Perhaps you’ve watched hundreds of “my life in Japan” videos on YouTube, and they’re full of similar recommendations. You even know exactly how to get to the first place you’d visit once you’re in Japan. But you’ve been saying for years that “one day” you’ll live in Japan—and it stays at that, while time keeps passing. I get it completely, because I was exactly the same.
Many people dream of moving to Japan but never take the first step; often it isn’t a lack of interest, but doubts, fear of making mistakes, or overthinking the plan.1
No regrets
Some people have thousands of photos of Japan on their phone without having visited even once. There will always be an excuse not to try—until you decide to do it.
This article isn’t here to convince you to live in Japan; it’s to turn that desire into action with specific steps—and what to do if everything goes wrong. It wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it is a possibility.
Before we start—because I know all this information can feel overwhelming—I created an interactive tool that will guide you step by step through your move to Japan.
The secret recipe
Without a system: Lost Post-its, lists in 10 different places, constant anxiety.
With a system: Everything organized, visible progress, peace of mind.
Result: From “someday” to “I bought my ticket.”
What do you get when you register for free?
If you don’t sign up and complete at least one task after reading this, you probably never will. The checklist isn’t magic—it’s visible commitment. It’s the difference between “someday” and “day one,” and with every task you complete, you’ll see your progress bar move—toward your life in Japan.
This tool will help you turn the information in this article into an actionable plan. Now, let’s look at the myths that are holding you back.
Myth #1: I need perfect Japanese.
Reality: A basic level (like N5) is enough to get started in many cases. There are also companies and startups that accept profiles with functional English and post roles aimed at global talent (including “Only English Required”).2
Myth #2: I need $20,000 USD in savings.
Reality: $5,000–8,000 USD can be enough for a basic transition depending on your situation and city. Here’s a realistic example breakdown:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Money-saving tips |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | $600–1,200 | Fly Tue/Wed, book 2–3 months ahead |
| Apartment deposit | $2,000–3,000 | Use sharehouses for the first months |
| Visa & documents | $200–400 | Translate the basics yourself |
| Living expenses (2 months) | $2,000–2,500 | Cook at home, discounted bentos |
| Emergency fund | $1,000 | Non-negotiable |
Myth #3: I can only teach English.
Reality: There are multiple paths: tech/IT, specialized manufacturing, hospitality/tourism, marketing, design, and entrepreneurship. The government itself promotes hiring international talent and foreign entrepreneurship (for example, the “Business Manager” status and startup programs).3
As for your CV, in Japan the standard Japanese CV format is used (履歴書). You can buy it at any convenience store (コンビニ), fill it out by hand (yes, by hand), and attach a physical photo (not printed on the page). It’s deliberately rigid—they assess your ability to follow instructions.
Networking strategies that work
Myth #4: I’m too old/too young.
Reality: There’s no upper age limit for most work visas, and there are options like student visas. Working Holiday visas have age limits (generally 18–30, with some country-specific exceptions).5
Myth #5: I’ll never fit in culturally.
Reality: Integration isn’t “becoming Japanese”—it’s participating and showing respect. With time, support, and consistency, most foreign residents report gradual adaptation, and there are public policies focused on coexistence and support for foreign residents.4
Planning
This is your invisible but crucial preparation phase. In your checklist, this stage has specific tasks that turn “I want to” into “I’m doing”:
Immediate micro-action: Join an international community group for your city on Facebook—then check it off in your checklist to feel that first bit of progress. This helps because users report that seeing their progress bar at 10% motivates them more than any inspirational video. It’s tangible evidence you’ve already started.
Before you go
This is where it gets serious—your checklist has a long task list here, but don’t panic: you’re getting closer to your goal:
Specific resources that work:
Remember others have already done it. You’re not alone.
3 months before
1 month before
The magic of progress: By this point, your checklist will show 60–70% completed. That percentage will give you a big boost of confidence that you can do this.
Week 1
Your first-72-hours checklist is your lifeline. It’s designed to guide you hour by hour while you’re battling jet lag:
Days 1–2: Arrival and recovery
Day 3: Official registration
Bonus: Checking off these official tasks feels like leveling up in a video game.
Days 4–5: Basic setup
Days 6–7: Search for permanent housing
Weeks 2–4
Months 2–3
Survival reality check
Month 1: “What did I do?” — Checklist 30% completed. Normal.
Month 3: “I get the system now.” — Checklist 60% completed.
Month 6: “Why didn’t I move sooner?” — Checklist 85% completed.
The key: The checklist shows you the chaos is temporary and progress is real.
Exploration bonus: Once you’re settled, activate your “Journey” places checklist in your Sakurenpon account to start ticking off temples visited, neighborhoods explored, and restaurants conquered. It’s your second achievement phase.
Remember: every time you complete a basic checklist task, your brain processes the cultural change and gives you a sense of control. Each task is a small win against culture shock.
One thing people don’t talk about enough is: if, for any reason, you can no longer live in Japan and have to return to your country—or want to move elsewhere—what should you do?
Scenario 1: You lose your job
Scenario 2: You don’t adapt culturally
Scenario 3: You run out of money
The truth: If you decide to pause and go back to your country, there are ways to try again later (for example, a Working Holiday depending on your nationality, or startup programs supported by municipalities).5
Work: expectations vs. reality
There are many myths you hear online, and everyone speaks from their own experience—we’re all different and have different jobs. But the reality in 2025 is:
Making Japanese friends
Regarding dating: international marriages are not uncommon in Japan; official vital statistics publish annual tables by spouses’ nationalities.7
Cultural mistakes that matter
Look, you could spend another three years watching “My life in Japan” videos—or you could be filming your own in six months. The difference between those who make it and the forever dreamers is just one thing: imperfect action over perfect planning.
Your decision moment
If you’re reading this on a Sunday night, procrastinating before another week at a job you don’t love, ask yourself: What am I really waiting for?
Here are a few things you can do today:
In 30 days, you should be able to confirm the following:
The brutal truth: If you haven’t taken at least one concrete action after reading this, you probably never will. But if you feel that fire in your stomach—that voice saying “it’s now or never”—then stop reading about Japan and start moving toward Japan.
Share this article with that friend who’s been talking about moving to Japan for years. Sometimes all we need is a nudge and a small guide.
The difference between dreaming and doing
Those who make it have a system. Those who keep dreaming have excuses. Which one do you want to be?
Micro-action: Register and complete your first task. It literally takes 30 seconds and it’s the first tangible step toward your new life in Japan.
Once you’ve reached more than 70% of your checklist for moving to Japan, keep in mind the following tools you may need once you’re living here. Here are some useful resources for life in Japan:
Life-saving apps
Facebook groups
Government resources in English
Support communities
Can I really get by without speaking Japanese?
Yes—especially in Tokyo and Osaka in fields like tech or teaching. But your quality of life improves with basic Japanese. You don’t need fluency; you need functionality.
What’s the average salary I can expect?
Is Japan really as expensive as they say?
Tokyo is expensive, like New York or London. But Osaka is about 30% cheaper, and smaller cities can be 50% cheaper. Outside Tokyo, you can live comfortably on around ¥200,000/month.
What about my partner or family?
A dependent visa is available for your spouse and children. International schools cost around ¥2–3 million per year, but Japanese public schools are free.
Do I need a university degree?
For a standard work visa, yes—or 10 years of experience. But there are alternatives: student visa, Working Holiday, Specified Skilled Worker, etc.
When’s the best time to move?
April is the start of the Japanese fiscal and school year, so many services and places are crowded, but it’s also when many cycles begin. September is mid-year hiring season.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but it’s complex and expensive—around $2,000–3,000 USD. There’s also a 180-day quarantine from certain countries, and many apartments don’t allow pets.
