Japan’s capital city is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Its fascinating culture and stunning natural scenery make it irresistible to the millions of tourists who flock to the city yearly to eat, play, shop, and enjoy local festivities.
Amid the bustle of visitors is a thriving community of international residents who have relocated to this mega-metropolis. Thus, if you’re looking to move abroad, find out why Tokyo is a top choice to make your new home for a long-term or temporary stay.
Here are the best reasons to live in Tokyo for expats:
1- Vibrant Entertainment Culture
Japan is bustling with cultural events all year round, and Tokyo, as its entertainment hub, is no different. Living in Toyko means you can access endless activities and events at museums, nature parks, themed hotels, theaters, and markets. In addition, spectacular cultural festivals draw crowds to the heart of the city.
There are centuries-old temples, shrines, and traditional attire to behold in stark contrast to the youthful fashion, futuristic tech exhibitions, and famous pop culture tours on display. Furthermore, some of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo are situated near trendy bars, stylish boutique stores and specialty shops, and world-class dining facilities.
There is something for everyone, whether enjoying a vibrant social nightlife or a relaxing time taking in the sights.
2- Safe City Living
Safety and security are common concerns for those living or moving to any city abroad. Fortunately, Tokyo boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the world, thanks to strict regulation of weapons and narcotics as well as strong social codes that foster high moral standards among the population.
Due to this high level of safety, children can move about the city unattended and independently. At the same time, expats can comfortably explore the city alone at night or bring their families along for the move abroad.
If you happen to lose your belongings, you can expect to have them returned by a passerby or lost-and-found facility. Thus, Tokyo’s safety ensures you enjoy high-quality living and greater freedom of movement.
3- Employment Opportunities
There are plenty of job opportunities in Tokyo for international professionals and expats in various industries. These include science, engineering, technology, and research. However, the most common employment for foreign workers is teaching English as a second language (ESL).
Outside of this are career prospects in information technology, entertainment, and creative sectors such as animation, art, and design. Some expats work for overseas companies based in Tokyo for language support. Moreover, becoming proficient in speaking Japanese can open up more employment opportunities at localized companies and in your field of expertise.
4- Strong Community Ties
Despite being the largest city in Japan and the world’s largest by population, Tokyo has maintained strong community ties. The city is sectioned into many local municipalities and neighborhoods where people are community-oriented, working together for everyone’s benefit and staying integrated through social connections.
This makes the city welcoming to expats who can adapt to cultural norms and connect with neighbors and residents. Regular expat meetups also enable them to network with Tokyo’s growing international community. Thus, living in Tokyo allows you to become part of a socially cohesive community while enjoying the advantages of being in a big city.
5- Efficient Public Transport
One of the major attractions for expats and international workers to live in Tokyo is the highly efficient public transport system. Getting to a destination quickly and seamlessly is a major consideration for an expat’s move to any city. Fortunately, Japan has been a world leader in well-developed public transit infrastructure for decades to the point that many residents don’t need to own a car.
The safe and reliable trains, buses, and private taxis are punctual and convenient and run through the entire city in connected route networks, making it easy to travel anywhere at any time of the day. On top of this are the bicycle lanes, pedestrian streets, and Japanese zoning optimized for walking and cycling around town. With this, Tokyo allows for greater mobility and easy traveling to get to work and explore exciting places.
Conclusion
Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world to live in as an expat. The high level of safety, exceptional public transit, and strong community values allow you to immerse yourself in its city life and get around conveniently.
Furthermore, plenty of work options are available in highly skilled sectors while the lively social festivities ensure you never run out of things to do. Alternatively, you can spend your leisure time simply observing its unique culture. These are just a few reasons why people worldwide relocate to Japan’s enchanting capital.
