Daily Life Guides β
Comprehensive Guides β
- GaijinPot - All-in-one platform for jobs, apartments, study, travel, and community forums.
- Japan Guide - The most comprehensive English travel and living guide for Japan.
- About Japan - General information portal covering many aspects of life in Japan.
- About Moving to Japan - Practical preparation guide for your move.
- Global Compassion - Tips and advice for getting settled after arrival.
- Handbook for Newcomers - Comprehensive legal guide covering rights and responsibilities for foreigners.
- Moon Living Abroad in Japan - Online companion to the Moon guidebook series.
- Expat Exchange - Forums and firsthand advice from people who have moved abroad.
- Ampontan - Insider blog offering deep dives into Japanese culture and politics.
City Living Guides (PDFs) β
Most major Japanese cities publish multilingual living guides for foreign residents covering registration, garbage, healthcare, schools, and emergencies. Look up your specific city's "ε€ε½δΊΊεγηζ΄»γ¬γ€γ" (foreigner living guide) on its official site.
Tokyo & Kanto β
- Yokohama Living Guide - Yokohama's official multilingual guide for foreign residents.
- Kawasaki Living Guide - Kawasaki City foreigner living information.
- Saitama City Foreign Resident Guide - Multilingual Saitama living info.
- Chiba City Foreign Resident Guide - Chiba's official multilingual portal.
- Edogawa City Living Guide - PDF guide for residents of Edogawa ward, Tokyo.
- Tokyo Your Guide - Official Tokyo metropolitan living guide PDF.
Central Japan β
- Nagoya Living Guide - Nagoya International Center's PDF guide.
- Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Manual - Multilingual living info for Hamamatsu.
- Iga City Living Guidebook - Iga City multilingual guide.
- Toyota City Multilingual Living Guide - Living info for Toyota City residents.
- Shizuoka Multilingual Information - Shizuoka prefecture multilingual portal.
Kansai β
- Kobe Living Guide - Kobe's official multilingual life info.
- Osaka Information for Foreign Residents - Osaka prefecture's portal.
- Kyoto City Foreign Residents Guide - Kyoto multilingual living info.
- Nara City for Foreign Residents - Nara multilingual portal.
Hokkaido β
- Sapporo Living Guide - Sapporo multilingual foreigner support.
- Living Guide Hakodate - PDF guide for living in Hakodate.
Western Japan β
- Hiroshima Living Guide - Hiroshima City's English info portal.
- Okayama Multilingual Living Guide - Okayama City foreigner info.
Kyushu β
- Kitakyushu Foreign Resident Info - Kitakyushu's multilingual portal.
- Kumamoto Living Guide - Kumamoto City foreigner info.
- Kagoshima Foreign Resident Guide - Kagoshima living info.
Multi-City / National β
- CLAIR Living in Japan Guide - Multilingual housing and daily living guide published by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations.
- Immigration Services Agency Living Guide - Official national multilingual guide.
Emergency & Safety β
- Japan Helpline - 24-hour multilingual emergency hotline. Phone: 0120/46-1997.
- Honjo Life Safety Learning Center - Free disaster prevention training including earthquake simulation.
- Emergency Numbers - Fire/Ambulance: 119, Police: 110.
Organizations & Community β
- Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese - Support network for foreign spouses living in Japan.
- Global Youth Exchange Program - MOFA cultural exchange program for young people.
Accessibility β
- Accessible Tokyo and Osaka - Guides for wheelchair-accessible accommodations and transport.
- Japan Accessible Tourist Center - Travel planning for visitors with disabilities.
Useful Tools β
- Online Conversion - Metric to imperial converter for all units.
- World Wide Electric Guide - Info on outlets, voltage, and plug types by country.
- Tokyo Price Guide - Typical consumer goods prices in Tokyo to help you budget.
- Visit Japan Links - Official curated links from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.