YOUR TOKYO MOVING GUIDE
Your Complete Guide to Living in Tokyo
Everything you need to set up life in Japan's capital — from finding an apartment to sorting your garbage.
Everything you need to set up life in Japan's capital — from finding an apartment to sorting your garbage.
Jump to the guide that matches your stage.
3-6 months before your move. Get your visa, compare neighborhoods, and estimate costs.
Start Planning →Your first 2 weeks in Tokyo. Get connected and handle the essentials fast.
Get Set Up →1-3 months in. Optimize your daily life, utilities, and learn the local rules.
Settle In →Tokyo has 23 special wards, each with its own personality. Here are the most popular with expats.
The vibrant heart of Tokyo — entertainment, business, and incredible transit access.
Trendy and youthful — fashion, tech startups, and iconic culture all in one ward.
Tokyo's international hub — embassies, expat communities, and premium living.
Quiet residential charm with great cafes, Nakameguro canal, and easy Shibuya access.
Budget-friendly and central — great for students and young professionals.
Everything you need to get set up, all in one place.
Best plans for every visa type
Compare Plans →Fiber, pocket WiFi, setup guides
Get Connected →Apartments, agencies, guarantors
Find Housing →Water, gas, electric setup
Utilities Guide →Accounts, apps, transfers
Banking Guide →Sorting, schedules, by ward
Garbage Guide →IC cards, passes, bikes
Transport Guide →Types, requirements, agencies
Visa Guide →Find international foods and grocery stores near you in Tokyo.
Browse stores →Save big on furniture and electronics at Tokyo's secondhand shops.
Shop smart →Furniture, DIY, and 100-yen shops for your apartment setup.
Find stores →My Number Card, driver's license conversion, and essential IDs.
Get started →Feedback from the community that uses MoveMate.
Just landed? Here's exactly what to do, in order. Follow this checklist and you'll be fully set up within your first week.
See Full Checklist →You'll need a phone number for everything.
Required within 14 days of arrival.
Needed for rent, salary, and utilities.
Electricity, gas, water for your new apartment.
Your neighbors will notice.
Tell us about your situation and we'll point you to the right guides. Whether you're planning, just arrived, or settling in — we've got you covered.
Find Your Path