INDEPENDENT TRAVEL & LIVING GUIDES · JP
Feel at home in Japan.
Understand practical journeys through Japan, from first arrival and rail tickets to apartments and everyday routines.
For visitors, future residents and people already living here.
Practical answers, without the guesswork.
Explore step-by-step guides for the decisions that matter. We show where to check the official rules instead of pretending one answer fits every passport or circumstance.
Visa & entryEntering Japan in 2026: visa exemption, eVISA or a long-stay visa?Choose the right Japanese entry route for your passport, residence country and purpose; understand COE, eVISA proof, Visit Japan Web and the actual permitted stay.
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TransportJapan Rail Pass vs Train Tickets: Which Is Cheaper?Tokyo–Kyoto return: a dated Kodama offer totals ¥21,920, against ¥50,000 for a seven-day JR Pass. See which option fits four common itineraries.
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Renting & housingRenting in Japan: What Will You Pay Before Moving In?A clear yen-by-yen example comparing two apartments, deposits, key money, guarantor fees, twelve-month cost and contract traps.
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Healthcare and insuranceBringing prescription medicine to Japan: quantities, controlled drugs and permitsCheck your medicine by ingredient, separate ordinary import confirmation from controlled-drug permission, and prepare for entry and any medicine you take home.
Read guideCost of living & moneyJapan’s public rental apartments: real rent and move-in costs in 2026Japan’s public rental operator (UR) lists compact apartments: Tokyo ¥143,000, Osaka ¥56,000, Fukuoka ¥49,000 a month. The usual deposit is two months’ rent.
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Safety & emergenciesEmergency Food Storage in Japan: A 3–7 Day Plan for Small ApartmentsJapan MAFF recommends at least 3 days and preferably a week of food. One adult needs about 9 L of water for 3 days or 21 L for 7 days including drinking and cooking; use rolling stock and a no-heat first-day menu.
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Compare your own housing, transport and daily expense estimates. No invented average cost of living.
Open budget planner ↗Start with official information.
Entry rules and permits can change. Use government resources to check current eligibility and application steps.