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The Expat's Guide to Japan
Everything you need to know about living and working in Tokyo & Yokohama
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Koganei Park
The second largest park in the Metropolitan Tokyo. Inside the park there is an Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum where you can enjoy restored buildings and scenes of daily life from Edo-period to post-WWII period.…
Koishikawa Botanical Garden
The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science’s botanical garden in Tokyo is one of the oldest in Japan. Used for research, these gardens are open to the public and have large collections of flora, including a 300 year forest…
Mizumoto Park
The largest park with water landscapes within municipal Tokyo. Features many species of plants and trees which grow well near water and a sanctuary for wild birds.…
Mukoujima-Hyakkaen Gardens
A flower garden established in the early 19th century, it was originally designed to house a variety of Ume plum trees but has since come to accommodate a wide variety of annually blooming flora.…
ShinjukuGyoen National Garden
One of Tokyo’s foremost parks, the , former residence of the daimyo noble Naito family, is one of the most popular places in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing. Aside from the cherry trees, the park has over 20,000 varieties of…
Showa Kinen Park
The largest park in Tokyo area (165.3 hectares / 408.4 acres). So many areas to explore, including the entire 14km of cycling course, many sporting activities, outdoor barbeque, and variety of kids playground equipments such as giant bouncing domes.…
Todoroki Gorge
One of Tokyo’s more idyllic places, this stretch of green is surrounded by trees and follows the course of a river. Quiet and featuring one or two shrines, it’s perfect for a quiet stroll to escape the hustle and bustle…
Rinshi no Mori Park
Beginning life as a nursery and forestry research station, this park was opened to the public when the station was moved to Tsukuba. Located in Shimomeguro, some of its trees can be traced back hundreds of years and provide excellent…
Ueno Park
This is one of the most popular locations for hanami in Tokyo. If you can handle the crowds that gather here, you are in for a real treat. While Ueno is a beautiful sight at any time of the year,…
Yoyogi Park
This lush and green park offers the grandest panorama of Tokyo’s sky and is also famous for its cherry blossom viewing. The area was first used as a US army housing site and then as the grounds for the Olympic…
Immigration
The Immigration Bureau controls all matters regarding entry and residency for foreigners in Japan. Its website contains information on immigration matters, procedures, sample forms and contact information for immigration centers throughout Japan. It should be noted that the immigration system…
Visa and Entry to Japan
Entry Procedures Temporary Visitors If you are from one of the 67 countries and territories with whom Japan has a visa waiver arrangement (check the MOFA website for the full list) and are staying less than three months (15 days…
Residency
Residence Cards All mid- to long-term foreign residents are required to obtain a “Residence Card” (previously: “Alien Registration Card”, see below) , which serves as the primary form of identification in Japan. Foreign nationals residing legally in Japan are subject…
Registering a Personal Seal
Inkan (personal seal) is a seal stamp of an individual or an organization’s name that is used in place of a signature on documents in Japan. Hanko is the physical object pressed on the paper to create the seal. They are made of hard materials such as plastic, wood, or ivory, not rubber.
Museums & Galleries
Tokyo has a wide selection of museums and galleries. Department stores often host temporary exhibitions, which are convenient and economical. Tickets can be bought on site, but there are often long lines for the more popular exhibits. the…
Housing Types and Terminology
Japanese Mansion and Apāto The most common forms of housing in Japan are mansions and apāto. A is typically a concrete apartment/condominium complex of three or more floors. Buildings with at least five floors usually have elevators, and more modern…
Foreigner-Friendly Housing Contracts and Agencies
Serviced Apartments Serviced apartments include all the furniture, linen, cutlery and electrical appliances you need, as well as regular cleaning and concierge services, providing the comfort of home with the convenience of a hotel. Many people stay here with their…
Duplex
Duplex offers stylish and upscale residences in premier locations in the heart of Tokyo. Perfect for both short and extended stay.…
Enplus Inc. | Tokyo Apartments
Tokyo One Stop Housing Solution | Offering a wide selection of premium serviced apartments, and furnished & unfurnished rental apartments. Serviced apartments available from 1 night stay. Tokyo Apartments is one of the very few real estate agencies in Tokyo…
Mori Building Serviced Apartments
Fully furnished residences for 1 month or longer with access to exclusive swimming pool and gym. 4 convenient locations in central Tokyo: Roppongi Hills, Atago Green Hills, ARK Towers and The Prudential Tower.…
Oakwood Tokyo
Oakwood offers the finest serviced apartments for business and leisure travelers for extended stays with three choices of living, Premier, Residence and Apartments. In wanting to offer more luxuriously furnished apartments and greater service quality, Oakwood has taken pride in…
Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.
They carry a rich number of apartments in convenient locations in central Tokyo. From unfurnished to fully furnished, their apartments can be arranged accordingly to the resident’s needs.…
Tokyu Stay Service
Tokyu Stay specializes in premium serviced apartments in central Tokyo, perfect for business trips and vacations.…
Renting through a Japanese Agency
If you are planning to stay in Japan for a long time and have enough funds to pay the initial fees, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to get a traditional Japanese-style contract. You may need a…
Arkios K.K.
Arkios’ bilingual agents, specializing in homes for rent in central Tokyo, will support you in every aspect of your relocation.
Century21 SKY Realty, Inc.
Century21 Sky Realty has 25 years of experience finding their valued customers amazing homes at miracle prices.
Winners Planning
Winners Planning covers marvelous houses and apartments for expatriates and expat families. Any inquiry will be welcome so you can get success and comfort for your new life.
Enplus Inc. – Real Estate Agency
From tailor-made accommodation solutions for your company to property management and property investment, they have you covered. Contact their Property Consultants to discuss your specific requirements.
H&R Consultants K.K.
H&R Consultants offers personalized professional service that consistently exceeds client expectations. Whether you are in Japan on a short term or long term assignment, they provide a range of on-going service and support to make your stay more pleasant.…
Moving In, Moving Out
Moving to a new residence takes a lot of time and energy. Whether you are relocating to Japan from abroad, or moving to a new property within Japan, there are many resources available to help you make the transition to…
Crown Relocations
First established in Yokohama in 1965, Crown Japan has been helping people relocate for over 45 years. Today Crown has offices in Tokyo and in Kobe, and 248 other locations around the world. Crown helps transferees and their families move their household goods and get settled into new homes. Their complete selection of services and their “one point of contact” structure function to meet employees’ needs so they can quickly become focused and productive.
Santa Fe Relocation Services
Santa Fe provides full relocation services from visa and immigration, moving, warehouse storage, housing/school searches, area orientation, cross-culture training and more.
Tokyo Orientations
The key to successful relocation: providing home search, settling-in and repatriation packages, visa and immigration assistance.
Asian Tigers Japan
Asian Tigers Mobility is a leading provider of international relocation solutions, providing comprehensive, end-to-end mobility services tailored to our client’s needs – everything from household goods moves to finding and getting settled into a new home. By partnering with Asian…
TWA Inc. – Tokyo Relocation Services
Japan can test the most seasoned travelers. They provide a range of relocation services to help you start your life in Tokyo. They offer a host of services to suit your requirements from “Orientation” to “Settling down” packages.…
Furnishings
Leasing & Buying Furniture Furniture lease companies offer various services such as total coordination of furniture, linen and electrical appliances upon your request. They also offer full support for repair and replacement. Items can be purchased at the end of…
Advance International Inc.
With a dazzling array of furniture, cutting edge electric appliances and fast flexible service, they will have you comfortable in no time.
