Cities & Hotspots

Tokyo is the global career hub; Osaka is more relaxed and food-led; Fukuoka is compact and startup-friendly; Okinawa trades access for island life.

  • TokyoOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • OsakaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • FukuokaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • OkinawaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

March to May or October to November Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Air quality is usually good by major-city standards, though summer humidity, winter heating and urban density affect comfort.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Large university and private hospital systems are strong, but English access varies. Call 119 for ambulance and fire emergencies; keep a translated medical summary.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

NTT Docomo, au and SoftBank offer local plans and eSIMs. GO and Uber cover rides, while Uber Eats and Demae-can cover food. IC cards remain essential for transit.

  • Mobile networksNTT Docomo, au and SoftBank are the big networks; Rakuten Mobile is another local option. Many arrivals use travel eSIMs first, then a resident plan after address and ID are sorted.
  • Ride appsGO is the key taxi app in many cities; Uber works in selected areas but often dispatches taxis rather than private cars.
  • Food deliveryUber Eats and Demae-can are the main food apps. Convenience stores remain the everyday infrastructure.
  • PaymentsSuica, PASMO, ICOCA and other IC cards are essential for transit and small spending; PayPay is widely used.
  • Home internetNURO, SoftBank Air, Docomo Hikari and local fibre choices depend on building permissions and contract length.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • ImmigrationUse Japan's Immigration Services Agency for status, residence card and re-entry rules.
  • Address registrationResidents register an address at the ward or municipal office after moving in. This affects banking, health insurance and mobile contracts.
  • Tax and pensionResidence status, local registration and income can trigger resident tax, health insurance and pension obligations.
  • BankingBank and mobile contracts can be difficult without a residence card, address and Japanese phone number.
  • Admin habitKeep your My Number, residence card, hanko needs and ward-office paperwork organised from week one.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Professionals, families and experienced travellers who want excellent public systems and can navigate higher costs and language friction.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.