Living in Tokyo: Is it Worth It?
By Esai Lopez | October 28, 2024
Is Tokyo a Good Place to Live? Do Foreigners Enjoy Living In Tokyo?
Let’s be honest, living in Tokyo has got some mixed reviews: it's one of the safest cities in the world with endless entertainment but there are droves of unwritten societal rules that everyone is expected to adhere to, even unaware foreigners. Japanese can be a huge struggle as foreigners who just arrive here need it for daily life and especially to find a job beyond English teaching. Just surfing the web, the topic has been covered thousands of times from so many perspectives. Therefore, my aim is to hopefully bring some clarity to the chaos of opinions out there.
This is part of an extensive series on Life in Tokyo for those who want to learn Japanese.
Pros
From speaking to both Tokyo-natives and foreigners who've moved here, these are the big 3 highlights of living in Tokyo:
Convenient
Everything you need, from entertainment to shopping to dining, is a walk or bike away. The vast transportation system can take you just about anywhere in or around Tokyo. Though initially confusing, you get used to it fairly quickly and will no doubt come to appreciate the efficiency and reliability of it all.
Safe
Despite being the most populated city in the world, foreigners tend to report that Tokyo is one of the safest cities to live and travel in. Foreigners often bring up anecdotes of the impressive honesty in Japan even in a big city like Tokyo, usually with stories about losing a wallet or phone and yet still having it be returned to them (completely intact with cash still inside).
International
The dynamic melting pot of global cultures and people that exists in Tokyo is often portrayed in a positive light. The city is filled with foreigners from around the world and as a result, it is easier to make friends, find international stores or restaurants, and have access to services tailored specifically to a foreign audience (even to people from particular nations such as Taiwan or Bangladesh). This is an advantage Tokyo may have over most other regions in Japan.
Cons
Now comes the “reality check”, after living in Tokyo for a year or even a few months, foreigners often find themselves getting out of the “honeymoon phase” and finding aspects of life here far from perfect and at worst miserable. Here are some common reasons:
Small Fish in a Big Ocean
Perhaps the most common complaint about Tokyo are the seas of people, where trains in the morning and evening commute are packed like sardines. Never-ending crowds are everywhere and on top of that people here seem cold and unfriendly. Another complaint is that the crowds of people rushing to work makes the city feel like a rat race which might be mentally straining for some people. Some foreigners outside of Tokyo fear there is an ever-increasing homeless population coupled with higher crime rates compared to their quieter towns.
Concrete Jungle
Tokyo is a big city with lots of tall concrete buildings; tight corners, spaces, and apartments coupled with the city being devoid of nature giving a sense of claustrophobia. People feel the trees artificially planted on the sidewalks only worsens the unnatural or manufactured feel of Tokyo.
Expensive and Potential Housing Discrimination
The cost of living in Tokyo is the highest in Japan and ranks as one of the highest in the world. Foreigners often feel that the cost of living in Japan can add up. Rent and other expenses are very high in central Tokyo which is where most work locations are located. Another surprising headache in Tokyo is how apartment companies often deny renting to foreigners (especially if they don’t speak Japanese) since they are seen as a flight risk.
Bad Work-Life Balance
Without even living in Tokyo, I bet you have heard about the infamous work-life balance in this huge busy city. So that is one of the largest areas of concern when moving to Tokyo. Many foreigners hear the horror stories of social pressures around leaving work earlier than their colleagues and how they must work loads of overtime. Unfortunately, in my own experience as well as from other foreigners, overtime is common, and long work holidays are few and even discouraged. But things are getting better…
Language Barrier
One of the biggest (if not the biggest) anxieties around living in Tokyo is the Japanese language itself. Learning to get around Tokyo is complicated enough and having to know or learn Japanese as well sounds extremely stressful. Foreigners are often worried if they need Japanese for employment or for necessary services. Many foreigners feel concerned that their Japanese is simply not enough for most jobs or even to live here comfortably.
Based on the short list I gave, there seem to be good reasons to live here as well as not to. So, let’s break down some of these key pros and cons and see how it lives up to data and first-hand insights from people who had years of experience living in Tokyo.
How Much Japanese is Really Needed for Living in Tokyo?
If your work does not require Japanese, then you can live pretty comfortably here without it. Although the low English literacy in Japan is all too often reported, English and other language support is not hard to find in Tokyo.
English Accommodation Available Throughout Tokyo
Not only is Tokyo trying to pull in more foreign workers but they want to accommodate tourists as well (who generally don't know Japanese). Services often have foreign language accommodation from multilingual staff at hospitals to most restaurants having separate English menus. Trains stations and buses usually show English translations/writings of important information such as station names, schedule changes, or directions. However, public and essential services may not have as much English support. Like anywhere else in Japan, it's necessary to request/change official documents at your local city hall which has English guides but staff often don't speak English. Opening a bank account can be tricky but they also usually have English information guides. English and other foreign languages are usually available throughout Tokyo.
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Residential and Areas Around Tokyo Have Less English
While central Tokyo has English and other foreign languages at every corner, residential areas, which are usually further from the Yamanote line, might not have the same level of foreign language support. As I will explain more later, if you want to save on rent, you will most likely be living in more residential areas.
Most restaurants/services appeal more to locals who are frequent visitors rather than 1 timers (like tourists) and as a result might not have an English menu. If you enjoy eating local food, you should expect a local atmosphere with handwritten menus and little, if any, digitization. One thing to keep in mind, local restaurants sometimes ONLY cater to frequent customers and the hand-written menus are notoriously hard to read even for Japanese people. Their whole income comes from frequent customers and they want to maintain that familiar atmosphere for them. So unfortunately, these menus will likely not be easily translated with your phone.
However, chain restaurants can be found everywhere (residential areas, outside of Tokyo, etc.) which more often have English menus or digital ones with language options. Although certain areas will have less foreign accommodation, it is not completely non-existent and there are plenty of foreigners who live pretty comfortably in the most residential areas with little to no Japanese.
ESSENTIAL TIPS
Want to be prepared for living in Tokyo and feel you should know some Japanese? Check out our article The Ultimate Guide To Learn Japanese.
Cost of Set Up and Living in Tokyo
The average salary in Tokyo is about ¥576,000 or $3,707 per month so living expenses are considered relatively expensive for that salary while much more affordable compared to other cities such as NYC. Additionally, salary ranges also vary based on the level (entry, mid, or senior). Juniors moving to Tokyo can expect to make somewhere around ¥200,000 to ¥280,000 for many entry-level positions including English teaching.
Moving to Tokyo from Overseas
To give context, flights from LA to Tokyo start at around $350 to $500 one way but can increase to over $800~900 depending on the season. You may have additional charges if you need extra check in luggage depending on the airline. So, expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $900 to get here. You will probably have to buy furniture and utilities when you arrive (there are apartments/share houses that come with furniture). Of course, prices will vary based on your needs, for now, below are price estimates for starting up life in Tokyo for a single person:
- Total start-up costs can go up to around ¥90,000 ~ ¥150,000 ($627 ~ $1045)
- Furniture and appliances: ¥80,000 to ¥140,000 (may be less if you buy second-hand: around ¥50,000 to ¥60,000)
- Bed (mattress and frame): ¥20,000 ~ ($139)
- Desk (with chair): ¥5,000 ~ ($34)
- Refrigerator: ¥20,000 ~ ($139)
- Washing Machine: ¥25,000 ~ ($174)
- Microwave: ¥8,000 ~ ($56)
- Cutlery, knives, dishes: ¥2,000 ~ ($14)
- Internet and mobile phone contract fee: ¥10,000 ~ ($70)
- Furniture and appliances: ¥80,000 to ¥140,000 (may be less if you buy second-hand: around ¥50,000 to ¥60,000)
*Prices mostly from Amazon
Total Cost Projection including flights: ¥158,000 ~ ¥298,000 ($1027 ~ $1945)
Moving to Tokyo From Within Japan
If you are moving domestically, flights will generally be no more than ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 ($70 to $139), during good seasons they can go down to ¥5,000 ($34) depending on where you are coming from. Buses are another possibility again depending on where you are coming from. An overnight bus from Osaka to Tokyo can be as low as ¥4,800 ($33). However, if you can drive, you might consider renting a car (or driving your own) to bring furniture. Alternatively, hiring a delivery service might be another option. Below I will provide rough estimates using Osaka as a benchmark since it is relatively far and is another big city with lots of foreigners.
- Driving/Renting a car
- Gas (depending on mileage or liter per 100 km): Generally around ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 ($70 to $104) from Osaka to Tokyo
- Toll roads: Around ¥13,500 ($94) from Osaka to Tokyo depending on vehicle size and weight
- No Tolls: Possible but will increase the trip time from about 6 hrs to over 10 hrs increasing gas usage in the process
- Renting: Renting a one-way car costs around ¥55,000 to ¥67,000 for an SUV or minivan/wagon which should be big enough to carry furniture (based on prices from Toyota Rent a Car)
- Delivery Service: Delivery for a piece of furniture that is in total 300 cm (height+width+depth): ¥13,280 ($92.52) from Osaka to Tokyo (based on a quote from Yamato)
- Price is calculated by distance and total size including height, width, and depth
Need moving assistance? Check out our ultimate guide on Moving Companies in Tokyo.
Renting/Buying in Tokyo
Prices sourced from Suumo: Tokyo Rent Market Information
The average rent in Tokyo for a single person is around ¥91,000 (~$630) but this price can easily be lower. Like most other places, finding a place to rent an apartment in Tokyo is a balancing act between convenience, budget, and space.
Based on the map above which shows the average rent for single room (1K and 1DK) apartments, Tokyo rent prices varies by area. The most expensive areas are in central Tokyo which is where most people need to commute for work and usually have access to the Yamanote Line or Ginza Line, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Meguro, Minato, Chiyoda, and Chuo.
Areas such as Suginami, Nerima, Itabashi, Adachi, Katsushika, and Edogawa are the cheapest at around ¥70,000 to ¥80,000 on average, being a bit further from central Tokyo and major train lines. However, these are average prices so you will likely find expensive properties even in cheaper areas, and vice versa, you can find cheaper properties in the most expensive areas.
Generally speaking, apartments next to bigger stations that have many direct routes to Central Tokyo (such as Shinjuku, Minato, or Shibuya) will be more expensive. Of course, apartment sizes will also affect prices.
Breakdown of Costs By far the largest burden of renting apartments in Japan are the initial fees. Here is a typical breakdown for an apartment with a rent of ¥70,000:
- Total up-front initial cost: ¥340,000 - ¥539,000 ($2369 - $3756)
- Security Deposit (Shikikin): 1-2 month’s rent; ¥70,000 - ¥140,000
- Key Money (Reikin): 1-2 month’s rent; ¥70,000 - ¥140,000
- Brokerage Fee (chukai tesuryo): at most 1 month’s rent; ¥70,000 (Tax may apply)
- Advance Rent: 1 month’s rent; ¥70,000
- The first month’s rent is paid in advance but will depend on which time of the month you move in.
- Guarantor fee (hoshonin hiyo): Guarantor companies typically charge 50% to 120% of your rent; ¥35,000 - ¥84,000
- Foreigners need guarantors and if you don’t have an acquaintance who is a Japanese resident, you will need a guarantor company.
- Fire Insurance (kasai hoken): ~¥15,000
- Key Exchange Fee (kagi kokan hiyo): ¥10,000 - ¥20,000
In Tokyo, there are plenty of agencies that offer English support and can help you find apartments that do not require key money (reikin), and security deposits (or at least reduce it). It’s also possible to avoid guarantor fees if you know a Japanese resident who can co-sign your apartment. This can reduce your initial costs significantly which can make the Guarantor fee worth it.
For more on budget-friendly rent in Tokyo, take a look at our ultimate guide on Finding Cheap Apartments in Tokyo.
Share houses
Share-houses might be the best deal you can find as they are generally lower in rent and do not require most of the initial fees that are commonly found with standard apartments. Oakhouse is one of the most popular share-house companies in Tokyo and often caters to foreigners specifically.
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Share Houses such as Oakhouse are ideal to start living in Tokyo and as a result, are quite popular with foreigners. They also often come with furniture such as a bed, desk, and refrigerator. Usually, bathrooms, kitchens, and washing machines are shared with other tenants. Another advantage is that utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are included in a fixed maintenance fee and the internet is free. This saves the hassle of calling these companies yourself to initiate contracts and they often don’t have any English support.
However, share-houses do have some drawbacks, as mentioned, bathrooms, showers, and kitchens would be common areas, so, if privacy is a priority, an apartment might be a preferable option. Oakhouse does offer apartment rooms though on a much smaller scale. Based on the Oakhouse website below is a table comparing share houses to apartments:
| Initial Fees: | ||
| Security Deposit | None | 1-2 months' rent |
| Key Money | None | 1-2 months' rent |
| Brokerage Fees | None | At most 1 months' rent |
| Advance Rent | Daily rent + daily maintenance fee from move-in date + next month’s rent and maintenance fee | Daily rent from move-in date |
| Contract Fee | ¥50,000($348) for all properties | Depends on company |
| Bed Pad Fee | ¥2,000 (~$14) | N/A |
| Key Exchange Fee | None | ¥10,000 - ¥20,000 |
| Fire Insurance | Optional | Mandatory ~ ¥15,000 |
| Rent and Maintenance: | ||
| Rent | Average ¥50,000 - ¥80,000 ($349 - $557) | Average (1R - 1LDK) ¥70,000 - ¥110,000 ($488 - $722) |
| Maintanence Fee | Fixed around ¥7000 - ¥15,000 Utilities fees such as water, electricity, gas, and other fees | Paid separately to utility companies; Prices will vary on usage and are not fixed |
| Intenet | Free | Free depending on the property |
| Cancellation Fees: | ||
| Cancellation Fee | None unless you cancel before the contract start date | Sometimes applied, policies vary by company |
Living Near Tokyo
If you do not need to live in Tokyo and want to save even more money, rent is generally lower in areas around the Tokyo metropolis (23 wards) such as Kanagawa and Chiba. There are plenty of areas popular with foreigners that are still in Tokyo but outside the main 23 wards such as Tachikawa, Kichijoji, Mitaka, and Machida.
Food, Shopping, and Lifestyle
Prices of food in Tokyo will vary significantly depending on your diet and spending habits. But on average, food and grocery prices may be higher compared to the rest of Japan since the city’s higher land, rent, and utility costs may transfer over to grocery prices.
In terms of eating out, the difference may not be as drastic between Tokyo and the rest of Japan since cheap franchises keep prices pretty consistent and fine dining is expensive everywhere. Tokyo may have more options compared to the rest of Japan which means more opportunity to save or break the bank. So it's kind of a double edged sword.
Shopping and lifestyle in Tokyo is exciting since most of the products and brands we can imagine are seemingly at our fingertips, however, shopping can be pretty expensive if you try buying from your go-to name brands here. For instance, jeans/denim are generally much more expensive in Japan especially if you are used to buying brands such as Levi’s, Dockers, American Eagle, etc.
However, Tokyo has a very vibrant thrifting scene, with Harajuku or Shimokitazawa often touted as hubs for thrift shops and even hosts flea markets at times. If you prefer buying new, Japanese fast fashion brands are usually more budget-friendly such as GU and Uniqlo. Global brands such as H&M are also pretty affordable. However, areas such as Ginza or Omote-Sando are known for their collection of luxury and designer brands so expect premium prices when shopping in those areas. Overall, Tokyo offers a broader range of stores and specialty stores so there may be more chances to save but the higher convenience could also come at a premium.
SHOPPING ON A BUDGET
Love to shop but want discounts? Check out our ultimate guide on Outlet Shopping in Tokyo.
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Public Transportation System in Tokyo
Tokyo’s public transportation system has been the subject of praise by urban design and infrastructure experts for efficiently commuting people to and from stations like Shinjuku and Shibuya which have the most foot traffic in the world. This system consists of a vast train network connecting virtually every part of the city. Several companies provide train services including the JR Line, Tokyo Metro, and a few other private companies. Combined with buses, the public transportation system alone can take you anywhere you need. All trains and even most buses in Tokyo accept Pasmo and Suica passes which are rechargeable IC cards with an electronic money system you can use to travel and shop.
JR Lines
Credit: JR East Railway Company.
The map shows the JR East railway network zoomed into Central Tokyo. The map looks understandably very complex and intimidating at first sight. The map displays how the JR lines connect all of the major transport hubs and wards in Central Tokyo with residential areas and outer regions of Tokyo. The Yamanote Line, the green loop at the very center of the map, hits most of the major stations in Central Tokyo.
Tokyo Metro and Toei Lines
Credit: Toei Transportation.
Like the JR lines, the Tokyo Metro and Toei lines also provide transportation to and from major transfer hubs, attractions, and business centers in Central Tokyo. Generally, people choose between JR or Tokyo Metro lines based on what is more convenient or cheaper. Unlike the JR lines, Tokyo Metro routes are used in combination with other companies’ service lines to connect to suburbs and other lines.
Buses, Ubers, Taxis, and Other Transportation in Tokyo
Most apartments, restaurants, and places you would need to go are usually close enough to walk from the train stations (at most 10-20 mins) however, that may not always be the case. Luckily, there are plenty of other transportation options available throughout Tokyo including buses, Ubers, taxis, and alternative options such as electric rental bikes/scooters.
Buses
Local buses can be found throughout Tokyo and usually charge a flat fee of ¥220 ($1.40) for adults and ¥110 ($0.70) for children. Although not as precise about time, buses are pretty frequent and can be convenient for bringing you closer to your final destination. Highway buses taking you to Haneda or Narita airport as well as locations outside of Tokyo are also widely available.
Ubers and Taxis
Compared to countries such as the U.S., ubers and taxis are more expensive in Tokyo. Uber is especially costly with the average fare being around $29. NYC by comparison is about $22. Taxis are a bit cheaper and much more available in Tokyo. They also have fewer limitations on pick up locations and have a lot more vehicles available compared to Uber. Though they are both pricier than buses or trains, they are 24/7 which is perfect for long nights out.
Alternative Options
Tokyo is designed to be very walkable and bikeable with lanes specifically made for bikers. As a result, electric bike and scooter rentals are widely available. Companies such as Luup provide electric bikes and scooters for rent throughout the city charging ¥50 ($0.33) plus ¥15 ($0.10) per minute. With the apps, you can find and pick up and drop off the e-bikes/e-scooters at a port closest to your destination. Port stations can be found just about everywhere in Tokyo and are available 24/7 making it a possible alternative to taxis.
THINKING OF DRIVING IN TOKYO?
If you want to drive here, you will need a legal license or permit so take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Japan's Driving Test.
Health and Safety in Tokyo
How Safe is Tokyo? How is the health standard? Is it polluted? It is the biggest city in the world by urban and metropolitan area with a population of over 37 million people. So, it makes sense to think it's not very safe since other big cities such as NYC (about 20 million in comparison) have high crime rates. However, the data might surprise you as Tokyo, consistent with the rest of Japan, has lower crime rates rivaling much smaller cities in other countries.
Crime and Safety
Like any country, certain areas are more likely to attract crime such as dense tourist trap areas, around busy bars late at night, or anywhere crime can be an all too easy opportunity.
Tokyo had about 89,098 (or 6.31 per 1000) total reported crimes in all 23 wards in 2023 which is low relative to other global cities. Violent crime in particular was very low with about 7,370 total cases. So what contributes to Tokyo’s low rates of crime?
Culture/Collectivist Values
It's often said that in Japan, everyone follows the rules due to a sense of responsibility for maintaining harmony. It's argued that this ingrained mindset makes it so socially undesirable to turn to crime that less people in Japanese society would choose to commit illegal offenses. Tokyo also has very low income inequality (society is more equal) as well as poverty which may also explain its lower crime prevalence.
Koban and City Design
Anyone living here would notice compact police stations called Koban placed throughout Tokyo allowing police staff to be present across the city including in neighborhoods and near train stations. This increases efficiency in responding to crime as well as convenience for reporting crime. Along with Koban, urban developments from buildings to public infrastructure are designed to reduce the possibility of crime such as gate lights to illuminate streets, ensuring public spaces are visible (natural surveillance), etc.
Strong Rule of Law
Tokyo and Japan have a conviction (punishment) rate of over 99%. So, almost every trial ends in a guilty verdict which may disincentivize citizens to commit any crime at all. But there is a good argument that white collar crimes and especially assault against women are underreported and go unpunished.
How Safe is Tokyo for Women? (Disclaimer: Potentially Disturbing Topics)
Image showing most common harrassment occurances in a train. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan Chikanbokumetsu Website.
Recently, there has been a lot more attention given to women’s safety in Tokyo both abroad and domestically. On one hand, most women report feeling pretty safe walking alone at night in this city. On the other, sexual harassment in public, known as chikan (痴漢), is such a serious issue that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted a large-scale web survey. They found that 29% of all surveyors have been victimized in their lifetime (40% of women and 10% of men). Around 85% of incidents took place on a train, followed by streets and train stations.
The image above, based on the survey results, shows the most frequent areas of molestation on trains which seem to be near doors and spaces between doors. The survey showed that cases most frequently occurred in the morning commutes during rush hour (the most crowded time). Harassment on trains is a big concern for women living in Tokyo but underreporting overall seems to be a pervasive issue across the country. However, significant efforts are being made to reduce chikan cases including women only train cars during rush hour.
Pick-up Artists
You may have heard of “Nanpa” (ナンパ ), the slang term for picking up women (or rather attempting to). Basically, they are the equivalent of pick-up artists (personally, I feel we are too generous with the word “artist”) and if you are squirming from secondhand embarrassment then you already have a good grasp of Nanpa culture. I actually didn’t hear about this term in Japan until I moved to Tokyo and it can be concerning for many women living here. It can also be quite shocking due to their direct interactions. Usually, Nanpa are done in groups who target girls walking alone and often randomly on the street which can seem pretty scary. Shibuya and Shinjuku (especially Kabukicho) are the most notorious for the number of Nanpa occurrences.
However, most girls I've spoken to about it, generally have little to no trouble dealing with them even though they can get quite annoying and persistent. Usually saying something like, “I don’t speak Japanese” or “I have a boyfriend” can be pretty effective. If that doesn’t work, just being stern or simply ignoring them should do the trick. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when Nanpa is happening or you may be inclined to tag along with a few guys who seem friendly (and curious about where you’re from), whatever the case may be, when with strangers it is always best to go to public places with plenty of visibility and if you have a friend with you, bring them. Nanpa is rarely dangerous and usually just becomes a funny story to share with friends, but let’s do our best to keep it that way.
tips on maximizing safety in tokyo
So is living in Tokyo safe for women? Most girls I have interviewed, talked to, or are friends with tell me they feel pretty safe living alone here. Of course, they do have a healthy level of concern as anyone should when going out and navigating different situations whether it's with strangers as described above or with people you know (especially people you only somewhat know). Some measures I often hear for maximizing safety (applicable to men too) would be to avoid first floors, find apartments with a good security system (i.e. a gated entrance that requires a code or key), always lock your door, bring a friend when going to an unfamiliar place (especially at night), and avoid anything that makes you slightly uncomfortable or just makes your spidey sense tingle so to speak. In Tokyo, just applying the same precautions you would anywhere else should be more than enough to keep you safe.
Health and Health Care in Tokyo
The Safe Cities Index ranked Tokyo as the top city for Health Security showing that the health care system is effective, high quality, and widely accessible while food, water, and air are clean allowing the population to enjoy a long life with less disease. The National Health Insurance (NHI) is partly why Japan’s healthcare system is affordable and accessible, however, mental health care seems to be a persistent issue that affects the whole nation and is not covered by the NHI.
Overall, accessibility to English-speaking healthcare services (mental or otherwise) is not much of a problem in Tokyo even though that is not the case in the rest of Japan. Even health checkups can be done in English and are usually paid for by your company.
A quick google search will bring you to a variety of English speaking hospitals throughout Tokyo including, Tokyo Station International Clinic (Yaesu), Fertility Clinic Tokyo (Shibuya), Tokyo Takanawa Hospital (Shinagawa) and much more. Across Tokyo, you can find even specialized services available in English and other foreign languages such as Dental Care, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, etc. One of the biggest advantages for foreigners with little to no Japanese is the ability to access healthcare and explain your symptoms without any language barriers.
Need Medical Assistance in english?
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Experience of LGBTQ+ Living in Tokyo
There may be a duality when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights in Tokyo as the city juggles embracing global values while trying to uphold traditional Japanese culture and sentiments. In an effort to be more global, aspects of society must adapt, but “和”(wa) or harmony in traditional Japanese culture might lead society to be more passive on issues that need change.
Lackluster Policy Progress
As of right now same-sex marriage is still not legally recognized in Japan although same-sex partnership is not outright banned. However, surely but very slowly, new policies are being enacted in Tokyo and the rest of Japan to better recognize and protect sexual and transgender minorities.
Vibrant LGBTQ+ Nightlife and Events in Tokyo
Despite the turtle-paced legislative progress, vibrant events and activities supporting or promoting LGBTQ+ causes are not hard to come across in Tokyo. The city holds a pride walk annually in Spring known as Tokyo Rainbow Pride. It is a parade walk through Shibuya, Harajuku, and Yoyogi Park with colorful floats, music, and participants wearing costumes and various rainbow-themed items. It is also a festival lasting for 3 days with booths consisting of a variety of activities, displays, advocacy information, etc. exploring LGBTQ+ topics. There is also a plethora of entertainment (such as live music and dance performances), food, and workshops meant to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and advocate change. This whole event is a great way to connect with support networks, have a platform to fully express yourself, and create important dialogue. There also has been a Trans March held in Shinjuku for the past three years and is supposed to be held in November 2024 as well.
The most well-known hub for openly LGBTQ+ people is in Shinjuku 2-chome (referred to as Ni-chome). I know bringing up Ni-chome might be typical for anyone who has been to Tokyo but it is the largest district for LGBTQ+ led bars and establishments in Japan. Many people recommend it for its open and welcoming atmosphere as well as the huge variety of clubs, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Generally, I have heard queer individuals say they feel comfortable being themselves in the district and don’t have to worry about getting looks or feeling out of place. The district is also known for its extravagant events such as Halloween parties hosted by several different venues that often have costume contests and even drag shows. Beyond Ni-chome, LGBTQ+ friendly events, entertainment, and bars can be found throughout Tokyo. The Tokyo Comedy Bar, for instance, keeps the third wednesday of every month exclusively for LGBTQ+ comedians. The bar is also a great place for foreigners living in Tokyo to meet others and enjoy stand-up in English.
Employment for Foreigners Living in Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital and the business/financial center of Japan resulting in it having the vast majority of opportunities compared to any other part of the country. However, foreigners living in Tokyo still struggle to find work especially since many feel their Japanese abilities are not enough.
What Jobs Do Foreigners Living In Tokyo Have?
English Teaching
If you have a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree both from inside or outside of Japan, you will most likely be eligible for a work visa allowing you to be employed here. Many foreigners from the west and countries with high English fluency, become English teachers upon moving to Tokyo or graduating from a Japanese university. English teaching is generally seen as an easier job with less stress and barriers for entry (usually requiring only a bachelor’s degree in any subject) which is quite appealing for people who are not too confident in their Japanese and want an easygoing life in Tokyo. However, the truth is English teaching is not always an easy job and is often run by Japanese companies which might mean a bad work-life balance. It does depend on the company, so you should ensure overtime is limited, holidays/vacations are sufficient, and the amount of work is reasonable (maybe ask about the student-to-teacher ratio). However, English teaching is not the only option even if your Japanese is not at a high level.
Recruitment
Recruitment is another popular option for fresh graduates as well as former English teachers. Many international and Japanese companies struggle to find bilingual Japanese and English professionals and as a result, go to recruitment firms to search the market for the talent they need. So as a recruiter, your job is to interview and speak to candidates in English to ensure they are fluent enough and have the skills they need for jobs your clients’ are asking you to help fill. Recruitment also usually has more pay, generally starts off with a higher base salary and a lot more bonus opportunities, however, it is a sales job so it usually comes with a lot more pressure to reach targets. So, if you are resilient, hard-working, and enjoy talking to different people, it could be a very suitable role for you.
Plenty of Other Options
If neither English teaching nor recruitment sounds appealing, not to worry there are other options for employment in Tokyo. Depending on company needs, Japanese ability is less of a priority but having a bit of experience, even internships or a portfolio to showcase relevant work/projects will significantly increase your hireability. Below are a list of potential options with varying Japanese skills needs:
Like getting hired anywhere else, it is always best to research the company and read the job description thoroughly to highlight any experience or projects that would be interesting for the employer. Strong Japanese abilities are not always necessary but they, of course, increase your hireability. You don’t need to be perfectly fluent, even speaking at a conversational to business level will be very helpful (such as JLPT N3 or N2).
Want to level up your resume, check out our ultimate guide to Japanese Resumes.
Remote Work And Flexibility in Tokyo
After the pandemic, working from home became the new normal and still many roles are either hybrid or full remote to appeal to more workers used to this arrangement. Many roles nowadays just require a computer and with online collaboration tools more available than ever, remote work is not only possible but may even be preferable.
However, many companies are trying to prioritize bringing workers back to the office since they prefer having things go back to how they were before and may believe this will boost productivity. Whether or not that is true is pretty contested but it does seem that Japanese companies are much more likely to expect on-site presence compared to international firms. It does also depend on the nature of the work, where positions such as IT/programming are possible to be completely remote, roles in construction, tour guiding, video production, etc. would inevitably demand on-site presence. Some companies may rely on collaboration and feel it is impossible to have everyone in different places to complete projects. So, these are aspects you may need to consider if remote flexibility is a priority.
Overall, companies are trying to adapt to the new era of work culture by allowing more flexibility in both working hours (flextime) and location. This also affects the onboarding process where most interviews are conducted online until the final/offer interview (usually invited to the office). That means you don’t need to move to Tokyo before getting a job, especially if you already live in Japan. They may even cover transportation costs for visiting the office if that is required in the interview process. However, it still might be beneficial to be in Tokyo since certain roles might prioritize those already living here. Most companies in a global city like Tokyo have the capabilities to operate its business functions online and even hire workers living in different countries, so work flexibility seems likely to continue to increase. We have a whole article dedicated to Online Jobs in Japan, if you want to know more.
Nightlife and Entertainment in Tokyo
Finally the fun stuff! Tokyo being the largest global city, you can expect a very dynamic entertainment and nightlife scene. Perhaps, very few other cities, if any, could compete with the sheer amount of activities you could do here.
Bars, Restaurants and Clubs
A city that never sleeps, there are plenty of late night activities and events. Some of the most esteemed hubs of late night entertainment are Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa, Ginza and Roppongi which all deserve their own article. For now, I will give you a small taste of what they have to offer as these areas are known to have a vast collection of bars, restaurants, clubs, and live music venues that stay open well past midnight.
Karaoke night is a must in this city, so take a look at our ultimate guide to Karaoke in Tokyo.
Shibuya and Harajuku
Shibuya is especially popular among the youth for its eclectic night life with clubs (featuring international DJs), lively street food scenes, and several hidden bars with secret entrances that could very well be hiding in plain sight! A few notable hidden bars include SG Low, igu&peace, and Lost, recently opened in the heart of Shibuya by YouTuber, Chris Broad of Abroad in Japan.
Harajuku, another area in the Shibuya Ward, is popular for its distinct youth fashion and tons of unique cafes, eateries, thrift stores, boutiques, and numerous flag ships.
Shinjuku and Shin-Okubo
Shinjuku has whole towns within itself such as Kabukicho known for exciting (maybe overwhelming) nightlife with just about everything you can imagine: bars, restaurants, music venues, arcades, and redlight districts. It is also home to Ni-chome, the LGBTQ+ district that I described earlier.
Shin-Okubo, a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku, is often referred to as the KoreaTown of Tokyo since its night scene is colored with Korean restaurants, cafes, and bars. However, the district also has a diverse collection of Southeast and South Asian markets and restaurants just minutes from the Shin-Okubo station.
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Shimokitazawa
Known more for its hipster and retro aura, Shimokitazawa (aka Shimokita) is a fashionable location for late night activities although it is lesser known by casual tourists. This might be preferable if you want to avoid the crowds often found in Shibuya and Shinjuku. People come here for its vintage fashion boutiques, vinyl record shops, novel cafes/bars/eateries, and distinctive entertainment. There are a variety of live indie, rock, and jazz music venues as well as cozy hybrid spaces. Compared to other districts, Shimokita can also be quite affordable.
Ginza
Ginza is the main business district in Tokyo and is just a 15 minute walk away from Marunouchi (Tokyo) station, however, when the night falls, the area transforms into one of the finer night entertainment hubs in Tokyo. Some of the more luxurious bars, restaurants and clubs can be found in the district with prices reflecting that extravagance. Many of these establishments are often tucked away either in upper floors of towers or underground. However, Ginza does also try to cater to the swarms of salarymen wanting a casual drink after work so you will find assortments of affordable izakayas and bars. Many of them are along the Ginza Corridor Street, underneath the Yamanote line tracks. Some of them can be as low as ¥200 - ¥300 per beer or sour.
Roppongi
Popular with foreigners for its all night entertainment, fancy restaurants and bars. The district is especially famous for the extensive night clubs. Roppongi Hills is a famous location for the grand night city view from Mori Tower which also has an art museum and restaurants on the bottom floors. Tokyo Midtown is another well known spot to visit at night due to their beautiful light displays. The area has an art museum and a shopping area as well. Throughout Roppongi, you can find a full range of cuisine and the district is known to be pretty comfortable with English and even other languages.
Entertainment Throughout Tokyo
Throughout the 23 wards of Tokyo and beyond, you can find a multitude of entertainment options that stay open late into the night. Karaoke, billiard bars, and game centers are often open past midnight if not 24/7 and can be found virtually everywhere in Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Restaurants of all types and regions are pretty easy to find but as described above, some districts are found to have conglomerations of specific cuisine such as Koreatown in Shin-Okubo. Beyond just being a customer, some of the venues can be used to showcase your talents. I knew someone from Mongolia who had a degree in fashion design and collaborated with a night club, 1 Oak, to display her work with models on a runway. Many late night venues are often platforms for young talent trying to promote themselves, especially foreigners.
Activities, festivals, and events
As you would expect in a big city, there is a wealth of events and festivals to partake in. You have probably heard about numerous Japanese festivals such as the Summer Festival (Natsu Matsuri) held in a variety of areas throughout Tokyo. Your favorite performers are also more likely to do concerts in Tokyo, obviously, due to the high audience potential. International Music festivals such as Summer Sonic are held in the city and feature both Japanese and English language artists. Additionally, due to the ethnic and cultural diversity residing in the metropolis, you can find many cultural festivities and events such as Chinese New Year, Namaste India Festival, etc. As discussed earlier, the Tokyo Rainbow Pride is another festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Japan. Global film and art events are also often held in the city such as the Tokyo International Film Festival which features films from around the world and often from independent creators and even students.
LOOKING fOR BAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Check out out ultimate guide on the Top 15 Bars In Tokyo.
Final Thoughts on Living in Tokyo
Different foreigners living here will have vastly distinct experiences, however, there are common sentiments that I tried to address. First of all, unlike many other big cities, Tokyo is safe, convenient, and allows for a high quality of life with endless entertainment but still it’s far from perfect. Many foreigners may have a romanticized image of Japan especially when visiting as a tourist, so living here will be immensely different. For instance, Japanese culture can be quite a shock despite Tokyo’s global feel. Especially when working or doing business here, you will have to get used to the cultural sentiments such as indirect communication and specificity with little room for change which may contrast with foreigners more used to directness and valuing completing tasks quickly.
However, many of the common complaints of living in Tokyo, in particular, can be mitigated by avoiding the central districts since residential areas are cheaper to live in, less crowded, and have everything you need. Although you don’t need Japanese to live here, learning some will still make life easier and significantly help with learning the culture. So, hopefully, I was able to give some useful insights to help you navigate this ginormous urban sprawl and manage some expectations. Tokyo is a wonderful place to live but keep in mind you get what you make out of living here. So do you think Tokyo is right for you?
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