Tokyo, Japan Report of what it's like to live there - 09/05/26
Personal Experiences from Tokyo, Japan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, lived in EAP and EUR posts before.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
DC. 14 hours. Not difficult.
3. What years did you live here?
2022-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy housing is the worst we have experienced. Roofs collapsed due to mold and deteriorating buildings.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fruits are more expensive. Rest are comparable.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lots of restaurants everywhere.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Yes, mosquitos and pests are abundant.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO. Yes.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Filipina helpers are typical. 1500-2200 yen per hour.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes to all.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The housing facility has a gym.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, but always carry cash. ATMs are safe.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic Church nearby.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. Yes.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, if using public transportation.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis expensive.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Buy bikes here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Embassy has a contracted service. About a week.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Google Fi.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Petlife is the main one. Animals follow a strict entry process.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Some embassy, few local.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Animal shelter and school.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business formal and it is enforced.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Housing has mold. Medical care is not as advanced as one would think. Yes.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Goood to moderate. Hay fever.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Hay fever.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Morale has been low.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Summer is extremely hot and humid. Expect to empty buckets of water per room in dehumidifiers per day. Winter is extremely dry. Expect to refill humidifiers every day.
Schools & Children:
1. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is a preschool in the housing compound.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Low.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The Community Liaison Office has a good list.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Big city, but singles may find it tough to meet new people.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes.
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
See Google.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Not much English.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. Do you have any other comments?
In my opinion, compound housing is terrible, and avoid if you can. Glad we left.
