Expat Topics
Best Time to Move to Japan (2026)
Seasonal planning guide — weather, visa timing, rental markets & expert tips
Last updated: March 2026
The best time to move to Japan is March – April or October. Four distinct seasons. Tokyo: mild winters (2–10°C), hot humid summers (30–35°C). Osaka similar. Hokkaido: heavy snow winters. Okinawa: subtropical. Avoid moving during June – July (rainy season / tsuyu) and August (extreme humidity) if possible.
March – April or October
June – July (rainy season / tsuyu) and August (extreme humidity)
Japan Climate Overview
Four distinct seasons. Tokyo: mild winters (2–10°C), hot humid summers (30–35°C). Osaka similar. Hokkaido: heavy snow winters. Okinawa: subtropical.
Season-by-Season Guide
Spring (Mar–May)
8–22°C
- Cherry blossom season — magical time to arrive
- Japanese fiscal year starts April 1 — aligns with job contracts
- Most apartment leases start in March/April
Summer (Jun–Aug)
25–35°C
- Tsuyu rainy season June–mid July — humid and grey
- August: extreme heat + humidity — challenging for moving
- Summer festivals (matsuri) are spectacular
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
12–25°C
- October–November: perfect weather, stunning fall colors
- Good time for apartment hunting — less competition
- Typhoon season (Sep–Oct) — minor risk in most cities
Winter (Dec–Feb)
2–10°C
- Tokyo winters are mild and sunny
- Lowest rents — moving season is April, not now
- Onsens and winter culture at their best
Visa & Immigration
Work visa requires employer sponsorship (1–3 months). Highly Skilled Professional visa offers fast-track permanent residency. Japan has no digital nomad visa — tourist visa is 90 days max.
Rental Market
Tokyo 1-bed: ¥80,000–150,000 (€500–950). Upfront costs are enormous: key money (1–2 months), deposit (1–2 months), agent fee (1 month), guarantor company fee. Budget 5–6 months rent upfront.
Japan Relocation Timeline
Research Japan visa options and residency pathways. Consult an immigration lawyer. Start gathering documents (apostilles, translations, police clearances).
Submit your Japan visa application. Arrange international health insurance. Open a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut). Start learning the local language.
Book temporary accommodation in Japan for your first 2–4 weeks. Arrange international shipping if needed. Downsize and sell belongings. Get apostilles on remaining documents.
Book flights to Japan. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel local subscriptions and memberships. Download offline maps and translation apps.
Get a local SIM card. Open a local bank account. Register with local authorities. Explore neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to move to Japan?
The best months to move to Japan are March – April or October. Four distinct seasons. Tokyo: mild winters (2–10°C), hot humid summers (30–35°C). Osaka similar. Hokkaido: heavy snow winters. Okinawa: subtropical.
What visa do I need for Japan?
Work visa requires employer sponsorship (1–3 months). Highly Skilled Professional visa offers fast-track permanent residency. Japan has no digital nomad visa — tourist visa is 90 days max.
How much does rent cost in Japan?
Tokyo 1-bed: ¥80,000–150,000 (€500–950). Upfront costs are enormous: key money (1–2 months), deposit (1–2 months), agent fee (1 month), guarantor company fee. Budget 5–6 months rent upfront.
When should I avoid moving to Japan?
Try to avoid moving during June – July (rainy season / tsuyu) and August (extreme humidity). This is typically the most challenging period due to weather extremes, peak pricing, or administrative slowdowns.