Living in Tokyo Useful Information for Foreigners

Tokyo is a world-renowned metropolis.
It is an attractive city for foreigners, with many tourist attractions and convenient living conditions.
 
This article provides useful information for those who want to start a new life in Tokyo.

Life in Tokyo

Support for Foreigners

Consultation on daily life and visas is available at the Foreign Resident Consultation Offices located in each ward and city office.
The Shinjuku City Office's Foreign Resident Consultation Service is available in multiple languages to provide consultation on visa and daily life issues.

For more information:  新宿区　外国人総合相談支援センター  
(Shinjuku City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents)

[Recommended Web site]

東京都多文化共生ポータルサイト
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Multi Cultural Portal Site

This is a website where you can read information about daily life and search for Japanese language classes.

Transportation

In Tokyo, most places can be reached by train or bus.
In addition, the trains are almost always on time, allowing you to get around smoothly.
 
However, with so many trains and subways, it may be easy for first-time visitors to Tokyo to get lost or confused.
Before boarding a train, it is better to find out which train or line you will be taking.

[Recommended Web site]

東京都交通局のWebサイト
Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau Web site

You can check information in 7 languages including Japanese.

Two airports are available from Tokyo. Both offer international flights.

• Haneda Airport
  This airport is located in Tokyo.
• Narita Airport
  This airport is in Chiba, next to Tokyo. It is an international hub airport with many international flights.

Shopping

There are many 24-hour supermarkets and convenience stores, especially in Tokyo.
Furthermore, there are many drugstores and 100-yen stores, making shopping for daily necessities very convenient as well.
 
There are also many famous shopping areas such as Ginza and Omotesando.
You can buy famous brands and trendy clothes at many department stores and shopping malls there.
 
If you like Anime, Akihabara and Nakano are also highly recommended. You will find a variety of figures and manga.

Medical Care

There are many hospitals and clinics in Tokyo. Lots of hospitals and clinics in Tokyo are becoming more and more foreign-language friendly.
A list of medical facilities for foreigners can be found on the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's website.
 
List of Medical Institutions Accepting Foreign Patients

A place where people from different countries gather

There are many foreign communities in Tokyo.
For example, many foreigners gather in Roppongi, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. In these places, people from many different countries gather and enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
 
Furthermore, in some areas there are places where many foreigners live.
For example, Shin-Okubo is home to people from Korea and Nepal, and Nishi-Kasai is famous for having many people with Indian roots living in the area.

Tokyo Rent Prices

Tokyo Average rent of "One room" is 70,490 yen
Source: National Association of Rental Management Businesses, April 2024.

The average rent in Tokyo is approximately 70,000 yen but rent varies significantly depending on the area where you live and the size of the room.
In addition to rent, there may be common service charges, management fees, and parking fees, so it is important to include these costs when budgeting your rent.

Information on rent prices in Tokyo's 23 Wards

Source: SUUMO - Tokyo Rent Rates Updated April 10, 2024 *Average rent
 

Information on rent prices outside Tokyo's 23 Wards

In areas outside the 23 Wards, rent prices are somewhat lower.

Source: SUUMO - Tokyo Rent Prices Updated April 10, 2024 *Average rent
 
Many people find Tokyo rents too expensive, which is why some people live in the neighboring prefectures such as Saitama and Chiba.
Compared to Tokyo, rent is cheaper and furthermore, access to Tokyo is good.
For example, it takes about 30 minutes from Omiya Station in Saitama to Tokyo Station.

Tokyo Attractiveness

The Atmosphere of Tokyo

Tokyo's attractiveness is that you can enjoy both the best of the big city and the best of the traditional at the same time.
You can enjoy the various faces of the city since there are not only many tall buildings, but also shrines, temples, and traditional stores.
 
You will never get bored living in Tokyo, as each area offers something different to enjoy.

Gourmet

Tokyo has many restaurants and cafes. You can enjoy Japanese cuisine as well as international cuisine from all over the world.
At the Tsukiji(築地) and Toyosu(豊洲) markets, you can enjoy fresh seafood in a lively atmosphere.
 
Some foods are unique to Tokyo.
 
Monjayaki

A soft dough cooked and eaten with a small "fry spatula".
Since you can cook and eat it by yourself, it is a very fun experience.
 
Sushi

Sushi in Tokyo is called "Edomae Sushi" (Edo-mae Sushi).
Sushi is made with fresh fish caught around Tokyo Bay.
One of the characteristics of this type of sushi is the use of "red vinegar," which has a stronger flavor than regular vinegar.

Tokyo Sightseeing Spots

There are many tourist attractions in Tokyo.
 
Sensoji Temple
You can feel the history of this temple. There are also traditional stores in the surrounding area, so just walking around is very enjoyable.
 
Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Sky Tree is a radio tower with an observation deck.
From a height of 450 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Tokyo. At night, it is illuminated with lights that change with the seasons and events, giving it a wonderful look from the outside.
 
Shinjuku Gyoen
There are Japanese and European style gardens and historical buildings. It is a good place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
 
Ueno Zoo
It is the oldest zoo in Japan. It is famous for their pandas. Visitors can also see some Japanese native animals.

Lastly

Tokyo is an easy city for foreigners to live in. It offers many tourist attractions, a convenient living environment, and support for foreigners. By checking rent prices and choosing the area that suits you best, you can lead a comfortable life.
 
To start a new life in Tokyo, you will also need to find a job.
JOB JOURNEY has over 300 jobs available in Tokyo! (As of June 2024)
Some of these jobs include rent subsidies.
 
🔎 Find Jobs in Tokyo on JOB JOURNEY

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