sake shenanigans

The type of visa you need depends on your purpose for moving. For work, you’ll need a work visa, which requires sponsorship from a Japanese company or an international company with a branch in Japan. Or you can start your own business with a start-up visa or business manager visa. For studying, you’ll need a student visa. Your school will help you with the application process. A working holiday visa is great for young travellers (due to the age limit) who want to have taste of life in Japan for up to a year.

I would recommend anyone, no matter your type of visa, to learn at least some basic phrases in Japanese, as it will make your daily life easier and much less awkward. In big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, most information is provided in both Japanese and English. However, many Japanese don’t speak English, which can make it tricky to find Japanese friends or deal with administrative stuff.

Japan has a great healthcare system, and enrolling in health insurance is mandatory for all residents. The National Health Insurance (NHI) covers 70% of medical costs, leaving you to pay 30%. To apply, you have to visit your local city hall after registering your address within 14 days after your arrival. You receive a pay slip every month, which you can hand in and pay for at any convenience store.

The cost of living varies greatly by city, with Tokyo being the most expensive. Monthly expenses can range from ¥150,000–¥300,000 (between $1500 and $2000) depending on your lifestyle. Rent is probably the biggest expense, followed by transportation and food. The further from the center you live, the cheaper the apartments, but the more you’ll need to invest in public transport and taxis (in case you miss your last train, which will happen).