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Japan

Tokyo · Asia Pacific
At a glance
Cost of living
68
US = 100
Safety
95
0–100
Healthcare
88
0–100
English
Low
Official languages
Japanese
Climate
Four distinct seasons. Tokyo and central Honshu have hot, humid summers (30–35°C with high humidity in July–August) and cold winters with occasional snow. Spring cherry blossom season (late March–April) and autumn foliage (November) are spectacular. Hokkaido in the north has cold, snowy winters and cool summers — popular for skiing. Okinawa and the southern islands are subtropical year-round. Osaka and Kyoto have a similar climate to Tokyo. Typhoon season runs July–October.
Entry paths

Visa types available to foreign nationals. Not all will fit every profile — log in for a personalised shortlist.

  • Specified Skilled Worker / Digital Nomad Visa

    Japan launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa in 2024, allowing remote workers employed outside Japan to stay for 6 months (extendable to 12). Applicants must earn ¥8,400,000/year (~$57,000 USD) and have overseas health insurance. Japan is one of the world's most unique destinations for long-term expats, offering extraordinary safety, cuisine, culture, and infrastructure at a dramatically lower cost than major US cities.

    Initial: 6 mo From $5,700/mo income
  • Student Visa (College Student)

    Americans admitted to a Japanese university, graduate school, or accredited Japanese language school can obtain a College Student visa (留学ビザ) valid for the duration of their program, renewable annually. Japan hosts many internationally respected universities — the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Waseda among them — with a growing number of English-taught degree programs. Part-time work up to 28 hours per week is permitted with a separate authorization. Japan's extraordinary combination of ancient culture, modern infrastructure, world-class food, and low crime makes it one of the most sought-after study destinations in Asia.

    Initial: 12 mo
  • Highly Skilled Professional Visa (J-Skip / HSP)

    Japan's J-Skip visa (introduced 2023) is a fast-track for highly skilled professionals earning over ¥20M/year (~$135,000 USD), granting a 5-year residence and permanent residency eligibility in as little as 1 year. Japan has aggressively streamlined its immigration to attract global talent. This pathway is ideal for senior tech, finance, and research professionals with Japanese employer sponsorship.

    Initial: 60 mo
Path to citizenship
Permanent residency
10 years
earliest after legal residency
Citizenship
5 years
earliest after legal residency
Americans abroad here
Estimated US population
~55,000
Overall expat scene
Large
International schools
Strong
Tokyo has excellent international schools including the American School in Japan (ASIJ), Tokyo International School, and many others. Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama have options. Outside major metro areas, international schooling is largely unavailable. Costs are high — comparable to premium US private schools.
Getting there
From NYC
~14.0h
From LAX
~11.0h
Universities we track
  • University of Tokyo QS #28
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