Moving to Japan: Things You need to Know Before You Move

When I moved back to Japan for work, I had secured a job that provided a company apartment. At the time this was super convenient for me, but it also had its pros and cons:

+ I didn't have to spend time dealing with Japanese real estate agents.
+ It cut out expensive initial costs for moving into a Japanese apartment.
- Later on moving out of the company apartment proved to be a challenge.

If you are not moving into a company apartment, you will need to find your own accommodation.

Japanese landlords are very strict about financial documentation. You'll need following documents to help the application process:

• Foreign registration card
• Confirmation of employment (this can be obtained from your employer)
• Bank statements
• Tax documents
• Extra paperwork if you're self-employed

Many years ago, I moved into a small house that cost only ¥90,000 (about $580 USD) in monthly rent. However, in order to move in, I had to pay about ¥500,000 (about $3,220 USD) for move-in costs.

When move to Japan, you will discover that one of your biggest costs of living you will face are the various fees that come with renting a Japanese property.

• First month of rent
• Key money (礼金 - reikin): Equal to 1-2 month of rent)
• Security deposit (敷金 - shikikin): Returned at the end of lease
• Brokerage fee (仲介手数料 - chuukai tesuuryo): Equal to about 1 month of rent
• Guarantor commission fee (保証委託料 - Hoshou itakuryou): Only for renters using a guarantor company.

There are real estate companies that offer rental properties - especially Japanese apartments - that don’t require a guarantor. However, these rental properties may be more expensive than other Japanese rental buildings. Some of the following companies do not require a guarantor:

• Yolo Japan
• Apts.jp
• Leopalace21
  

These agencies also offer short-term contracts for people who are looking for a temporary place to live while hunting for a permanent home.

Monthly apartments can cost anywhere between ¥70,000 to ¥200,000. Companies like Leopalace21 offer furnished rooms with simpler contracts. Plus, you can use their address for your resident registration - something you must do within 14 days of moving in.

Getting your paperwork right in Japan is crucial. I learned this the hard way when I couldn't open a bank account because my documents weren't in order. Let me share what you really need to prepare.

• Birth Certificate: This is optional, but good to have a copy.
• Graduation degrees and educational certificates: You will need these when looking for jobs. I use these more than any other documents. You will also need a copy of your course results because companies will request them for job appllication.
• Medical records: Your doctor will consider this very helpful when treating you.

Japanese doctors are very thorough and need detailed medical history to treat you properly.

I have chronic asthma, and my doctor in Japan has managed my symptoms better than any doctor I ever visited in Australia.

Before leaving your country, gather:

• A letter from your doctor about any ongoing treatments.
• Your current medication list and prescriptions.
• Complete vaccination records.
• Recent test results.
• Home country insurance information.

Here's a tip from my experience - bring at least 3 months' worth of any medications you take regularly. Japanese drug laws are very strict and medications might be different from what you're used to. Therefore, getting new prescriptions may take time.

When I first moved to Japan, I thought knowing a few Japanese words would be enough. I was wrong. Cultural misunderstandings led to some awkward moments that could have been avoided. I recommend that you learn Japanese language. Let me share what I've learned about preparing for life in Japan.

While many Japanese people understand basic English, relying only on English can isolate you.

Start with these essential phrases:

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Hello
• すみません (Sumimasen) - Excuse me/Sorry
• ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) - Thank you
• はい/いいえ (Hai/iie) - Yes/No
• わかりません (Wakarimasen) - I don't understand

Trust me, you are going to feel proud of yourself if you can a bit of Japanese to communicate with people through your daily life in Japan.

If you cannot yet speak Japanese, I encourage you to check out our article that covers basic Japanese communication phrases. You might find it really helpful!

Here's what took me months to learn through trial and error: Proper manners are highly valued in Japan.

• Always remove shoes before entering homes
• Bow when greeting others (depth shows respect level)
• Never eat while walking (except at festivals)
• Keep your voice down on trains
• Being late is considered deeply disrespectful

Moving to Japan can feel lonely at first. I struggled to make meaningful friendships until I discovered these approaches:

• Language exchange meetups - Great for meeting locals interested in cultural exchange.
• Sports clubs and hobby groups - I joined a hiking group and met some of my closest friends there.
• Social networking events - Regular gatherings where you'll meet both Japanese locals and other foreigners.

Remember, making friends in Japan takes time. Japanese people often start relationships formally before showing their casual side. Don't get discouraged if people seem distant at first - it's part of the culture, not personal rejection.