Japan has diverse climates from north to south. Most areas experience four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and mild to cold winters. Spring brings famous cherry blossoms while autumn offers beautiful fall colors.

☀️Summer Average

25-30°C (77-86°F)

❄️Winter Average

5-10°C (41-50°F) in south, -5-5°C (23-41°F) in north

Seasonal Overview

Spring (March - May)

Cherry blossom season, mild temperatures, beautiful weather

Summer (June - August)

Hot and humid with rainy season in early summer

Autumn (September - November)

Beautiful fall colors, comfortable temperatures, clear skies

Winter (December - February)

Cold and dry, snow in northern regions and mountains

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Cost of Living

82/100

Cost Index

Relative to global average82/100

Japan has high cost of living, especially in major cities like Tokyo. Housing, transportation, and dining out are expensive, but quality is exceptional. Rural areas and smaller cities offer better value.

Rent (1-bedroom city center)

Tokyo most expensive, rural areas 70% cheaper

¥60,000-400,000/month

Food & Groceries

High quality but expensive, convenience stores everywhere

¥30,000-60,000/month

Transportation

Excellent but costly public transport, JR Pass for tourists

¥10,000-30,000/month

Utilities

Reasonable utility costs, efficient infrastructure

¥8,000-20,000/month

Healthcare

National Health Insurance covers 70% of medical costs

30% co-pay

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Work Culture

Japanese work culture emphasizes respect, hierarchy, consensus-building, and group harmony. Long working hours traditional but improving. Strong emphasis on punctuality, politeness, and attention to detail.

Working Hours

40+ hours/week (overtime common but decreasing)

Vacation Days

10-20 days/year (plus national holidays)

Key Characteristics

•Respect for hierarchy and seniority (senpai/kohai)

•Consensus-building decision making (ringi)

•Group harmony over individual expression

•Punctuality and preparation highly valued

•After-work socializing (nomikai) important

•Gradual shift toward work-life balance

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Visa Information

Japan has various visa categories including working visas, student visas, and specialized programs like JET Programme for English teachers. Long-term residence requires 10+ years for permanent residency.

Processing Time

1-3 months for COE, then 5-10 days for visa

Validity

1-5 years renewable, 10+ years for permanent residence eligibility

Requirements

✓Valid passport

✓Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Japanese sponsor

✓University degree (for most working visas)

✓Clean criminal background check

✓Proof of financial support

✓Medical examination (some visa types)

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Healthcare System

National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken)

Japan has universal healthcare through National Health Insurance, covering 70% of medical costs. World-class medical care with advanced technology and highly trained professionals.

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Coverage

Universal coverage, 70% of costs covered, 30% patient co-pay

Key Features

✓Universal National Health Insurance enrollment required

✓70% coverage with 30% patient co-payment

✓World-class medical technology and specialists

✓Preventive care and regular health checkups

✓Prescription medications covered

✓Traditional and modern medicine integration

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Digital Nomad Friendliness

7/10

Nomad Score

Digital Nomad Friendliness7/10

Internet Speed

200-400 Mbps average

Coworking Spaces

300+

Highlights

•Ultra-fast and reliable internet everywhere

•Growing coworking and remote work spaces

•Excellent infrastructure and transportation

•Safe and clean working environment

•Rich cultural experiences

•Limited remote work visa options currently

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Taxes

Progressive income tax 5%-45% plus local taxes and social insurance

Top Rate

45% (above ¥40 million) plus 10% local tax plus social insurance

VAT

10% consumption tax (reduced 8% for food)

Basic exemption ¥480,000; foreign tax treaties available; complex tax system

Sources: www.nta.go.jp, www.tax.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

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Language & Safety

Language

Japanese

English

Limited - basic English in business/tourism, Japanese essential for daily life

Safety

Extremely safe

Holidays

~16 public holidays including Golden Week, Obon, and New Year periods

One of world's safest countries; very low crime rates; natural disaster preparedness excellent

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Payments

Good but cash still king - bring cash for daily transactions

Common apps: PayPay, LINE Pay, Rakuten Pay, IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)

Still largely cash-based society; IC cards for transport; mobile payments growing

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Mobile & Internet

5G Coverage

Excellent in cities, good nationwide coverage

Carriers

NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile

Excellent coverage and speed; may need unlocked phone or local purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to live in Japan without speaking Japanese?

Challenging but possible in major cities. Basic Japanese essential for daily life, bureaucracy, and deeper cultural integration.

Is the work culture really that demanding?

Traditional long hours exist but improving, especially in international companies. Work-life balance initiatives increasing.

What about the high cost of living?

Tokyo expensive but quality exceptional. Smaller cities 40-60% cheaper. Budget carefully for housing and transportation.

How long to get permanent residency?

Generally 10+ years of continuous residence, but highly skilled professionals and spouses may qualify in 1-3 years.

Best way to find work in Japan?

JET Programme for teaching, direct company applications, recruitment agencies, or internal company transfers most common.

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