Japan-Life Guide

Main Takeaways

• This post shares some tips for newcomers to Japan who want to make their lives more comfortable.
• You will learn how to use an IC card for public transportation, navigate the train system, and follow train etiquette.
• You will also learn why you need a guarantor if you rent an apartment alone.

The First Night

I started this blog to share my experiences as a newcomer to Japan. I moved to Japan for the first time without prior travel or living abroad experience. It was also the farthest I had ever been from home. I had a lot of things to learn and adjust to.

My first place was a company apartment in a rural city in Hiroshima prefecture. After two years there, I got a job in a different city and had to move to a different town in a different part of the country. However, I didn’t prepare well for the move and missed some essential items. That’s how I slept one night in my kitchen, which was neither comfortable nor fun.

Getting settled

Your start in Japan will depend on your living situation. If you have a company apartment, you may have some amenities and settle in faster. If you rent your apartment, you may only have your suitcase, an air conditioner, and a gas stove.

Where to buy furniture in Japan?

There are a variety of options for buying furniture in Japan. This also depends on how long you plan on staying in Japan. If you plan to live here for two years and leave, recycling shops can save you a lot of time. People in Japan tend to take care of their things. You can save money on sofas, tables, and small appliances. There are a lot of recycling shops, so be sure to shop around. A lot of them offer delivery services at a small cost.

A word of advice: Discuss the conditions if your employer is your guarantor. Can you still live there if you quit, change, or lose your job? You have up to three months to find a new job with a valid work visa. You can also use Hello Work to help you find a job and receive unemployment. Losing your house and your career in Japan would be devastating, so ensure you can keep your apartment after your job ends. How long would they give you to find a new guarantor? Be prepared to get a guarantor. Some leasing offices may have their own guarantor company, but this is not always the case.

If you live in company housing and want to stay in Japan after your employment ends, you must also move to your place. Start saving your money early, as an apartment in Japan is almost like a small house. Renting an apartment in Japan is very expensive. You must pay a security deposit, the first month’s rent, critical money, and other fees. Moving can cost several thousand dollars, so choose a place you like. Most real estate agents will work with you as long as you have a job. If you run into trouble, you should ask your co-workers or boss. Your boss may offer to go with you; just be careful to get your own guarantor, even if your manager is kind. Companies often move staff around, and your job may not always be as good. Make sure you have your own guarantor. If you can’t afford an apartment, you can also try share-houses. They are like university dorms where you share some facilities like the kitchen but have your bedroom. If you are new to Japan or only plan to stay for a year or two, this may be an excellent way to meet people and save money.

What is a guarantor?

A guarantor is a person or company that acts as insurance for your rental contract. They agree to pay any damages or rent if you can’t pay. Most landlords and property managers in Japan require a guarantor for renters, especially foreign residents. There are some links to guarantor companies in the reference section. I recommend using a company instead of a manager or supervisor. Renting in Japan is very expensive. You shouldn’t lose your apartment if you change your job. You never know your work situation, so ensure you have a secure place to live.

What is an IC card?

My own Suica

Do you want to make your life in Japan more straightforward and more convenient? Then you need an IC Card. It’s a prepaid card that works like magic. You can link it to your credit card for almost anything. Whether you want to hop on a train, grab a snack, enjoy a meal, or buy a souvenir, you can tap your card and go—no need to worry about cash or tickets. You can even put it on your smartphone or Apple watch if you feel fancy. How cool is that? If you commute to work by train, your company will probably pay for your commuter pass, which saves you money and hassle. But be careful not to mix up your cards. If you use the wrong one, you might get locked out and have to pay for a commute that was supposed to be free.

My PASMO Card

If you use your IC Card on your phone and enable the Express Travel function, ensure it’s the right one. To avoid confusion, you can also use just one card and keep track of your own money. You will be charged extra if you travel outside of your commute for work. But don’t worry, it’s still cheaper than buying tickets every time. IC cards are unique and handy but don’t lose them, as they contain your personal information and money. You don’t want to give someone else access to your identity or wallet, do you?

Update

During the summer, Japan stopped the sale of physical IC Cards due to a chip shortage essential for their operation. Consequently, only digital IC card versions are available for use.

Get to know your trains and alternative routes.

Train Map

Do you want to make the most of your time in Japan? Then, you need to master the art of public transportation. Japan has one of the world's best and most efficient train systems, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes, you might face a delay or a cancellation that can throw your schedule or plans out the window. How can you avoid such troubles? By knowing your options. You should explore all the train stations and bus lines near your home and workplace. You never know when to take a different route or switch to a bus. This is especially true during weather-related delays. Sometimes, buses are better in this case and could be a lifesaver. Being prepared can save you a lot of stress and hassle.

While riding in trains and buses, there are a lot of rules that you need to be more accustomed to. Here are some of the standard rules. Many Youtubers touch on these rules in more detail so, I won’t spend too much time on them. When in doubt, copy Japanese people. Japanese people aren’t perfect, but they usually show the desired behavior for a given situation.

• Don’t eat or drink on the train or bus, especially food or drink with a pungent smell.
• Don’t talk on the phone or make loud noises. If you receive a call while on a train or bus, politely tell the caller that you are on public transportation and hang up. They should understand.
• Don’t smoke on trains and buses. If you need to smoke, look for designated smoking areas outside of train stations or inside giant shopping malls.
• Follow the floor markings and signs that indicate where to stand, walk, sit, or board the train or bus. This is especially important in larger cities. The efficiency and convenience of the Japanese train system depend on crowd control.

Be prepared and enjoy your time

Thank you for reading this blog and joining me on this journey. I hope you found some valuable tips for living in Japan. I know how hard it can be to start a new life in a foreign country. I was once in your shoes, feeling lost and overwhelmed. But I also learned to love and appreciate Japan for its beauty and diversity.

Following these tips can make your life more comfortable and enjoyable. You can get an IC card to travel and shop easily, get to know the train system and the bus lines to avoid stress and frustration, follow the train etiquette to show respect and kindness and get a guarantor for your apartment to secure your home.

These are some of the things that helped me settle in Japan. But this fantastic country has so many more things to explore and experience. I’m still learning new things every day and having fun along the way. I hope you do, too. I wish you all the best in your journey and hope you have a wonderful time in Japan. You might be new to Japan but don’t have to struggle. I will continue to make more posts to make your life easier.

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, please share it with your friends and family who are also new to Japan. You don’t have to struggle alone in this fantastic country. There are many things to explore and experience, and I want to help you make the most of your time here. That’s why I will keep posting more tips and tricks for living in Japan. So don’t miss out on any of them. Subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media for the latest updates. Together, we can learn new things every day and have fun along the way. I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

References

• Japan Train Etiquette: Understanding Japanese Manners | JRailPass. (2022, January 4). Retrieved from https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/japan-train-etiquette
• Guarantor Options for Foreign Residents in Japan — Apts.jp. (2021, May 21). Retrieved from https://apts.jp/tokyo-life/guarantor-options-for-foreign-residents-in-japan/
• Train etiquette in Japan — how to act on Japanese trains — Go Go Nihon. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/train-etiquette-japan/
• Lease Guarantor Services in Japan — PLAZA HOMES. (2022, May 20). Retrieved from https://www.realestate-tokyo.com/news/lease-guarantor-services/

Here are some links for guarantor companies that offer services for foreign residents in Japan:

• iSmile from iThinkRent: https://www.interlinkjapan.com/blog/renting/guarantor
• GTN (Global Trust Network): https://www.gtn.co.jp/en
• Casa: https://www.casa-inc.co.jp/en

Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/1/2023(1)

Lease Guarantor Companies in Japan — PLAZA HOMES. https://www.realestate-tokyo.com/news/lease-guarantor-services/ Accessed 6/1/2023.
(2) Guarantor Options for Foreign Residents in Japan — Apts.jp. https://apts.jp/tokyo-life/guarantor-options-for-foreign-residents-in-japan/ Accessed 6/1/2023.
(3) Real estate guarantor agencies in Tokyo | REthink Tokyo. https://www.rethinktokyo.com/real-estate-guarantor-agencies-japan Accessed 6/1/2023.