Your Expat Community in Japan
Connect with fellow expats in Japan
Join exciting events and groups
Get Information in our Japan Guides
Exchange tips about expat life in Japan
- Edmund Taylor
Tokyo has so much to offer and InterNations made it much easier to become acclimated to life in this bustling city.
Our Community of Expats in Japan Welcomes You!
Konnichiwa, and a warm welcome to our expat communities in Japan! InterNations is a platform designed to help expats all over the world, including Japan. Whether you're about to relocate or you're already here, you can use the wealth of information provided by other expats in Japan to make your experience easier. From Tokyo and Osaka to Yokohama and Nagoya, Japan's most popular expat cities offer exciting prospects for people around the world, but how will you overcome some of the challenges associated with moving to them? Before you take the plunge, now's a good time to explore InterNations, where experienced members can answer some of your burning queries. These include questions like, "which are the most affordable schools?", "how long will it take to process my visa?", and "how will I adapt to the local cuisine?". With a little reassurance, the InterNations members will soon let you know that there is a plethora of schools available, many companies offering expats jobs also assist with the visa process, and while the cuisine in Japan may vary in terms of taste, it is incredibly healthy.
With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to check out our vibrant InterNations Communities in countries like Malaysia or Peru.
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Frequently asked questions regarding expats in Japan
Why are expats moving to Japan? Of course, the individual reasons why expats decide to move to Japan can vary a lot. But thanks to our vast member base and our annual Expat Insider survey, we were able to uncover some of the underlying trends that make Japan an appealing place to move to. Notably, the most valued attributes of Japan as an expat destination are a very unique & fascinating culture, a high sense of safety & security and a job market eager for young talent.
In addition, out of the 64 expat destinations worldwide in our Expat Insider 2019 survey, Japan scores quite well in our Quality of Life Index (10th) but quite low in our Ease of Settling in Index (55th) . It ranks about average in our Working Abroad Index (39th). Japan isn’t just interesting for career-driven single expats. It has a lot to offer families as well, resulting in a very respectable ranking in our Family Life Index (20th).
How much do expats earn in Japan? On average, expats make on average 328,793 USD according to the ECA Expat Salary Survey for salary levels of expats in middle management positions. This is not the cash salary that expat workers take home after taxes, but the total value of their expat package that usual includes healthcare, cost of education, and housing (among other things). This relatively high salary combined with the rather high cost of living explain why Japan scored about average in the Personal Finance Index (39th) and the Cost of Living Index (35th) in 2019.
Where are expats living in Japan? Usually the expat population concentrates in places that offer the most career opportunities — at least for those who aren’t just looking for a place to retire in the sun. According to our member base these are the most popular cities for expats in Japan:
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Nagoya
- Kobe
Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Japan
Meet other expats like you in Japan
Join Our Online and In-Person Events in Japan
Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in Japan and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.
Want to see all the upcoming events in Japan?
Our Global Partners
Exchange Tips about living in Japan
Get trustworthy advice and local insights from fellow members in our Japan expat forums.
Learn more about life in Japan
- Where to live
- Where the best schools are
- How to do your taxes
Ask experienced expats in Japan.
Share your hobbies and interests with expats in Japan
Learn More about Being an Expat in Japan
With rolling mountains, lush forests, and ancient structures, Japan is undeniably beautiful. Expats living in Japan who have settled into their new country have plenty of opportunities to explore their cultural surroundings, and with the help of InterNations' members you can find out which restaurants, activities, and attractions will best suit your family's needs. While living in Tokyo, pay a visit to The Lounge by Aman for dishes from around the world, or Gen Yamamoto for traditional Japanese cuisine. You'll soon find that there is an abundance of educational establishments available for children, such as the British School in Tokyo, the Horizon Japan International School in Yokohama, or the American School in Minato-ku. With the guidance of the Japan expats at InterNations, you can soon determine which schools meet your cultural and educational needs. As a country that consistently tries to attract more expats, Japan offers plenty of lifestyle benefits, especially for those who work in the construction industry. Many of the major cities have a bustling atmosphere, their public transportation eliminates the need for a car, and the latest electronic goods are available on tap. If you're seeking a modern lifestyle and a strong economy, the life of an expat in Japan is for you.
InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in China or Qatar, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Start Building Your Expat Network in Japan Today!
InterNations is a thriving international community of carefully approved members who can help you settle into your life in Japan. As there is no substitute for personal experience, you can draw on the knowledge provided by our members to make your life in Japan easier. Whether it is arranging health insurance, finding the right apartment, or seeking out after-school childcare, our expatriates in Japan can arm you with all the knowledge you need prior to your arrival. Aside from answering some of your more serious questions, InterNations is here to enhance your social life. Regular events in Japan's biggest cities include formal InterNations gatherings, flyboarding in Tokyo, coffee meet-ups, and days out at the beach where you can dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean.
- Edmund Taylor
Tokyo has so much to offer and InterNations made it much easier to become acclimated to life in this bustling city.
- Marina Salgado
In such a huge city, InterNations has created great events for expats to meet in Tokyo.
