Living in Tokyo, Japan

What is expat life in Tokyo like?

Tokyo is a place that is on many people’s bucket list to visit. But moving to and living in Tokyo as an expat is also popular.

I visited Tokyo (and other parts of Japan) two years ago and loved it. Tokyo is intense, modern, fast paced and unique.

Also Read: 40 Fun, Surprising and Interesting Facts About Japan

Being a tourist in Tokyo and getting a glimpse of life in this busy capital is a completely different experience though to living in Tokyo. And therefore I am very excited to be able to share Jessica’s story about what it is like to move to and live in this incredible city.

In this Ask an Expat series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad. I share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad and information about the city, town, or country the expat now calls home.

Name: Jessica Korteman
Age: 33
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Her Story:

“Before our wedding, my husband and I decided we wanted to have the experience of living abroad.

We’d already visited quite a number of countries on an extended round-the-world trip, Japan included, and were excited to travel more and also gain insight into living in another country, as opposed to being a temporary visitor.

Once we made the decision to move to Japan, we joined a year-long Japanese course after work and worked hard to save money for the wedding and our travels.

Our plan was to move as soon as we had enough of a monetary buffer, after wedding expenses, to be able to stay in Japan for a while without an income.

We ended up on a flight to Tokyo six months after our wedding on a working holiday visa; no jobs lined up, or a permanent place to stay.

That was more than 8 years ago now and we couldn’t really imagine living anywhere else!”

Why Did You Move to Tokyo?

“We chose Japan as we feel it’s a really comfortable place to live, but at the same time a really great challenge for expats.

We had to learn a new language and understand a culture completely different from our own. That challenge did, and still does, excite us.

We chose to live in Tokyo specifically because of its convenience, and the diverse range of things to see and do.”

Also Read: Living in Japan – Things to Know About Life in Japan Before You Move Here

What Do You Like About Living in Tokyo?

“Its eclecticness!

Tokyo has developed in a haphazard kind of way. I love that I can be on a big, open street at one moment and then be in a tiny alleyway lined with lanterns and smoky bars the next.

Tokyo has this multilayered identity of traditional and modern, big and small, chaotic and quiet, and concrete and greenery.

I don’t think life in Tokyo could ever be described as boring.”

What Do You Dislike About Living in Tokyo?

“The sheer number of people in some areas, especially during rush hour.

During peak times, the trains and stations are a test of human patience. It’s hot and uncomfortable, and it takes ages to walk anywhere.

Those staff wearing white gloves you may have heard about who push people onto trains, they really exist. It’s not uncommon for people’s faces to be pushed up against the glass; it’s that packed!

I’m so lucky that as a freelancer I can usually avoid these times, but when I do need to use public transportation during rush hour, I’m reminded of just how insanely populated this city actually is!”

What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Tokyo?

“Walking around a new neighborhood!

There are so many interesting local neighborhoods in Tokyo and I am still not even close to having visited them all.

Nothing beats a nice day with my camera in hand, taking photos and visiting quaint local cafes along the way.”

What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang out in Tokyo?

“I love to hang out in quiet pockets of the city, like green spaces and rooftops.

There are lots of big, open rooftop spaces these days, especially on the top of department stores.

One of my current favorites is the large rooftop space and garden on top of Seibu Department Store in Ikebukuro, attached to the station.”

Is Tokyo a Safe City to Live in?

“Yes, Tokyo is incredibly safe — honestly, it’s one of the safest cities we’ve ever been to.

Crime rates are very low, and it’s not uncommon to see people leave their belongings unattended in cafes or for kids to commute to school on their own.

We walk around at night in different neighborhoods without ever feeling uneasy. Of course, like anywhere, it’s good to stay aware of your surroundings, but overall, Tokyo offers a level of public safety and cleanliness that’s hard to beat. It’s one of the reasons we’ve felt so comfortable settling in here.”

Is Tokyo an Expensive City to Live in?

”It really depends on your lifestyle.

Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, and yes, things like rent in central areas, imported goods, or upscale restaurants can add up quickly.

But we’ve found that everyday living can actually be quite affordable.

Public transportation is reliable and reasonably priced, local food (especially if you shop at markets or eat at small local restaurants) is inexpensive, and there’s no shortage of free or low-cost things to do.

We don’t live extravagantly and manage to save each month, so although Tokyo can be pricey, it’s definitely possible to live here comfortably without breaking the bank.”

What Is the Expat Community like in Tokyo?

“There are a lot of expats in Tokyo, and the community is quite diverse nowadays.

There are a lot of meetups and events in Tokyo, which are a great way to meet people living in Tokyo, both expats and locals.

Both Meetup.com and Facebook Groups are good places to find out about these events and to connect with others living in Tokyo.”

Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Tokyo?

“Understand that you are entering a completely different world from the one you are used to.

Japanese culture and society is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Be prepared that you are likely to find some of these aspects difficult at times, and some may even go against your own beliefs. You’ll have to be prepared for how to reconcile that.

Also, learn as much Japanese as possible.

While it’s possible to get jobs that don’t require Japanese (mostly English teaching) and get away with the bare minimum of language skills in big cities like Tokyo, if you want to make the most of life in Japan, be independent, and become friends with a wide range of Japanese people, the more you can communicate, the better.”

Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Tokyo?

“For setting up an apartment, we recommend the Facebook group Mottainai Japan. It’s a group for giving away/picking up second-hand items. Everything listed is for free, and it’s a fantastic way to furnish your apartment on the cheap and without creating unnecessary waste.

In Japan, you have to pay if you want to discard of home/furniture items and it’s hard to get people to pay for large items on top of expensive removalist/courier fees, so many are eager for you to take these items off their hands.

For getting involved in the community and enjoying your life in Tokyo, we also recommend checking out Time Out Tokyo and Tokyo Weekender for information about trends and upcoming local events.”

Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Tokyo?

“You have to try sushi, made by hand in front of you at a small sushi-ten (sushi shop).

The quality really is different from the cheaper conveyor belt sushi restaurants, as much as we recommend you try those as well.

For a really authentic and personal experience, head to a sushi-ten with just a handful of seats along the counter and order whatever the chef recommends. We’ve never been disappointed yet!”

About Jessica

Jessica Korteman is a travel writer living in Tokyo, Japan.

Never without a pen and paper, you’ll most often find her delving into the world of festivals and culture, and on the search for what makes a destination truly unique.

Find her latest adventures on her blog, notesofnomads.com

About Tokyo & Japan

Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with densely populated cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks, and thousands of shrines and temples.

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from futuristic skyscrapers to centuries-old temples.

The city offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture, and dining options.

Once a fishing village, Tokyo has evolved into an economic and cultural powerhouse. Tokyo Metropolis has nearly 14 million residents, but when you include the surrounding urban areas that make up Greater Tokyo, it becomes the most populous metropolitan region in the world with over 37 million people.

Exploring this immense place can feel daunting to first-time visitors. The trick is to explore one district at a time. For instance, start in Shibuya or Ginza for shopping, then head to Shinjuku or Roppongi for nightlife.

The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, in excellent museums like the Tokyo National Museum with its classical art collections, and at historic temples and gardens.

And if you get lost, just ask for help. Tokyo residents are some of the politest city-dwellers in the world!

Also Read These Articles About Japan:

Like this post about expat life in Tokyo? Pin it!

1 thought on “Living in Tokyo, Japan – Interview With an Expat”

Tera

May 11, 2024 at 1:22 pm

Loved this interview! It’s always fascinating to hear about other people’s experiences living in Tokyo. The part about adjusting to the language and culture really resonated with me. I’m considering making the move to Tokyo soon and this was super helpful to get a better sense of what to expect.