Urban Dreaming in Tokyo
Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, is an eclectic blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its bustling streets, cutting-edge technology, and rich cultural heritage, the city offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking adventure and opportunity. The first thing you’ll notice is that Tokyo is huge – it is one of the world’s largest metros by population. It consists of the main 23 wards (think New York burrows), and 31 outer cities. Iconic landmarks such as Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple, and Tokyo Tower. Recently, there are more and more foreign residents from all around the world, including the West and the rest of Asia. Tokyo provides a welcoming environment for foreign residents.
Basic Logistics
Tokyo is one of the most populated cities in the world with world-class infrastructure. So one needn’t worry too much about the basics. Please see Japan Basics for info.
Visas. To live and work in Tokyo, a proper visa is essential. There are several options for working and study. Also, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA).
Healthcare. Living in Tokyo, you needn’t worry too much about healthcare. Japan has a universal healthcare system called National Health Insurance (NHI), which covers both nationals AND foreign residents. Please see Japan Basics for info.
Banking / Payments. As a mega Tier 1 city, Tokyo has a robust banking infrastructure. While overall Japan still relies on cash, Tokyo has digitized and modernized more so than some of smaller Japanese cities.
Communications. As one of the first regions to have meaningful smart phone penetration, Tokyo has sufficient 5G coverage. Communicating via Line or FB Messenger is widespread.
Housing and Neighborhoods
Suumo is a popular platform for finding rental properties. For short-term rentals, consider Sakura House. Rent for a single bedroom or studio apartment ranges from $700 to $2k USD, depending on location and amenities.
Note many rental units have exclusionary policies towards foreigners, westerners and Asians, alike. Please set expectations.
Popular neighborhoods for young professionals and expats include:
Shibuya - younger professional crowd that leans pricier. Known for iconic Shibuya Crossing, trendy fashion boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and youth culture.
Shinjuku - the major business district, home to the busiest train station in the world. Lots of skyscrapers, department stores, bars, etc. A bit more pricey.
Roppongi/ Minato - where expats (mostly Western) congregate. More bougie with vibrant nightlife, high-end shopping, art museums, and international restaurants.
Meguro - chiller vibe with a mix of residential and commercial areas. Known for its cherry blossom-lined Meguro River
Asakura - more traditional district in Tokyo, famous for its historic temples, shopping streets, and traditional craft shops. More cost effective and quieter.
Daikanyama - bohemian vibe trendy boutiques, hip cafes, art galleries, and greenery ideal for leisurely strolls
Nichome - gay district of Tokyo; known for small-scale profuseness and the world's highest concentration of gay bars
For a more local feel that’s a bit further out, you can venture beyond the 23 wards, such as:
Kichijoji / Mitaka - laid-back family vibe with a mix of parks, trendy cafes, independent shops and parks. Known for the Ghibli Museum.
Tachikawa - a bit more upscale but still suburban feel. Has a mix of business and residential areas.
Transportation
Getting around within and outside of the city is easy. Toykyo has one of the most extensive and efficient public transportation systems in the world. There is the JR line which connects the 23-ward and outer cities. Each ward has their own subway lines for local transit.
SUICA or PASMO cards provide convenient payment options for public transport and can be used nationwide. Owning a car in Tokyo is costly and often unnecessary due to the city's excellent transit system.
For tourists, The Japan Rail Pass is a convenient, flexible, and cost-effective option to explore the country. There are 7 day, 14 day, and 21 day options.
Things to Do
Tokyo is a melting pot of cultural experiences. Explore historic temples, savor world-class cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant nightlife. Visit areas like Akihabara for a taste of otaku culture or the fashionable streets of Harajuku. Tokyo is also an excellent base for exploring other parts of Japan and Asia.
Tokyo is a big city with big city perks. There are endless amounts of things to do for every type of person. Visit museums, art galleries, and parks, such as Ueno Park or Yoyogi Park. Explore the shopping districts of Ginza and Omotesando, or dive into the vibrant food scene at ramen shops, izakayas, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea provide fun for all ages.
Culture and Lifestyle
Tokyo attracts many expats and there is ample opportunity to connect with other Asian diaspora. Joining clubs, attending events, and participating in language exchanges can help expand your network. Websites like Meetup and InterNations offer various opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
While English is spoken in many professional settings, learning Japanese can enhance your experience and open up more opportunities. Language schools, online courses, and language exchange groups provide resources for learning and practicing Japanese.
Tokyo is a hub for international business and has decent opportunities in most fields. That said, Tokyo is also known for its demanding work culture and long hours are expected. As with most places in Asia, there are differences between Multinational corporations (“MNCs”) and local companies, with the former typically being more English-friendly and having more work-life balance.
For those coming from tech, expect a meaningful compensation decrease (this is offset by trade-offs in quality of life). Those in finance can expect demanding hours but more comparable compensation vs. abroad.
Acknowledgements
The information on this page was sourced in 2023 from our friends George, Tim, Kenjiro, among others. All of whom are living in Tokyo
If you are interested in helping our team source knowledge about life in Asia, please contact our team.