The Japan Navigator

Best Internet Providers in Japan (2025 Comparison: SoftBank Hikari, NURO, AU Hikari) Choosing the right home internet provider in Japan can be confusing, especially when every company advertises “the fastest speeds” or “the best value.” In practice, most households end up choosing between three major fibre-optic networks: SoftBank Hikari, NURO Hikari, and AU Hikari. Each differs in speed, real-world performance, installation time, and availability depending on your apartment type. If you are still arranging your move or setting up your first home, it may help to read our step-by-step guide on getting a mobile phone and internet in Japan , which explains the documents, contracts, and basic terminology you will see when applying. SoftBank Hikari – Best for Most People (Wide Coverage & Simple Setup) SoftBank Hikari is one of the most widely available fibre-optic options in Japan because it uses the NTT FLET’S Hikari network. This makes installation faster and compatible wit...

How to Dispose of Garbage & Recycling in Japan Japan’s waste-separation rules are famously strict—and for good reason. They reflect a national commitment to resource efficiency, limited landfill space, and local community cleanliness. For foreign residents this system can seem baffling at first. Once you understand the fundamentals and the local quirks, disposing of garbage becomes simple and stress-free. This guide walks you through the categories, schedules, fees, and common pitfalls in 2025. 1) Waste Categories and Why They Matter Municipalities divide waste into multiple categories to maximise recycling and minimise landfill. Although each city has its own list, most follow the pattern below: Burnable Garbage (燃やせるごみ / 可燃ごみ) Food scraps Paper waste (soiled) Small leather or rubber items Small amounts of dirty plastic Collected typically 1–3 times a week. Missing the slot often means your waste will be left behind until next collection. Non-Burnable Ga...

How to Rent an Apartment in Japan Renting an apartment in Japan can feel complicated, especially for foreign residents. Multiple fees, guarantor requirements, strict screening, and detailed contracts make the process very different from many other countries. This guide explains the main steps, typical costs, and practical tips to protect your money when moving in and moving out. 1) Overview of the Renting Process The general flow when renting in Japan looks like this: Search for properties (online portals, agencies, corporate contacts). Property viewings (内見 / naiken). Application and screening (申込・審査). Contract signing (契約). Move-in inspection and key handover. At each stage, you may be asked for documents and payments, so it helps to understand the full cost picture upfront. 2) Typical Upfront Costs (Example: ¥100,000 Monthly Rent) For an apartment with ¥100,000 monthly rent, a typical initial cost breakdown might look like this: Deposit (敷金) : usual...

How the Japanese Pension System Works for Foreign Residents (2025 Guide) Japan’s public pension is part of the national social security system alongside health insurance and employment insurance. If you live and work in Japan, you will be required to enroll and contribute. 1) Different types of Pension Plans National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) : For the self-employed, freelancers, part-timers, and students (ages 20–59). Employees’ Pension (Kosei Nenkin) : For company employees; premiums are shared by employee and employer and deducted from salary. Private/Optional Plans : e.g., corporate DC plans or iDeCo for additional retirement savings. 2) How Contributions Work (2025) National Pension : Flat monthly premium (FY2025) of ¥17,510 . Employees’ Pension : Income-based premium at a total rate of 18.3% of standard monthly remuneration, split roughly 50/50 between employer and employee. Deducted automatically from payroll. 3) How Benefits Are Calculated Bene...

Utilities & Monthly Bills in Japan (2025 Guide for New Residents) Understanding how utilities work in Japan can help you planning realistic monthly budgets and avoid bad surprises after moving in. Electricity, gas, and water are often billed separately, and each has its own providers, payment methods, and seasonal patterns. This guide breaks down average costs, how to set this up properly, and smart ways to reduce expenses for single residents and small households. 1) Electricity Electricity is usually contracted through a regional company—such as TEPCO (Tokyo Electric), Kansai Electric , or Kyushu Electric . You’ll sign up during your move-in process or through your landlord. Power is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and bills vary by usage and season. Average cost (single person): ¥5,000–¥9,000/month Summer/Winter usage: Higher due to air conditioning and heating. Setup: Call or apply online; activation often happens within 1–2 busines...

How to Get a SIM Card and Internet in Japan Staying connected in Japan is essential, but navigating phone and internet options can be confusing for newcomers and fairly different from other countries. Unlike prepaid tourist plans, long-term residents must go through a formal registration process, often in Japanese. This guide explains the easiest ways to get a SIM card, eSIM, or home internet plan in Japan—especially for professionals, families, and students staying over one year. 1) Understanding the SIM Card System To use a mobile plan in Japan, you’ll need a Japanese phone number registered under your name. Most carriers require proof of residence and a valid visa with at least three months’ remaining validity. Foreign residents can choose between two main options: Major carriers: SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au by KDDI. Reliable but contracts are often 2 years and in Japanese. MVNOs (low-cost carriers): Services like Sakura Mobile, Mobal, and IIJm...

Best Jobs in Japan for Getting a Working Visa Getting a working visa in Japan depends less on luck and more on finding the right kind of job based on your experience and background. Some industries actively hire foreigners and offer visa sponsorship as part of their process. This guide breaks down some of the best jobs in Japan for foreigners seeking a work visa in 2025 — along with practical advice to help you understand requirements and navigate a competitive market. 1) Key Requirements for a Japanese Working Visa Japan’s working visas are tied to your job type. You must first have a sponsoring employer willing to apply on your behalf. The most common categories include: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services – quite broad and covers IT, engineering, translation, consulting, design, teaching in some cases and marketing roles. Instructor – typically for teaching English or other subjects at schools. Skilled Labor – Mainly for trades such as cookin...

Moving Apartments in Japan : Renewal versus Relocation Costs Usually your two-year lease comes up in Japan, you’ll face a familiar question: renew or move? Renewal fees can feel expensive, but relocating often costs even more once you add deposits, key money, agency fees, and the move itself. This guide lays out some of the numbers and logic behind it so you can choose confidently what is best for you. 1) Lease Renewal - Basics Standard term: Most contracts are two years. The renewal fee ( koshin-ryo ) is commonly 1 month’s rent . Other renewal costs: Admin fee (varies), fire insurance renewal (~¥15,000–¥20,000 / 1–2 years), potential small rent increase. Pros: No moving logistics, no new key money, minimal downtime. Cons: You keep the same unit (older fit-out, insulation, noise). Limited leverage if the area’s rents have risen. 2) Relocation Costs Deposit (敷金): 0–1 month (refundable minus potential additional cleaning or re...

Cost of Living in Japan 2025 Japan remains one of Asia’s most desirable countries for expats, but living comfortably—especially in Tokyo or Osaka—comes with a significant price tag. This 2025 guide breaks down typical monthly costs for housing, utilities, food, and transportation, plus practical tips for managing expenses as a foreign resident. 1) Housing Costs Rent is the biggest expense for most residents. Prices vary by location, building age, and size. City 1LDK (Approx.) 2LDK (Approx.) Notes Tokyo (Central) ¥180,000–¥280,000 ¥250,000–¥400,000 Modern 10–15yo buildings preferred for safety Osaka ¥120,000–¥200,000 ¥180,000–¥280,000 Cheaper than Tokyo with spacious layouts Fukuoka ¥80,000–¥150,000 ¥130,000–¥200,000 Lower rent and utilities; growing expat sc...

Getting a Mobile Phone and Internet in Japan (2025) — Complete Guide for Foreigners Setting up your phone and internet in Japan can feel unnecessarily complicated, especially if you don’t read Japanese. Between visa requirements, carrier contracts, and confusing pricing plans, it’s easy to overpay or get stuck in a two-year plan you didn’t intend to sign. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from the main carriers to foreigner-friendly eSIM and internet options — based on the latest data for 2025. 1) Overview of Japan’s Mobile Market Japan’s mobile market is dominated by three major carriers — Docomo , SoftBank , and au by KDDI — alongside a growing number of affordable MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) like Rakuten Mobile , Y!mobile , and UQ Mobile . Each has different requirements and contract flexibility, especially for non-Japanese residents. As of 2025, Rakuten Mobile and Y!mobile continue to rank highly in satisfaction surveys amo...

Best Places to Live in Tokyo Choosing the right neighborhood in Tokyo has an outsized impact on your quality of life. For international professionals and families with a comfortable budget, the priorities usually include newer buildings (earthquake safety and insulation), short commutes to business hubs, international schools and services, and a lifestyle that feels both practical and enjoyable. This guide highlights established international areas and newer “executive-friendly” districts—what they feel like day to day, and what you can realistically expect to pay for modern apartments. What Expats & Professionals Value Safety & Building Quality: Aim for buildings 15 years old or newer with modern seismic standards (look for 耐震 taishin , 制震 seishin , or 免震 menshin structures). Access to Offices: Proximity to Roppongi, Toranomon, Marunouchi/Otemachi, and Shibuya/Omotesando for finance, tech, and consulting hubs. International Conveniences:...

How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo Without a Guarantor (2025 Guide) Housing in Tokyo can be challenging for newcomers, especially when you don't speak Japanese. Even with a stable job and a valid visa, many real estate agencies request a Japanese guarantor, a local emergency contact, and Japanese paperwork. For foreign professionals without local connections or experience, this becomes a real hurdle. This guide explains practical, legitimate ways to rent an apartment in Tokyo without a personal guarantor. We'll explain how the system works, the alternatives landlords might accept, what it costs, which documents to prepare, and how to avoid common issues. Use this as your step-by-step reference for a smooth rental experience. 1) How the Tokyo Rental System Works Most Tokyo rentals are handled through real estate agencies that mediate between you and the landlord. Standard move-in costs can be higher than in many countries because of a mixture of very u...