Life in Japan

Renting an apartment in Japan is not just about money. For a landlord to agree to rent an apartment to you, it is important to have a guarantor, official documents, and present yourself properly. This is not a “renter's market” - they choose you, not you.

Where to look

1. Online platforms (most of them in Japanese):

• Suumo.jp - the largest resource with filters by district, station
• Homes.co.jp - user-friendly interface
• RealEstate Japan, GaijinPot Apartments - focused on foreigners (prices are higher, but it is easier to negotiate)

2. Alternatives:

• Leo Palace 21, UR Housing - agencies that often do not require a guarantor and reikin
• Facebook groups of Ukrainians in Japan (for example, “Ukrainians in Tokyo”) - sometimes there are direct offers
• Share house networks: Sakura House - do not require a guarantor, suitable for the first month

Tip: If you have just arrived, it is better to rent a house for 1-2 months in a share house or a capsule hotel. This will give you time to find a long-term option with documents.

What documents are needed

For long-term rentals, you are usually asked for:

• Residence Card (在留カード) - required
• Proof of income or employment contract
• Japanese bank account
• Phone number of a Japanese operator
• Contact of the guarantor (連帯保証人) - a Japanese person who is responsible in case of non-payment
• Sometimes - 住民票 (Juminhyo) - a document of residence registration

In case of renting through Leo Palace or share house, only a passport and the first payment may be requested. But these options are less private.

What to look for in the ads

Some terms can be misleading, so pay attention to the following:

What to ask before signing

- Who pays for repairs if the equipment breaks down?

- Is internet included in the price?

- When was the last time repairs were done?

- Is it possible to live with a child / animals?

- Is this address suitable for residence registration?

💡 If you do not understand the terms of the contract or doubt the transparency of the agency, please contact us for advice. Visit Ukraine legal experts will help you check the contract, eviction conditions and the legality of additional payments.

Japan is a country where food can be both relatively affordable and very expensive. It all depends on where you buy, how you cook, and whether you are ready to adapt to the local cuisine. The products are of high quality and there is a wide choice, but it is more difficult to find something “homey”, and the prices of imports can surprise even an experienced traveler.

How much do people spend on groceries?

Here are the average costs (excluding restaurants and cafes) if you shop in supermarkets and cook at home:

If you often buy ready-to-eat food (bento, noodles, snacks), your expenses increase by at least 20-30%.

Shops: from discounters to premium chains

1. Budget segment (low prices, large selection):

• Gyomu Super - frozen vegetables, meat, sauces in large packages

• OK Store - inexpensive products of good quality
• Seiyu - convenience stores with its own brand
• Don Quijote - “chaotic” but cheap

2. Middle segment (standard supermarkets):

• Aeon, Life, Ito Yokado - convenient, but a bit more expensive

3. Imported and specialized:

• Kaldi, National Azabu, Seijo Ishii - imports from Europe, the USA

• Costco - wholesale purchases, membership card required

4. Convenience stores (konbini):

• 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart - ready meals, snacks, coffee, basic groceries

It is expensive to buy “every day” in a konbini: bread, milk, or rice will cost 1.5-2 times more than in a supermarket.

Examples of prices (Tokyo 2026)

Ready meals: convenient, but not cheap

Ready-made lunches (bento) and snacks are very popular in Japan. They are sold in supermarkets, konbini, and vending machines.

Bento in a supermarket: ¥400-600

Bento in 7-Eleven: ¥500-650

A package of sushi (6 pieces): ¥500-700

Ramen in a cafe: ¥900-1 200

Coffee in the conbin: ¥100-200

After 19:00, supermarkets often offer discounts of up to 50% on ready-to-eat meals, which is a great way to save money.

What will surprise Ukrainians?

1) Bread is sweet and rarely tastes “like home”. It is better to look for “bakery” or imported options.

2) Buckwheat and sour cream are rare. They are available at Kaldi in Tokyo (the price is 2-3 times higher).

3) Alcohol is inexpensive. A bottle of local beer costs ¥150-250, sake - from ¥300/bottle.

How to save money?

• Shop for 1-2 weeks, not every day
• Choose basic locally produced products (rice, tofu, seasonal vegetables)
• Take advantage of discounts after 19:00 in supermarkets
• Install apps with coupons (for example, Aeon or Gyomu Super)

Japan's transportation system is one of the most precise in the world. In major cities, you can easily get around by subway, train, bus, and between cities by Shinkansen bullet trains. At the same time, you need to know how different types of tickets work, which apps are better to have, and how much they cost.

Public transportation: subways, buses, commuter trains

Most Japanese cities have a single payment system that covers several types of transportation:

• Subway (地下鉄 / Subway) - in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and other metropolitan areas
• JR trains (Japan Railways) - cover cities and suburbs
• Private lines (e.g., Odakyu, Keio, Hankyu) - connecting centers and suburbs
• Buses - more often in the provinces, in cities - as a supplement

How to pay for travel

Transportation cards:

• Suica (Tokyo), Pasmo, Icoca, Kitaca, Toica - reusable cards, work throughout Japan
• The cost of the card is ¥500 (one-time)
• Replenished through vending machines or applications
• Can be used in shops, vending machines, taxis

Prices for transportation:

Each city has its own fares, depending on the distance and type of line.

Tips for use

1. The subway is open from 5:00 to 00:30 (in Tokyo); there is almost no night transport

2. Delays are rare, but if the delay is >5 minutes, you can get an official certificate (for work)

3. It is not customary to speak loudly or make phone calls in the car

4. During peak hours (7:30-9:30 and 17:00-19:30) - very tight, especially in Tokyo

Long-distance transportation: Shinkansen and buses

Shinkansen (high-speed train):

- Reliable, convenient, but not cheap

- For example: Tokyo to Osaka: ¥13,500 (2.5 hours). Tokyo - Kyoto: ¥13 000

There is a Japan Rail Pass, but from 2024 it is not available for residents with long-term visas (only for tourists)

Buses:

• Willers Express, JR Bus, Willer Bus - budget buses between cities
• For example: Tokyo - Osaka from ¥3,000-6,000 (7-9 hours)
• Often night buses with reclining seats

Transportation in the provinces

• In smaller cities, public transportation may be limited
• Buses are rare and not always comfortable
• People often get around by car or bicycle
• It is possible to buy a used bicycle (~¥7,000-10,000), convenient for daily activities

Taxis: convenient but expensive

• Minimum fare: ¥410-500 (for the first 1-2 km)
• Then - ¥80-100 for every 300-400 meters
• At night (22:00-5:00) - extra charge of 20-30%.
• Payment - cash, card or Suica

In cities, there are apps for calling a taxi: GO Taxi, JapanTaxi (similar to Uber, which is limited)

If you have a car

In Japan, it is convenient to have a car - especially in rural areas or with children. But there are nuances:

• Parking in the city - from ¥200 to ¥800/hour, or ¥15,000+/month for parking
• Gasoline - ¥160-175/l
• To register a car, you need a parking certificate (shako shoumei)
• Many highways are tolled (¥300-¥1,000/section)

Cars with Ukrainian registration - can be imported on a limited basis (for short-term stay)

Useful applications

1. Google Maps - fully integrated with Japanese routes

2. NAVITIME - a local route planner with train platforms

3. Japan Travel App - English-language routes and recommendations

4. Suica App / Pasmo - transport card management

If you have just arrived, you will most likely face the fact that without a bank account, you will not be credited with a salary, will not be able to open a full-fledged mobile contract, and will not even be allowed to sign up for some online services. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the system.

Why opening an account is not always easy

For most Japanese banks, it is important that the client has not only a passport, but also residency status, a confirmed address, and a local phone number. If you have a temporary status, a short-term visa, or have just arrived, some banks may refuse to open an account.

However, even in this case, there are options. Online banks are less demanding, and government agencies (such as Japan Post Bank) have branches that regularly work with foreigners. They can often be found near major train stations or in areas with a large number of expats.

Which bank should I choose?

If you want the simplest possible registration and an application in English, you should consider online banks such as Sony Bank or Rakuten Bank. They work mainly through a mobile application, and registration is possible even without a visit to a branch.

For stable “official” use (e.g., receiving a salary), classic banks such as Mizuho, SMBC, or Japan Post Bank are also convenient. The latter, by the way, has the largest number of branches in the country and often works even with newcomers without an employment contract.

What you need to have with you

When opening an account, you must have:

- Residence Card with an up-to-date status;

- passport;

- address of residence in Japan (sometimes a certificate from the local city hall);

- a phone number from a Japanese operator.

In some cases, you may also be asked for an employment contract or proof of income, especially if you plan to use full financial services.

💡 All forms are usually filled out in Japanese. So if you are not sure about the translation, it is better to ask for help.

What will you receive after opening?

First of all, you will receive a bank card (cash card). It can only be used for ATM withdrawals, without the possibility of paying in stores or online. For this purpose, you will have to apply for a debit or credit card separately, which is not possible in all banks at once.

You will also have Internet banking - but in some institutions, you need to activate it separately, especially if the interface is in English. If you plan to use online stores or make payments abroad, you should consider a virtual card from Wise or Revolut.

Cash: still relevant

Although Japan is actively moving towards a cashless economy, in 2026, cash will still dominate in small shops, markets, government offices, and rental housing.

Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, and JP Bank. The fee ranges from ¥110 to ¥220, so it's better to withdraw a larger amount at once.

What about transfers?

International SWIFT transfers are possible, but expensive: fees are ¥2,000-3,000, plus a double conversion is possible. Most Ukrainians use it:

• Wise
• Revolut
• or PaySend.

They allow you to replenish your account or send money to Ukraine online, without visiting a branch.

💡 Tip: the easiest way to get started is with Japan Post Bank or Rakuten. However, if you plan to receive a salary, sign a mobile contract, or work in a company, it is better to have an account with a classic bank such as SMBC or MUFG.

As soon as you arrive in Japan, the first thing you want to do is buy a SIM card and connect to the Internet. But it's not that simple: most contracts are for 2 years, only with residents, and all documents are in Japanese. Prepaid SIMs are simpler, but with limited functionality. But with home Internet, you often have to wait up to 2-4 weeks for installers.

Mobile communication: how does it work?

Japan has a contract model of mobile communications. This means that most favorable tariffs are available only to those who have residency status, a Japanese bank account, and a local address.

But don't worry - there are easier options. You can start with a SIM without a contract (MVNO), and later upgrade to a full-fledged tariff when you have the documents.

What you need to activate a contract:

• Residence Card (在留カード) - “resident” status, not “Temporary Visitor”
• Address of residence (registration at the city hall)
• Japanese phone number (for confirmation purposes)
• Bank account in Japan
• Knowledge of Japanese or a translator (for signing the contract)

Without these items, the big three operators (SoftBank, AU, Docomo) will refuse to connect.

How to connect if you have just arrived?

The easiest way is to start with a prepaid SIM card or connect to one of the virtual operators:

- no need to sign a contract

- you can choose a small data package

- you can order it in a store or online

Please note: even some SIM cards without a contract require a passport + address in Japan, even if it is temporary (hotel, dormitory, share house).

Features worth knowing:

1. Contracts are for 24 months. Termination earlier = fine.

2. Automatic renewal: if you do not terminate the contract, a new payment will be charged.

3. Applications and personal account are in Japanese only.

4. You often cannot change the tariff without calling the operator.

Home internet in Japan: not always easy

Unlike mobile Internet, home Internet takes longer to connect - sometimes you have to wait 2-4 weeks after applying. It all depends on the provider, the area, and even the type of house. In many apartments, you need to order the connection and installation of equipment separately.

What you need to connect:

• Residence Card
• Address (sometimes a copy of the lease agreement)
• Japanese phone number
• Bank account (payment is automatically debited)

If you are living in Leo Palace, UR Housing or a share house, please check if the internet is already included.

Tips:

1. If you are staying for a long time, choose fiber optic internet.

2. For the first weeks, it is most convenient to take a Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM router

3. Carefully read the contract - there may be hidden fees (activation, router, termination)

4. In some cases, the Internet is tied to a specific provider and cannot be changed

The Japanese education system is one of the most organized in the world, but it is not always intuitive for foreigners. To enroll a child in a kindergarten or school, you need to understand the application rules, deadlines, documents, and even mental expectations - there is no pressure or demand to “accept a child at any cost.”

Preschool education (Hoikuen, Yochien): kindergartens in Japan

There are two main types of preschools in Japan:

1. Hoikuen (保育園) - full-day kindergartens aimed at working parents.

2. Yochien (幼稚園) - more like a “children's preparatory school”, have an educational program, but usually work until lunch.

If you work (even part-time), Hoikuen will be your priority. If one of the parents is at home, the chances of getting a place are lower, especially in densely populated areas.

How much does it cost?

• In public kindergartens, the cost depends on the family's income - on average, it is ¥10,000-¥40,000/month.
• Private ones can cost ¥50,000-¥80,000 or more.
• Meals are charged separately: ¥5,000-¥8,000 per month.
• Additionally - entrance fee, uniform, backpack, stationery.

Features:

1. Great competition: sometimes 2-3 applications - and only one child gets a place.

2. In the capital (Tokyo), there can be queues even for 6-12 months.

3. A certificate from the place of work is often required to confirm the schedule.

School: how to enroll a child in Japanese education

Compulsory school education in Japan lasts 9 years: 6 - elementary school (shōgakkō), 3 - middle school (chūgakkō). Then there is the optional “higher secondary” (kōkō), which lasts another 3 years.

Ukrainian children with temporary protection or a resident visa are entitled to free public education, just like Japanese children.

Documents for enrollment:

• Residence Card of the child and parents
• Passport
• Address of residence (住民票 / Juminhyo)
• Medical certificate / vaccinations
• Sometimes - birth certificate with translation

After submitting the application to the Board of Education in your district, you will be assigned a school - usually the closest to your place of residence.

Language adaptation:

Many schools have welcome classes or separate language programs where the child learns Japanese for a few months and then integrates into the general class.

In some regions (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka), there is support for multilingual students.

Do I need a uniform? What about textbooks?

• Uniforms are required in almost all middle and high schools - the cost of a starter kit is ~¥20,000-30,000
• Textbooks in public schools are free, but notebooks, a backpack (randosera), stationery, and shoes for school will have to be purchased independently.
• At the beginning of the school year (April), there may be fees for “consumables” or excursions (~¥10,000+)

School year and schedule

• Start of the year: April
• Vacations: summer (late July - August), winter (late December - early January), spring (late March - early April)
• Schedule: from 8:30 to ~15:00, additional clubs - after school

Clubs and extracurricular programs

1. Bukatsu - school clubs (sports, music, chess, etc.). Free or with a minimum fee.

2. Jidōkan - municipal centers for children: clubs, games, after-school activities. Often free of charge.

3. Private classes (eikaiwa, swimming, drawing, etc.) - ¥5,000-¥10,000/month.

Tip: find out about support for foreigners at your school - sometimes translators, free Japanese courses, and individual meetings with teachers are available.

What else should you know?

• Children clean up after themselves at school: it's part of the learning process.
• If a child does not speak Japanese, it can be psychologically difficult at first, but in elementary school, adaptation usually goes quickly.
• Students often carry obento (a boxed lunch from home) with them if there is no cafeteria at school.
• Psychological support is not always available, so it is important to stay in touch with the class teacher and respond to signals in time.

Japan's healthcare system is one of the highest quality in the world, but for newcomers it often seems too complicated. The “just go to the doctor” scheme doesn't work here - you need registration, insurance, and sometimes even a referral. Add in the language barrier, the lack of a family doctor, and unexpected rules, and the first visit to the clinic is already a challenge.

How the healthcare system works in Japan

Japan has compulsory health insurance, without which you will have to pay the full cost of treatment (which can be tens of thousands of yen even for a basic examination). At the same time, every resident has the right to participate in the system, regardless of citizenship.

There are two main programs:

1. National Health Insurance (NHI / 国民健康保険) - for those who work unofficially, freelance or without a job;

2. Shakai Hoken (社会保険 ) - if you are officially employed (often issued by your employer).

After registration, you will receive an insurance card (健康保険証), which entitles you to a 70% discount in most clinics. Without it, any visit to a doctor is fully paid.

How much does it cost?

• Monthly insurance (NHI):

- Depends on income, age, and region. On average, it ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥25,000 per person.

- For newcomers with low income, a discount or deferred payment is possible.

• The cost of a visit to a doctor:

- General practitioner/pediatrician: ¥1 000-¥2 000

- Specialist (dermatologist, ENT): ¥2 000-¥4 000

- Analyzes / ultrasound / pictures - paid separately

• Hospital treatment (with insurance):

- Bed per day: from ¥5,000

- Surgery or serious treatment - co-payment is still required (30%)

Where to go?

In Japan, clinics are divided into:

1. Shinryōsho (診療所) - small private medical centers where therapists and specialists are available.

2. Byōin (病院) - full-size hospitals with departments and equipment.

3. Daigaku Byōin (大学病院) - university hospitals, often with advanced technology, but mostly admitted by referral.

If you go without a referral to a large hospital, you may be charged an additional ¥5,000-¥7,000 (as a “fine” for self-referral).

What doctors are available?

The most common specialties:

内科 (Naika) - general practitioner

小児科 (Shōnika) - pediatrician

耳鼻科 (Jibika) - ENT specialist

皮膚科 (Hifuka) - dermatologist

歯科 (Shika) - dentist

精神科 / 心療内科 - psychiatrist / psychologist

Children's clinics often have a narrow specialization: a separate pediatrician, a separate ENT specialist. Everything is by appointment. There are no “doorstep clinics” like in Ukraine.

Are there any doctors who speak English?

Yes, but there are few of them, mostly in big cities or private clinics. Search by phrases:

- “English-speaking doctor Tokyo / Osaka”

- or on the following websites: Japan Healthcare Info, [Tokyo Medical Association], Google Maps with filters

If you don't know the language, use an interpreter or an online application. There are translation services for medical consultations in Tokyo (sometimes free of charge).

Pharmacies and prescriptions

Anything stronger than paracetamol requires a prescription. Even some eye drops or antihistamines are available only through a doctor.

Pharmacies are:

1. 調剤薬局 (Chōzai yakkyoku) - they dispense prescription drugs, often near the clinic

2. ドラッグストア (Drugstore) - large stores with cosmetics, vitamins, over-the-counter medicines

Prescription drugs - covered by insurance, the patient pays the balance (usually ¥300-¥1,000)

Ambulance: how to call?

You can call an ambulance by dialing 119. It's free, but it only works in cases of life-threatening emergencies.

In non-emergency cases, it is better not to call - it is perceived as abuse.

In an emergency, you will be taken to the hospital on duty, but it will not always be the closest or the most English-speaking.

Psychological help and support

Psychotherapy in Japan is expensive and often not covered by insurance (unless it is a psychiatrist, namely a counselor or coach).

There are free or low-cost hotlines:

• Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) - anonymous, 24/7
• Mental Health Tokyo Support
• Churches, community centers and refugee support organizations

What should Ukrainians know?

1. All clinics work according to a schedule: often from 9:00 to 18:00, with a break. Most are closed on Sundays.

2. You need to make an appointment before your visit (sometimes through the app or by phone).

3. At the entrance, they often take your temperature and give you a questionnaire to fill out (in Japanese).

4. Payment - mainly in cash or by card, Suica / PayPay is also accepted.

Life in Japan seems orderly and calm - but it is in the details that most surprises are hidden. There are many “silent rules” here: no one will say that you did something wrong, but they will look at you. And sometimes you will be fined. This country is not used to explaining the obvious, so understanding local norms is the key to comfortable integration.

Rules and fines: not obvious, but real

In Japan, you can be fined for something that in other countries is a trifle. Here are a few things you should definitely know:

1. Garbage sorting is almost “sacred”.

Each neighborhood has its own days for plastic, fuel, glass, and large items. If you take out the garbage on the wrong day or in the wrong bag, it will be left with a warning sticker. If you do it again, you may receive a fine or have a conversation with the municipality.

2. Smoking on the street is not allowed everywhere.

In Tokyo, for example, you can smoke only in specially designated areas (sometimes they are 2 blocks away). Violation - a fine of ¥1,000-2,000.

3. Illegal work (even “friendship”) is a criminal offense.

If you have a tourist or humanitarian visa, you cannot work without permission. Even a “one-time” help to a friend in a cafe can be grounds for deportation.

4. Late payment of insurance, taxes, and utility bills is a serious matter.

Unpaid bills can affect visa renewal or further registration of documents.

Adaptation in society: “silence is the rule”

• It is not customary to speak loudly, especially in public transport, cafes, and hospitals. Even in parks, people communicate in a low voice.
• The locals do not conflict directly. If you break a rule, you'll get a hint rather than a comment.
• Apologies and gratitude are mandatory even for small things. Saying “sumimasen” or nodding instead of “thank you” is the norm.

If you are with a child, don't be afraid to be “different”. But it is better to explain the local rules to your child in advance - especially in public places.

Bureaucracy: lots of paperwork, everything is slow, but it works

• All changes in status, address, and job must be reported.

Did you change housing? Notify the city hall within 14 days.

Changed your job? Update your residency status.

• Documents are sent by mail. Yes, by paper mail. Sometimes by registered mail, which must be picked up in person with an ID.

• Online services are limited. In many cases, only through a special MyNumber card with a clear ID system.

Tip: Always keep copies of all official papers, from lease to insurance. Ideally, in the cloud storage + paper version.

Leisure and cultural integration

The Japanese don't have much free time, but they value quality leisure. There are a lot of activities available to foreigners if you know where to look:

1. Cultural centers at municipalities (国際交流センター) - often hold free classes, Japanese language clubs, calligraphy or kimono workshops.

2. Parks and onsen (hot springs) are a real “culture of relaxation”. On weekends, outdoor areas are often filled with families.

3. Libraries - quiet, with internet, free events for children.

Ukrainian community and support

• In Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, there are groups of Ukrainians on Facebook and Telegram.
• There are volunteer organizations that help with translation, documents, and humanitarian aid
• The Embassy of Ukraine in Japan organizes cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions

What will help you adapt faster?

1. Do not hesitate to ask - the Japanese are very polite, but not always proactive

2. Subscribe to local chats or Facebook groups (where life hacks are often shared)

3. Learn basic Japanese - at least for doctors, mail, and transportation

4. Do not compare “with Ukraine” - there is a different rhythm, but its own advantages

What Visit Ukraine can help you with when moving to Japan:

• Medical insurance for travel, study or visa
• Legal advice on visas, work permits, status
• Checking lease agreements, contract terms, translation of documents
• Consultations on financial, banking, insurance issues

All this - online, quickly, in Ukrainian. We accompany you before and after the move.