Move to Tokyo
Japan · Expat Guide for Tech Workers
Rent (1BR)
$1,200
Rent (2BR)
$1,800
Transport
$120/mo
Expat Community
4/5
🌟 Why Tokyo?
- ✓ Safest major city in the world with incredible public transit
- ✓ Fascinating blend of ultra-modern technology and ancient traditions
- ✓ Surprisingly affordable rent compared to London or New York
- ✓ World-class food from convenience stores to Michelin restaurants
🏠 Best Neighborhoods
Shibuya
Iconic crossing, tech companies, nightlife, youth culture
$1,500/mo
Meguro
Residential, cherry blossoms, expat-friendly, quiet
$1,300/mo
Nakano
Affordable, anime/manga culture, local restaurants
$1,000/mo
Setagaya
Suburban, family-friendly, parks, good schools
$1,100/mo
✈ Airport
NRT (Narita International), HND (Haneda)
☔ Weather
Four seasons: hot humid summers (33C), mild winters (2C). Cherry blossom spring. Rainy season (tsuyu) June.
🎓 Schools
Many options (ASIJ, BST, Nishimachi)
💻 Coworking
Many (WeWork, DMM.make, Fabbit)
✅ First Week Checklist
- Get a residence card at the ward office (ku-yakusho)
- Get a Suica or Pasmo card for trains and buses
- Open a bank account at Japan Post Bank or Shinsei Bank
- Get a Japanese phone number (Rakuten Mobile or IIJmio)
- Explore your local konbini (convenience store) and 100-yen shop
🏗 Top Industries
Tech
Automotive
Electronics
Gaming