How to Move to Japan When You Know Zero Japanese - The Bare Necessities

So you've decided to move to Japan! Great! You are going to love your new life in the land of the rising sun. Whether you like living among centuries old cultural traditions or on the fringe of the latest cutting edge, there's something that will speak to you deeply there.

So let's begin talking about actually getting there. Here's a hint: it's not easy. I highly recommend getting the help of a Japanese national, if at all possible. I don't think I could do it without mine.

Still, in case any of you are considering such a move, here's a little of what you can expect.

1. Housing (you gotta live somewhere, right?)

Housing is a hassle, there's no two ways around it. But have fun. Housing in Japan is so different, and enjoy the nuances in archetecture, design, and functionality. You will notice immediately that your new home or apartment will be small. In Japan, space is a premium. Don't worry too much about it! All your appliances and furniture will be designed to be compact and make the absolute most of your space. The Japanese are pros at this.

Have a chunk of change up front. A big one. Many (most) places that you rent will require extensive fees to even get your name on the lease. Sometimes, the start-up fees can be as much as 4 or 5 months' rent, and not all of that will be refundable and/or actually go toward paying rent. This is frustrating, but normal. There are places that just require the first month's rent up front and some minor fees, but if you count on this, your living options are going to be extremely limited and/or not in the best areas. Be prepared, and don't count on getting lucky. We are paying a little more than extra to be in our ideal area of Tokyo, and we're expecting to fork over anywhere from 400,000 to 500,000 yen (approx. $4-5,000.00).

If you are renting, your options are broken down into two main categories: apartments and mansions. The name "mansion" is a bit of a misnomer, as it really just indicates just a newer, higher-tech apartment. (Still, telling all your American friends that you bought a mansion in Tokyo? Priceless.) If cash is tight, go with an apartment ("apaato"). Wanna live it up for a little more? Take a peek at some mansions. There are, of course, other options such as homeowning, but I wouldn't know anything about that. If you want to go that way, please consult your nearest Japanese national and hang on to them - you will need them dearly.

Be prepared for a lot of paperwork. Visas, verification of employment, etc. are a must. Some areas will even require government issued proof of your prior address (and no, a DL doesn't count for some reason). Most places will usually require you to have a guarantor. If you don't have one handy, you can go to a third party company to act as one for you - for a fee. Some places are unique in what they ask for. Either way, be prepared to get it all.

2. Transportation (because your fridge won't fill itself and you can't stay home forever)

Depending on where you live, it might not be practical or even feasible to own a car in Japan. In big cities, you will pay hundreds of thousands of yen each month for the elite privilege of parking your clunker. The bigger the city, the less likely it is that you will need a car at all.

If you do intend to get a car, make sure your U.S. driver's license is current and has plenty of time left on it BEFORE you leave the country. If you have a valid license, you can apply for an international driver's license by taking only a written test, no road test required. If you have to get a Japanese license (probably if you're staying in the country for more than a year), have a fistful of cash and the nerves and patience of a brick wall. I will quote my friend here: "First time you take that road test is a guaranteed fail. Second time is about a 90% chance of failure, third hovers around 70%, and the fourth and beyond you've got a fighting chance at 50/50. And you pay money each time."

Also don't ship your car to Japan. Unless you have a really sweet ride (I'm talking the level of sweetness like a Ferrari), it's more to ship it than your car is worth.

Living in the city? Don't bother with a car! Instead, focus on housing around or reasonably near a train station hub and you'll never be without a ride to most anywhere in the country. Also check out the amenities near your apartment. It's common to walk or bike to the grocery store - stay at a place where you can too. Invest in a nice bike with a basket for goods and make it your best friend. Bling it up with any of thousands of accessories and increase its functionality with gizmos like an attachable umbrella, headlights, speedometer, compass, clock, rear view mirror, fenders, iPhone holder, and/or child seat. Maybe you can't have a Lamborghini but you can have THAT bike, I promise.

Feel free to follow the link below and see just how many accessories are really available.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/category/201695/

3. Basic Household Furniture

-Bed
As stated in the housing section, space is a premium. Your bed will consume your whole bedroom, so don't plan on it. Instead, consider a futon. Great for your back, stylish, and compact. Fold it up into thirds for storage during the day and get back that space for living! If you absolutely can't stand the thought of sleeping on the floor (and it's way nicer than you'd think!) then you can invest in a futon frame and get come inches between you and the floor. The whole set, with a frame, will cost significantly less than a mid-quality American mattress alone.

-Table/Seating
Enter the kotatsu, the most glorious of all Japanese inventions (and there are a LOT of glorious Japanese inventions):

This table-deluxe is not only covered in a thick quilt to warm your legs and feet, but there is a heater underneath that makes you super-duper toasty. It is extremely common to sleep under it. It's like the best fort you never had, doubling as a table that can be used for everything from dining to gaming to and family TV time. The only table you'll need, guaranteed.

Just like with the beds, if you can't adjust to living on the floor, you can buy a Western dining table with chairs, but it will cost you and monopolize a huge portion of your scarce living space.

Don't like back-less seating? Get leg-less chairs or turn your kotatsu into a couch!

You just can't tell me this doesn't look like the dreamiest thing ever.

So your Japanese home won't look quite like the one you left behind. Keep an open mind to try new things and you will be amazed - and quite possibly never want to go back!!