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Thinking about moving to Japan? Whether you’re planning on short-term relocation or moving there permanently, relocating to Japan from the US is a big step. This expat guide answers all essential questions you might have, like how much it costs to move to Japan, how to move to Japan permanently, and what the requirements are to live in Japan as an American. From visas and moving costs to living expenses and life in Japan, you can find it here.
On average, the cost of moving to Japan from the US ranges from $3000 to $11,800, depending on the size of your apartment and location. Sea freight is the most common method, with faster and cheaper routes from the West Coast.
| Property Size | Time | Average Costs |
| 1-bedroom | 8 – 11 weeks | $3,400 – $4,800 |
| 2-bedrooms | 5 – 8 weeks | $4,700 – $6,300 |
| 3-bedrooms | 5 – 8 weeks | $8,200 – $11,000 |
| 4-bedrooms | 5 – 8 weeks | $8,700 – $11,800 |
*Costs updated in October 2025.
| Property Size | Time | Average Costs |
| 1-bedroom | 7 – 9 weeks | $3,000 – $4,200 |
| 2-bedrooms | 4 – 6 weeks | $3,900 – $5,400 |
| 3-bedrooms | 4 – 6 weeks | $6,800 – $9,200 |
| 4-bedrooms | 4 – 6 weeks | $7,300 – $10,000 |
*Costs updated in October 2025.
Are you searching for movers to Japan? You’re in the right place. Take a look at the 3 best international removal companies from America to Japan:
Request up to 5 free moving quotes from some of the best international movers to Japan. Still unsure about your moving volume? Use our moving space calculator to get the most accurate cost estimates.
Here’s how to move to Japan from the US in 7 simple steps:
What are the requirements for moving to Japan? Here’s a quick breakdown of specific documentation and residency requirements:
Absolutely, though you must go through proper legal channels, including obtaining a visa and registering locally.
Moving to Japan for work is possible, especially if you work in education, IT, or engineering.
There are English-speaking jobs for foreigners, but most companies expect at least a JLPT N2 proficiency.
Quick facts:
Japan’s healthcare system offers universal coverage with high-quality medical services.
Residents pay about 30% of costs, while insurance covers the rest.
To open a bank account in Japan, you must first obtain a Japanese residency. You’ll need:
Japan’s cost of living varies by city. Tokyo and Osaka are the most expensive; smaller cities like Fukuoka and Sapporo offer more affordable options.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost |
| Family of four (Tokyo) | ¥417,000 ($3,864) |
| 1K apartment rent | ¥50,000–¥70,000 |
| Utilities | ¥15,000–¥25,000 |
| Groceries | ¥40,000–¥60,000 |
Living in Japan as an American offers both challenges and rewards. While the infrastructure is excellent and the culture is rich, you may encounter cultural and language barriers.
Join expat groups in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Okinawa to build a support network.
Japan is often referred to as a land of contradictions. Traditional, yet modern. Kind, yet stern. Keeping with the theme, we have listed some pros of moving to Japan, contrasted by their cons:
From spring cherry blossoms in Kyoto to karaoke in Tokyo, Japan offers endless experiences.
Don’t miss:
Now that you have made it this far, you should be a master of moving costs, and on top of all the things to do before moving to Japan. If you feel like you still need some extra help, we recommend that you check out the articles below.
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