What You Should Know about Living in Japan

Jump right in:

• Pros & cons of living in Japan
• Living costs & social life in Japan
• Practical information
• Culture & social etiquette
• Driving in Japan
• Public transport in Japan

Pros & cons of living in Japan

Most expats who have already settled in the country will agree that there are many more advantages than there are disadvantages. In fact, in a society as advanced and efficient as Japan, what constitutes a drawback will likely be based on personal preferences.

Benefits of living in Japan

Convenience: Like many Asian countries, Japan is surrounded by convenience stores. 7-Eleven and Lawson shops can be found every few blocks, providing people with such items as basic groceries, hot meals, medicine, liquor, and even small electronics.

Transport is expansive and efficient: It’s easy to live in Japan without a car. Trains and buses run regularly. The high-speed Shinkansen train, also known as the “bullet train”, moves riders throughout the country at speeds of up to 240–320 km/h (150–200 mph). You can read more about this in our Public Transport section below.

Food is delicious: In general, Japanese culture is known for its high-quality seafood, rice and vegetable dishes, and delicate desserts. Noodle dishes such as ramen and yakisoba are also popular and easy to find at cheap prices.

Shopping is great: No matter where you are in Japan, you’ll find plenty of great shopping opportunities. Whether it’s a major department store or eclectic boutique shop, it’s possible to find something to suit every taste.

Healthcare is top rate: Japan’s universal healthcare system is one of the best in the world. Hospitals are equipped with advanced, modern technology and highly trained medical staff. Medicines are stronger than what expats will find in other countries. This means dosages will be higher and you’ll need a prescription for most medications.

Japan is safe: Japan’s crime rates are among the world’s lowest, and its cities consistently rank as secure and welcoming. Japan is in the top 20 safest countries according to our expat survey.

Downsides of living in Japan

The cost of living is very high: Japan’s cost of living is notably high, particularly in major cities. This is partly due to the cultural emphasis on quality goods and excellent service, which comes at a premium. Housing, transport, and dining out can be expensive, though budget options do exist. You can read more about this below.

Work-life balance is nearly non-existent: Japanese business culture expects employees to treat the workplace as an extension of their family. This means the same time and dedication one would normally spend on family and friends outside of work, should instead be spent at the office. Working over 12 hours a day is not uncommon, and is often expected, even of foreigners.

Work stress leads to over imbibing: The stress caused by work-life imbalance in Japan leads many employees to go straight from the office to the bar. Japan has a strong culture of “after-work drinks”. It’s not uncommon for workers to guzzle too much nearly every night of the week. You can read more about working conditions in Japan.

Homes are small: If you like spacious accommodation, Japan may not be the best place for you. In a country where space is limited, houses and apartments are designed to take up as little space as possible. Over time, this can make residents feel cramped and claustrophobic in their own home.

Natural disasters are an ever-present threat: Japan sits on the Ring of Fire, which is a horseshoe-shaped rift in the Pacific Ocean, where tectonic plates touch. These plates create frequent earthquakes in Japan. Quakes range from minor rumbles to building-destroying shakes. Some can even produce devastating tsunamis, such as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami which killed over 16,000 people.

Living costs & social life in Japan

The cost of living in Japan varies significantly by city and lifestyle. Just as in other countries, each location offers distinct experiences and price ranges, so choosing a city that matches your personal preferences and budget is key.

Accommodation & cost of living

As a single person, you can expect to spend 40% of your monthly income on rent, 25% on food and groceries, and 15% on all other utilities such as transport, phone, and Wi-Fi etc.

In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, the average cost of living for a single person or a family of four generally falls within the following ranges:

See our full guide on Housing in Japan

Social life in Japan

You can enjoy a wide range of social activities in Japan, from traditional cultural experiences such as attending sumo wrestling matches or martial arts tournaments to modern pastimes like karaoke, visiting themed cafés, exploring anime and gaming events, or attending seasonal festivals and dazzling illuminations. Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have a lively nightlife, with everything from casual izakayas (inexpensive pubs) and trendy bars to high-end restaurants and nightclubs.

Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kyoto rank highly for quality of life. They are known to offer a mix of modern infrastructure and cultural richness. Meanwhile, Osaka is known to house the friendliest and most outgoing residents. Other expat favorites include Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Kagoshima, Kobe, and Hiroshima, all providing distinctive living experiences.

You may encounter cultural differences as a foreigner, but generally the local people are polite, respectful, and welcoming. Learning the language and getting involved in hobby-based groups such as music, dance, tech, or sports clubs can help bridge cultural gaps and foster genuine friendships. Joining a social network like InterNations is a good way to build connections in Japan.

Practical information

Emergency numbers

• police: 110
• fire or ambulance :119

Public holidays

Many of Japan’s societal values are reflected in public holidays. You’ll notice holidays that honor different life stages and others that celebrate Japan’s natural environment — the sea, mountains, and forests.

1 January — New Year’s Day

This day celebrates the first day of the calendar New Year. This is the most important holiday in Japan and while 1 January is the designated holiday, many businesses remain closed till 3 January.

The second Monday of January — Coming-of-age day

This day celebrates those in Japan who will be turning 18 to 20 years old that year. Though the legal age in Japan was dropped from 20 to 18 years old, 20 is the legal drinking age. A Seijin Shiki (adult ceremony) is organized by the local government to celebrate the new adults.

11 February — National Foundation Day

National Foundation Day celebrates the mythological founding of Japan in 660 BC and the ascension of the first Emperor, Jimmu.

23 February — The emperor’s birthday

This holiday is celebrated on the birthday of the current reigning emperor. The current emperor of Japan is Emperor Naruhito, whose birthday is 23 February.

20 or 21 March — Vernal Equinox Day/Spring Equinox Day

This holiday occurs on the date of the Northward equinox, which is usually 20 or 21 March.

29 April — Shōwa Day (Golden Week)

This holiday marks the start of Golden Week, which contains six separate holidays. Shōwa Day celebrates the birthday of Emperor Shōwa, who ruled Japan from 1926 to 1989.

3 May — Constitutional Memorial Day (Golden Week)

As its name suggests, Constitutional Memorial Day celebrates the formal proclamation of Japan’s constitution in 1947.

4 May — Greenery Day (Golden Week)

Greenery Day is associated with Emperor Shōwa’s birthday. It’s a nationally recognized holiday to give appreciation to nature.

5 May — Children’s Day (Golden Week)

This holiday marks the official end of Golden Week. It’s celebrated to honor the children of Japan.

Third Monday in July — Marine Day

Marine Day is a national celebration to honor the sea.

11 August — Mountain Day

Mountain Day is Japan’s newest national holiday, established to honor the mountains.

Third Monday of September — Respect for the Aged Day

This holiday celebrates the elderly population of Japan. Japanese nationals typically celebrate by returning to the homes where their grandparents and/or parents still live.

22 or 23 September — Autumnal Equinox Day

This holiday celebrates the Southward equinox.

Second Monday of October — Health and Sports Day

Health and Sports Day commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Activities and events promote an active, healthy lifestyle.

3 November — Culture Day

Culture Day celebrates Japan’s culture, arts, and academic achievements.

23 November — Labor Thanksgiving Day

This holiday celebrates Japan’s labor force and promotes giving thanks to one another.

Main embassies

The main embassies of Japan can be found in Tokyo or Osaka, with a few also found in Sapporo, Chiba, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. For a complete list of embassies in Japan you can consult Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

Main airports

Japan’s primary airport is Haneda Airport, which services Tokyo. After that, the next major airport is Kansai Airport in Osaka. Other large airports include:

• Narita Airport outside of Tokyo
• Central Japan Airport in Nagoya
• New Chitose Airport in Sapporo
• Fukuoka Airport in Fukuoka

Culture & social etiquette

As an expat, understanding the cultural and social etiquette of your new home is important so you don’t commit a grievous faux pas. In a country with as deep-rooted customs and traditions as Japan has, this is especially important.

Politeness

Japanese society is renowned for its politeness and reserved quality. Culturally, it is frowned upon to draw too much attention to yourself, and it’s especially taboo to draw attention to others. Even when having a disagreement at work, it’s more acceptable to stop talking and let the moment pass rather than continue to fight.

Greetings

When greeting someone in Japan, bowing is the norm. This is done by bending at the waist, keeping your back and neck straight with your arms either at your side or fingertips touching and at thigh-level. As a foreigner, you’re not expected to bow when greeting people, a simple nod works fine. Avoid initiating handshakes unless the other person does so first.

Hierarchy

Hierarchy in Japan is very important. There is great respect for elders, as is reflected in the national holiday specifically celebrating the elderly. Observance of hierarchy is most evident in the workplace and everyday interactions.

This means that when you are interacting with someone older than you, it’s important you speak and act politely. For example, holding doors open and allowing someone older than you to walk through first or using honorific language when addressing them.

Eating and drinking

Here is some dining etiquette you should observe in Japan:

Sharing food: Don’t eat straight from the communal plate, transfer food to your plate instead.

Watch your portions: Only take what you can finish, leaving food on your plate is considered wasteful.

Drinking with others: Never fill your own drink. Pour for others and wait — someone will return the favor.

Slurp your noodles loudly: It’s actually a compliment and not considered as bad eating manners, it shows you’re enjoying the meal.

No street eating: Eating while walking is considered rude. If you need to eat fast, use a convenience store counter.

Chopsticks

Unless you eat nothing but Western food while living in Japan, you’re bound to use chopsticks. So it’s important to be aware of the rules that go along with the utensils. For starters, chopsticks are exactly that: a utensil. Do not use them as a toy by playing with them at the dinner table, nor should you use them to point. If dining with a group of people, you should not hover them in the air while you are deciding what to pick to eat.

Instead, lay them on the hashioki (chopstick rest). If there is no hashioki, create one out of the paper that the chopsticks came in. Never place chopsticks sticking straight up in a bowl of rice, as this is a symbol for funerals and death.

When holding chopsticks, you should not rub them together. Non-Japanese people typically do this with wooden chopsticks to rid them of splinters and residue, but it’s seen as very rude in Japan. You should also hold them near the top, keeping your hand away from accidentally touching the food.

Pointing

In Japan, it’s seen as rude and aggressive to point with one finger. If you’re giving directions or gesturing to something, you should instead use your whole hand with your fingers held straight.

Feet & shoes

A well-known custom (wo nugu kutsu) in Japan is taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home. This is extremely important because not doing so is seen as a sign of disrespect and may cause tension between you and the homeowner.

Shoe removal isn’t limited to homes, it might also be customary in businesses such as traditional restaurants, ryokan, and clinics. Expats should pay attention to signs outside shops or whether you see groups of shoes lined up in front of a business. It’s common for these businesses to provide indoor slippers.

Wearing masks in Japan

Wearing masks is culturally common in Japan. Many people wear masks on crowded trains, in enclosed public spaces, when they have a cold, or during allergy season. Masks are widely available everywhere, including fashionable and reusable options. While not mandatory, wearing a mask when you’re feeling unwell is considered polite.

No tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan, and any attempt to leave a tip will most certainly be turned down. It can be considered rude or embarrassing, creating a potentially awkward moment. If you’d like to show appreciation, it’s better to simply thank your hosts politely.

Tatemae and honne

Japanese communication operates on two levels: honne (true feelings) and tatemae (public façade or public face). Rather than expressing personal opinions directly, people prioritize other’s feelings and communicate in ways that maintain harmony. This might seem indirect to expats, but understanding the distinction helps expats navigate social and professional situations.

Driving in Japan

With its well-maintained roads and gorgeous scenery, driving in Japan is a great option for any expat hoping to see more of the country. Getting a driver’s license in Japan is a bit challenging and costly — it might take some time and a lot of paperwork.

How to get a Japanese driving license

If you’re a national from a country with which Japan has an agreement, you need only to bring your license and a certified Japanese translation to a Japanese Driving Center. You can get an official translation of your license through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). At the driving center, you’ll have a short interview before being issued a Japanese driving license.

The following countries have an agreement in place with Japan: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the following states in the USA — Hawaii, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington.

Nationals from all other countries will need to take an aptitude test (vision check), as well as a written and practical driving exam. Written tests are available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese.

Whether or not you are exempt from taking a Japanese driving exam, everyone applying for a Japanese driving license will need to submit the following documents:

• a valid driving license
• official translation of your license
• passport
• residence (zairyu)
• photograph

If you don’t have a driving license from your previous country, you’ll need to take all the necessary steps to apply for a brand-new license just like a Japanese national. If you do have a driving license, you’ll need to prove that you have had it for longer than 90 days.

As for costs, if you just need to convert your country’s license to a Japanese license, the cost is approximately 5,000 JPY (approx. 30 USD). Otherwise, the overall cost of a getting a new Japanese license in Japan is around 200,000–330,000 JPY (approx. 1,300–2,100 USD) the costs include the application process itself, lessons and materials needed to pass the test.

Driving in Japan with a UK/US/European license

Most expats intending to live in Japan will either need a Japanese driving license or an International Driving License. If you have an International Driving License, you can only drive on it for one year upon your arrival in Japan. After a year is up, you’ll need to switch to a Japanese driving license.

Driving rules in Japan

The driving rules in Japan are similar to those found in most highly developed countries. However, there are a few things to be aware of in order to maintain road safety.

• Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers also sit on the left-hand side of the car.
• The typical speed limits are 80 to 100 km/h on expressways, 40 km/h in urban areas, 30 km/h in side streets, and 50 to 60 km/h elsewhere (50 to 60 mph on expressways, 25 mph in urban areas, 20 mph in side streets, and 30 to 40 mph elsewhere).
• Drivers generally tend to be well mannered and considerate. It’s frowned upon to drive aggressively and honking is rare.
• The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18.
• Signs on major roads are in Japanese and English.
• Vehicles must come to a full stop before crossing train tracks (even if there is no train approaching).

Renting a car in Japan

You may rent a car in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP), but you will need a Japanese translation of the license. You must also be at least 18 years old in order to rent or drive a rental car. Rental prices will vary depending on the type of car. You can expect to spend around 6,000–18,000 JPY (approx. 40–120 USD) per day for a sub-compact, a compact car, or mid-sized car.

Public transport in Japan

When most people think of public transport in Japan, the fast and famous bullet train (Shinkansen) comes to mind. The country’s transport system is known to be very efficient and reliable.

Learning how to use Japan’s public transport system is easy as long as you are aware of certain etiquettes. For example, people in Japan line up to board a train. You’ll see lines and arrows on the ground indicating where the line should form. It’s important not to cut or push anyone in line.

Likewise, if you are issued a ticket with a seat number, it’s important that you sit in your assigned space and not take up more than your assigned seat even if it’s empty. Other public transport etiquette includes:

• keep things quiet (avoid loud conversations and loud phone calls)
• avoid eating inside urban trains (it’s acceptable in long-distance trains)
• ensure you board the train swiftly
• avoid blocking passageways
• hold on to personal belongings (be mindful of where to place your belongings)
• offer seats to those in need

Types of public transport in Japan

Japan has many means of transport from trains to buses and ferries. Those who prefer not to drive in Japan will still be able to get around the country easily. In Japan’s big cities, you’ll find trains and buses are equally popular modes of transport. You’ll also find special pink-colored train carriages — these are women-only carriages that operate during rush hour.

Cost of public transport in Japan

When compared to the cost of everything else in Japan, public transport is fairly reasonable. Amounts will vary depending on the type of transport you use and how far you want to go.

If you plan to travel throughout Japan extensively when you first arrive, it may be worth looking into the Japan Rail Pass (sometimes called the JR Pass). This discounted pass allows unlimited nationwide train travel for three duration periods:

You can purchase this pass online and choose between the standard fare or pay a slightly higher price for first class (green car) tickets.

There are even versions of the pass that are for specific Japanese cities, such as the Hiroshima pass or Tokyo pass.