Living in Kyoto is different from visiting Kyoto. The charm is real, but so are the tourist crowds, the housing competition, and the deeply traditional community culture. Here’s what daily life in Kyoto actually looks like for a foreign resident. The Character of Kyoto Kyoto is different from anywhere else in Japan. It’s the former imperial capital, home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and a city where tradition runs deep. Locals (Kyotoites) have a reputation for being polite but reserved — especially toward newcomers and foreigners. Building genuine community connections takes more time here than in other cities. ...

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most underrated cities — a major economic hub that most expats overlook in favor of Tokyo or Osaka. Lower costs, less competition, strong manufacturing and automotive industries. Here’s what living in Nagoya as a foreigner is really like. Why Nagoya? Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city and serves as the economic center of the Chubu region. It sits almost exactly between Tokyo and Osaka, meaning day trips or long weekends to both cities are easy. ...

Osaka has a reputation for being louder, friendlier, and more affordable than Tokyo — and it earns that reputation. But the reality of living here as a foreigner has its own quirks and challenges. Here’s an honest guide to daily life in Osaka. Why Foreigners Choose Osaka 30–40% cheaper than Tokyo for rent and daily costs Best food city in Japan (possibly in the world — locals believe it) Osaka people are famously outgoing — strangers talk to you, service is warm, humour is everywhere Central location — Kyoto 15 minutes away, Nara 35 minutes, Kobe 20 minutes, Tokyo 2.5 hours by Shinkansen Large international community — strong Korean, Chinese, and Western expat presence Neighborhoods Namba / Shinsaibashi The tourist heart of Osaka — Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, shopping. Great for nightlife but noisy and expensive. Most foreigners live here short-term. ...

Sapporo sits in a different climate zone from most of Japan — winters are serious, summers are genuinely comfortable, and the pace of life is slower. For foreigners who want Japan without the Tokyo intensity, it’s worth a closer look. Here’s what living in Sapporo is actually like. Why Choose Sapporo? Many expats are drawn to Sapporo for reasons beyond work: Affordable cost of living — noticeably cheaper than Tokyo or Osaka Outstanding food: Sapporo ramen, fresh seafood, Hokkaido dairy, craft beer, and lamb barbecue (Genghis Khan / Jingisukan) Natural beauty: skiing, hiking, and hot springs within an hour of the city Less crowded and lower stress than major Honshu cities Winter sports culture: Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and skiing remains central to local life The trade-off is fewer international job opportunities and a smaller expat community than Tokyo or Osaka. ...

Tokyo is where most foreigners land, and most of them never really figure it out — they live in it without understanding it. The city rewards people who take the time to learn how it works. Here’s a practical guide to actually living in Tokyo, not just surviving it. Choosing the Right Neighborhood Tokyo is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Here are the most popular areas for expats: ...

Traveling between cities in Japan with heavy luggage is entirely optional — Japan’s luggage forwarding system is fast, cheap, and incredibly reliable. Most foreigners don’t know it exists until someone shows them. Here’s how to use it. Coin Lockers (Coin Rokkā) Japan’s train stations are equipped with coin lockers in remarkable abundance. Whether you’re spending a day sightseeing before checking into your hotel, or need a safe place to leave bags while you explore, coin lockers are your first tool. ...

What you'll learn in this guide Maternity leave (産前産後休業): how long, how much pay Childcare leave (育児休業): up to 2 years, 67–50% salary replacement Paternity leave rights: the new 2022 “post-birth paternity leave” system How foreigners apply and what documents are needed What to do if your employer resists your leave request Quick Answer Foreigners employed in Japan have the same maternity, paternity, and childcare leave rights as Japanese nationals, provided they’re covered by Employees’ Health Insurance and Employment Insurance. Maternity leave (産前産後休業) is 14 weeks around birth. Childcare leave (育児休業) extends up to 2 years, with 67% salary replacement for the first 6 months. Paternity leave was strengthened in 2022 — fathers can take up to 4 weeks immediately after birth. ...

What you'll learn in this guide How to create and use a Mercari Japan account as a foreigner Buying on Mercari Japan: search tips, condition ratings, and payment Selling on Mercari: photographing, pricing, and shipping as a foreigner Payment methods available to foreigners (including foreign cards) How to navigate the Japanese interface with minimal Japanese Best categories to find deals: furniture, electronics, clothing Quick Answer Mercari Japan is Japan’s dominant second-hand marketplace with 70M+ registered users. Foreigners can use it with a Japanese phone number, email, and payment method. The interface is in Japanese, but Chrome’s auto-translate makes it manageable. It’s the best place to buy affordable furniture and electronics when first arriving in Japan. ...

What you'll learn in this guide How much notice you must give before moving out (and what happens if you don’t) What Japanese landlords can and cannot legally charge you for How to maximize your deposit return Step-by-step move-out checklist for Japan What to do if you’re charged unfairly How to cancel utilities, insurance, and address registration when leaving Moving out of a Japanese apartment involves more steps — and more potential costs — than most foreigners expect. Japan’s move-out process has specific rules around deposit deductions, cleaning fees, and notice periods. Know the rules before you give notice, and you can avoid paying for things you’re not legally responsible for. ...

Quick Answer Register your address at city hall within 14 days of arrival — everything else (bank account, phone contract, health insurance) depends on this step. Bring your passport and residence card. The full setup takes about 2–4 weeks to complete. The first weeks in Japan are exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. You’re trying to absorb a new city, a new job (or school), a new language — and simultaneously navigate an administrative system that operates in Japanese, requires documents you’ve never heard of, and where step B genuinely can’t happen until step A is done. Nobody hands you a manual. ...