary, working hours, term

Probation period: max 3 months; can be extended if explicitly stated

Full-time (正社員 Seishain): indefinite or fixed-term; provides maximum protections

Part-time (非正社員 Hiseishan): hourly; fewer benefits typically

Working Hours & Overtime

Standard week: max 40 hours (Labor Standards Act – 労働基準法)

Daily limit: max 8 hours; overtime beyond 8 hrs requires premium pay

Overtime (残業 Zangyou): compensated at 25–50% premium depending on time (nighttime/weekend)

Mandatory rest: minimum 1 day per week; breaks required for shifts > 6 hrs

Flexible work arrangements (フレックスタイム) increasingly common but not legally mandated

Leave & Holiday Entitlements

Paid annual leave (年休 Nenkyuu): minimum 10 days after 6 months service; accrues 20 days by year 6+

Public holidays: 16 per year (e.g., New Year, Golden Week, Obon)

Sick leave: paid if documented; typically employer discretion within legal bounds

Maternity leave: 14 weeks (6 before, 8 after delivery); paternity leave 10 days (non-mandatory)

Bereavement leave: typically 3–7 days depending on relation

Termination & Severance

At-will termination not permitted without cause (契約解除は原因が必要)

Valid cause: serious misconduct, incompetence, breach of contract, redundancy (整理解雇 Seirio Kaiko)

Notice period: typically 30 days minimum (Labor Standards Act); must be written

Severance (退職金 Taishoku Kin): customary if not breached contract; amount varies by firm & tenure

Wrongful termination claims: strong legal protections; consult labor union or attorney if disputed

Discrimination & Harassment

Discrimination prohibited: gender, race, nationality, religion, disability, age (限定的)

Sexual harassment (セクハラ) & power harassment (パワハラ) increasingly recognized; employers must provide remedy channels

Report: HR department, labor standards bureau (労働基準監督署 Roudou Kijun Kantokyoku), labor attorney

Workplace bullying (いじめ Ijime): increasingly grounds for legal action

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06 — Healthcare

Universal Coverage System

All residents (including expats > 3 months) must enroll in health insurance (健康保険 Kenko Hoken)

Two tracks: Shakai Hoken (social insurance/employer-provided) or Kokumin Kenko Hoken (national insurance/self-employed)

Coverage includes: doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, preventive care, maternity, dental (basic), mental health

Patient copay: 30% of medical costs (3% for elderly 70+, children < 6)

Shakai Hoken (Social Insurance) – Employees

Employer automatically enrolls eligible employees (typically full-time, > 20 hrs/week)

Premium: ~8.2% employee contribution + equal employer contribution (covers health + pension)

Covers spouse & dependent children under age limit (未成年者 Miseinen-sha)

Enrollment: automatic upon hire; card issued within 1–2 weeks

Includes sickness & injury leave pay replacement (傷病手当金 Shoubyo Teate Kin)

Kokumin Kenko Hoken (National Health Insurance) – Self-Employed/Unemployed

Mandatory for self-employed, freelancers, part-time without employer insurance

Enrollment: local ward/city office (ward citizen service center 区民サービスセンター)

Premium: based on income & locality; typically ¥20,000–60,000/month for single adult

Deadline: 14 days after starting residence card status

Annual renewal (更新 Koushin): every April; submit income documentation

Accessing Healthcare

Primary care: visit local clinic (診療所 Shinryoujo) or general practice (内科 Naika)

No referral requirement for specialists; direct access common

Typical costs: clinic visit ~¥3,000–5,000 (after insurance); hospital admission covered ~70%

Prescription: filled at pharmacy (薬局 Yakkyoku); copay ~30% of drug cost

English-speaking services: major hospitals & international clinics in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto

Pre-Departure & Expat Health Tips

Vaccinations: confirm MMR, tetanus, Japanese encephalitis (seasonal risk); visit travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure

Dental & vision: complete before arrival; follow-up care may be expensive initially

Prescription medications: bring 3-month supply; Japanese equivalent may differ; consult doctor

Expat health insurance (任意保険 Nin-i Hoken): optional but recommended for international evacuation & multi-country coverage

Mental health: therapy & counseling available; expat-friendly clinics in major cities

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08 — Cost of Living

Monthly Budget Estimates (Single, Mid-Career Expat, Tokyo)

Category	Budget (JPY)	Notes
Rent	¥100,000–200,000	Studio/1BR in Minato, Shibuya, Meguro; varies by location
Utilities (電気・ガス・水)	¥8,000–12,000	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Groceries & Meals	¥30,000–50,000	Mix of supermarket & dining out
Transportation	¥5,000–10,000	IC card (Suica) for metro/train; monthly pass alternative
Health Insurance	¥8,000–15,000	Shakai Hoken (employee) or Kokumin Hoken (self-employed)
Mobile Phone	¥3,000–8,000	Major carriers (SoftBank, AU, Docomo); MVNOs cheaper
Entertainment & Misc.	¥15,000–30,000	Gyms, cinema, hobbies, dining, events
Total (Comfortable)	¥169,000–325,000	Approx. USD 1,100–2,100 (at 155 JPY/USD)

Housing Market

Rental: Furnished (家具付き Kagu Tsuki) or unfurnished (空き Aki); 2-year typical lease

Deposits: Key money (礼金 Reikin) + security deposit (敷金 Shikikin), often 1–2 months each

Agency fees: ~1 month rent; negotiate or shared with landlord

Lease signing: guarantor (保証人 Hoshounin) often required; expat employers/agencies help

Purchase: Real estate market open to foreigners; typically 5–10% down payment; 30-year mortgages available

Shopping & Dining

Supermarket meal: ¥1,000–3,000 (bento, ramen, sushi)

Restaurant (casual): ¥2,000–5,000 (set meal, izakaya)

Fine dining: ¥8,000–20,000+ (sushi, kaiseki)

Groceries: 24-hour convenience stores (コンビニ Konbini) ubiquitous; standard supermarkets cheaper

International goods: Available in Tokyo/Osaka but premium pricing; import from home if essential

Transportation & Travel

Metro/Train IC card (Suica/Pasmo): ¥2,000–3,000 initial + reload

Average trip: ¥200–400

Taxi: ¥500–2,000+ (metered); ride-sharing apps (Uber, Grab) limited in Japan

Car rental (if driving): ¥5,000–10,000/day; international license & left-side driving required

Shinkansen (bullet train): ¥13,000–27,000 Tokyo–Osaka; JR Pass worthwhile for multi-city trips

Education (if applicable)

International schools: ¥2–5 million/year (ages K–12)

Japanese public schools: Free (elementary–high school)

Language schools: ¥500,000–1 million/year (part-time Japanese)

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09 — Safety & Security

General Safety Overview

Japan ranks among the world’s safest countries. Violent crime is rare; petty theft exists but manageable with precautions. Natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons) are the primary risk; preparedness is essential.

Crime & Personal Safety

Violent crime: exceptionally low; assaults are rare

Pickpocketing & bag snatching: occur in crowded areas (Shibuya, Shinjuku); use money belts, crossbody bags

Home security: apartment locks standard; additional deadbolts recommended; burglary uncommon but take precautions

Cybercrime & fraud: phishing, online scams increasing; verify banking & payment systems before use

Emergency number: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Earthquakes (地震 Jishin): frequent minor quakes; major events rare but devastating; prepare: emergency kit, know safe zones, practice drop-cover-hold

Typhoons (台風 Taifuu): June–November; advance warnings allow preparation; evacuation centers established

Floods (洪水 Kousui): during heavy rains; monitor local alerts via weather apps (Yahoo Weather, NHK World)

Emergency preparedness: stock 2-week supply of water/food, first aid, medications, cash (ATMs may not function during outages)

Evacuation drills: communities conduct drills regularly; participate to learn procedures

Health & Environmental Safety

Air quality: acceptable year-round in most areas; winter inversions & yellow dust (春霾 Kasumi) from China during spring; masks recommended during poor days

Food safety: extremely high standards; tap water safe to drink nationwide

Disease risks: dengue fever (rare), Japanese encephalitis (seasonal in rural areas); vaccinations preventive

Radiation concerns (post-Fukushima): monitoring in affected prefectures; Tokyo & major cities safe; no dietary restrictions for expats

Legal & Documentation Safety

Carry ID/residence card: legally required; fines/detention possible if absent

Police interactions: generally courteous; cooperation advisable

Scams: rental apartment fraud, dating scams, investment schemes; verify credentials, use reputable brokers

Drugs: extremely strict laws; possession of even small amounts (including marijuana) results in deportation & criminal record

Insurance & Contingency

Home contents insurance (火災保険 Kasai Hoken): optional but recommended; ~¥2,000–5,000/year for apartment

Expat health/evacuation insurance: strongly recommended; covers international hospitals & medical evacuation

Travel insurance: essential if traveling outside Japan regularly

Emergency fund: maintain 3–6 months living expenses in accessible accounts

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10 — Relocation Logistics

Pre-Arrival Planning

Visa application: 4–8 weeks processing; submit to Japanese embassy/consulate in home country

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): obtain from employer/immigration broker; speeds visa approval

Housing search: browse GaijinPot, Real Estate Japan, SuuMo; many require in-person viewings (virtual tours available)

International moving company: 4–6 weeks lead time; estimate ¥500,000–2,000,000 for shipping household goods (origin-dependent)

Health check & vaccinations: 4–6 weeks before departure

Documents to bring: birth certificate, marriage/divorce certificate, educational diplomas, police clearance certificate, medical records (translated to English or Japanese)

Arrival in Japan

Immigration processing: present passport, visa, landing card; stamped within 15 minutes typically

Residence card collection: obtain at immigration office (入国管理局 Nyuukoku Kanri Kyoku) or designated location within 2 weeks of arrival

Airport transportation: Narita Express (N’EX) ¥3,000–4,000, Haneda trains/buses ¥1,000–3,000, taxis ¥15,000–25,000

Temporary accommodation: arrange 1–4 weeks via employer corporate housing or Airbnb while apartment hunting

SIM card/mobile phone: purchase at airport or nearby retailer; prepaid (ワイモバイル Y!Mobile) or contract plans available

First Week Administrative Checklist

Collect residence card (residence card office/immigration bureau)

Enroll in health insurance (health insurance center/office)

Apply for My Number (at ward office); card issued within 4 weeks

Open bank account (bring passport, residence card, My Number letter)

Activate utilities (electricity, gas, water)

Set up transportation IC card (Suica/Pasmo)

Contact embassy/consulate & register with optional local registry (任意登録 Nin-i Toroku)

Housing & Lease Procedures

Real estate agency search: contact 3–5 agencies; provide budget, location preferences, move-in date

Apartment viewing: physically visit or hire local agent to view on your behalf

Application: complete form, provide references, income documentation, employer letter

Guarantor: if required, many landlords accept corporate guarantor (会社 Kaisha) services; cost ~¥5,000–10,000 one-time

Contract signing: read thoroughly (or have translated); pay deposits & key money at signing

Move-in inspection: document existing condition; photo evidence recommended

Move-out: 30 days notice; cleaning obligations may incur costs (typically ¥30,000–100,000)

Shipping & International Moving

Movers: Japan-based firms (Nippon Express, Tone, Art Moving) or international (Allied, Crown) offer door-to-door services

Cost: air freight ~¥200,000–500,000 (20 boxes), sea freight ~¥300,000–1,500,000 (40ft container)

Lead time: obtain quotes 6 weeks before departure; book container 4 weeks ahead

Customs: Japanese customs may inspect; restricted items (certain electronics, plants, food) require permits

Insurance: optional; ask movers for damage liability terms

Post-Arrival (First 3 Months)

Arrange forwarding address with home country postal service

Obtain Japanese driver’s license (if needed): convert international license or take exam; 2–4 weeks processing

Enroll children in school (international or Japanese; application deadlines vary)

Join expat community groups/networks (Facebook, meetup.com, company networks)

Language lessons: enroll in beginner Japanese class (school, app, or private tutor)

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11 — Key Contacts

Government & Embassies

Embassy of Japan (home country): visa applications, consular services; website: mofa.go.jp

Immigration Bureau of Japan: immi-moj.go.jp; English support; processing queries

Tokyo Immigration Bureau (main office): 100 Mori-machi, Minato; phone +81-3-5796-7111

Pension Service (Nihon Nenkin Kiko): nenkin.go.jp; pension queries, withdrawal applications

Tax Office (Zeimusho): nta.go.jp; tax filing, residency status

Employment & Labor

Hello Work (Hallowô Kuen): employment agency; regional offices nationwide; free job search & counseling; hellowork.mhlw.go.jp

Labor Standards Bureau (Roudou Kijun Kantokyoku): labor.go.jp; labor law disputes, safety complaints

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO): jetro.go.jp; business information, investment support

Tokyo Chamber of Commerce: chamber.or.jp; networking, business resources

Healthcare & Insurance

Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenko Hoken): kyokai-kenhoken.or.jp; inquiries re: social insurance

National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken): administered at ward/city level; kokumin-kenko.or.jp (umbrella org)

Tokyo Metropolitan Health & Medical Information Center: +81-3-5285-8181; medical provider referrals, English support

English-Speaking Hospitals (Tokyo): Keio University Hospital, Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital, St. Luke’s International Hospital

Expat Support & Community Resources

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan: accj.or.jp; business networking, events

Tokyo International Forums: tokyointernational.org; community events, networking

Expat Forums: GaijinPot (gaijinpot.com), Tokyo FFriends, InterNations (internations.org)

Tel Avivian Friendly Japan (TAFJ): community support group for Israeli expats (example; many nationality-specific groups exist)

English-Language Helpline (Tokyo): +81-3-3201-0911 (Weekday 9 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM JST)

Language & Education

NHK World (Eteron): nhkworld.or.jp; free Japanese language lessons, cultural content

Japan Foundation Cultural Centers: jpf.go.jp; Japanese language courses in major cities

Language Schools: Kaplan, ECC Foreign Language Institute, ARC Academy

University of Tokyo & Waseda University: Japanese language programs for foreign students

Legal & Financial Services

Tokyo Bar Association (Daiben Rengoukai): daiben.or.jp; lawyer referrals, legal aid

Immigration Lawyers: “immigration lawyer Tokyo” search; many practice English; hourly rates ¥15,000–50,000

Tax Accountants (税理士 Zeirisshi): member directory at nichizeiren.or.jp; expat-friendly practitioners in major cities

Banks: Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; major branches have English-speaking staff

Emergency Numbers

Police (Keisatsu): 110 (24/7)

Ambulance/Fire (Kyuukyuusha): 119 (24/7)

Poison Control: +81-3-6237-5677

Earthquake Early Warning: NHK World app, local emergency alerts

City Profiles

Housing, cost of living, education, transportation, and daily life in Japan’s major cities

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Tokyo City Profile

Tokyo

Japan’s capital & largest expat hub

Tokyo (東京 Toukyou) is Japan’s political, economic, and cultural heart, home to 37+ million in the metro area and 13.9 million in the ward (23-ku) proper. The city blends ultra-modern skyscrapers, historic temples, bustling shopping districts, and serene gardens. English is widely spoken in business & hospitality; Japanese language proficiency increasingly expected for long-term careers beyond international sectors.

37M+

Metro Population

JST

Time Zone (UTC+9)

🏘️ Key Neighborhoods for Expats

Minato Ward (港区 Minato-ku)

Character: Upscale, international, business hub. Home to embassies, corporate headquarters, Roppongi nightlife, Azabu-Juban residential area.

Rent: ¥150,000–300,000 (1BR, central districts)

Transport: JR Yamanote, Oedo, Asakusa, Namboku lines

Lifestyle: International restaurants, grocery stores, expat-friendly bars/clubs

Shibuya Ward (渋谷区 Shibuya-ku)

Character: Young, trendy, vibrant. Shibuya Crossing is world-famous; packed with shops, cafes, clubs, and nightlife.

Rent: ¥120,000–250,000 (1BR)

Transport: JR Yamanote, Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin lines; very accessible

Lifestyle: Fashion, dining, entertainment; fast-paced; good for young professionals

Shinjuku Ward (新宿区 Shinjuku-ku)

Character: Bustling, commercial center. Major business district, busy train hub, entertainment & red-light areas; mixed residential & commercial.

Rent: ¥100,000–200,000 (1BR, east side quieter than west)

Transport: JR Yamanote & Chuo (world’s busiest station), Marunouchi, Shinjuku, Fukutoshin lines

Lifestyle: High-energy; some areas quieter (Yotsuya, Akasaka); excellent infrastructure & dining

Meguro Ward (目黒区 Meguro-ku)

Character: Upscale residential, quieter than Shibuya/Shinjuku, close to nature (river paths, parks).

Rent: ¥130,000–280,000 (1BR)

Transport: JR Yamanote, Hibiya, Namboku lines; good connections to other wards

Lifestyle: Residential comfort; young families, professionals; excellent schools nearby

Setagaya Ward (世田谷区 Setagaya-ku)

Character: Spacious, residential, family-oriented. More suburban feel; lower density; popular with expat families.

Rent: ¥80,000–180,000 (1BR; varies by sub-district)

Transport: Tokyu Dentetsu lines (Den-en Toshi, Setagaya, Tamagawa, Oimachi); slightly longer commute to central Tokyo

Lifestyle: Parks, gardens (Setagaya Park), quieter neighborhoods; family-friendly; good international schools

🎓 International Schools in Tokyo

Tokyo has one of Asia’s largest expat school networks. Many international schools serve English-speaking families & follow British, American, or IB curricula.

American Schools

American School in Japan (ASIJ): Grades K–12; location: Minato (main), Shibuya (lower campus); tuition: ~¥3.5–5 million/year; IB affiliation; highly regarded

Saint Mary’s International School: Grades K–12; location: Meguro; tuition: ~¥2–3.5 million/year; Catholic; strong academics

British Schools

British School in Tokyo (BST): Grades K–13 (to A-Levels); location: Minato; tuition: ~¥3–4.5 million/year; British curriculum; prominent expat school

Nishimachi International School: Grades K–9; location: Minato; tuition: ~¥2.5–3.2 million/year; IB curriculum; smaller, competitive admission

Other International Schools

Seoul International School Tokyo: Korean curriculum; Setagaya location

Deutsche Schule Tokyo (German School): German curriculum; Setagaya; ~¥2 million/year

Ecole Francaise du Japon: French curriculum; Minato; ~¥2–3 million/year

Admission Tips: Apply 1 year in advance for competitive schools; waiting lists common; entrance exams typical for upper grades; admissions offices provide guidance on curriculum alignment & English-language support.

🚇 Transportation

Tokyo’s transport is world-class: punctual, safe, frequent, and extensive. English signage is standard; app-based navigation (Google Maps, Hyperdia, Jorudan) seamless.

JR (Japan Railways)

Yamanote Line (山手線): Circular loop connecting all major stations; 35 stations, 60 mins complete loop; frequent trains (every 2–3 mins peak)

Chuo Line (中央線): East-west connection; passes Shinjuku, Shibuya, Hachioji

Sobu Line (総武線): South-north connection; Chiba to Shinjuku

Fares: ¥150–¥300 per trip (IC card discount); monthly pass ~¥1,000–3,000 depending on distance

Tokyo Metro (Private Subway System)

13 lines (Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Hanzomon, Namboku, Fukutoshin, Shinjuku, Oedo, Asakusa, etc.)

Comprehensive coverage of central & surrounding wards

Fares: ¥200–¥320; IC card (Suica/Pasmo) reloadable

Private Railway Lines

Tokyu Dentetsu (東急電鉄): Services Setagaya, Meguro wards; Den-en Toshi Line, Tamagawa, Oimachi, Setagaya lines

Odakyu Electric Railway (小田急電鉄): Northwest connection (Shinjuku to Hakone, Odawara)

Keio Corporation (京王): Southwest (Shinjuku to Hachioji)

IC Cards & Payment

Suica: JR card; usable on JR, many private railways, buses, convenience stores, vending machines

Pasmo: Tokyo Metro card; interchangeable with Suica in many systems

Purchase: ¥2,000 initial (¥1,500 usable, ¥500 deposit); reload at convenience stores, vending machines, station kiosks

Taxis & Ride Services

Taxis: Starting fare ¥500 (Minato); metered; drivers are courteous; few speak English; show destination address/business card

Uber: Limited availability in Tokyo (restricted by regulations); GrabTaxi more available in some areas but limited

Delivery cycling: Bike couriers & delivery services expand; MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) apps emerging (dacco, NAVITIME)

💰 Cost of Living – Tokyo Specifics

Expense	Monthly Range (JPY)
Studio/1BR Rent (mid-tier neighborhood)	¥100,000–¥200,000
Utilities & Internet	¥8,000–¥15,000
Groceries & Meals (mixed)	¥30,000–¥50,000
Transportation (IC card usage)	¥5,000–¥15,000
Mobile Phone	¥3,000–¥10,000
Health Insurance (employee-based)	¥8,000–¥12,000
Entertainment & Dining Out	¥20,000–¥40,000
Total (Comfortable)	¥174,000–¥342,000

💼 Work Culture & Networking

Business hours: 9 AM–6 PM typical; overtime (残業 Zangyou) culture still prevalent in many companies despite modernization efforts

Language: English increasingly used in tech, finance, consulting; Japanese critical for manufacturing, local services, government

Dress code: Business formal/business casual standard; tech startups more casual

Networking: Industry meetups, chamber of commerce events, company social gatherings (nomikai 飲み会)

Tech hub: Startup scene concentrated in Shibuya, Shinjuku; many English-friendly accelerators & VCs

Finance & consulting: Strong expat presence; English-language opportunities in major firms

🎭 Recreation & Lifestyle

Dining: World-class ramen, sushi, kaiseki, international cuisine; ~14 Michelin-starred restaurants (highest concentration outside France)

Shopping: Ginza (upscale), Harajuku (fashion), Akihabara (electronics), Roppongi Hills (luxury mall)

Parks & Gardens: Imperial Palace East Gardens, Ueno Park, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park; seasonal beauty

Museums & Art: Tokyo National Museum, Museum of Modern Art, National Diet Library; frequent exhibitions

Nightlife: Roppongi (clubs/bars), Shibuya (youthful), Shinjuku (diverse), izakayas everywhere

Sports & fitness: Gyms abundant; martial arts (karate, judo) classes; running clubs; baseball & soccer popular

🌤️ Climate & Best Times to Relocate

Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms, mild temps (15–22°C); ideal arrival season; schools often begin April

Summer (June–August): Hot & humid (25–35°C); rainy season (tsuyu) June–July; low season for relocation

Autumn (September–November): Typhoon risk Sept–Oct; mild, pleasant (15–25°C); beautiful foliage; good relocation period

Winter (December–February): Mild (5–15°C), dry; New Year holidays; low housing availability (fiscal year ends March 31)

Peak housing seasons: March–April (fiscal year start), September–October; expect competition & higher prices

📍 Tokyo-Specific Resources

Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Bureau of General Affairs): tmg.metro.tokyo.lg.jp; ward office locations, services, English support

Housing Search Platforms: Suumo, Homes, GaijinPot, Real Estate Japan, Property Shark

Community Boards: Tokyo Craigslist (albeit less active now), Meetup, Tokyo FFriends, InterNations Tokyo chapter

Japanese Language Classes: NHK World, Tokyo Language Center, ARC Academy, Kaplan, TLS Japanese Language School

English-Speaking Hospitals: St. Luke’s International (Akasaka), Keio University Hospital (Shinjuku), Tokyo Women’s Medical University

日本国 · Nihon-koku.Land of the Rising Sun.

01 — Country Snapshot

02 — Quick-Reference Matrix

03 — Immigration & Visas

Temporary Visitor (90 days, visa-free)

Work Visa – Engineer/Specialist in Humanities (高度専門職等 Takaito Senmonshoku)

Intra-company Transferee (転勤駐在員 Tenkin Chuuzaiin)

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points System (高度人材 Takaido Jinzai)

Residence Card (在留カード Zairyu Kaado)

183-Day Tax Residency Rule

04 — Tax Obligations

Income Tax Rates (2026)

Tax Filing & Deadlines

My Number (マイナンバー)

Deductions & Credits

05 — Employment Law

Employment Contracts

Working Hours & Overtime

Leave & Holiday Entitlements

Termination & Severance

Discrimination & Harassment

06 — Healthcare

Universal Coverage System

Shakai Hoken (Social Insurance) – Employees

Kokumin Kenko Hoken (National Health Insurance) – Self-Employed/Unemployed

Accessing Healthcare

Pre-Departure & Expat Health Tips

07 — Social Security

Pension System (年金 Nenkin)

Unemployment Insurance (雇用保険 Koyou Hoken)

Workers’ Compensation (労災保険 Rousai Hoken)

Long-Term Care Insurance (介護保険 Kaigo Hoken)

Expat-Specific Considerations

08 — Cost of Living

Monthly Budget Estimates (Single, Mid-Career Expat, Tokyo)

Housing Market

Shopping & Dining

Transportation & Travel

Education (if applicable)

09 — Safety & Security

General Safety Overview

Crime & Personal Safety

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Health & Environmental Safety

Legal & Documentation Safety

Insurance & Contingency

10 — Relocation Logistics

Pre-Arrival Planning

Arrival in Japan

First Week Administrative Checklist

Housing & Lease Procedures

Shipping & International Moving

Post-Arrival (First 3 Months)

11 — Key Contacts

Government & Embassies

Employment & Labor

Healthcare & Insurance

Expat Support & Community Resources

Language & Education

Legal & Financial Services

Emergency Numbers

City Profiles

Tokyo City Profile

Tokyo

🏘️ Key Neighborhoods for Expats

Minato Ward (港区 Minato-ku)

Shibuya Ward (渋谷区 Shibuya-ku)

Shinjuku Ward (新宿区 Shinjuku-ku)

Meguro Ward (目黒区 Meguro-ku)

Setagaya Ward (世田谷区 Setagaya-ku)

🎓 International Schools in Tokyo

American Schools

British Schools

Other International Schools

🚇 Transportation

JR (Japan Railways)

Tokyo Metro (Private Subway System)

Private Railway Lines

IC Cards & Payment

Taxis & Ride Services

日本国 · Nihon-koku.
Land of the Rising Sun.