japan

accommodation

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

There are various types of accommodation available in Japan, from relatively inexpensive "guest houses" to luxury, furnished, "executive mansions." However, before choosing a place to live, it's highly advisable to check the public transport services, especially if you intend to commute to a job from the somewhat more reasonably priced suburbs.


GUEST HOUSES

A guesthouse (or "gaijin house" meaning "foreigner house") is an inexpensive type of accommodation for people staying in Japan for one month or longer. Some guesthouses even offer weekly contracts. Rooms are private but bathrooms are usually shared. One month's rent as a deposit is the standard up-front cost.


The following websites are recommended to find information on guest houses in Japan:


Tokyo

Osaka

SERVICED APARTMENTS

If you need temporary accommodation, serviced apartments can be a good option. However, convenience, location, and furnishings come at a premium in Tokyo, and depending on the area and level of serviced apartment, rent can be quite steep.


The following websites are recommended to find information on serviced apartments in Japan:


Tokyo

Osaka

RENTAL APARTMENTS

High start-up costs covering payment of the first month's rent, multi-month deposits, a "key" deposit (non-refundable), and a realtor's fee (equivalent of one month's rent) can often mean that a sum equivalent to six month's rent is needed to obtain an apartment in Tokyo. Recently, however, apartments with reduced (deposit only) up-front costs have started to become more common. Nevertheless, depending on the commute, you should still be prepared to pay from 80,000 to 150,000 yen and higher in outlying areas for apartments with reduced or no "key deposit."


The following websites are recommended to find information on rental apartments in Japan:



Doctors and health

Japan has a single structure of health coverage, and there are essentially two different health insurance systems that will apply to foreigners working in Japan: Employees Health Insurance (for people who are working in private schools, in the national and the local government, and medium or large companies) and National Health Insurance (obligatory for anyone staying in Japan more than a year and not covered by Employees insurance). Membership in one of the programs is mandatory and the coverage of medical costs under each program varies. The monthly cost is based on your salary.


Japan has an advanced medical services infrastructure and in most urban areas you will be able to find a major hospital or clinic. Click here to view a list of facilities with the ability to communicate with you in English.

The AMDA International Medical Information Centre

The AMDA International Medical Information Centre also provides telephone services to foreigners in Japan in several languages, including introductions to medical facilities with staff who speak the patient's language and explain the health care system.


Contact Details
Tokyo: 03-5285-8086 (office)
Tokyo: 03-5285-8088 (consultation)
Osaka: 06-4395-0555
Machida: 042-799-3759
View the website


Opening a Bank Account

Japanese banks are usually open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 15:00. However, Citibank offers Saturday banking at some of its Tokyo branches.


To open a bank account, a foreigner must present his/her Alien Registration Card, which can be applied for after receiving a visa for stays in Japan of more than 90 days. An inkan (personal stamp) or signature is also needed.


Some major Japanese banks:


Japan has an extensive network of ATMs and convenience store ATMs are usually open 24 hours. However, be aware that most Japanese ATMs do not accept foreign credit cards. Only the ATMs found in 7-11s, post offices and some major department stores and airports will accept foreign credit and debit cards.


mobile phones

The main mobile phone companies in Japan are NTT Docomo, au, and Softbank. Mobile phones from abroad may not work in Japan, and those on the GSM network do not work at all.


Rental Phones
Available at the many companies with booths or kiosks at the airports and require a picture ID and a credit card.


Prepaid Phones
Prepaid phones require proof of a Japanese residence (Alien Registration Card). The phone is purchased first, and then credit is bought at mobile phone and convenience stores.


Subscription Plans
Subscription plans are only available to residents and require an Alien Registration Card and a Japanese bank account. Plans average from 4,000 to 10,000 yen or more a month.


working holiday programme

The Japanese Working Holiday Scheme is intended to promote a greater mutual understanding between Japan and the programme's participating countries, as well as to broaden the international outlook of Japan's young people.


Citizens of the following countries are eligible for the programme:



For further information, see the links below:



tax

Income tax is paid on income earned each calendar year according to resident categories which are not related to visa type. The categorization are Non-Resident , Non-Permanent Resident, and Permanent Resident. "Resident tax," which is calculated on net income, is also paid at the prefectural and municipal levels.


insurance

You should obtain adequate travel insurance before arriving in Japan. Ensure that it covers loss of passport, baggage and money.


Useful telephone numbers

Useful contacts

Fire/Ambulance
Police
Japan Helpline (24 hours)
Tokyo English Life Line (9AM to 11PM)
119
110
0570 000 911
0357 740 992

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