Settling-In in Japan

Expat guides for before and at the time of move-in

Once you have decided on your new home, there are various tasks remaining to complete before you can start your new life in Tokyo. You will need a cell phone, internet services, TV reception, utilities, a bank account, resident registration, daily necessities and more.

We here at PLAZA HOMES have created easy-to-use English guides with information for expats living in Tokyo to make adapting to life in Japan stress-free.

Japanese Mobile Phones: Plans, Coverage and Services

From the iPhone to the latest Android devices, Japanese mobile phones are outfitted with the latest technology with designs to suit every taste; whether you want to use them mostly for data exchange, phone calls or something else depends on your needs and lifestyle. Below, we provide a comparison…

Which Is the Easiest Tokyo Subway Ticket Option: Suica or PASMO?

If you live in Tokyo, you know that the public transportation system is second to none. Subways, trains, and buses run on time from very early in the morning to late in the evening. And where a congested highway can take two or more hours to get from point A to B, the public system can often get y…

Buying, Leasing, and Renting a Car in Japan

Getting around Japan, let alone Tokyo, can be a daunting task for the unprepared. Trains are wonderfully efficient and timely in Japan, but there are some things that Japan's public transportation system simply cannot accomplish. Have you ever tried to help a friend move their fantastic armoire by…

How to Open a Bank Account in Japan

It is necessary for foreign residents in Japan to open a bank account in order to receive their income, make everyday purchases, and pay utility bills. In this article, we introduce the types of banks in Japan, documents needed to open an account, and banks where you can open an account in English.