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If you’re planning to move to Japan from Australia, then our guide below has all the information you need. Read on for all the steps to take to make your move overseas go as smoothly as it can. This article includes information on the following:
One of the first steps you will need to undertake is getting your visa sorted. Understanding what the Japan visa requirements are for your situation will help you with your application process. Luckily, it’s quite a straight-forward process. You can apply for your relevant visa at the consulate general in either Sydney, Perth, Brisbane or Melbourne. You will need to bring these four documents:
The fourth point is a certified letter from a Japanese person who can support you financially during your time in Japan. This is usually an employer or, if you’re moving to study, someone from the educational institution you will be attending. For more information, take a look at the website of the Embassy of Japan in Australia.
Removal costs to Japan can range from $1,715 – $2,630, however, every move is different and there are a number of factors that can influence this price e.g. the volume of your move.
Below are some other main costs that you will need to consider when moving to Japan:
Many other costs come along with moving overseas. If you’re interested in finding out more about moving costs, including the cost of removal services, then check out our international moving costs guide.
| Item | Price in Japan (JPY) | Equivalent in Canberra (JPY) |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | ¥10,000 | ¥7,700 |
| Basic Utilities | ¥20,000 | ¥17,200 |
| Childcare | ¥42,500 | ¥105,000 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | ¥4,700 | ¥5,400 |
Understanding what the living costs in Japan are like is something that you will also need to consider. Above is a table of some examples from Numbeo which show the average cost of items in Japan.
Are you searching for removalists to Japan? You’re in the right place. Take a look at the 3 best international removal companies from Australia to Japan:
Like any sane person, you probably don’t want to spend hours contacting over 3 dozen removalists just to find one or two that can help you move to Japan from Australia, which sounds as frustrating as it is time-consuming.
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Finding a place to live in Japan varies in difficulty. If you’re planning on moving to Tokyo, then you should be aware that it’s quite tricky finding an affordable apartment in a good location. Average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre of various cities are shown below:
| City | Monthly Rent (JPY) |
| Tokyo | ¥270,000 |
| Osaka | ¥135,000 |
| Kyoto | ¥150,000 |
| Fukuohama | ¥130,000 |
The best way to find your perfect home is to get help from a real estate agent. They will be able to help you with finding the right place for your budget and will have detailed knowledge of the different neighbourhoods within certain areas. Try the Japanese website Real Estate to start your search.
Healthcare in Japan is compulsory, therefore, it’s important to understand how it all works before you move. Everyone is entitled to state-care, which covers about 70% of medical costs. There are two types of health insurance in Japan that you can get, both of which have mainly the same benefits as each other.
Your employer will sign you up to this if you’re working for a medium to large organisation and they will cover the cost of your health insurance. Depending on what industry you work in will determine the type of SHI you receive. You can talk to your employer more about this.
If you don’t receive SHI, then you will have to go down to your local city hall and apply for this there. You will only need your residence card and passport. People who work for small companies, are self-employed or are studying will need this type of insurance.
The average salary in Japan is about ¥9,670,615 (equivalent to $124,000). If you haven’t got a job yet, or perhaps you’re looking for a member of your family coming with you, then you should know that finding a job is quite difficult. Finding an English-speaking job is very rare as most jobs require that you speak Japanese. For help, here some online job portals:
If you’re looking to set up a Japanese bank account, some good banks for expats include Mizuho, Shinsei Bank and SMBC Trust Bank (previously known as Citi’s Japanese retail operation). You should by aware that the first two banks require a certain level of Japanese to open a bank account. However, SMBC Trust Bank is a good choice if your Japanese isn’t quite up to scratch and you need English assistance.
If you want to transfer some of your existing funds in your Australian bank account to your new Japanese one, then you can you an international money transfer company to help you. This will save you a lot of money on transfer fees and will be a lot faster than a bank transfer.
In the lead-up to your move to Japan, we advise taking some Japanese lessons. It’s true that some Japanese people know a bit of English but learning Japanese will allow you to really immerse yourself in the culture and help you communicate in everyday life.
If you have the time, taking lessons a few years in advance will ensure a basic understanding and make the transition abroad a little easier. However, sites like Tofugu, Free Japanese Lessons and even the app Duolingo are a great place to start.
In preparation for your move to Japan, some facts are good to know. Below are some that are handy to know if you’re planning on living in Japan for a long period:
After reading this page, we hope that your move to Japan seems a little less daunting and that you now have enough information to settle in comfortably in your new home. If you are looking for more information, you can take a look at a few of the articles we have linked for you below. Good luck with your move to Japan! 🙂
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