Living In Japan Guide: Work And Study, Lifestyle, And More - MATCHA

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日本語English中文繁體ภาษาไทย Livingin Japan

A Guide to Living, Working, and Studying in Japan

Living as a foreigner in Japan is an alluring prospect, especially if you've traveled here before and fallen in love with the mix of traditional and contemporary cultures that shapes the present of this country. Whether you come to Japan to work, to study, or for personal reasons, making the move should not seem an insurmountable task. From visa procedures to finding a home and making friends, everything can be easy with the proper information.

This page contains information on basic necessities for living in Japan, as well as tips to make your long-term stay as enjoyable as possible. You can read about how to settle in, how to find reliabe internet and mobile phone services, how to open a bank account, how to improve your Japanese language skills, as well as information on child rearing and education in Japan, and more. These articles will provide you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to feel at home in Japan.

  • 01Working and Studying in Japan
  • 02Moving to Japan
  • 03Mobile Phones, Internet, and Bank Accounts
  • 04Daily Life Skills: Utilities, Taxes, Delivery, and Driving
  • 05Hospitals and Health Insurance in Japan
  • 06Family and Childbirth
  • 07Japanese Language Learning Tools and Tips
  • 08Things to Know about Living in Japan

Essential Information

After arriving in Japan, it is essential to stay connected to the internet in order to find the information you might need. Check the articles below for information on budget SIM cards, mobile phone services, as well as how to find an apartment in Japan.

  • Japanese Mobile Phone Carriers and Budget SIM Cards: 2026 Guide

    Japanese Mobile Phone Carriers and Budget SIM Cards: 2026 Guide

  • GTN MOBILE: A Japanese Mobile Phone Service With Multilingual Support

    GTN MOBILE: A Japanese Mobile Phone Service With Multilingual Support

  • Internet Services in Japan 2025: Complete Guide and Price Comparison

    Internet Services in Japan 2025: Complete Guide and Price Comparison

  • Apartments in Japan: 8 Foreigner-Friendly Rental Listing Sites

    Apartments in Japan: 8 Foreigner-Friendly Rental Listing Sites

Recommended by MATCHA

This section covers information that is extremely convenient to know as a foreign resident in Japan, such as tips on transit passes that can only be used by holders of foreign passports, special deals and discounts, visa procedure basics, and more!

  • Save On Expenses! Transit Passes And Services For Short Trips In Japan

    Save On Expenses! Transit Passes And Services For Short Trips In Japan

    Tochigi

  • Long-Term Stay in Japan: Complete Guide to Visas and Statuses of Residence

    Long-Term Stay in Japan: Complete Guide to Visas and Statuses of Residence

  • Credit Cards in Japan: Complete Guide for Expats 2025

    Credit Cards in Japan: Complete Guide for Expats 2025

01

Working and Studyingin Japan

Japan is well-known for the particularities of its corporate and working culture. Learn how and where to seek work, the basics of applying for a job, how to prepare for a job interview, as well as how to change jobs in Japan and the procedures required.

  • How To Find A Job In Japan - Websites And Tips For Applying

    How To Find A Job In Japan - Websites And Tips For Applying

  • How To Work Full-Time In Japan: Resumes, Interviews, And Office Manners

    How To Work Full-Time In Japan: Resumes, Interviews, And Office Manners

  • Guide To Changing Jobs In Japan: Visa Procedures, Timing, And Tips

    Guide To Changing Jobs In Japan: Visa Procedures, Timing, And Tips

  • Working In Japan: Useful Tips On Applying For A Work Visa

    Working In Japan: Useful Tips On Applying For A Work Visa

  • Changing Jobs In Japan: Timing, Procedures, And Paperwork

    Changing Jobs In Japan: Timing, Procedures, And Paperwork

  • An Office With Mt. Fuji Views! 5 Scenic Spots For Remote Work In Japan

    An Office With Mt. Fuji Views! 5 Scenic Spots For Remote Work In Japan

02

Moving to Japan

If you want to rent or buy an apartment in Japan, refer to the articles below for rental listings and foreign-friendly real estate services. They also contain details on the documents needed for contract procedures, and estimates of the costs involved in moving.

  • Apartments in Japan: 8 Foreigner-Friendly Rental Listing Sites

    Apartments in Japan: 8 Foreigner-Friendly Rental Listing Sites

  • Buying a House in Japan? 8 Foreigner-Friendly Real Estate Companies

    Buying a House in Japan? 8 Foreigner-Friendly Real Estate Companies

  • Upfront Costs Of Apartments In Japan - Complete Guide To Renting And Moving

    Upfront Costs Of Apartments In Japan - Complete Guide To Renting And Moving

  • Moving In Japan: Recommended Moving Companies And Services

    Moving In Japan: Recommended Moving Companies And Services

  • A Checklist For First-Time Movers In Japan

    A Checklist For First-Time Movers In Japan

  • The Best Places To Live In Tokyo - Guide To Suggested Areas And Rental Costs

    The Best Places To Live In Tokyo - Guide To Suggested Areas And Rental Costs

    Tokyo

  • Rental Guide for Busy People: Finding an Apartment in Japan Effortlessly

    Rental Guide for Busy People: Finding an Apartment in Japan Effortlessly

03

Mobile Phones, Internet,and Bank Accounts

It is essential to stay connected in Japan. Please check the articles below for information on mobile phone services, internet providers, and recommended services with foreign language support.

Opening a Japanese bank account is another essential procedure that you will likely have to do as soon as you arrive. Read these articles to learn how to create a bank account, as well as recommended Japanese credit services that will surely come in handy in daily life. Their convenient point system allows you to save money while shopping!

  • Japanese Mobile Phone Carriers and Budget SIM Cards: 2026 Guide

    Japanese Mobile Phone Carriers and Budget SIM Cards: 2026 Guide

  • Internet Services in Japan 2025: Complete Guide and Price Comparison

    Internet Services in Japan 2025: Complete Guide and Price Comparison

  • Opening A Bank Account In Japan: Types Of Banks, Fees, And Procedures

    Opening A Bank Account In Japan: Types Of Banks, Fees, And Procedures

  • Credit Cards in Japan: Complete Guide for Expats 2025

    Credit Cards in Japan: Complete Guide for Expats 2025

  • GTN MOBILE: A Japanese Mobile Phone Service With Multilingual Support

    GTN MOBILE: A Japanese Mobile Phone Service With Multilingual Support

  • GTN Internet Service: Connecting Online In Japan With English Support

    GTN Internet Service: Connecting Online In Japan With English Support

  • 9 Cheap SIM Cards in Japan for Long-Term Stays: With English Support

    9 Cheap SIM Cards in Japan for Long-Term Stays: With English Support

  • Japan Post Bank: How to Open an Account and Info on Application Process

    Japan Post Bank: How to Open an Account and Info on Application Process

04

Daily Life Skills: Utilities,Taxes, Delivery, Driving

Living in Japan means using electricity, gas, water, and other utilities, as well as payng taxes. Read the articles below for tips on how to save on utility costs, how the Japanese tax system works, how to deal with garbage, as well as how to use postal and delivery services. Last but not least, some tips on driving in Japan, a skill that will be handy if you stay long-term.

  • Still Paying High Bills? Save On Utility Costs By Using ENECHANGE

    Still Paying High Bills? Save On Utility Costs By Using ENECHANGE

  • Ready To Move? How To Sign And Cancel Contracts For Electricity, Gas, And Water

    Ready To Move? How To Sign And Cancel Contracts For Electricity, Gas, And Water

  • Moving To Japan? Here's What You Should Know About Taxes

    Moving To Japan? Here's What You Should Know About Taxes

  • Sending Packages Overseas From Japan: Guide To International Mail And Fees

    Sending Packages Overseas From Japan: Guide To International Mail And Fees

  • How to Sort Trash in Japan: Essential Rules and Tips

    How to Sort Trash in Japan: Essential Rules and Tips

  • Sending Packages In Japan: A Guide To Parcel Delivery Companies

    Sending Packages In Japan: A Guide To Parcel Delivery Companies

  • Driving in Japan: How to Get an International Driving Permit

    Driving in Japan: How to Get an International Driving Permit

  • Road Trip Safety In Japan - 5 Tips On Social Distancing And Driving

    Road Trip Safety In Japan - 5 Tips On Social Distancing And Driving

05

Hospitals andHealth Insurance in Japan

Living in Japan means using electricity, gas, water, and other utilities, as well as payng taxes. Read the articles below for tips on how to save on utility costs, how the Japanese tax system works, how to deal with garbage, as well as how to use postal and delivery services. Last but not least, some tips on driving in Japan, a skill that will be handy if you stay long-term.

  • What If I'm Sick? Guide To Japanese Hospitals

    What If I'm Sick? Guide To Japanese Hospitals

  • Japanese Hospitals And Clinics: Where To Go When You Get Sick

    Japanese Hospitals And Clinics: Where To Go When You Get Sick

  • Health Insurance In Japan: Types, How To Apply, And Premiums

    Health Insurance In Japan: Types, How To Apply, And Premiums

  • Japanese Pharmacy Basics: Prescription Record Books And Generic Medicine

    Japanese Pharmacy Basics: Prescription Record Books And Generic Medicine

  • Hospitals In Tokyo With English And Multilingual Support

    Hospitals In Tokyo With English And Multilingual Support

    Tokyo

  • Counseling Services In Japan Recommended For English Speakers

    Counseling Services In Japan Recommended For English Speakers

  • Get The Right Medicine In Japan! Prescription Vs. Over-The-Counter Drugs

    Get The Right Medicine In Japan! Prescription Vs. Over-The-Counter Drugs

06

Childbirth and Family

Giving birth and raising a child in Japan can be challenging without prior knowledge and preparation. Read the articles below for information on childbirth and childcare, daycares, preschools, and the costs they entail. You'll also find a list of foreign-friendly daycare facilities! Finally, we introduce tips on online shopping for baby items and how to find nursing rooms in Japan.

  • Giving Birth In Japan: How Much Does Childbirth And Childcare Cost?

    Giving Birth In Japan: How Much Does Childbirth And Childcare Cost?

  • Child Care In Japan For Foreign Residents: English-Speaking Facilities

    Child Care In Japan For Foreign Residents: English-Speaking Facilities

  • Diapers, Milk, And Other Baby Necessities In Japan: A Basic Guide

    Diapers, Milk, And Other Baby Necessities In Japan: A Basic Guide

  • Daycare Or Preschool? Guide To Hours, Fees, And More

    Daycare Or Preschool? Guide To Hours, Fees, And More

  • Daycares In Japan - How To Enroll, Costs, And Types Of Child Care

    Daycares In Japan - How To Enroll, Costs, And Types Of Child Care

  • Going Out With Baby In Japan - Find Nursing Rooms And Diaper-Changing Stations

    Going Out With Baby In Japan - Find Nursing Rooms And Diaper-Changing Stations

07

Japanese LanguageLearning Tools and Tips

Being able to speak Japanese makes a huge difference during a long-term stay. In this section, we introduce Japanese language schools that you can attend for lessons in person or online, as well as Japanese language study materials for every level of proficiency.

Check our lists of phrases that are useful to know before coming to Japan, as well as the basics of polite speech, a very important feature of Japanese language. If you can already read some Japanese, practice reading and listening with MATCHA's Easy Japanese website!

  • Japanese Language Schools In Japan - Finding The Right One For You

    Japanese Language Schools In Japan - Finding The Right One For You

  • Learning Japanese Online: Business, Conversation, And JLPT Courses

    Learning Japanese Online: Business, Conversation, And JLPT Courses

  • Learn Japanese At Home! 5 Recommended Books And Study Tools

    Learn Japanese At Home! 5 Recommended Books And Study Tools

  • Great For Japanese Learners! Using MATCHA’s Easy Japanese Website

    Great For Japanese Learners! Using MATCHA’s Easy Japanese Website

  • 100 Basic Japanese Phrases for Your Trip to Japan

    100 Basic Japanese Phrases for Your Trip to Japan

  • Japanese Pronunciation and Polite Speech

    Japanese Pronunciation and Polite Speech

08

Things to Know aboutLiving in Japan

This section is dedicated to aspects of living in Japan that are seldom mentioned in guides. Things like the hometown tax, a system that allows every residents to contribute to the development of rural areas and receive goods in exchange, a list of public facilities that foreign residents can turn to for advice and assitsance in need, and information on public safety in Japan.

  • Hometown Tax And One-Stop Exceptions In Japan - Get Gifts And Tax Deductions

    Hometown Tax And One-Stop Exceptions In Japan - Get Gifts And Tax Deductions

  • Public Institutions In Japan With English Support: Visas, Taxes, And More

    Public Institutions In Japan With English Support: Visas, Taxes, And More

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