Health
There is no shortage of clinics and hospitals in Japan, though you may need to travel to a big city like Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto for access to the best of them. Medical facilities (most dentists included) operate on the national healthcare system (which all residents are enrolled in), so patients typically only have to foot 30% of the bill. If you’re just passing through Japan, be sure to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you—just in case. Not many doctors speak English, but this language guide should help with the basics of a visit.
Massage
Stressed and sore? You can take your tired muscles to one of the thousands of massage clinics in Japan. Shiatsu and sports massage are the two most common styles on offer, and you’ll often see acupuncture and moxibustion thrown into the mix. Physio is often covered under healthcare, but massage done for relaxation isn’t. If you look hard enough, you can also find Ayurvedic massage (though it isn’t cheap) and Thai massage. Not all massage parlours are above board—have a look at our mega massage guide before you pick a place, to avoid any unexpected endings.
Exercise
A necessary part of staying sane as an expat, exercise can be done in many ways in Tokyo. Free and low-cost options include hiking in the mountains, doing a bit of bouldering, and walking/biking (which you’ll probably be doing a lot of just to get around). Martial arts is a great way to get in your cardio and strength training, and, though it may take a bit of digging, Tokyo offers everything from Aikido to ninja-style training and Krav Maga. If you’re keen on joining a gym, the cheapest way is to register at your community fitness center—the main alternative is signing up for Gold’s, Tipness or one of the other big chains.
Furniture
Furnishing your pad in Japan is as easy as saying “Give it to me!” when someone leaves town. You may even be able to take over some furniture from the tenant who is moving—if they are an acquaintance of yours, or a fellow expat, anyway. Otherwise, start with sayonara sales and see what you can pick up, and then explore Off Home and local recycle shops to fill in what you still need. If you’re feeling fancy, you can always take a trip to Ikea—but we recommend going the second-hand route unless you’re settling down here. If you’re the one leaving, here are a few tips for disposing of your unwanted stuff.
Apartments
Finding an apartment in Tokyo can be stressful, as most realtors require hefty deposits (which may not be returned) and extra fees in the form of “key money” and guarantor amounts. And some still, even in this day and age, refuse to rent to foreigners! UR Rental Housing is a good choice if you can afford it; otherwise, ask around for estate agents that other expats have used and been satisfied with. There is also the money-saving option of taking a lease at an “accident apartment” (a place where something bad has happened) if you’re brave and not superstitious. Have a look at our rental guide and check out our interactive rent map to find the most economical areas before you go flat-hunting. Once you’re all moved in, you might find this washing machine hack and these tips for Tokyo newbies useful.
Sim Cards
This being Japan, you would think getting a SIM card for your mobile device would be a painless, high-tech experience—but that’s not always the reality. We’re here to help: first you need to decide whether a contract or prepaid SIM card will work out to be more economical for you, and then go from there. If you’re opting for prepaid, you have the option of data and voice, or data-only, with various offers from the big cellular providers. We provide a detailed comparison of the SIM providers in this article, and delve into the prepaid and cheap data options here. If you’re a tourist, you might be able to pick up a SIM for free—see the second article for more. And be sure to watch our “Getting Wifi in Japan” video, which includes a SIM section.
Learning Japanese
Knowing just a few basic Japanese phrases can make your travels in Japan much easier, and if you’re going to be staying for an extended period of time, learning the vernacular will greatly deepen your experience of the country. It’s not the easiest language in the world (though neither is English!), but with the right resources, you’ll be nattering away in no time. City halls generally offer free lessons, and there are language exchange cafes and meets all over the show. Once you’ve mastered a few things, think about challenging yourself with one of the JLPT proficiency tests—they go down really well in job applications.
Cooking
Some expats eat out every day of their lives in Japan. Some expats are also always broke. The healthier option, for both your body and bank balance, is to make like the locals and cook your meals at home. Even if you’ve got a one-plate burner, you can whip up nabe, noodles and some mean nikujaga—and for cheap, too. Cooking up the dishes you’re used to back home might mean getting in some expensive ingredients, so explore Japanese recipes instead. Here’s where to find budget-friendly cooking lessons (in English) in Tokyo. Itadakimasu!
Insider tips for living like a local.
