What to Know Before Moving to Tokyo

As one of the world’s largest economies, Japan is also a safe country with high standards of living, making it an attractive place to work, invest or live in. While it isn’t easy to get a Japanese citizenship, short-term stays ranging from a few months to a few years have become increasingly common. 

But whether you’re thinking of moving to Tokyo for work, studies or to start a business, here are some things you’ll need to know before doing so.

Main considerations before moving to Tokyo

Tokyo is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. However, it’s important to note that a week-long holiday and actually living in Tokyo are two completely different experiences altogether. 

For one, Tokyo may be Japan’s most expensive city, but the average cost of living is still lower than other major cities in the world like New York, London and Sydney. It also has a high population density, so you must be okay with crowds to have an enjoyable time living there! 

Secondly, work culture in Japan - of which Tokyo is a microcosm - has long been regarded by foreigners as a double-edged sword. That’s because the Japanese are known for their loyalty and a strong work ethic, but unspoken pressures to work long hours overtime led to a crisis of karoshi (“death from overwork”) in the late 1900s. This has improved drastically over the last few decades, but cultural norms still maintain the importance of being punctual, showing deference to superiors, avoiding direct confrontation and using honorifics where appropriate.  

As a global city, Tokyo has stellar infrastructure to support its massive population. For instance, its public transport system is often lauded as one of the best in the world, while healthcare subsidies (where the government pays 70% and you pay only 30% of the bill) are available after living in Japan for 3 months. If you’re planning on relocating there with your family, your children’s education will undoubtedly be a consideration as well. You may apply for a place at a Japanese school, though many foreigners choose to enrol their children in international schools (there are 60 in Tokyo alone!). 

Lastly, it’s preferable that you’re able to speak at least basic Japanese, given that only 10% of Japan’s population considers themselves fluent in English. Notwithstanding, this statistic is significantly higher in Tokyo, where day-to-day communication in English wouldn’t prove to be as difficult.

Applying for a Japanese visa

Staying in Tokyo for a period exceeding 90 days will require a visa, which will in turn be determined by the nature of your stay. Examples include: 

• Digital Nomad Visa: For individuals working remotely in Japan for a period under 6 months  

• Start-up Visa: For entrepreneurs supported by municipalities in Japan and valid for 6 months; renewal is subject to approval 

• Work Visa: A general working visa that covers a select list of professions, for a stay of up to 5 years 

• Working Holiday Visa: For youth from partner countries/regions to participate in employment to support their expenses while travelling in Japan  

• Student Visa: For students enrolled in local educational institutions; validity is individually designated on a by-case basis 

 A visa is also required for you to process a Resident Card, which will serve as your identification for the duration of your stay in Tokyo. More information on visa application is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

Getting around Tokyo 

Getting around Tokyo is easy, with its dense network of train (Japan Rail) and subway (Tokyo Metro) lines, famous for their efficiency and punctuality. Its bus system is likewise extensive, but can be a little tricky for foreigners to navigate as not all bus stops will have signs in English. 

Cumulatively, they make Tokyo’s public transport system one of the most heavily utilised in the world. Prepaid IC cards like Suica cards (purchased from JR stations) and Pasmo cards (purchased at non-JR stations) can be used for all forms of public transport. 

Foreigners are also allowed to drive in Tokyo if they have an International Driving Permit, but may only do so for a maximum of one year, regardless of the length of their permit. 

Banking and money

Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner is possible but takes some patience. Most major Japanese banks, including Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho, require a residence card, a Japanese phone number, and in some cases a certain length of stay before approving an application. Japan Post Bank is generally considered the most accessible option for new arrivals, with English-language support and a straightforward application process.

For day-to-day spending while you are getting set up, Wise and Revolut are both widely used by international residents. They allow you to hold yen, receive transfers, and pay with a card without the fees that typically come with international bank accounts. Most convenience stores in Tokyo also have ATMs that accept foreign cards, with 7-Eleven ATMs being the most reliable option.

Cash is still used more widely in Japan than in many other countries, so it is worth keeping some on hand even if you primarily pay by card.

SIM cards and staying connected

Getting connected is straightforward and can be done before you even leave the airport. The two most practical options for new arrivals are IIJmio and Rakuten Mobile, both of which offer affordable monthly plans with reliable coverage across Tokyo. Rakuten Mobile in particular has no contract period, making it a good fit for people on flexible stays.

Data-only SIM cards are also available from convenience stores and vending machines at major airports, which is useful if you need connectivity immediately but want to take your time choosing a longer-term plan. Most SUMII apartments come with high-speed WiFi included, so home connectivity is already taken care of from the moment you arrive.

Rubbish and recycling rules

One of the first things that surprises newcomers in Tokyo is how seriously the city takes waste separation. Rubbish is sorted into categories including burnable waste, non-burnable waste, plastic, cans, bottles, and cardboard, and each type has a designated collection day specific to your neighbourhood.

Putting out the wrong type of rubbish on the wrong day is taken seriously and bags are often left uncollected with a notice attached. Most areas provide a rubbish guide in multiple languages, and your building management or landlord should be able to give you the schedule for your address. At SUMII, we include a rubbish guide for each apartment so you know exactly what goes where and when before you even need to ask.

Where to live in Tokyo

Despite the convenience of its public transportation system, where you live in Tokyo still matters. Aside from differences in rental costs and time taken to commute each day, different neighbourhoods have distinct atmospheres and range of amenities. Particularly for digital nomads and entrepreneurs, where you live can also affect your access to social/business networking opportunities. 

Recommended neighbourhoods to live in Tokyo include: 

1. Yoyogi / Yoyogi-Uehara 

Yoyogi-Uehara has quietly become one of Tokyo's most sought-after residential areas, particularly among international residents and creatives. The neighbourhood has excellent cafes, independent restaurants, and a calm, tree-lined atmosphere that feels distinctly unhurried. Yoyogi Park is a short walk away, offering one of the city's best green spaces for weekday runs and weekend picnics. Well connected to Shibuya and Shinjuku, it offers central access without the noise.

2. Roppongi 

As Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment hub, Roppongi is also home to many multinational companies with offices in Tokyo, which explains why there’s a large expat community there. Living in Roppongi is thus ideal for networking opportunities, and close proximity to a variety of co-working spaces and business hubs. 

3. Hatagaya

Hatagaya sits just one stop from Shinjuku on the Keio Line and has developed a reputation for quality coffee, independent food spots, and a genuine neighbourhood character that bigger areas often lack. It is a low-rise residential pocket where the streets are largely dictated by foot traffic, a good fit for people who want proximity to the city without living in it.

4. Meguro

Charming and laid-back with a myriad of green spaces and cafes, Meguro is a good place to live in for remote workers who want a peaceful place to work while being just a short commute away from the city centre.  

4. Sasazuka

Sasazuka is one of those Tokyo neighbourhoods that locals know well and visitors rarely discover. Just one stop from Shinjuku on the Keio Line, it has a quiet residential character, good local shops, and easy access to both Shimokitazawa and Yoyogi-Uehara. It suits people who want to feel genuinely settled in Tokyo rather than passing through it.

If you’re planning on living in Tokyo for a few years, an option would be to first go for a short-term service apartment rental in one of the aforementioned neighbourhoods. This will give you a good sense of what living in these neighbourhoods would be like and how it fits into your daily routine, before committing to a longer-term rental.