21 Secrets About Living In Japan To Know Before Moving

Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan! Get ready to learn everything you need to know before making a move or even a holiday to this magical country.

Be prepared to have your mind blown by Japanese culture, ultra-modern cities, and beautiful landscapes. And have you ever heard of an onsen or a cat cafe? Read on to find out more!

Sections

1. You’ll need to learn Japanese

99% of the country’s citizens speak Japanese. And even though many of the locals understand basic English, the language barrier makes it challenging for foreigners to fit in, build relationships with the locals, and even find what they need at the grocery store.

Google Translate and charades will be your best friends when you first move to Japan. It would help if you considered signing up for online or in-person language courses to enhance your Japanese language skills.

Not to scare you, but the Japanese have three alphabets, called kanji, hiragana, and katakana, and you’ll need to understand each one before you can fully grasp the language.

2. The cost of living in Japan

Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities globally, with living costs almost three times higher than in the US.

According to the Mercer Cost of Living Survey in 2021, three major cities in Japan are in the top 40 of the most expensive cities in the world for ex-pats.

But don’t let this put you off – if you choose to live in the city outskirts or more rural areas, you will be spending significantly less than in the main cities.

3. Japanese culture, customs, and traditions

Be prepared for a significant culture shock if you’re visiting Japan for the first time from a Western country.

Japan’s unique culture combines deep tradition with ultra-modern urbanism. Their ancient traditions and rituals are still going strong. For instance, taking your shoes off before entering a room, go flower viewing, read manga (comics), and bow to everyone you greet.

4. Mountains, forests, and volcanos

If you think that Japan has impressive cities, you’ll be more impressed with its stunning countryside.

You are spoilt for choice, from the ice-blue pools of Hokkaido to the turquoise waters of beaches in Okinawa, with ancient forests, majestic volcanos, and dunes in between – Japan is a treasure chest of natural gems.

5. The Japanese are known for being friendly & polite

Japanese people are renowned for having excellent manners and being extremely polite.

If you’re thinking of moving to Japan, you might want to brush up on Japanese etiquette first so that you don’t offend anyone unintentionally:

Always pour your friend’s drink, and let them pour yours.
Don’t point with your index finger; use your whole hand.
Make sure to walk on the right side of the sidewalk, or the escalator (the sides change depending on the area you’re in), so you’re not in anyone’s way.
Don’t speak loudly on the train.
Blow your nose in private.
Avoid walking while eating or drinking – it’s seen as sloppy.

6. Customer service and tipping

Tipping is not customary or necessary in Japan. It can be considered offensive in some situations, like restaurants or hotels. Locals take pride in their jobs without hoping for a cash incentive.

If you are impressed with the service and want to tip, you can put some cash in a sealed envelope – this is considered the most polite way to do it.

7. Understand the different types of visas

Japan offers a variety of visa types to suit everyone’s needs:

Tourist Visas
Working Holiday Visas
Work Visa and Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Student Visa and Internship
Spouse Visa
Permanent Residency
and other types of long-term visas

It is best to consult with the Japanese embassy in your area to learn more about the visa process and the requirements.

8. They have a universal health care system

Japan’s universal health care system is both top-notch and affordable.

It’s offered to citizens and long-term residents (if you’ll stay in Japan for more than one year), and it’s paid for through taxation.

Most ex-pats are highly satisfied with the public healthcare in Japan – it’s fast, efficient, and much cheaper than taking out private health insurance.

9. Japanese politics and government

In a nutshell, Japan has a parliamentary government system, just like Britain and Canada. They don’t elect a president.

The Diet is Japan’s national parliament – the highest state power, and they make all of the laws. They elect a prime minister who leads the cabinet of ministers of state.

Japan’s Constitution originated in 1947 and is based on three main principles: the people’s sovereignty, respecting fundamental human rights, and the forgoing of war. It also specifies the independence of the three government branches:

Legislative (the Diet)
Executive (the cabinet)
Judicial (the courts)

10. Railways are the main method of passenger transport

Did you know that a Japanese bullet train’s record speed is 375 mph (603 kph)?

Japan’s lightning-fast public transportation system is nothing short of impressive. You never have to worry about being late from a delay at the train station, since the “average delay” is only 36 seconds. (Can you really call that a delay?)

The average speed of the Shinkansen bullet train is 155 mph. Traveling to another city is a breeze!

11. Shinto and Buddhism are the two main faiths

Shinto is as old as the Japanese itself, and Buddhism was brought in from mainland China in the 6th century.

Although religion isn’t a big part of the everyday life of most Japanese people, they typically follow religious rituals, for instance, at ceremonies like births, weddings, and funerals. They may also visit temples on New Year and participate in local festivals with backgrounds.

12. They are crazy about Cherry Blossoms

Spring and beautiful cherry blossoms signify new beginnings in Japan. The cherry blossom (sakura) symbolizes the mono-no-aware mindset as these trees only bloom for a limited time- about a week, to be precise.

The quote “Don’t cry because it’s over, be happy because it happened” by Ludwig Jacobowski puts it simply. And every Japanese person embraces it in cherry blossom season.

Besides the Japanese being mad about these beautiful flowers, almost every brand comes out with a pink cherry-blossom version of its products. Think cherry blossom-flavored coffee, beer, ice cream, and candy!

13. They love cats

Japan is obsessed with cats.

You’ll see the Maneki Neko cat or ‘beckoning cat‘ everywhere you go, whether it’s a restaurant, a grocery store, or a hairdresser. And yes, there are art museums entirely devoted to cats, like the Manekineko Museum of Art in Okayama City.

Do you like the sound of having a cup of tea and cuddling with a cat whenever you want? Japan has over 150 cat cafes! There are also Buddhist-Shinto shrines dedicated entirely to cats. Many locals go there to pray for success in both life and business.

If you like cats, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy living in Japan.

14. Be prepared for earthquakes

Japan is notorious for experiencing natural disasters. Roughly 1,500 earthquakes hit the country annually. With only 365 days in a year – that is a lot.

Since Japan is an island nation located along the Pacific Ring of Fire (a HUGE fault line), Japanese citizens have become accustomed to quakes and are well-prepared.

Japan is known as the most earthquake-ready country; many city buildings have clever earthquake-resistant designs. Even high-speed trains will almost immediately halt during a natural disaster.

Here is a helpful link for earthquake updates in Japan.

15. The stunning onsens

Have you ever dreamed of relaxing in a peaceful hot spring, surrounded by breathtaking countryside views? Absolute tranquility.

Japanese life comes with visiting an abundance of natural hot springs, called onsens. They are generally located in picturesque rural villages, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

The inviting, warm water will be at least 25 degrees, and everyone has to bathe naked. This also means you won’t be able to hide any tattoos, which are strictly prohibited at onsens.

You can’t say you’ve visited Japan if you haven’t been to an onsen – it’s that amazing!

16. They have a complicated relationship with tattoos

Having tattoos in Japan is a big NO. In Japanese society, having permanent ink on your body is disrespectful, especially to the older generation, who believe tattoos are tainting.

Another reason they are frowned upon is that tattoos are associated with criminals and gangs. While crime isn’t something you need to worry about – organized crime syndicates like the Yakuza exist, and their members are typically marked with full-body tattoos.

17. It’s really safe over there

You will feel highly safe living in Japan – when it comes to crime, it’s basically non-existent.

For example, Japan’s murder rate is 15 times less than the US. It’s arguably one of the safest countries in Asia, with Tokyo being one of the safest major cities boasting very few street crimes.

18. Japanese national holidays

The days between 29th April and 5th May are known as the Golden Week and are very exciting for the people of Japan.

It’s the most extended period with four public holidays, namely Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day. Most businesses close during this time, and local holiday destinations are packed!

19. Japanese food and drink

Get ready to take your chopstick skills to the next level! Japan is world-famous for its delicious cuisine.

You can’t visit Japan without trying popular dishes like sushi, ramen, chicken katsu, okonomiyaki, and washoku – the traditional meal of the country, typically comprised of steamed rice and miso soup, with a spread of tasty side dishes.

Japanese food is known to be healthy and incredibly delicious at the same time!

Don’t forget to accompany your meal with delicious traditional drinks like matcha, green tea, or sake if you feel adventurous.

20. What’s the weather like in Japan?

Japan is cold north (where snow dominates in winter), moderate in the central regions, and tropical in the southern islands.

You should know that Japan has no shortage of rain, and typhoons, between summer and autumn, hit the country. Make sure to pack a raincoat or two!

21. The work-life balance in Japan

The line between work and life is pretty blurred in Japan. The locals are notorious for working long and hard – almost too hard. Japan created the word karoshi, which means ‘death from overwork’!

Typical Japanese jobs don’t come with much of a holiday allowance, which means that most people work for most of their lives, retire at 65 and spend the rest of their elderly years swimming in onsens.

FAQs

Is Tokyo a huge city?

Yes indeed! The capital city of Tokyo is regarded as the world’s biggest city, or the one with the world’s largest population of an estimated 38 million people.

Are there any international schools in Japan?

Absolutely. Tokyo currently has around 50 international schools consisting of IB, British and American schools.

Can a foreigner become a Japanese citizen?

Yes, to become a Japanese citizen, you need to do the following:

Stay in Japan for at least five years (and be inside the country for at least 80% of the 365 days per year).
Enroll in the Japanese National Pension System.
Prove you have sufficient income.
Forfeit your foreign nationality.
Have essential Japanese reading and writing skills (equivalent to an average 7 to 8-year-old Japanese scholar).

How much does a tourist visa for Japan cost?

Here are the fees:

Single-entry visa: 3000 Yen
Double-entry or multiple-entry visa: 6000 Yen

If you are from one of these countries (like the US or EU), you can stay in Japan visa-free for 90 days.

Final Thoughts

Japan is fascinating, with countless things to see and do.

With unlimited opportunities and adventures, if you’re thinking about moving to Japan – you certainly won’t regret it.