Relocating from the USA to Japan offers a fresh start filled with cultural discovery and exciting lifestyle changes. Understanding local customs, preparing the right documents, and learning basic Japanese can help ease the transition and ensure a smooth experience.

Why Move to Japan?

Japan remains one of the most appealing destinations in Asia for Americans seeking a better quality of life. The country offers a rare balance between cultural heritage and modern innovation, from peaceful tea ceremonies to the dynamic atmosphere of Tokyo’s city life.

If you’re thinking about renting an apartment in Tokyo, you’ll find a wide range of housing options. Whether you prefer a compact unit in the city center or a more spacious home in quieter districts like Setagaya-ku or Shinagawa, the Tokyo rental market has something for every budget. Depending on your lifestyle, you can choose between fully furnished units, unfurnished apartments, or co-living setups like social apartments in Futako-Tamagawa.

Beyond housing, Japan’s job market for foreigners is growing, especially in sectors like IT, teaching, healthcare, and engineering. One of the most common questions for new residents is about average salaries in Japan. Tokyo tends to offer higher wages than most areas, and while rent may vary, there are many affordable options, especially in suburban Tokyo.

Japan also ranks high in safety, infrastructure, and public services, making it ideal for those looking for long-term stability. If you’re a fan of anime, Japanese cuisine, or you’re learning the language, living in Japan offers the chance to experience the culture firsthand.

Whether you’re researching Tokyo apartment rental prices, looking into salary guides for Japan, or exploring the best suburbs near Tokyo to live in, Japan provides a welcoming and well-organized environment for newcomers.

Life in Tokyo for Americans

Visa Options for U.S. Citizens

If you’re planning on moving to Japan from the USA, one of the most important steps is understanding which visa options are available to you. Japan offers a range of visa types, depending on your purpose of stay, whether it’s for work, study, family, or long-term residency. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common visa pathways for U.S. citizens:

Work Visa for Japan

For many foreigners, the most straightforward way to live and work in Japan is through a work visa. There are multiple categories, each tailored to different professions and job types:

• Instructor Visa: For those planning to teach at public schools or government-affiliated institutions.
• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: A very common visa type that applies to IT professionals, translators, designers, marketers, engineers, and more.
• Skilled Labor Visa: For workers in fields such as construction, culinary arts (e.g., French or Chinese chefs), or crafts.
• Business Manager Visa: For entrepreneurs planning to launch or manage a company in Japan.

To obtain a work visa, you typically need a job offer from a Japanese employer. The company will sponsor your application and provide the necessary documents to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), a required document before you submit your visa application.

Student Visa

If you’re aiming to attend a Japanese university, language school, or vocational institution, a student visa is required. This visa allows you to stay in Japan long-term and often includes part-time work privileges (up to 28 hours per week).

Pay the visa application fee:

• Be accepted by a recognized institution (language school, college, etc.)
• Show proof of financial means (e.g., savings or a sponsor)
• Submit school-issued documents and your COE

Many foreigners start with a student visa and later transition to a work visa after graduation.

Spouse or Dependent Visa

If you’re married to a Japanese national or someone who already holds a long-term visa (like a work or student visa), you may qualify for a spouse or dependent visa.

• Spouse of Japanese National: Gives you the freedom to work in any field without restrictions on hours.
• Dependent Visa: For spouses and children of foreign residents in Japan. Holders of this visa may be able to work part-time with permission from immigration.

This type of visa requires documentation such as a marriage certificate, family registry (for Japanese spouses), and proof of income or support.

Long-Term Resident & Permanent Residency

For those who plan to stay in Japan for many years, there are pathways to more stable residency:

• Long-Term Resident Visa: Usually granted to individuals with special circumstances, such as descendants of Japanese nationals or those with Japanese family ties.
• Permanent Residency: Allows you to live and work in Japan indefinitely without needing to renew your visa. It’s usually available after 10 years of continuous residence, but this can be reduced to 1–5 years in special cases (e.g., highly skilled professionals, spouses of Japanese nationals).

Permanent residents are no longer tied to a specific employer or visa type, offering the most flexibility.

How to Apply for a Japanese Visa & Processing Time

The general process for most visa types is:

• Secure a sponsor (school, employer, or spouse)
• The sponsor applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Immigration Bureau in Japan
• Once approved (typically takes 1–3 months), the COE is mailed to you
• You submit your visa application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S., along with your COE and required documents
• The visa is typically processed within 5 to 10 working days.

If you are already in Japan and switching visa types or renewing, the process will involve going to your local immigration office and providing updated paperwork.

What to Prepare Before Moving

Planning to move to Japan from the United States? A well-prepared checklist can make your transition smoother and help you settle into your new life with confidence. From essential documents to housing and transportation tips, here’s everything you should have in place before boarding the plane.

A valid travel passport and applicable visa

First things first, ensure your passport is valid for at least six more months. You’ll also need the correct visa that matches your purpose of stay, whether for work, study, family, or long-term residence.

In most cases, you’ll be required to submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), provided by your employer, school, or sponsor in Japan. This document is crucial and greatly simplifies the visa application process at the Japanese embassy or consulate in the U.S.

Do Your Housing Research

Housing is one of the biggest aspects to arrange. Start researching different areas in Tokyo or nearby suburbs based on your budget and lifestyle preferences.

Websites like Suumo, Homes, or GaijinPot Housing can help you explore listings, compare rental prices, and understand the rental process.

Keep in mind the typical upfront costs:

• Security deposit
• “Key money” – a one-time, non-refundable gift paid to the landlord
• Agent or brokerage fees

In many cases, you’ll also need a guarantor, either your company or a professional guarantor service, to finalize a lease.

Job Offer or Letter of Admission

Whether you’re relocating for work or school, you’ll need to present an official job offer or a letter of admission. These documents are required for your COE and visa application, and they prove your purpose of staying in Japan.

International Permit for Driving – Optional

If you plan to drive in Japan, be sure to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the U.S. before departure, available through organizations like AAA.

The IDP (based on the 1949 Geneva Convention) is valid for up to 1 year after your arrival in Japan. If you plan to stay long-term, you’ll eventually need to convert it to a Japanese driver’s license.

Evidence of sufficient funds or a financial sponsor

Before moving to Japan, it’s essential to prepare documents showing that you can financially support yourself. Immigration authorities often require this when applying for a visa or a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You’ll need to show that you have the means to cover housing costs in Tokyo, daily expenses, and any additional living costs.

What to Submit as Proof of Financial Stability:

• Recent bank statements showing your savings or available funds
• Proof of income in your home country or a job offer in Japan
• A letter of sponsorship from a family member, employer, or organization willing to support your stay

Having clear and complete financial documents will not only increase your chances of approval but can also speed up visa processing time.

Understanding Income and Salaries in Japan

If you’re planning to work in Japan, it’s helpful to understand what’s considered a good salary and how income levels vary across industries and cities:

• The average salary in Japan in 2025 is estimated to be around ¥4.5 to ¥5 million per year (roughly $30,000–$34,000 USD)
• In Tokyo, the average salary is slightly higher, ranging between ¥5.5 to ¥6 million annually
• Hourly wages in Japan for part-time or freelance work typically range from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 per hour, depending on the job
• International students working part-time earn around ¥100,000–¥150,000/month, which helps cover rent and living expenses

If you’re wondering “what is a good salary in Japan?”. For a single person, anything above ¥300,000 per month is usually considered comfortable, especially in Tokyo.

Finding a Place to Live

When relocating to Japan, especially major cities like Tokyo, securing suitable housing is one of the first steps toward settling in. You can choose from several options: private apartments, shared houses, or company-sponsored housing. Shared houses are popular among newcomers, offering affordable rent and an instant community.

Top cities for foreigners include Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. If you’re searching from abroad or need English support, consider using real estate platforms like GaijinPot Housing, Suumo, or Real Estate Japan. Agencies that cater to international residents, such as GTN or Blackship Realty, can help simplify lease agreements and explain Japanese housing terms clearly.

Be prepared for upfront costs, which often include a security deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), agent fees, and the first month’s rent. Most landlords also require a guarantor (hoshonin). If you don’t have someone in Japan to act on your behalf, you can use a guarantor company for an extra fee, typically equivalent to 30–100% of one month’s rent.

The rental application process is faster if your documents are ready. You’ll usually need your passport, residence card, proof of income, and sometimes an international driver’s license. Some realtors even allow you to apply online before arriving in Japan.

Tokyo Apartment Rental Guide

Cost of Living in Japan vs. USA

When planning a move abroad, one of the most important factors to consider is how much everyday life will cost. Japan and the United States both offer high living standards, but their cost structures differ significantly. From rent prices and transportation to food and healthcare, this comparison highlights the key differences in monthly expenses between the two countries to help you budget more effectively.

Category	Japan (Average)	United States (Average)
Average monthly income (net)	Around $2,400	Approximately $4,500–$5,000
1-bedroom apartment (central)	$700–$900	$1,400–$1,700
Basic meal at a restaurant	$6–$8	$15–$20
Monthly public transport pass	$50–$70	$65–$100
Utilities + Internet	About $150/month	$250–$300/month
Monthly grocery expenses	$250–$350	$400–$600
High-speed internet	$30–$45	$60–$70
Private health insurance	$120–$250/month	$300–$600/month

Living in Japan is generally more affordable than in the U.S. With a focus on accommodation, dining, and utility costs However, wages in Japan tend to be lower than in America, so financial planning is essential. Japan’s reliable public services and efficient infrastructure help balance the difference in earnings.

Adjusting to Life in Japan

Settling into life in Japan can be both exciting and challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the country’s unique culture and daily practices. One of the first hurdles is the language difference. While major cities offer some English signage, learning basic Japanese phrases or enrolling in a language course can greatly improve your day-to-day experience.

Understanding Japanese workplace customs is also essential. Professional settings often emphasize respect, teamwork, and punctuality. Taking the time to observe proper etiquette, such as bowing, exchanging business cards correctly, and joining after-work events, will help you earn trust and build strong relationships with colleagues.

Outside of work, creating a social network takes time but is very possible. You can connect with others through local community centers, language exchange meetups, or hobby groups. Many expats also recommend living in shared houses or joining clubs as an easy way to meet both locals and other international residents.

Japan’s transport system is efficient, reliable, and easy to use once you get used to it. Learning to follow the unwritten rules, like keeping noise to a minimum, waiting in line, and respecting personal space, can make your commuting experience smooth and respectful of local customs.

Lastly, adapting to everyday life means becoming familiar with practices like sorting your trash properly, removing shoes before entering homes, and understanding seasonal japanese housing traditions. These habits may take some adjustment but are key to fully embracing life in Japan.

Everyday Etiquette for New Expats

Important Paperwork and Legal Tasks Upon Arrival

Upon arriving in Japan, there are several key administrative steps you’ll need to complete to settle in smoothly and meet local legal requirements.

Report Your Address at the Local Ward or City Office

Within two weeks of moving into your new home, it’s mandatory to notify the local government office by submitting a Notification of Move-In (転入届, Tennyū Todoke). Make sure to bring your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and passport. Once completed, your current address will be printed on the back of your Residence Card, and you’ll receive a Resident Certificate (jūminhyō) – an essential document needed for opening a bank account, enrolling in services, or obtaining a My Number Card.

Ensure Your Residence Card Is Up to Date

If you entered Japan on a long-term visa, your Zairyu Card is typically issued at immigration upon arrival. In some cases, it may be sent later by mail. Always carry it with you, as it’s a legal identification document. After you complete your move-in procedure at the local office, your new address will be added to the card.

Sign Up for National Insurance and Pension Programs

All residents between the ages of 20 and 59 are legally required to join both public health insurance and the national pension system.

• Health Insurance: If you’re employed full-time, your company will register you in Employee Health Insurance. Otherwise, you must enroll in National Health Insurance at your local city office. When you relocate to a new ward, make sure to update your insurance information within 14 days.
• Pension: Full-time salaried workers are automatically registered in the Employee Pension system. If you’re freelance or work part-time, you’ll need to join the National Pension Plan on your own at city hall and start paying monthly contributions (approximately ¥16,500 as of now).

Apply for the My Number Card

Once your address is officially registered, a notification will be mailed to you inviting you to apply for the My Number Card, Japan’s national identification system. The 12-digit number is used for a wide range of services such as tax filing, banking, healthcare, and social security.

Although optional, getting the My Number Card makes administrative procedures more convenient. It can also be used in place of your traditional health insurance card and helps streamline tasks like setting up bank accounts or accessing government services online.

Conclusion

Choosing to live in Japan as an American can open the door to a completely new way of life. From the safety and convenience of daily living to rich cultural traditions and career potential, Japan offers many benefits. However, adapting to the language, work culture, and social expectations may take effort and time. 

For those seeking long-term growth, both personally and professionally, the experience can be deeply rewarding. To make your move easier, especially when it comes to finding housing, arealty.jp offers expert guidance and up-to-date listings to help you settle in with confidence.