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Top 5 MUST-KNOW Tips for a Smooth Move to Japan

Moving to Japan was one of the most exciting and challenging times of my life. I felt thrilled about my new adventure but also nervous about the unknown. From getting my visa to finding a place to live, there were many obstacles.

Through trial and error, I learned valuable lessons that made my move smoother. These tips come from my own experience to help you avoid common problems and have an easy move to Japan.

Table of Contents

Tip 1. Do Your Research and Plan Thoroughly

When I first decided to move to Japan, I felt overwhelmed by all the information. But, by researching cultural norms and neighborhoods, I avoided many common problems. For example, I found out which areas were more foreigner-friendly and learned about Japan’s unique rental processes, which helped me avoid last-minute surprises.

Actionable Steps

Creating a detailed checklist and timeline was a game-changer for me. Here’s how you can do it too:

● Start Early: Begin your research at least six months before your planned move date.
● Break Down Tasks: Divide your checklist into monthly, weekly, and daily tasks. This could include booking flights, packing, notifying your current landlord, and setting up utilities in Japan.
● Use Tools: Utilize digital tools and apps to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Tools like Google Spreadsheet or a simple Excel sheet can be very helpful.

Budgeting

Managing finances is crucial for a smooth move. Here are some tips that worked for me:

● Estimate Costs: Make a list of all possible expenses, including visa fees, airfare, initial accommodation, and everyday expenses like groceries and transportation.
● Save Early: Start saving as soon as possible. Having a financial cushion can ease the transition.

Tip 2. Get Your Visa and Paperwork Sorted Early

Applying for my visa was a crucial step, but it wasn’t without challenges. I encountered delays because I didn’t have all the required documents ready. Learning from this, I realized how important it is to start the process early and double-check everything.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can make your visa application smoother:

1. Choose the Right Visa: Determine the type of visa you need (work, student, etc.).
2. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as your passport, visa application form, and any supporting documents like job offer letters or school acceptance letters.
3. Submit Your Application: Apply at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. Ensure all forms are correctly filled out.
4. Follow-Up: Keep track of your application status and follow up if needed.

Document Preparation

● Check Requirements: Verify the specific document requirements for your visa type.
● Translate Documents: If required, have your documents translated into Japanese by a certified translator.
● Make Copies: Keep copies of all important documents and store them safely.

Tip 3. Find Comfortable and Convenient Accommodation

I explored various options, from private studios, and co-living apartments to share houses. Each option had its pros and cons, but finding the right fit made my transition much smoother.

Housing Options

Private Studios:
Pros: Privacy, ability to personalize your space, stability.
Cons: Higher cost, more paperwork, longer commitments.

Co-Living Apartments:
Pros: Social environment, shared amenities,slightly lower cost than studios.
Cons: Shared spaces, the potential for noise, less control over the living environment.

Share Houses:
Pros: Affordable, social environment, ready-to-move-in, less paperwork.
Cons: Less privacy, shared spaces, shared responsibilities for cleaning and maintenance.

Each of these options can be suitable depending on personal preferences and needs. Some may prefer the privacy and stability of a private studio, while others might enjoy the social aspects of co-living apartments or share houses.

If you are looking for somewhere to live with locals to improve your Japanese and immerse yourself in the culture, I recommend BORDERLESS HOUSE. You can easily book a room overseas. It has some benefits:

● Community: Easy to make friends and build a social network in Japan.
● Convenience: Fully furnished rooms, utilities included, and flexible lease terms.
● Support: Skype calls with the staff when booking your room; they will solve your concerns and answer all your questions.

My experience with BORDERLESS HOUSE was positive. The supportive community and convenient setup made my initial days in Japan much easier.

Tip 4. Learn Basic Japanese

Learning basic Japanese phrases made my daily life in Japan much easier. Simple greetings and expressions like “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” helped me navigate public spaces, shop at local markets, and interact with neighbors. It also showed locals that I was making an effort to integrate, which was appreciated and often met with kindness and patience.

Language Resources

Here are some effective ways to learn Japanese:

● Language Apps: Apps like Duolingo offers interactive and easy-to-follow lessons for beginners.
● Online Courses: Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and JapanesePod101 provide structured courses that cover basic to advanced levels.
● YouTube Channels: Channels like Japanese Ammo with Misa and That Japanese Man Yuta offer free lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
● Language Exchange: Apps like HelloTalk and Tandem connect you with native Japanese speakers for language exchange, allowing you to practice speaking and listening.
● Books: Textbooks like “Genki” and “Minna no Nihongo” are great for structured learning and come with exercises and CDs for listening practice.

Tip 5. Prepare for Daily Life Essentials

From figuring out the public transportation system to setting up a bank account, there were many new things to learn. Initially, it felt overwhelming, but with a bit of preparation and patience, I was able to navigate these essentials smoothly.

Public Transportation

Japan’s public transportation system is known for its efficiency and punctuality. Here are some tips to help you get around:

● Get a Suica or Pasmo Card: These rechargeable cards can be used on trains, buses, and even at some shops and vending machines. They save time and make traveling easier. You can download them on your smartphone or watch too,
● Learn Key Routes: Familiarize yourself with the main train and subway lines you’ll be using daily. Apps like Hyperdia and Google Maps can help you plan your routes and check schedules.
● Understand Etiquette: Be aware of public transportation etiquette, such as queuing for trains, not talking on the phone, and giving priority seats to those in need.

Banking and Finances

Here’s how to get started:

● Choose a Bank: Some popular banks for foreigners include Shinsei Bank and Japan Post Bank. They offer services in English and have branches nationwide.
● Required Documents: Prepare your residence card, passport, and possibly your personal seal (hanko) for the account opening process.
● Online Banking: Many banks offer online banking services, which can make managing your finances more convenient.
● ATMs and Cash: Japan is still a largely cash-based society. Learn how to use ATMs, which often have English options, and always carry some cash for small purchases.

Conclusion

Moving to Japan is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its challenges. By taking proactive steps like thorough research, getting your visa and paperwork sorted early, finding the right accommodation, learning basic Japanese, and preparing for daily life essentials, you can make your transition smoother and more enjoyable.

Remember, every step you take brings you closer to feeling at home in Japan. Embrace the journey and the learning experiences along the way.

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Where to Stay in Japan ▏How to find the right match?

Moving to a foreign country can be very daunting. First, you have to find a realtor, maybe one that speaks your language so you’re not struggling with the language barrier. Then you may also have to decide where you want to live, and factor in budget, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in an accommodation, all of which you might even be done from far overseas.

To resolve your concerns about “where to stay in Japan?“, “how do I find the right match?”, we would like to introduce BORDERLESS HOUSE to you!

Brief introduction of BORDERLESS HOUSE

Many people may think sharehouses are noisy and inconvenient, but that’s certainly not the case! The right sharehouse might actually provide you with peace of mind and solve many of your problems.

At Borderless House, our share houses not only are full of people eager to make friends, but thanks to a multicultural staff, it’s also very stress-free to find the right place to stay. Borderless House staff are quick and responsive, with multiple language support. So staff can help you choose which house best suits what you’re looking for during your time in Japan, and make the reservation process extremely stress-free. It’s even possible to reserve a room within as little as three days!

Merits of choosing to stay at a share house in Tokyo as foreigners

People may travel to Tokyo for many different reasons, so is a share house right for you?
One really wonderful aspect of living at a sharehouse is how quickly you can meet people and make friends. Naturally, you’ll have the chance to learn a lot about many foreign cultures and do a lot of language exchange. And, because Borderless House residents are made up of both Japanese and foreign residents, this also means you have a great support network to help you with many different aspects of living in Japan.

There are over 40 Borderless Houses in Tokyo alone, in various neighborhoods and with their own unique traits. We have picked 5 featured share houses for you, let’s take a look!

BORDERLESS HOUSE HONKOMAGOME1

Borderless House Honkomagome1 is a new house located in the Ueno/Asakusa/Akihabara area of Tokyo, with ten private rooms! It is also very conveniently located to train lines such as the Tokyo Metro Namboku line and JR Yamanote loop line. These stations are within five minutes away. For anyone who works in areas like Ikebukuro or Shinjuku, a quick fifteen-minute train ride makes commuting very easy.

There is also a very convenient shopping area located not too far away from the house, with supermarkets, drug stores, and bookstores. This Yanaka-Sendagi neighborhood is full of history, once serving as a gateway to old Tokyo, Edo, along the Nakasendo Highway. Today there are also many houses that once served as residences for feudal lords.

One such historic location is the Rikugien Garden, located very nearby. Not only does this offer you a place to get away from the city at times and enjoy some greenery, you’ll also have a great front-row seat to the seasons changing, such as sakura in spring and autumn leaves in fall. Enjoy lovely walks with your roommates any time of year!

BORDERLESS HOUSE ROPPONGI1

For those who really want to live right in the center of Tokyo’s exciting city life, Roppongi1 share house is a great choice! Roppongi is known for being a hotspot for new and exciting shopping, museums, and events.

Roppongi is called a city-within-a-city, because of the interconnectedness of its buildings. There are whole residential, shopping, and business areas around the station, full of stylish shops and cafes to explore. It’s also a great area for events like live music and nightlife, and Roppongi is famous for its stunning view of Tokyo city’s skyline.

The nearest station to the sharehouse is Roppongi station itself, meaning you’re right on the Toei Oedo and Metro Hibiya lines. Shibuya is 7 minutes away, and Shinjuku is only 9! It’s hard to beat that sort of convenience to the most lively areas of Tokyo.

Roppongi1 share house has sixteen private rooms, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to meet other people. The living area has a stylish kitchen and lots of space for hanging out with the rest of your share mates.

BORDERLESS HOUSE SHINAGAWA-OIMACHI2

Shinagawa is known for being a mostly business district, but for locals living in the area, there are a surprising number of unique things to do and see. If you like day trips, there are even direct trains to Yokohama, and Shinagawa is right on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, going directly to Kyoto and Osaka!

Borderless Shinagawa-Oimachi2 share house is located only a few minutes away from sights such as the Shinagawa Aquarium and Shinagawa Temple. The aquarium especially is popular for dates, and appears in many dramas!

There are also unique museums such as the Archi-Depot Museum, for anyone interested in architecture, and Senkakuji Temple is a historic testament to the famous story of the 47 ronin. This is an area rich with history.

The sharehouse itself is located in a quiet neighborhood, without sacrificing convenience. Located close to a major train station like Shinagawa, it is very surprising to find rooms are so wide and spacious. Because the house has less than ten tenants, it’s a peaceful sharehouse that lets you grow close to your flatmates in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the hominess of this house, and quiet chats in the comfy living room, while still having plenty of privacy in your own room.

BORDERLESS HOUSE KUGAHARA1

Kugahara Station is on the Tokyu Ikegami Line in Ota Ward, Tokyo. With direct access to Kamata in 8 minutes and Gotanda in 17 minutes, it is convenient for commuting.

Denenchofu, an upscale residential area, is located nearby, but Kugahara has the most reasonable rent in Ota Ward. It is a quiet residential area with excellent public safety, making it a safe place to live for both single people and families.

An old-fashioned shopping arcade stretches from in front of the station, and it is full of unique individual stores and convenient shopping for any of your daily needs, with supermarkets open until late no matter what time you arrive home. It is a town where you can relax when you come home without the noise of the city.

A short walk away is the natural beauty of the Tama River, creating a relaxing break from urban living whenever you need a little nature. Wide open spaces are hard to find in Tokyo proper, but at Kugahara you’ll find that’s not the case at all.

Borderless Kugahara share house has a lovely open concept, with lots of airy light and wood features. The rooms are also very wide and spacious, with very big windows and a wrap-around balcony.

BORDERLESS HOUSE KIKUKAWA1

Kikukawa1 share house is located in a very popular area of Tokyo, with its location close to the famous Tokyo Sky Tree. With Asakusa only 6 minutes by foot and access to the Toei Shinjuku Line from Kikugawa station, you’ll always have places to go and things to do! Stores and restaurants are all very nearby, making it an extremely convenient location. Akihabara and Ueno can also be easily reached by bike.

Nearby attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Edo Tokyo Museum. It’s also very close to Ryogoku Kokukigan National Sumo arena! The Sumida and Otani rivers are also very nearby, meaning you have a few lovely quiet areas to hang out not too far away. The Sumida River is particularly famous in spring for cherry blossom viewing!

In spite of its convenience, the house itself is located in a quiet area and has a very cozy atmosphere. With only six tenants total, it’s a great choice for those who want to come back at the end of the day to a nice quiet house. There’s even a lovely rooftop balcony to hang out on the third floor. And then if you ever want to have a more lively get-together, there are two other sharehouses nearby, making it easy to meet up for more fun!

Lastly

Sharehouses at their best give you the opportunity to live comfortably and conveniently, and also provide valuable opportunities to meet and talk with other people. Just like Tokyo is an incredibly varied metropolis with all manner of people and neighborhoods, Borderless House share houses are very varied as well! No matter what you prefer, there is certainly a house with the right personality for you. Contact us now and we can help you find the right match!

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Is it a good idea for women to stay at a share house?

If this is your first time living with people you don’t know, and if you are a woman, you might be thinking “ Is it a good idea for me to live in a gender-mixed share house?” But meanwhile, as we all know – it is not so easy for a foreigner to rent a place in Japan, so a share house could be the easiest option.

To ease your concerns and worries about living in a share house as a girl. we would like to share some pros and cons of living in a share house from a women’s perspective!

We hope this article can help you to find a place where you feel safe and comfortable staying in Japan!

Benefits of women living in a share house

Security Side | It’s actually SAFER!

In terms of security, compared to living alone in an apartment, it’s safer to live in a share house with other people. Here are the reasons:
◆ There is a MUST screening process with all the tenants who book the room at BORDERLESS HOUSE, so you don’t need to worry about who your neighbors are and if your current or future neighbors would be nice people or not.
◆ There is clear and transparent information about all of your roommates! You can see their basic info and self-introduction on the webpage before booking the room!
◆ You’d have less possibility to be targeted by stalkers, burglars, or robbers if you are living in the sharehouse.

Make Besties | You can talk about anything with your roommates

If you need someone to give you advice or suggestions on fashion, costume, cosmetics, or even your love life, or if you simply just need someone to talk to, chat, or rant, there will always be girls for you!
◆ If you stay in a shared room. you can have more time to enjoy the conversations with your roommates. It’s easier to build bonds in your relationships, and your friendships would be tighter!
◆ You will never feel bored or lonely because you will always have someone who would be there for you, listen to you, and someone who would study, watch animes and go shopping with you!
◆ If you want to brush up on your Japanese, you have more chances to practice your language skills too!

If you are the kind of person who needs more space and time for yourself, you can keep decent privacy if you live in a private room, and you can enjoy fun social life at the same time in the common areas at a share house!

Things that need to be aware of when women living in a share house

At a gender-mixed share house, 2 things here you may already expect as well as you might need to keep in mind.

1. Men and women use a toilet and bathroom differently, so you can make some rules based on your mutual agreements with your housemates to avoid any issues.
2. It’s important to be considerate of others, so pay attention to what you wear, especially in the shared spaces, such as the kitchen and living room.

So we’d like to give you some tips if you are interested in living in a share house to prevent any stress or trouble:
◇ Establish rules together
◇ Be open to communicating anything with your housemates
◇ Be careful not to interfere much in each other’s private spaces

I hope this article solves your concerns, and if you have any further questions or would like to know more about living in a share house as a girl, please feel free to check our tenants’ interview from BORDERLESS HOUSE OSAKA-TSURUHASHI1 below:

Of course, feel free to CONTACT US, so we can answer all your questions ☺

Check available rooms for girls ▶▶▶
• SANGEN-JAYA1 share house
• ITABASHI-KUYAKUSHOMAE1 share house
• NIHOMBASHI1 share house
• SHINAGAWA-TOGOSHI3 share hose

*Please note, that the rooms might be booked by others at any time.

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Are Share Houses Good Options For People Who Are Starting A Life Away From Parents?

Today’s youth, the youth of the 21 st century, very well understands the importance of freedom and independence. They know how significant it is to stand on its legs without the support of others, even if that support is extended by your loved ones like your parents and relatives. Adolescents know the necessity of becoming self-sufficient, therefore, in the present era as soon as they reach the legal age, they start striving for financial and other types of independence. One significant step that they undertake to become independent and self-sufficient is living away from their parents.

Living away from parents is a hard decision. When you live away from your home, where you don’t have the support of your parents or loved ones, you would face the unforeseeable future alone and learn important lessons. Or when you find a job in a different city or when you have to go abroad for completing your studies, staying away from the home becomes a necessity. However, whatever be the cause, it cannot be denied that staying away from home is difficult. It is majorly because when you leave home you are forced to take care of your security and your eating habits. There is nobody to look after you. Hence, for those who are about to stay away from home, we have a solution – the share house.

Living in a share house after you move away from your parents’ home may not seem very promising, but this option can certainly make the transition easier for adolescents. Now, if you are wondering how that works, then read our next section to find your answers!

Why is a share house a good accommodation option for living away from parents?

Living in a share house is an altogether different experience. There are so many things that you can learn when you live here, away from the protective shadow of your loved ones. 

Renting this place as a living space when you start living away from your parents is the best decision that you can make because of the following reasons.

● Share houses are secure spaces

When you are looking for shelter options, share houses should be your top-choice because these places are secure. It is so because of two reasons.

First, most of the share houses are well-managed under the management companies, if any issues or problems happen at the share house, the management companies would visit the house and help you to solve any problems with you which you don’t need to deal with it alone by yourself. Secondly, when living in a share house you share the home with many housemates. This acts as an added layer of security as there is an advantage to living in a group when compared to living alone. So, after moving out of the home if you realize that you are not so confident about your safety, then look for a share house as that is your safest option.

● Share houses are furnished spaces

When you newly move out of your home, you are trying to become independent and self-sufficient, but you usually do not have enough finances to support yourself. Also, at this stage, you are not used to living without any facilities, equipment, and furniture. Hence, at such times, the share house is a very good accommodation option as it comes equipped and well-furnished. Thus, living here saves you from a lot of trouble while also helping you in saving money. Thus, if you are staying away from your family and looking for a shelter, and you do not own much money, try renting a share house.

● They have broadband lines and internet connections

 

This pointer is specially meant for those people who have moved abroad in search of a job or for completion of their studies. When you move to a new place the broadband lines and the internet connection is a must-have as it helps you in staying connected with your friends and family back home. This connection, in a broad sense, helps you in staying connected with the world, and it protects you from feeling alienated in a new country. However, when you move to a new country, getting an internet connection, or setting up new broadband lines can be tough, and it can take time. In such circumstances, it is generally considered a wise move to rent a share house as these places have already up and running
broadband lines and internet connection. Hence, living in a share house especially when you are a foreigner can help you in reducing your expenses, waiting time, and extra efforts.

● Share houses will improve your eating habits

When you are living with your parents, you have your siblings, your mother, or someone else in your family fussing over your eating habits. In the home, someone is always cooking your favorite meal and asking you multiple times if you have had your meal or not. But when you move out to live independently, there is no one to check on you because of which many people fall into the habit of skipping meals. In this context too, living in a share house is beneficial because there you live in the company of housemates who might have good culinary skills. A lot of times, these people also teach you how to cook different cuisines. Also, when you are with other people, cooking and eating a healthy diet doesn’t seem like much effort.

Because of these reasons, it can be ascertained that living in a share house is the best option after you have moved out of your parents’ place.

Living in a share house teaches you to be independent while not making you suffer much. 

BORDERLESS HOUSE should be your first agenda when you are looking for a new shelter to move in.

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MOVE TO JAPAN | The Formal Necessities

Hi everyone! This is Claire from Borderless House. Today’s blog topic is super important as I will be covering some essential information for anyone who is planning on moving to Tokyo for an extended period of time. If you are coming to Japan on a travel visa for under 90 days, then there are fewer logistics to think about, but I will briefly touch on some things that you might want to be aware of as well, so be sure to read through.

This by no means will be an exhaustive list, but hopefully will help out a bit!
Also check out this prior Borderless House blog for more information.

Zairyu Card/Residence Card

Just as you would carry your own driver’s license or identification in your home country, you are also required to carry an official form identification in Japan. This means that you will either need to have your passport or your residence card with you at all times. Even just going to the grocery store, or for a more exciting outing with friends at night, please please make sure that you have a form of legal identification. This is an extremely important point because you may at any point be asked by the police for identification, and being unable to produce a passport or Japanese-government issued form of identification will incur at the very least a fine, and could even result in jail time and deportation. 

For individuals who are not here on a visa, the only legal form of identification that you have is your passport, so please carry it with you at all times- even to the bars and clubs. For individuals who are here on a visa, you will receive a Japanese-government issued card called a “Zairyu Card | 在留カード.” If you are entering into Japan already with landing and visa permission, then you will receive your zairyu card when you go through customs. 

Ward Registration, Insurance, & My Number

The next step once you have left the airport and settled in is to make a visit to your local Civic Center. During this trip, two very important things will happen: 1) register your address, and 2) you will sign up for health insurance (保険). You are supposed to register a permanent address within 2 weeks of moving, at which time your address will get printed on your residence card, allowing you to properly receive important mail and information. Health insurance is also mandatory for any person staying longer than 3 months in Japan. 

My case was a bit interesting as I stayed in an AirBnB for 2 weeks before moving into my sharehouse, so technically I had been in Tokyo for over 2 weeks without a registered address when I went to the office ward. Although this was ultimately not an issue, I definitely recommend settling into permanent accommodations and registering your address as soon as possible, preferably within those first two weeks of your arrival in Japan. As stated before, registering your address will ensure that you receive all important notifications that will be delivered through the mail, such as your insurance bills, tax documents, and my number card. 

A “My Number card | 個人番号カード” is a form of personal identification number which will be needed for administrative purposes such as opening a bank account and paying taxes. In America, My Number is the equivalent of a Social Security Number. A paper version of your card will arrive in the mail a few weeks after registering at the ward office. Included with this paper-version card will be an application for a more formal, non-paper, card. Although not necessary, this more official My Number card is very useful for individuals staying longer term. Simply fill out the application and use the included return envelope! You can also apply online at a later time. Although the My Number card does not replace your residence card as a form of identification, you should also be sure to carry your My Number card with you at all times. 

For acquiring health insurance, there are two types: National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) and Employee’s Health Insurance (健康保険). As I was not an official company employee when I arrived in Tokyo, I was initially enrolled in the National Health Insurance program. My insurance bill and insurance card simply arrived at my house in the mail, at which time I could choose to pay it month-by-month or all at once at a local convenience store. It was quite hassle-free and easy. The difference with Employee’s Health Insurance is that your insurance fees are deducted from your salary, so the payment is handled through your company. In addition to carrying your residence and My Number card with you, you should also carry your insurance card with you at all times.

As a foreigner, receiving all of these notifications in Japanese can seem daunting, especially if you cannot read Japanese. One of the great parts about living in a BORDERLESS HOUSE is that you will always have housemates who will be able and willing to help translate important information!

Bank Account

If you are staying longer term in Japan and especially if you are working in Japan, another thing that you will want to consider is opening a bank account. Your salary will in almost all cases be paid into a Japanese bank account and you will also be able to use your bank account to make payments in Japan without incurring international exchange fees. On the most basic level, the two most important things that you should consider when opening a bank account are if the bank offers English support and if you have a convenient bank branch/ ATM nearby. There is a lot of information online regarding different banks and the services they offer. As banking is a very personal matter, make sure that you do your research, communicate with your employer, and choose what is best for your own situation. 

Hanko

On the subject of bank accounts, one thing that you will need for everyday use is a hanko (判子), or personal seal. These stamps replace a pen signature and many banks and other institutions require you to “sign” with your hanko stamp rather than with a pen. These stamps need to be officially made, so check online for the nearest store which can legally make you an official personal seal. You will also need to register your personal seal at your local ward office. Please be noted that the name on your hanko must match your legal name, meaning that for foreigners who do not have a legal name which is written in kanji characters, you must resort to using either hiragana, katakana, or romaji. There are tourist “hanko” stamps sold at places like Don Quixote and 100 yen stores, but be aware that a random cat-shaped stamp etc. will not be sufficient for official use when signing documents. Hanko prices range in price based on the materials which they are made from, but generally, you can get an official hanko made for somewhere around 1,000 yen. Although it is technically possible to go through life in Japan without a hanko, the repeated amount of times that you will be required to sign within a circular hanko-shaped area on documents will continually remind you that it might just be easier to go and make a personal seal. Plus, it makes for a cool personal souvenir if you plan to return back to your home country in the future!

Japanese Phone Number

Another thing which will prove almost as handy as your hanko is having a Japanese phone number. It is possible to survive in Japan with data-only SIM cards, as we now have the technology to connect internationally through data and WiFi. However, many times when filling out official documents, and even when opening a bank account, you will need to have your own Japanese phone number. Depending on the length of your stay, there are a few options. For a stay of less than 2 years, you will find that it is really difficult to get a short-term phone contract with any established phone companies here in Japan. There are some cheap SIM rental options, my personal favorite being Sakura Mobile, which allows you to choose a data and talk plan that fits your usage needs, and which do not require you to sign longer-term contracts. Again, similar to opening a bank account, each person’s needs are very specific. Luckily there is a lot of readily available information on Japanese phone companies and plans for foreigners. Make sure that you do your research and choose the company and plan which will be best for you!

Transportation Needs

As a foreigner in Tokyo, you will be able to get where you want to go without a car. The public transportation system in Tokyo is incredible, and it is a very bike-friendly city. For people who are planning to travel within the city a lot, one thing that you will use on a daily basis is an IC card. These cards act as rechargeable transportation cards which you tap at train gates and on buses to pay your fair. IC cards can be made at almost all train stations at a charging station where you normally buy your tickets. The two main cards that are used in Tokyo are Suica and Pasmo. Either card will work just fine, as the main difference between these cards are the manufacturing company and stations at which they can be purchased or returned. Aside from using your IC card for taking public transit, you can also use it at many different designated convenience stores to make purchases! 

When you are not traveling by public transit, it is very refreshing to take walks throughout Tokyo and explore the city on foot. Make sure that you are well stocked on slip-on shoes that are durable and comfortable to walk. There is nothing worse than having to take 5 minutes putting on shoes every time you leave the house, only to get a blister after another 5 minutes into your walk. Your time and attention should be fully devoted to getting the most out of every opportunity that this great city has to offer!

Although this post is less exciting as many other topics, I hope that it helps many of you who are preparing to make the move to Tokyo. We here at BORDERLESS HOUSE are eagerly awaiting your arrival! If there is anything that we can do to help your move, or solidify your plans to come to Japan, BORDERLESS is here to answer your questions and offer advice.