How to Move to Japan from the US: a Guide

If you’ve ever wondered how to move to Japan from the US, consider this a sign. Renowned for its high quality of life, natural beauty, and relatively low cost of living, Japan has long captivated the attention of Americans. The delicious sushi and ramen, stunning temples and shrines, and breathtaking cherry blossoms and bamboo groves don’t hurt, either.

But how hard is it to move to Japan, and how can you do so? While Japan has historically been one of the more difficult countries to move to, Americans hoping to move to the Land of the Rising Sun have multiple visa options to choose from. Of course, before moving to a new country, it’s important to consider practical matters like taxes, the language, and where to move.

That’s why we’ve put together a brief guide on how to move to Japan as an American. Whether you’re wondering how to move to Japan permanently or just temporarily, the guide below walks you through everything you need to consider.

Snapshot of Expat Life in Japan

Population: 124.5 million

Approximate number of American expats: 63,408

Capital city: Tokyo

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)

Official language(s): Japanese

Top cities for expats: Tokyo, Okinawa, Kyoto, Sapporo

School-year calendar: April to March

How to move to Japan from the USA: Types of visas

Below are a few of the most common visa options for Americans living in Japan¹:

Working visa for Americans

The Japanese working visa is for professionals who have received a job offer from a Japanese company. It can last anywhere from three months to five years, depending on the length of the employee’s contract. After that period, holders can extend their visa as long as they continue to work for the same employer.

Intra-company transferee visa

Japan’s intra-company transferee visa is for American employees of multinational companies with offices in Japan. Again, it can last anywhere from three months to five years depending on the length of the employee’s contract. After that period, holders can extend their visa as long as they continue to work in Japan for the same employer.

Multinational companies with headquarters in Japan

Seeking companies that regularly recruit international talent for positions in Japan? A few international corporations with headquarters in Japan include:

• Sony
• Toyota
• SoftBank
• Nintendo
• Mitsubishi

There are also many American-based companies with offices in Japan in industries like tech  (Apple, Google, Amazon, Salesforce), finance (PwC, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, EY, KPMG), and consumer packaged goods (Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Coca Cola, Kraft Heinz).

Highly skilled professional visa for US citizens 

The Japanese highly skilled professional visa is for those working in advanced academic research, specialized or technical activities, or business management activities. It lasts for five years, after which it can be extended.

Student visa

The Japanese student visa is for Americans planning to study at educational institutions in Japan. It can last anywhere from three months to four years and three months, depending on the duration of your studies.

Visas for spouses & children

Japan offers visas for US citizens who are spouses and children of Japanese nationals and permanent residents. Moreover, dependents of US citizens who hold a valid Japanese long-stay visa can apply for visas of their own. 

These visas can last anywhere from six months to five years, depending on the circumstances of the spouse/parent(s). Holders can also extend these visas upon expiration if they continue to meet the requirements.

Entrepreneurship visas

The Japanese startup visa is for American entrepreneurs hoping to start a new business in Japan. It offers a transitory six-month stay for those getting their business off the ground. Afterward, holders can extend the visa once for an additional six months. To stay longer, entrepreneurs must apply for a business manager visa under the highly skilled professional visa category.

Long-term residency visa for Americans with Japanese heritage

Americans with Japanese heritage may be able to apply for Japan’s long-term resident visa. Eligible groups include the grandchildren of Japanese nationals and second- and third-generation Japanese settlers in foreign countries. The visa can last anywhere from six months to five years. After that period, holders can choose to extend the visa.

How to apply for a Japanese visa

The exact visa application process can vary slightly depending on which visa you apply for. However, it will generally involve:

• Gathering all the required documents:
  • Passport & copy
  • Visa application form
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Certificate of Eligibility (certain visas)
  • Other documents specific to your visa
• Booking an appointment at your local Japanese consulate to submit your visa
  • Note: Some consulates may allow mail-in visa applications
• Attending the appointment & submitting your visa application
• Receiving approval (typically one week, assuming you included all necessary documentation)
• Picking up your visa in person
• Going to Japan & receiving your zairyu card (residence card) upon entry
• Registering your residence within 14 days of arrival at your local municipal office

How to find out if you’re eligible for American-Japanese dual citizenship

Japanese law forbids holding multiple nationalities on paper, but in reality, it’s a little more complex.

Individuals who received both US and Japanese citizenship at birth can often maintain dual citizenship until 22 years old². At that point, the Japanese government typically requires them to choose between nationalities. Choosing Japanese citizenship, however, does not require you to actively forfeit your US citizenship — so some people maintain dual citizenship under the radar.

If the Japanese government finds out you acquired or maintain another nationality, however, they will generally revoke your Japanese citizenship. They will also require you to give up your US citizenship (or any other citizenship you hold) if you apply to become a naturalized Japanese citizen.

Moving to Japan: Checklist for Americans

Big moves inevitably come with a lot of questions, like “How much does it cost to move to Japan,” “What should I bring to Japan,” and “How do I find a job in Japan.” While you’ll likely still need to do some independent research to prepare for your move, we’ve come up with a checklist to help get you started:

• Gather all of your official documents, such as your passport & visa
• Have at least ¥500,000 (~$3,221) in savings for upfront moving costs
• Book your flight & reserve short-term accommodations 
• Create a packing list
• Bring a three-month supply of any prescriptions you take & a copy of your medical record
• Sort through your possessions to determine what to bring with you, put in storage, sell, or donate 
• Cancel services & subscriptions that you won’t use anymore (e.g. internet, phone plan, US-specific streaming services)
• Alert your bank & credit card company to your move so they won’t flag purchases abroad as suspicious
• Complete a change of address form
• Research options for Japanese banks & cell phone plans
• Reach out to other US expats living in Japan for advice — Facebook groups & subreddits are a great place to start

Best airlines to fly from the US to Japan

Numerous airlines provide direct flights from the US to Japan, with some standing out for their exceptional customer experience, including: 

• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Japan Airlines (JAL)
• Singapore Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines

Best places for US expats to live in Japan

There are plenty of great places to live throughout the country, but some of the best expat hubs in Japan include:

Tokyo

Tokyo is a great option for Americans considering moving to Japan. As the capital and largest city, Tokyo is a fascinating blend of technology, popular culture, and tradition. Whether you want to eat in a Michelin-starred restaurant, indulge your inner geek at the Ghibli Museum or Pokémon Café, or shop for avant-garde street fashion in Harajuku, there’s no lack of entertainment options in Tokyo.

A few popular Tokyo neighborhoods for expats include Roppongi, Hiroo, and Azabu.

Okinawa

The small southwestern island of Okinawa, on the other hand, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Japan. 

With white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a warm subtropical climate, Okinawa is perfect for anyone who loves surfing, scuba diving, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. Expats also appreciate Okinawa’s relaxed pace of life, traditional Ryukyuan culture, and natural beauty. 

A few of the most popular expat areas in Okinawa include Yomitan, Chatan, and Sunabe.

Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, is a major draw for those looking to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture. Ancient temples, shrines, castles, and historic tea houses all contribute to an atmosphere steeped in cultural richness and spiritual depth. Nature lovers, meanwhile, can find refuge in sites like Iwatayama Monkey Park and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. 

A few Kyoto neighborhoods favored by expats include Katsura, Karasuma, and Pontocho.

Sapporo

Sapporo may be best known for its eponymous beer — but this northern Japanese city offers expat residents much more than just that.

Sapporo’s numerous ramen stalls and seafood markets have marked it as an up-and-coming foodie destination, while the modern architecture and vast green spaces make it a pleasure to stroll around on a nice spring day. But Sapporo arguably shines brightest during the winter months, when residents take advantage of the nearby ski slopes and celebrate the Sapporo Snow Festival.

A few of the most popular neighborhoods for Americans in Sapporo include Odori Park, Maruyama, and Nakajima. If you are thinking of moving to Sapporo, you may want to consider hiring an English-speaking real estate agency, like Find Hokkaido Agents.

Invest in learning the local language

If you’re an American moving to Japan, learning Japanese is likely worth your time. Only about 10% of the country speaks fluent English³ — and while that percentage is typically higher in urban areas, your day-to-day life will almost certainly be easier with some Japanese under your belt.

Prices for a three-month Japanese language course vary by institution and location, typically ranging from ¥150,000 to ¥200,000 (~$967 to ~$1,289)⁴. Many academies offer both part-time and full-time courses, making it possible for working professionals to take an intensive language course.

Some of the more well-known language schools include:

• KAI Japanese Language School
• KCP International Japanese Language School
• Genki Japanese and Culture School

Best way to find accommodation in Japan

Since finding an apartment in Japan usually takes four to six weeks, it’s a good idea to arrange short-term accommodations during your search.

Some of the best options for short-term stays in Japan are “share houses” — fully-furnished living spaces shared by multiple renters — such as Sakura House, Oakhouse, and Social Apartment. Of course, you can also look up hostels on HostelWorld or short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.

When it comes to long-term rentals, most foreign nationals choose to go through a real estate agency. Some, like KEN Corp, are specifically geared toward foreigners. Others, like Minimini, cater to a more general audience and, as such, may require you to hire a translator (or have a high level of written and spoken Japanese).

Other popular housing resources include Gaijinpot, Facebook groups, and the government-affiliated Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) website.

Cost of living in Japan

The cost of living in Japan will vary widely based on your location and lifestyle, but it’s still usually significantly lower than in the vast majority of the US. By some estimates, the cost of living in Japan is 41.1% lower than that of the US⁵.

Other average costs of common expenses in Japan include: 

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $6.45
• 3-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant: $32.25
• Monthly metro pass: $51.61 
• Monthly utilities: $166.16
• Gym membership: $55.81
• Day care for 1 month: $361.68

How much is rent for a US citizen in Japan?

Rent in Japan varies by location, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $567 per month in city centers and $385 outside of city centers. Three-bedroom apartments, meanwhile, average about $1,246 in city centers and $753 outside of city centers. 

Tokyo is the most expensive metropolitan for renters, with one-bedrooms averaging $1,065 per month in the city center and $596 per month outside of it. Three-bedroom apartments, meanwhile, average $2,677 per month in the city center and $1,249 per month outside of it.

Rural areas are, of course, much cheaper on average, with one-bedroom apartments costing only around ¥40,000 (~$258) per month⁶.

How to open a bank account in Japan

Opening a Japanese bank account as an American can be a bit difficult, but it’s well worth the effort. Having a Japanese bank account can be useful or even necessary to get paid by a Japanese employer, pay utilities, and purchase real estate.

While you may need the help of a Japanese-speaking friend or translator to fill out forms or talk to a representative, the process itself is fairly straightforward⁷:

• Gather the required documents
  • Passport
  • Residence card (aka Zairyu card)
  • Town hall registration
  • Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)
  • Personal seal (aka inkan or hanko)
  • Japanese mobile number
• Apply for an account in person or online
• Fill out the application form
• Make an initial deposit, if required (typically at least ¥1,000, or about ~$6.45 USD)
• Get your bank card
• Download your bank’s mobile app to set up online banking

Best Japan banks for US expats

Some of the best banking options in Japan for English-speaking foreigners include:

• Japan Post Bank (JP Bank)
• Shinsei Bank
• Rakuten Bank
• SMBC Trust Bank
• Sony Bank

Online banks may be an option

If you don’t want to open a physical bank account in Japan, you might consider opening an account with an online bank such as Starling Bank, Monzo, or Monese. Money transfer services like Wise, meanwhile, make it easy to transfer funds between your US and international bank accounts.

Taxes in Japan for US expats

How to file taxes in Japan

Japanese taxpayers fall into three different groups⁸:

• Non-Residents: Those who have been living in Japan for less than a year over the last 10 years and don’t plan to stay. Subject to a flat 20.42% tax on Japanese-source income only
• Non-Permanent Residents: Those who have lived in Japan for less than five years over the last 10 years, but don’t plan to stay. Subject to taxes on all income except for income earned abroad and not remitted to Japan 
• Permanent Residents: Those who have lived in Japan for five years or more over the last 10 years, or who intend to stay permanently. Subject to taxes on worldwide income

Many Japanese residents do not need to file a tax return if they have only salary or pension income below a certain threshold. However, the following groups must file a tax return⁹:

• Self-employed individuals who earn above ¥580,000 (~$3,756) annually 
• Employees who earn above ¥20 million (~$129,510) annually
• Retirees with state pensions in excess of ¥4 million (~$25,902) annually
• Those with side gigs that bring in above ¥200,000 (~$1,296) annually
• Those with more than one employer
• Those working for a foreign employer in Japan or receiving a salary from abroad
• Those who leave Japan before the end of the tax year
• Directors of family businesses (and their direct family members) who receive:
  • Loan interest income
  • Rent for commercial property
  • Payments for the use of certain equipment
• Those who have not otherwise had any taxes withheld

Taxes are due between February 16th and March 15th. Most Japanese taxpayers use the government’s e-Tax website, although you can also mail in a paper return or file a return at your local tax office.

Japan income tax rates, tax year 2024

Income (JPY)	Income (USD)	Tax rate	Deduction (JPY)	Deduction (USD)
Up to ¥1.95 million	Up to ~$12,618	5%	0	0
¥1.95 million – ¥3.3 million	~$12,618 – ~$21,353	10%	¥97,500	~$631
¥3.3 million – ¥6.95 million	~$21,353 – ~$44,983	20%	¥427,500	~$2,767
¥6.95 million – ¥9 million	~$44,983 – ~$58,236	23%	¥636,000	~$4,116
¥9 million – ¥18 million	~$58,236 – ~$116,472	33%	¥1,536,000	~$9,940
¥18 million – ¥40 million	~$116,472 – ~$258,838	40%	¥2,796,000	~$18,094
Above ¥40 million	Above ~$258,838	45%	¥4,796,000	~$31,036

Other common taxes in Japan include:

• Local income taxes: Typically 10%
• Business income: 3% to 5% on income over ¥2.9 million (~$18,756)
• Stock & security gains: 20.315%
• Real estate gains
  • Short term (Held less than 5 years): 39.63%
  • Long-term (Held for 5+ years): 20.315% on 50% of net gain
• Social security taxes: 14.75%
• VAT: 10% with reduced rates on certain goods & services

How to file US taxes in Japan

Moving abroad doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for US taxes. If you’re an American citizen or permanent resident who meets the minimum income reporting threshold, you must file a federal tax return regardless of where in the world you live.

Taxes for Americans living abroad are due on June 15th, although you can file Form 4868 to receive an extension until October 15th. However, you must still make an estimated tax payment by April 15th regardless of when you file your tax return.

If you’re also subject to taxes in Japan, you risk facing double taxation. While there is a US-Japan tax treaty, a tricky clause renders most of its benefits useless for the majority of Americans living there. The good news? US expats abroad can often erase their US tax bill entirely through tax breaks, including the following:

Earn a dollar-for-dollar, nonrefundable credit

The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) gives you dollar-for-dollar credits for any foreign income taxes you’ve paid that are legal and charged to you specifically. To claim it, you must file Form 1116.

Avoid double taxation on earned income

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude up to $126,500 of your foreign-earned income from taxation in the 2024 tax year. For tax year 2025, that number will increase to $130,000 to account for inflation.

To qualify for the FEIE, you must pass either the Physical Presence Test or Bona Fide Residence Test. Doing so also qualifies you for the Foreign Housing Exclusion, which allows you to write off certain foreign housing expenses like rent, utilities, and residential parking.

Claim refundable credits for your dependent children

US expat parents can claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) just as they would if they were living in the US. Typically, this credit allows expat parents to claim up to $2,000 in partially-refundable credits per qualifying child/dependent.

FATCA & FBAR considerations

Although expatriates receive certain tax breaks, they may also face additional reporting obligations. Those with over $10,000 across foreign financial accounts at any point in the tax year must file a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR).

Similarly, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires those abroad with foreign financial assets totaling over $200,000 on the last day of — or over $300,000 at any point during — the tax year to report them on Form 8938.

Common tax challenges for US expats in Japan

Filing taxes as a US expat living in Japan can add a layer of complication to your tax and reporting obligations. For example, you may have to file both a US tax return and a Japanese tax return, which can be time-consuming and tedious. Additionally, navigating Japanese tax forms could be difficult if you don’t have a strong grasp of the language.

Your status as a US expat may also change your US tax and reporting obligations in ways you might not realize. Furthermore, there are likely tax breaks available to you that you may not be aware of or understand how to claim on your own.

References

1. Work or Long-term stay
2. Dual Nationality: US and Japan
3. Why bilingual literature is needed in a place like Japan
4. Japanese Language Schools
5. Cost of Living Comparison Between United States and Japan
6. Cost of Living in Rural Japan – The Countryside Breakdown
7. How to open a bank account in Japan: Required documents
8. Japan – Overview
9. How to file your income tax in Japan in 2025