Japan
Profiled in Tokyo · East Asia
Tokyo runs like a giant clockwork city where neon nightlife, quiet shrines and the best trains on earth all somehow share the same block.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Cheaper than most global capitals for food, pricey for family-sized apartments.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Tokyo
- Senso-jiTokyo's oldest temple, in Asakusa, reached through a lantern-hung shopping street.
- Meiji JinguForested shrine beside Harajuku, a calm break from the crowds.
- Shibuya CrossingThe famous scramble intersection where thousands cross at once.
- Tokyo SkytreeOne of the world's tallest towers, with huge views over the city.
- Tokyo TowerThe red-and-white Eiffel-style landmark lit up every night.
- Imperial PalaceThe emperor's residence, ringed by gardens and a popular jogging moat.
- Shinjuku GyoenBig landscaped park that turns famous during cherry blossom season.
- Ueno ParkSprawling park packed with major museums and the city zoo.
- teamLab PlanetsImmersive digital art museum you walk through barefoot in Toyosu.
- Tsukiji Outer MarketLively lanes of seafood stalls and street food near the old fish market.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- HakoneHot spring resort with lake views and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
- KamakuraSeaside town with the giant bronze Great Buddha and quiet temples.
- NikkoMountain shrines and forests, an easy train ride north of the city.
- KawaguchikoLakeside base for the classic postcard view of Mount Fuji.
- KyotoTwo hours by bullet train to Japan's old capital and its temples.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Cafe de l'AmbreGinza coffee institution serving aged beans since 1948.
- Fuglen TokyoNorwegian coffee bar in Tomigaya that turns into a cocktail spot at night.
- Kayaba CoffeeRestored old-school kissaten in the low-key Yanaka district.
- Chatei HatouHushed Shibuya coffee house famous for hand-poured cups and vintage china.
- Blue Bottle KiyosumiThe chain's airy flagship roastery in a converted warehouse.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Sukiyabashi JiroLegendary Ginza sushi counter, tiny and famously hard to book.
- Gonpachi Nishi-AzabuThe soaring izakaya that inspired the Kill Bill set.
- IppudoReliable tonkotsu ramen, born in Fukuoka and everywhere in Tokyo.
- IchiranSolo-booth ramen chain built around a rich pork-bone broth.
- Tonkatsu Maisen AoyamaBeloved spot for crisp breaded pork cutlets in a former bathhouse.
- Kanda MatsuyaCentury-old soba house serving handmade buckwheat noodles.
- AfuriModern ramen known for a lighter yuzu-scented citrus broth.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Bills OmotesandoHome of the fluffy ricotta hotcakes that started a brunch craze.
- Eggs 'n ThingsHawaiian pancakes piled with towers of whipped cream.
- Sarabeth's TokyoThe New York brunch classic with eggs Benedict and jams.
- PathSmall Tomigaya bistro loved for its Dutch pancake and croissants.
- Bricolage Bread & Co.Roppongi bakery cafe with excellent bread and morning plates.
- Clinton St. Baking CompanyPancakes and biscuits from the popular New York import.
- IvorishFrench toast specialist doing sweet and savory versions all day.
- Cafe KitsuneAoyama courtyard cafe for coffee and pastries in a calm setting.
- Tsukiji Outer MarketGrab a tamago skewer or sushi breakfast among the stalls.
Residency
Most newcomers arrive on a work visa tied to an employer, or a Business Manager visa if they start a company. After roughly ten years of continuous residence you can apply for permanent residency, though the Highly Skilled Professional track can shorten that to one to three years.
Tax
Residents pay national income tax on a progressive scale up to 45 percent plus a flat local inhabitant tax of about 10 percent. Your first years are taxed mainly on Japan-source and remitted income, but long-term residents are taxed on worldwide income.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Japan residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Japan tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby