What do I need to know before moving to Japan?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Japan, they said...
"Think small. A lot of American furniture won't fit in the pats here. I would come with my important papers & luggage. get your place then shop & have furniture delivered. Or by used from craigslist or recycle or 2nd hand stores. There are plenty! There are food places all over mexican, Italian, Indian, Outback, TGIF,. I'm an hour from Tokyo. It's easy to find food places you like. Average meal 10-12.00 to eat out, train ride 6-8.00 each way to Tokyo. Plus size clothes are very rare to find. If you a small person you will find your size clothes," commented one expat who made the move to Kanagawa Perfecture, Japan.
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"Real estate agencies will show you everything even places that don't meet your requirements, ex:2 bedrooms instead or 3, no parking, etc... See the floor plans before seeing any of them, it will save you a lot of time. And once you have narrowed it down, visit the flat a time when you know that your nieghbors will be in.... Some flats don't have insulation and you can hear if your nieghbor just sneezed," remarked another expat in Tokyo, Japan.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Japan?
- How do I find a place to live in Japan?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Japan?
- What is the average cost of housing in Japan?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Japan?
- What should I pack when moving to Japan?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Japan?
- Why do people move to Japan?
- What are healthcare services like in Japan?
- What are medical services in Japan like?
- What are typical rents in Japan?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Japan?
If you live in Japan, newcomers to Japan would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.



