51ԹϺ

Edmund Taylor

Edmund Taylor

Tokyo has so much to offer and 51ԹϺmade it much easier to become acclimated to life in this bustling city.

Marina Salgado

Marina Salgado

In such a huge city, 51ԹϺhas created great events for expats to meet in Tokyo.

Swedish Expats Moving to Japan: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Japan, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in Japan. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

What are the most common nationalities in Japan? As an expat in Japan, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an 51ԹϺmember!) The top nationalities in the 51ԹϺCommunities in Japan currently are:

  • Americans
  • British
  • Indians
  • French

Which cities are most popular among expats in Japan? Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in Japan:

  • Tokyo
  • Nagoya
  • the Kansai Region

How much rent do expats pay in Japan? Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 814 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around 1.525 USD. And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within Japan.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in Japan.

Average rent in Tokyo

  • Single expats: 1.240 USD
  • Expat families: 1.915 USD

Average rent in Nagoya

  • Single expats: 835 USD
  • Expat families: 3.425 USD

Average rent in the Kansai Region

  • Single expats: 415 USD
  • Expat families: 945 USD

How safe is Japan?
You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in Japan as very safe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very low. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very low. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very high.

How safe is Japan for women? Female expats rated the safety situation in Japan as very safe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in Japan (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.

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An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

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Meet other Swedes at our events in Japan

Attend our monthly events and activities for Swedes expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

Sumida Park Sakura Picnic
Sumida Park Sakura Picnic
Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring under the blossoms! We’re heading to Sumida Park for a relaxed afternoon of hanami (flower viewing). With the Tokyo Skytree in the background and hundreds of cherry trees lining the Sumida River, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the season. What to Bring To ke
Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring under the blossoms! We’re heading to Sumida Park for a relaxed afternoon of hanami (flower viewing). With the Tokyo Skytree in the background and hundreds of cherry trees lining the Sumida River, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the season. What to Bring To ke
Beyond Tokyo: Fukuoka Night Escape – Street Yatai Experience
Are you a foodie? Then this is the perfect event for you! Let’s explore a city beyond Tokyo and discover the charm of Fukuoka together. From relaxing beaches and stylish cafés to hopping between Fukuoka’s famous yatai (street food stalls), this experience is all about flavor, atmosphere, and great
Are you a foodie? Then this is the perfect event for you! Let’s explore a city beyond Tokyo and discover the charm of Fukuoka together. From relaxing beaches and stylish cafés to hopping between Fukuoka’s famous yatai (street food stalls), this experience is all about flavor, atmosphere, and great
51ԹϺTokyo March Event @Coaster Aobadai
51ԹϺTokyo March Event @Coaster Aobadai
🌸🌸🌸 Cherry blossom along the Meguro river, is a highlight that draws millions yearly to this location.🌸🌸🌸 Nakameguro and Aobadai are fashionable neighborhoods in Tokyo's Meguro City, known for being a blend of stylish and serene areas along the Meguro River. Coaster Aobadai located at the c
🌸🌸🌸 Cherry blossom along the Meguro river, is a highlight that draws millions yearly to this location.🌸🌸🌸 Nakameguro and Aobadai are fashionable neighborhoods in Tokyo's Meguro City, known for being a blend of stylish and serene areas along the Meguro River. Coaster Aobadai located at the c
51ԹϺOsaka Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing
51ԹϺOsaka Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing
Special time in Japan, and Osaka Castle is one of the best places in Japan at this season. The park will be lit so we can enjoy the night view of Cherry Blossoms. We will meet at the huge fountain, towards the Starbucks side. There’s also Lawson convenience store nearby. Bring your own food a
Special time in Japan, and Osaka Castle is one of the best places in Japan at this season. The park will be lit so we can enjoy the night view of Cherry Blossoms. We will meet at the huge fountain, towards the Starbucks side. There’s also Lawson convenience store nearby. Bring your own food a

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Why Swedish expats move abroad (& how they like it)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our Swedish members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends

Do you want to continue with your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living abroad? There’s a variety of 51ԹϺGroups you can join, including everything from sightseeing to hiking. These are run by dedicated Consuls with at least one activity each month, such as dinners in the cities finest restaurants, sports or outings with other expats to explore all that your new home has to offer.

Professional Networking Group
Professional Networking Group
DinnerNations Group
DinnerNations Group
Yokohama Meetings Group
Yokohama Meetings Group
Museums & Exhibitions Group
Museums & Exhibitions Group

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Find Tips and Advice on Japan from Swedish Expats

Of course, expat living in Japan is not just about shipping your belongings and filing in some bureaucratic papers. Regular socializing with fellow Swedes is an essential part of expat life and helps getting accustomed to the Japanese way of life and mentality. 51ԹϺhelps you connect and meet up with other Swedes in Japan, residing in Tokyo, Sapporo, the Kansai Region and many other places throughout the country. Just take a look at our group of Swedes in Tokyo or Swedes in Osaka.

If you ever wish to have a chat in your native language, discover where to shop for Swedish food or discuss your favorite sports team's latest match, become a member of the Japanese 51ԹϺCommunity:

  • Look up our top quality network to get to know open-minded expats from Sweden in Japan.
  • Obtain and share insider tips in our Japan Expat Forums – e.g. how to hire a babysitter fluent in your native tongue for your children or where to get köttbullar in Sapporo.
  • Search the 51ԹϺPlaces database for Japan to get information on institutions from your home country, including the Swedish embassy.

From Shikoku, the smallest island, famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage to the scenic Japanese Alps, we’ll help you connect with supportive and friendly Swedish expats in Japan.

Join Our Expat Activities and Mingle with Fellow Swedes in Japan

Moreover, please feel free to attend our regular expat events and activities in Japan. Our get-togethers are very diverse and range from a cozy gathering to enjoy the traditional Japanese sushi and sashimi, to big expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Tokyo’s best locations. You can also participate in one of our expat trips to go and see the semi-tropical southern island of Okinawa as well as other beautiful landmarks in Japan.

Our meet-ups and activities are a great opportunity to mingle with expats from Sweden and various other countries in a casual setting. Interested? Just sign up and you’ll soon be receiving a cordial Ჹå from our Swedes living in Japan!

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