flag Japan Japan: Living

In this page: Welsh diplomatic representations | Communities of Expatriates | Ranking of Cities | Renting an Apartment | School System | Health System | Tourism and Culture | Individual and Civic Freedoms | Religion

 

Welsh diplomatic representations

The Welsh Government overseas offices aim to grow the economy by increasing exporting and attracting inward investment, raising Wales' profile on the international stage and establishing Wales as a globally responsible nation. Details on the offices in Japan are below:

Tokyo
+81 3 5211 1247
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm local time

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Communities of Expatriates

The Number of Expatriates
The expatriate community in Japan has more than 200,000 members. These sites describe living conditions for expatriates in Japan: ExpatFocus Japan, Transitionabroad Japan, Ministry of Justice, etc.
Blogs For Expats
Japan Alloexpat
Expatnihon
Hotel reservation websites
The key elements of Japanese culture on the Japan Guide website
Trends in Japan
Transportation Companies For Moving/Removals
Nippon Express
Japan Luggage Express, Ltd.
Contact the Embassy
Contact the Embassy of Japan in the United Kingdom.
Contact Your Embassy
Contact the British Embassy in Japan.
 
 

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Ranking of Cities

Cost of Living
According to the latest available edition of the Cost of Living Worldwide City Rankings Survey by Mercer, Tokyo is ranked 19th out of 227 cities worldwide in terms of cost of living, counting among the 20 most expensive cities to live in.
Quality of Life
Tokyo and Kobe (both occupying 49th rank out of 231 cities worldwide) offer the highest quality of life in Japan according to the latest available edition Mercer's Quality of Living City Rankings.
Hotel reservation websites
Quality of Living Worldwide City Rankings (Survey by Mercer)
Cost of Living Worldwide City Rankings (Survey by Mercer)

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Renting an Apartment

Average Lease Term
2 years
Average Rental Costs
Costs of reservation (tetsukekin): equivalent to 1 month’s rent, recoverable if the rental becomes effective.
The deposit (shikikin): equivalent to 7 months rent; recoverable if the apartment has not been damaged.
Money for the hand-over of the keys (reikin:, paid in the case of a private rental; not recoverable; equivalent at most to 7 months’ rent.
Agency fees (chukai tesuryo): between 3 and 10 months’ rent; not recoverable.

The third party guarantor is necessary. The person may be required to be Japanese and have the necessary financial capabilities.
Rental Agency Websites
Expatriates Housing Tokyo
Hotel reservation websites
Japan Guide information about finding an apartment

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School System

The Education System
In Japan, education is compulsory at elementary and junior high level, and most Japanese students usually complete more than 16 years of education including preschool, high school and college. The Japanese educational system is extremely competitive, with many students taking extra tuition classes in order to maximize their chances of doing well in examinations.

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture provides further information.
International Schools
There are a large number of international schools in all the main cities. There are relatively few English-language pre-schools. The Alloexpat website provides a list of international schools in Japan.
Hotel reservation websites
The Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry website provides a 'Study in Japan' article

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Health System

The Healthcare System
Healthcare in Japan is of a very high standard, although facilities are more basic in rural areas.
International Hospitals
Japan has only one international hospital: St Luke’s International Hospita However, other establishments are accessible to those who speak English (list found here).
Health System Insurance Body
National Health Insurance
Health Ministry
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

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Tourism and Culture

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical
While many castles were destroyed en masse during the Meiji era and the Second World War, some remain and are popular tourist destinations. The following castles have been designated national treasures due to their 'especially high historical or artistic value': Matsumoto Castle, Himeji Castle, Hikone Castle, Inuyama Castle and Matsue Castle.
Cultural
Many festivals take place throughout the year, including Festival of the Tombs and the Cherry Blossom Festival. Open air museums located throughout the country offer visits of different Japanese architectural styles. Japan is home to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites.
Nature
The Konrokuen at Kanazawa and Katsura Villa at Kyoto are two beautiful gardens, which are exemplary of the Japanese style. Japan is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites.
Religious
Temples and tombs can be found across Japan. Some of the most well-known temples include Ginkakuji, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera and Sanjusangendo at Kyoto, as well as Todaiji and Horyuji at Nara. Among the most well-known tombs are Ise Grand Shrine and Nikko Toshogu at Nikko, as well as Itsukushima at Miyajima.
Thermal
Hot springs flow throughout the country.
Beach
Japan is the home to roaming coastlines and a diverse array of beaches. The Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its white sand beaches and picturesque turquoise water. With its subtropical climate and warm temperatures, the beach is open throughout the year, though the best weather is typically found between May and October. Nearer to Tokyo, the Shonan Coast and Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture have very popular beaches.

This guide provides more information about beach tourism in Japan.

Winter Sports
The 500 national ski resorts have plentiful snow for winter sports, as well as superb countryside and hot water springs to relax in.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking, diving, bicycle touring and golf.
Shopping
Japan is known worldwide for its unique fashion. Japanese designers abound, with European brands also represented. Department stores, such as Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya, have proven to be popular shopping destinations.
 
 

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Individual and Civic Freedoms

Civil Liberty
1/7
World Ranking of Freedom of the Press According to "Reporters sans Frontières", 2021 report : 67/180

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Religion

Beliefs
Shintoism and Buddhism are the two most widespread religions (84% of the population). Japanese may follow one or both religions.gion, or both.

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Latest Update: March 2024