The Land of Niju-bashi, Mount Fuji & Kyoto

Information on Relocating to Japan

• The capital city of Japan is Tokyo with about 8.8 million people in the central Tokyo area as of May 2010. The political and cultural centre is also in Tokyo where the Emperor, the Prime Minister and the Government reside. The economic and financial center is also Tokyo. The ancient capital, Kyoto, is also a major cultural centre. Japan is a Democracy.

• Languages:  There is only one official language spoken, Japanese, although English is taught in schools and becoming more widely spoken, particularly in the cities. The TV programs are generally in the Japanese language and NHK 1 has international news and programs in English. Cable and satellite TV is widely available and offers more options.

• Population: Japan's population is over 127.3 million - 98.3% are Japanese, 1.7% others (Chinese 655,377, Korean 589,239,  Brazilian 312,582, Filipino 210,617, other 449.611).

• Expat areas: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe house the majority of Expats within Japan. In Tokyo the city areas of Minato-ku, Shibuya-ku, Setagaya-ku and Meguro-ku as well as bay areas are the main areas of Expat housing.

• Housing: Both Tokyo and Yokohama have a number of areas where there are large concentrations of expatriates living. Apartments are the primary option in the city, and detached and semi-detached houses are available in the suburbs. Families with children tend to live in areas near to the international schools, or school bus routes.

• Cost of housing: Expatriate suitable housing in Japan, particularly Tokyo, can be quite expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US $ 3,000 per month for a very small apartment in the city to US$ 18,000 per month and more for a modern house in the suburbs. The local currency is Japanese Yen (¥).

• Schools: There are a number of International schools in both Tokyo and Yokohama to choose from, catering for American, British, Russian, French, Montessori and German systems. Religious schools and a large range of pre-schools are also available in both cities.

• Transportation: Trains, both subway (metro) and Japan Rail are the main form of transport for most expatriates. Car leases are common package inclusions for most companies. The metro system is fast, efficient and crowded during peak hours, however it is an extensive network. The bus system is also extensive and there are maps and route details in English.

• Bank: Most banks are open from Monday-Friday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, banks are closed on weekends and national holidays. 24-hour banking self-service is available and Japanese banks ATMs are everywhere. However, ATMs that accept International cards are found mainly in central Tokyo, and are not so prevalent in outlying areas. Post offices do have ATMs that accept International Cards but generally not open Saturday afternoons or Sunday.

• Shopping: 10.00am – 7.00/8.00pm every day of the week and on public holidays. Lately some shops are open until later for convenience.

• Climate: Tokyo has a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are shorter compared with winter and summer. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 5.8°C (42.4°F) while July - August are the hottest months with an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). Summers are extremely humid. The rainy season begins in June. Fall is mostly mild. In winter (January to February) temperatures can reach below freezing, although snow in Tokyo is rare. Spring begins again in March.

• Culture: As one of the cultural centers of Japan, Tokyo has over 100 museums, both large and small. Temples and shrines can be found throughout the city and suburbs, offering an oasis of trees and gardens in the city. Television and radio programs are broadcasted 24 hours a day in local and foreign languages. Most movies shown in central Tokyo cinemas are in original languages with Japanese subtitles.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; The 2nd Monday of January-Coming Age of Day; February 11th-National Foundation Day; March 21st-Vernal Equinox Day; April 29th-Showa Day; May 3rd-Constitution Memorial Day; May 4th-Green Day; May 5th-Children's Day; July 20th-Marine Day; The 3rd Monday of September-Respect for the Aged Day; September 23rd-Autumnal Equinox Day; The 2nd Monday of October-Health and Sports Day; November 3rd-National Cultural Day; November 23rd-Labor Thanksgiving Day; December 23rd-The Emperor's Birthday.