5 Things to Know About Moving to Japan
If you’re the adventurous type, then the prospect of moving abroad to a foreign country has probably appealed to you at some point in your life. Moving somewhere you can experience an entirely different culture and way of living is a great way of opening your eyes to new perspectives and giving you a new lease on life.
Japan is a wonderful option for this type of move, especially for those who are accustomed to Western culture. Japan is full of exciting opportunities and things to experience – here’s what you need to know about moving there.
Getting a Visa
First of all, if you’re considering moving abroad, you need to think about how you’ll acquire a visa. No matter where you wish to go, you’ll need some type of visa that will allow you access to the country.
One of the most popular ways of moving abroad to Japan is by getting a job as an English teacher. Any job offer will allow you to get a visa, but the high demand for English teachers makes this one of the easiest options for expats. The barrier to entry for these types of jobs is relatively low, so it’s a great first step if you want to make the move!
Finding a Home
Moving abroad, you’ll need to ensure you find somewhere to stay. When applying for a teaching position, some companies will provide accommodation for their staff, but this is not always the case.
You will need to seek out a rental unit or find some other form of accommodation. It’s also good to know that you don’t need citizenship to purchase property in Japan, which means that you can look for houses for sale in Sapporo or other areas you might be interested in settling down in if buying is something that interests you.
The Healthcare System
Another thing you’ll need to account for is your health. When you move abroad, you’ll probably no longer be covered by your regular health insurance. This means that you’ll need to get in touch with the insurance company and cancel your policy before you leave the country.
Next, you’ll need to figure out what method you’ll take to acquire health insurance in Japan. The Japanese healthcare system is brilliant, well-run, and efficient, but opting for international health insurance is always a good idea.
Public Transport
The public transport in Japan is also extensive, clean, fast and safe. There are plenty of different options, so you might feel overwhelmed at first, but you’ll be able to learn and adapt quickly to their user-friendly systems.
However, if you decide you’d prefer to get around with your own vehicle, then you can opt for purchasing a second-hand car, of which there are plenty in Japan.
Safety
Finally, something you may wonder about is whether or not you’ll be safe in Japan, especially if you’re moving abroad on your own.
The short answer is yes! Japan has an incredibly low rate of crime and violence, the cities are kept clean and are well-maintained, and you’ll be free to wander the streets and explore as you please without needing to worry.
