Living in Japan can sometimes be awesome and at other times it can be a real challenge. The approach we like is to employ “life hacks”. If you are non Japanese in Japan, society has different expectations on you than it does on the locals.
If you’re here to stay, one of the first things to decide is where to lay your futon. With its more international feel, Tokyo can be an easy place to live for non Japanese. If you’re set on improving your Japanese language abilities or getting a taste of the “real” Japan, then a more rural community may be preferable. However, outside the big cities, you may find that your opportunities are severely limited. Usually the choices are limited to student or (English) teacher.
If you’re making a larger purchase, paying for a ski holiday etc then read our guide on how to transfer money to Japan.
Find out when's best to see sakura in all the major cities around the country.
