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For one person, yuzu.help's 2026 cost model suggests roughly ¥510,000–¥1.3 million for moving to Japan and covering the first three months. The amount depends on your city, housing and lifestyle. Tuition is extra.

The model estimates one-time costs of ¥225,000–¥285,000 for a share-house room or ¥435,000–¥670,000 for a private studio. These include rental fees, basic furniture, flights, visa paperwork and initial SIM and transport costs. Monthly living costs are around ¥106,000–¥142,000 for a student in a share house or ¥175,000–¥228,000 for a worker in a studio. Sapporo and Fukuoka are at the lower end of the model; Tokyo is at the higher end. Use the budget calculator to adjust the figures to your plans.

Yes. Some universities and graduate schools in Japan offer degrees taught entirely in English. Their language and admission requirements vary, so check the programme you want to apply to.

Japanese language schools are another option, but beginner courses still require some prior Japanese. For entry from October 2026, immigration requires evidence of at least CEFR A1-level Japanese through a test certificate or an interview; a record of 150 study hours alone is no longer enough. Ask the school which evidence it accepts. Japanese-taught university and vocational programmes require a higher level of Japanese.

Start with job listings, company recruitment pages and career fairs that match your skills and Japanese level. Prepare a Japanese-style CV, called a rirekisho (履歴書), when the employer requests one; international employers may accept your usual CV.

If you study in Japan, use your school's careers office and JASSO's Job Hunting Guide to plan around the graduate recruitment calendar. Hello Work and the Employment Service Centres for Foreigners also offer support. If you need a work status of residence, check that the role and your qualifications meet its requirements. Your employer supplies the company documents for the application.

Yes, if you have permission to work outside your Student status, called 資格外活動許可 (shikakugai katsudō kyoka). Standard permission allows up to 28 hours a week across all jobs combined. During your school's official long holidays, the limit is eight hours a day.

Eligible students can apply at the airport on their first entry to Japan; otherwise, apply at a regional immigration office. The application is free. Wait for permission before starting work, and check the conditions recorded on your residence card. Work at premises covered by the prohibited entertainment-business categories, including 風俗営業, is excluded even if your own duties are cleaning or kitchen work.

Compare your total budget, the course you want and your daily commute. Tokyo offers many schools and jobs, but rent is generally higher: JASSO's 2023 student survey reported average monthly rent of ¥57,000 in Tokyo and ¥41,000 nationwide. Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo have lower costs in yuzu.help's model.

Use the city and neighbourhood comparisons to narrow your search. Then ask schools about tuition, entry requirements, intake dates and refund terms. If you need Student status, confirm that the school can accept students under that status. yuzu.help does not yet have a verified school directory, so contact shortlisted schools directly.

Start with your reason for moving: study, work, joining family, remote work or running a business. Then check which status of residence (在留資格) covers that activity and whether you meet its requirements.

Build a budget for housing, the first few months and any tuition fees. Ask your school, employer or family sponsor about the documents you need; many applications begin with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once your plans are confirmed, organise your first weeks in Japan, including address registration and health insurance. My Japan Plan helps you turn these preparations into a checklist.