The hardest part of life in Japan
When you are looking for insider knowledge about a new place where you dream to move to, intend to move or have recently moved in, it's nothing like a thought of another expat and experience in research under the hood or bonnet of a place so we asked longtime expat in Tokyo, Jeff Cushard, and Angloinfo Tokyo team to give us ten tips they think could help anyone planning moving to Tokyo settle faster.
From bottom to top the food is very good The Japanese commitment to food excellence is evident in the dedication of the chefs in Japan, even combini appetizing stores stock the food thumb No wonder, perhaps, that Tokyo more restaurants 3 Michelin stars than anywhere in the world to learn more about Japanese cuisine, specialties and customs meals.
Everywhere you go food in Japan is very fresh and their distribution network is very efficient, which helps to maintain freshness lot of food in grocery stores around the world wouldn t acceptable on grocery store shelves in Japan.
Japan has cornered this market for decades Hello Kitty Given, anime and cosplay, they cover To see what this is all about to make sure you add the famous Hello Kitty Land amusement park in your list places to visit.
In addition, the life of every day in Tokyo is very formal trains in Tokyo are packed with business people dressed in perfect costumes and other people on the train are well dressed and But don t stress your appearance might need storage space, there are several hair salons speaking English in Tokyo who are great at taking care of expatriates.
It is difficult for expats to find a home in Japan since most real estate agents don t speak English, and there are several unique requirements for tenants in Japan, such as having someone you refer as guarantor Plaza Homes Ltd is a realtor popular expat in Tokyo near Tokyo Tower their expatriate housing division will provide an English professional agent to discuss your needs in housing, budget, the orientation of the area and they pick you to your hotel to visit the homes available in Tokyo.
Residents in Japan are very proud of cleaning inside and outside of their homes a teamwork concept exists where everyone helps here the largest community of picking up trash and dispose although Tokyo is likely great cleanest city in the world.
On a side note, remember that it's rude to eat while walking down the street or in the public train For information on recycling in Japan.
5 Consider a moving company if you plan to move a lot.
Japanese government regulations are difficult to navigate and require a lot of documents with a company consider relocation if you need to import many items Visit Angloinfo Tokyo Directory of contacts.
Japanese public schools teach English; However, most Japanese have either forgotten or are not safe to use It can help to write English down as some Japanese can read English better they can understand.
That said, your life in Japan will be easier if you can learn some basic Japanese like asking directions and order food There are several language schools in Tokyo Japanese different levels of education.
The rail system in Tokyo can be confusing Even the Japanese are lost occasionally Take the time to familiarize yourself with it by reading our How to travel by train in the Tokyo guide.
used cars are readily available and can be found at prices The most difficult part of car ownership in Tokyo will be parking Parking can be expensive and most apartments don t include a free parking space If you need help with the purchase of a foreign or Japanese car, these car dealers in Tokyo.
Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, you can feel relatively safe walking around Tokyo night.
An exception is groping on trains This is a serious problem and that is why they have created training women only cars you should consider using them when they are available.
credit cards aren t in many places here, so you'll get used to carrying around Japanese yen.
This applies to all aspects of your new life in Tokyo Culture and tradition is rooted in all the people here, it is best to respect and not try to change it because you will not just try to understand the culture Japan and do your best to comply.
For tips, advice and practical tips on moving and living Angloinfo visit Tokyo Tokyo.
By Angloinfo World Editor To learn more about the world Angloinfo editor here.
10 things you need to know about life in Tokyo Angloinfo World Expat life, namely, live, tokyo, AngloINFO.