Expat Guide to Living in Japan

Whether you're already living in Japan or preparing to move to Japan, our Expat Guide to Living in Japan offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Japan. For answers to specific questions, visit our Japan Forum to talk with expats in Japan.

Moving to Japan

If you're moving to Japan this is a must-read article highlighting tips from expats in Japan. Topics covered include driver's licenses, healthcare in Japan, international schools and more.

Top 10 Tokyo Neighborhoods For Expats

Expats in Tokyo have several neighborhoods worth considering when they move abroad. Individual needs, such as proximity to work, international schools in Tokyo and other factors will help determine the best choice for each expat and expat family.

5 Tips for Living in Tokyo, Japan

Expats in Tokyo enjoy the capital city of Japan, which is a sprawling metropolitan area. Here are some tips to help expats navigate a relocation to one of the biggest economies in the world.

Parenting Style: Far East vs. The West

Author and Blogger Brian O'Sullivan helps expats examine the differences in parenting that exist in Western and Far Eastern cultures. Emotional self-regulation and self-recoginition are a few of the topics he explores.

Expat Healthcare & Health Insurance in Tokyo

What's the difference between Social Health Insurance and National Health Insurance in Japan? Are there some English-speaking doctors in good hospitals in Tokyo? What's a typical doctor visit like? An expat in Tokyo answers these questions and more.

Moving to Tokyo, Japan

An expat in Tokyo talks about the high cost of housing, living close to work, property searches and mansion apartments.

Culture Shock in Tokyo, Japan

An expat talks about the challenges she's had adjusting to the culture in Japan, where people are much quieter and keep to themselves compared to the US. She explains that even acquaintances keep to themselves and this makes it hard to feel connected.

Culture Shock in Tokyo, Japan

An expat talks about what it's like moving to Tokyo. It took some time adjusting to the crowds and culture, but he's happy now and looking back the culture shock wasn't as bad as he anticipated.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Tokyo , Japan

An expat moved to Japan mentally prepared to face the stages of culture shock and was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the Japanese culture even in the most crowded places in the city.

More Culture Shock Reports for Japan

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Japan handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Japan:

Submit a Culture Shock Report

More Living in Japan Reports

What are people's priorities in Japan - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses from expats in Japan:

Living in Okinawa, Japan

Submit a Living Overseas Report

More Moving to Japan Reports

What should you take with you when you move to Japan? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Japan? Below are some of the responses from expats in Japan:

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

Reviews of Schools in Japan

Reviews and school profiles from expat parents and even a few school administrators in Japan. Great place to find insight into school facilities, teachers and curriculum. Below are some of the reviews from expats in Japan:

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Japan Reports

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Japan. If you are already living in Japan, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not. Below are some of the reports from expats in Japan:

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Tokyo , Japan

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Tokyo, Japan

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report

Overseas Retirement Report

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Japan by taking our Overseas Retirement report.

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby in Japan Reports

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Japan? Below are some of the reports from expats in Japan:

Having a Baby in Chitose, Japan

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working Abroad Report

What's it like to find a job in Japan? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Japan? Help others following in your footsteps by filling out our Working Abroad Report.

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Additional Articles

International Schools in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo has many international schools and bi-lingual schools for expat students. Here are several of the more popular options.

4 Business Etiquette Tips on Conducting Business in Japan

Newcomers to Japan should consider these 4 tips for conducting business in Japan.

10 Tips for Living in Japan

Did you know that washers and dryers are often placed on the balcony or in the kitchen in Japan? Did you know that trains are the best way to travel in Japan? Expats in Japan share their tips for living in Japan.

Emergency Information for Expats in Japan

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. This page provides emergency contact and evacuation information for British, American and Australian expats in Japan.

Tips on Employing Domestic Helpers in Asia

Your feelings about hiring domestic help while living in Asia will range from guilt about having someone ironing your underwear to being deprived of the love and attention of your children. Many Southeast Asian countries show high figures of unemployment and you may not just feel privileged to have maids, but may even feel morally obligated to give work to these people.

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Japan from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

Moving to Japan

If you're moving to Japan this is a must-read article highlighting tips from expats in Japan. Topics covered include driver's licenses, healthcare in Japan, international schools and more.

If you're moving to Japan this is a must-read article highlighting tips from expats in Japan. Topics covered include driver's licenses, healthcare in Japan, international schools and more. ...

Top 10 Tokyo Neighborhoods For Expats

An Expat Talks about Moving to Tokyo, Japan

An expat in Tokyo talks about the high cost of housing, living close to work, property searches and mansion apartments.

An expat in Tokyo talks about the high cost of housing, living close to work, property searches and mansion apartments....