Looking for German Expats in Tokyo?

Thinking about moving to Tokyo as a German? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what German expats in Tokyo wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• Safety is unmatched. 98% of expats in Tokyo rate personal safety positively — among the highest scores anywhere — and Germans say they have no worries about any aspect of living there.

• Transport and cleanliness are superb. 92% rate the availability of public transportation positively, and Germans praise the punctuality, order, and quality of service.

• Healthcare and food are excellent. 85% rate healthcare affordability positively, 90% the quality of medical care, and 90% culinary variety.

• The culture wins people over. Germans single out the respectfulness, discipline, and consideration — from quiet trains to taking care of one's own rubbish.

• Crowding and pace take adjusting. Germans mention overcrowded trains, narrow streets with no bike lanes, and busy, stressed people who don't seem to enjoy life.

• Belonging takes years. Only 26% say making local friends is easy and 46% feel welcome, with some describing discrimination toward foreigners.

• The job market is closed. Germans note that the labour market is nearly shut to foreigners, with salaries dropping after 60.

• Natural disasters loom. Earthquakes and tsunamis are a background worry, and work-life balance rates 52%.

For Germans, Tokyo is safe, clean, and seamless, with superb transport, healthcare, and food, and a culture of consideration. The trade-offs are the crowding, the slow path to belonging, and a closed job market. It rewards the curious and the patient.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our German members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

InterNations is a place where German expats in Tokyo exchange experiences and tips to support each other. The "Imperial Eastern Capital" can be a great place for expats - our community helps you make the most of your experience!

• Browse our Members Network to get to know Tokyo’s German expats.
• Take part in our Expat Forums to obtain first hand tips from fellow German expats in Tokyo.
• Use the Expat Guide for Tokyo to find information on your host city.

Our community in Tokyo is also very active offline. Our InterNations Ambassadors organize regular events and various expat activities, e.g. a dinner in Tokyo’s hippest restaurant or an outing with other German expats to explore Shikoku, the smallest island, famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage. These activities are a casual way to get to know expats from Germany in your local community as well as Germans in Japan nationwide. Interested? Simply become a member and we’ll be happy to welcome you among our Germans living in Tokyo!