Moving to Japan with your family can be a rewarding experience, offering high-quality education, unparalleled safety, and a rich cultural environment. However, like any major relocation, there are both benefits and challenges to consider when planning long-term living in Japan. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of family life in Japan:
Pros:
1. Safety and Cleanliness
Japan is renowned for its safety, making it an ideal place for families. The low crime rate, well-maintained public spaces, and overall social order provide a sense of security. Parents can feel comfortable letting their children walk to school or explore parks without constant worry. For international and private school students, commuting by bus or train is common and safe. Clean streets and reliable infrastructure also contribute to a healthy living environment for families.
2. World-Class Education
For expatriates, Japan offers excellent educational options. International schools in major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka provide globally recognized curricula, catering to children from kindergarten through high school. These schools offer extracurricular activities and programs that foster a well-rounded educational experience. Additionally, Japanese schools, known for their discipline and academic rigor, are an option for families looking to integrate more deeply into the local culture.
3. Family-Friendly Amenities
Japan is a family-friendly country with abundant parks, playgrounds, pools, libraries, and cultural activities for children—often at little to no cost. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto host family-oriented events and accessible attractions, making weekend outings enjoyable. From around the age of 7, various lessons such as sports (soccer, basketball, swimming) and academic classes (English, abacus) are widely available. Public transport is safe, clean, and easy to navigate, which makes traveling with kids much less stressful.
4. Healthcare
Japan boasts a high-quality healthcare system that is both efficient and affordable. With universal health insurance, expatriates can access comprehensive medical services, including pediatric care. Hospitals and clinics are well-equipped, and many offer foreign-language services, especially in major cities. Families can rely on excellent healthcare services in times of need. You can also refer the foreign language services provided by the Tokyo gorvenment as the below link.
5. Cost of Living
Although Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, the cost of living, especially rent, has remained relatively stable compared to many other big cities. Decades of deflation have kept rent increases moderate, making long-term living in Japan more affordable than in cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, or Singapore.
Cons:
1. Language Barrier
One of the biggest challenges for expatriate families in Japan is the language barrier. While international schools and some services cater to English speakers, many aspects of daily life—such as grocery shopping, healthcare, and navigating government services—require basic Japanese. Although major cities offer more English support, families living outside of these areas may find the language barrier more difficult to manage.
2. Educational System Adjustments
While Japan’s education system is highly regarded, its structure and cultural expectations can differ significantly from those in Western countries. Japanese schools emphasize uniformity and strive to bring all students to a certain academic level, often focusing heavily on memorization and calculation. A lot of importance is placed on school events and fostering group cohesion. However, it’s important to note that there are fewer opportunities for discussion or self-expression compared to Western educational systems, which tend to prioritize these aspects. Understanding this difference is key for expatriate families considering Japanese education for their children.
3. High Tax Rates
Japan’s tax system can be burdensome for high-income earners and expatriates. The country’s progressive income tax structure, coupled with local inhabitant taxes, can lead to a significant tax burden.
４. Housing Options for Foreigners
One challenge expatriates often face is the limited availability of housing for non-Japanese residents. Strict rental policies and language barriers can complicate the housing search. However, we, LuxLease Japan are dedicated to bridging this gap, offering tailored housing solutions and support specifically designed for foreign families moving to Japan.