Mobal Publishes Guides for Moving to Japan

Mobal, a company that provides Japanese SIM cards, eSIMs, and pocket WiFi for international visitors and long-term residents, has published a series of practical guides aimed at helping those considering a move to Japan. The guides cover essential aspects of relocation, housing, and everyday costs, providing a comprehensive starting point for anyone planning to make Japan their home.

According to the relocation guide, the process of moving to Japan in 2026 requires careful planning. Most banks demand a registered address and a Japanese phone number before opening an account, which must be arranged in the right order. The upfront housing costs can be substantial, with standard rentals typically requiring the equivalent of four to six months’ rent upfront. At a monthly rental rate of ¥100,000, this means an initial housing budget of approximately ¥400,000, ¥600,000, before flights and living expenses for the first few weeks.

The guide breaks down typical charges, including key money of zero to two months’ rent, a non-refundable payment to the landlord; a deposit of one to two months’ rent, partly refundable on departure; an agent fee of one month’s rent plus tax; and a guarantor-company fee typically equal to 50%, 100% of one month’s rent. Notable exceptions include Oakhouse, UR Housing, and Leopalace21, which do not charge key money.

When it comes to purchasing a house, the property guide puts a common misconception about affordable housing in perspective. While one listing site advertises more than 13,000 houses for less than ¥1 million, the reality is that for most buyers, a more realistic expectation is around ¥26 million, plus 6%, 7% in buying costs and annual property taxes. Location is the most crucial factor, with a new detached house in Tokyo potentially costing ¥80 million, ¥100 million or more.

The guide also highlights the costs beyond the advertised prices, noting that buyers should expect to put down at least a 10% deposit when signing the contract. Annual charges include a fixed asset tax of 1.4% of the property’s assessed value and a city planning tax of up to 0.3%. These are separate from the one-off buying costs.

For those planning to live in Tokyo, the cost of living guide offers a studio-rent range of ¥74,000, ¥140,000 a month. Private rooms in share houses are listed at ¥50,000, ¥90,000 a month, while shared or dormitory rooms are around ¥30,000, ¥60,000. These options typically do not require a guarantor or key money, and applicants can move in within days.

Beyond rent, the guide cites national Household Survey averages for a single person in Japan of ¥6,756 a month for electricity, ¥3,056 for gas, and ¥2,282 for water. These are national benchmarks rather than Tokyo-specific quotations.

The articles are available on the Mobal website, providing an interesting and insightful starting point for those considering a move to Japan.