This week, I’m going to provide you tips if you plan to move to Tokyo.

Tokyo is an exciting city to visit but if you plan on laying down your roots there, you’ll need to prepare. It can be a culture shock even for those that are used to living in big cities:
• Visas – Plan at least two months in getting a visa and make sure you get the correct one. If you plan to work, apply for a work visa. Tourist and general visas are also available.
• Language – Something that a lot of people don’t know is that most Japanese don’t speak English. In addition, there are not a lot of accommodations for English speakers. Just getting around requires knowing the basics of the Japanese language.
• Apartment hunting – It can be daunting to not only find the right place for you, but to pay the upfront costs landlords require. Deposits and other fees are a lot higher there than in the U.S. sometimes requiring more than $5,000 in costs just to move in.
• City hall – All citizens staying a long period of time need to register at city hall to receive an ID card. It’s similar to a driver’s license in the U.S. This is required and you need it on you at all times.
• Like in London, you won’t need a car while in Tokyo. Their public transportation is excellent and the finest in the world.

Safe moving!