— Resource Center

Japan Living Guide 

Adapting to daily life in Japan involves learning new systems and cultural norms. Our Japan Living Guide provides practical advice to help expats settle in. 

International Schools & Education
Finding the right school for
your child in Japan.

Information about international schools and preschools for non-Japanese in major cities throughout Japan. You can find details about kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and high schools where English is the main language of education. 
Our guides cover not only schools that teach in English but also American, British, German, and French schools that incorporate various national curricula (such as the IB Primary Years Programme) and languages. 

Comprehensive lists of international schools byprefecture

Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, and other major cities covered in detail.

Insights into the Japanese education system

Public, private, and international school options explained clearly for expat families.

Japanese daycares, preschools, and kindergartens

Information on local early childhood options for families settling in Japan.

Medical Care & Hospitals
Quality healthcare, in a
language you understand.

Medical care in Japan is comparable to what can be found in many Western countries, offering a broad range of clinics and hospitals for routine checkups, vaccinations, and emergency care. We provide directories of hospitals with English capability in major cities and hotlines for emergencies. 

English-speaking hospitals and clinics

Curated lists for Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Kobe, and other major expat cities.

24/7 emergency hospital information

Ambulance dialing instructions (119) and what to expect when calling emergency services.

Emergency translation service hotlines

Medical consultation translation services for situations where language is a barrier.

Housing & Rental Rates
Understanding the
Japanese real estate
market.

Guidance about expat housing, including the average rent per unit size in major cities. This information is highly useful for establishing your company budget and understanding the local real estate market. 

Expat areas and housing rates by city

Average rental prices per unit size in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Kobe, and more.

Renting property with a pet in Japan

What to know before searching, including common restrictions and negotiation tips.

Furnished monthly apartment guides

Short-term and long-term furnished options for assignees arriving before permanent housing is secured.

Daily Living & Practical Information
Navigating everyday life in
Japan.

Information to aid foreign residents in avoiding any difficulties while living in Japan.
We cover a wide range of practical topics essential for daily life. 

Opening a bank account in Japan

Step-by-step guidance for foreigners on required documents and recommended banks.

Understanding the cost of living

Practical breakdowns of typical monthly expenses for expat households in major cities.

Navigating public transportation

How to use trains, buses, and IC cards — Japan’s world- class transit made accessible.

Dealing with Hay Fever (Kafunsho)

Seasonal pollen seasons, recommended medications, and how to manage symptoms in Japan.

Garbage disposal & recycling rules

Japan’s strict waste sorting system explained, including oversized item disposal procedures.

Japanese cultural etiquette

Common gestures, social customs, and business etiquette to help you avoid cultural missteps.

Expat Communities & Social Life
Build your network and feel at home.

Information about social clubs for each nationality, local communities, and meetup opportunities in major cities to help you build a network and feel at home. 

Furniture & Appliances
Setting up your home from scratch.

Information about bringing furniture from your home country, understanding voltage differences, leasing furniture in Japan, and how to sell unwanted items. 

Destination Guides
Explore Major Cities in Japan

Brief overviews of major cities with local information, expat-related facilities, and
useful links for each area.

Tokyo

Japan’s capital and the primary destination for most corporate assignees, with world- class amenities and a large expat community.

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Yokohama

A port city with a rich international history, popular among families for its spacious housing and proximity to Tokyo.

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Osaka

Japan’s second-largest metro area, known for its vibrant food culture, friendly locals, and lower cost of living.

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Kobe

An international port city with a relaxed lifestyle, scenic hillside neighborhoods, and a long-established expat community.

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Nagoya

A major industrial hub in central Japan, home to Toyota’s headquarters and a growing international workforce.

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Sapporo

Hokkaido’s capital, offering a high quality of life, world-famous winters, and a more relaxed pace than Tokyo.

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Fukuoka

A rapidly growing city in Kyushu with an emerging startup scene, excellent food, and a warm climate year-round.

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Okinawa

Japan’s southernmost prefecture, with a subtropical climate, US military presence, and a unique blend of cultures.

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