Living in Japan
What daily life really looks like in the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵
Moving to Japan is more than just a change of address — it’s a complete lifestyle shift!
From the convenience of daily routines to the nuances of social expectations, this section is your guide to understanding what it’s really like to live in Japan.
Whether you’re planning a short-term stay or long-term move, you’ll find helpful tips and practical advice for making the transition as smooth as possible.
Explore Everyday Life in Japan
🏠 Housing & Apartments
Finding a place to live in Japan can feel overwhelming at first — from tiny apartments to key money and strict rules.
This section will guide you through how the rental process works, the different types of housing, how to find a place that suits your budget and location preferences, and what to expect in terms of space and utilities.
Whether you’re on a working holiday visa or planning a longer stay, this will help you feel more prepared before signing your first lease.
🛍️ Daily Life & Convenience
Daily life in Japan is a mix of structure and surprise. From world-class public transport to the magic of convenience stores, Japan is incredibly efficient — but also filled with small cultural differences you’ll want to know.
Here we’ll cover what a typical day looks like, what errands feel like, and how to manage things like laundry, posting mail, grocery shopping, and even garbage separation (yes, it’s serious business here).
💼 Money, Banking & Visas
Setting up your finances in Japan is a must for living here stress-free.
In this section, we’ll dive into how to open a bank account, how to manage your money digitally or with cash (since Japan still uses a lot of it), what to know about taxes and health insurance, and which visa types apply to you.
We’ll also touch on how to send money internationally and handle bills while staying within budget.
💬 Social Norms & Culture Shock
Even after you’ve figured out your housing and daily routine, the hardest part can be the unspoken rules.
Things like understanding indirect communication, navigating group dynamics, or even learning how to say “no” politely in Japanese can be challenging.
This section covers common sources of culture shock and what to expect as a foreigner adjusting to life in Japan — plus tips for overcoming awkward moments and blending in respectfully.
