How to Move to Japan Alone: a guide for lonely dwellers
When I first came to Japan, I was planning on staying for perhaps a month or two before coming back to Europe. There wasn’t even a slight spark of an idea in my head that considered the possibility of actually staying and living here. And to be honest, I was absolutely terrified to step on a plane to the other side of the globe all by myself. As an extraverted introvert, I do enjoy a good challenge, but I suck at making friends. I remember asking my mom how much of a failure I would be if I wanted to come back after two weeks in Japan. “So be it.” She told me. “At least you tried it and found out it’s not for you.” That thought brought me enough peace to step on the plane towards my new solo adventure.
Fast-forward to two years later, I’m still in Japan. From the day I arrived, I didn’t see myself ever going back to Europe. I dare say my share house helped me tremendously in making connections and cultivating a friend group from the start. However, at this point I’m already two friend groups further, and I noticed there are many ways to connect in Japan, you just need to know where to search for the right people and opportunities.
I know that moving to Japan is a dream for many, but it can be very overwhelming to navigate a new culture, language, and way of life—especially as a lone dweller. Whether you’re drawn to Japan’s tasty food, its rich history, or unique culture, you’re probably wondering: What’s the best way to make it work long-term?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the initial steps of moving to Japan to how you can build a life here as someone who’s perhaps not the most social butterfly.
1. Why You Should Move to Japan Temporarily First
If you’re planning on moving to Japan, my first piece of advice is: don’t commit to a permanent stay right away. Instead, consider going on a tourist visa or a working holiday visa to experience life in Japan first-hand. This approach gives you a chance to test the waters before diving into a long-term move. A very often-walked route I noticed among fellow expat is the: tourist visa > working holiday visa > student visa > work visa-route.
During your temporary stay, you’ll have a better understanding of whether Japan is the right place for you. You’ll also start building a network of friends and contacts—a crucial factor for feeling at home in Japan. Your network will be your support system, and having connections in Japan can make it more likely for you to want to stay long-term.
2. How to Make Friends in Japan: A Guide for Expats
One of the biggest challenges many solo-travellers face when going to Japan is making friends. While the country is known for its politeness and efficiency, building deep, personal connections can take time. But even for introverts it’s definitely possible! Here are some strategies to help you make friends in Japan:
Go live in a share house: When you first arrive to Japan, don’t get yourself a private AirBnb or hotelroom. Instead, look for a share house that fits your vibe. There are plenty options on the Tokyo Sharehouse website. Not only is it a great way to make your first connections, it’s usually also loads cheaper than living by yourself.
Join Social Groups or Clubs: Whether it’s a hobby or interest, Japan has a wide range of expat social groups and clubs. From language exchange meetups to hiking clubs, joining a group can help you meet people who share similar interests. You can find events in your area of interest on Meetup. My personal favourite events to meet interesting people in Tokyo specifically are Artedly and Tokyo Vibes.
Start a Hobby: Starting a hobby like cooking, photography, or fitness can be a good way to meet others. Not only will you enjoy something fun, but you’ll also bond with others who share your passion. Join a gym, a yoga class or try out a tea ceremony workshop or something. Anything that brings you into contact with people that share your interest!
3. The Challenges of Living in Japan Long-Term
While Japan is a great country to live in, there are a few challenges you should be aware of when it comes to living here long-term.
Loneliness: Many people, not just exapts, struggle with loneliness in Japan. Just look at all the restaurants that are specifically designed for people to eat alone (which I love, by the way!). The country’s social structure can feel isolating, particularly if you're not fluent in Japanese or if you're living away from social hotspots.
Strict Cultural Norms: Japan has a highly structured society with strong cultural norms. From bowing to addressing people with respect using specific honourifics, understanding these cultural expectations is important for a smooth experience and is, if you like it or not, part of what makes Japanese society so unique. It can be overwhelming for newcomers, but over time, you'll get the hang of it. Nowadays, my head nods automatically whenever I’m apologising or thanking someone. Or for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
Cracks in Society: As you spend more time in Japan, you may begin to see some of the challenges beneath the surface. Issues like workaholism, pressure to conform, and difficulty addressing mental health can be surprising, especially for those from more individualistic cultures. After all, Japan isn’t the idyllic place that’s often portrayed in anime and Studio Ghibli movies.
Natural disasters: One thing I came to deeply appreciate during my time in Japan is the mindset of living day-by-day and accepting whatever mother nature has on her planning. Japan is a country that’s built on millions of years of natural disaster after natural disaster, from wrecking typhoons and volcano eruptions to shattering earthquakes that wipe out entire cities and civilisations. No one has any control over what might happen tomorrow, and people are okay with that. That mindset takes some getting used to, and I’m still on the verge of a panic attack every time I get shaken awake by and earthquake at night.
4. What If You Want to Stay? Your Options for Long-Term Residency in Japan
If you, like me, did fall in love with the country and decide that you want to stay in Japan, there are several options for long-term residency. Here’s a breakdown of the most common paths take to live in Japan long-term:
Student Visas: The Educational Route to Stay in Japan
A student visa is an great way to stay in Japan while furthering your education, but might cost a penny or two. Whether you're studying the Japanese language or pursuing a degree at one of Japan’s many universities, the student visa offers you an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and social settings.
Check out my guide to student visas in Japan for detailed steps on how to apply, what to expect, and how to find a school that suits your needs.
Finding a Job in Japan: How to Get Hired as a Foreigner
If you’re considering working in Japan, you’ll need to find a job that fits your skills and qualifications. Good to keep in mind is that it’s much easier to find a job if you’re in the possession of a Bachelor degree. If you don’t have one already, you may want to consider obtaining one in Japan or in your own country before coming to Japan. Some common routes for finding a work visa are:
Teaching English: Many foreigners in Japan work as English teachers at language schools or public schools. The JET Programme is a popular option for those interested in teaching English in Japan.
Recruitment: Recruitment is another field foreigners often end up working in, as most of the time you don’t need a business level of Japanese.
Networking: Networking events, both formal and informal, can also help you meet potential employers and make valuable industry connections. Websites like GaijinPot and Daijob feature job listings targeted at foreigners.
5. Housing in Japan: What You Need to Know
When it comes to finding a place to live in Japan, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
What to Look for: Consider factors like the direction of your apartment’s windows (south-facing for more sunlight), proximity to public transportation, and whether the area is residential or commercial. Initially, it sounds like fun to live in a bustling area like Shibuya, but you will grow annoyed of the constant influx of drunkards and tourists. Not only is it probably cheaper to live in a residential area, it’s also great to find some peace after a long day at school or work.
Difficulties for Foreigners: As a foreigner, finding an apartment in Japan can be tricky ánd expensive. Many landlords require an intermediary party that takes care of the communication between you and the landlord. This adds to your initial moving costs, which are often quite high in Japan. When moving to a new apartment, you usually pay so-called “key money”, which normally consists of once or twice the amount of your monthly rent. Next to that, a guarantor fee, which is a certain percentage of your rent. Then comes the deposit and a bunch of other extra costs such as a cleaning fee, fire insurance, etc. Taking that into account, the costs for moving into a new apartment are usually somewhere between $2000 and $5000 USD. Oh, and I strongly suggest to work together with an English-speaking agency to save yourself time sending inquiries for rooms that don’t accept foreigners.
Share Houses: If an apartment isn’t ideal for you, a share house could be a better option. Share houses are cheaper, don’t require long-term contracts, and provide a built-in social atmosphere. However, you’ll need to be comfortable with less privacy and possibly annoying housemates in exchange for a more communal living experience.
Conclusion: Is Moving to Japan Right for You?
Whether you're coming on a working holiday visa, planning to study, or looking to start your career, Japan offers plenty opportunities. However, the process can be exhausting and stressful, especially when it comes to building relationships, finding a job or apartment, and adjusting to the cultural norms and expectations. So prepare yourself for countless job- and apartment rejections and plenty frustrating visits to the city hall. In the end, it’s worth it! I think.