The flight to Japan represents a major cost factor, but there are ways to reduce the costs:
- Prices can vary greatly depending on the departure airport, even if the airports are in the same country. Therefore, it might make sense to travel to a more distant airport, for example by train.
- Direct flights often cost twice or three times as much as flights with a layover.
- Flights between Japan and other Asian countries are often very cheap. If you find a cheap flight to one of these countries, it can make sense to spend a few days or weeks there before continuing to Japan.
Prices for currency exchange can vary greatly. Some providers charge high exchange fees or use an exchange rate that works heavily against you.
Cash exchange
- Airport exchange countersare fairly expensive, just like many banks in your home country.
- In TokyoShinjuku Nishiguchi Station is recommended. Several competing exchange offices are located right next to each other there. It is worth walking around the whole block once and comparing all prices.
Card payments
- Your bank account at homeusually has very high exchange fees. It can therefore be worth opening a free account with an online-only bank that offers better conditions just for the trip.
- The lowest exchange fees abroadare often available through Wise. While many banks try to obscure their fees, Wise always shows them clearly and transparently.
Mobile internet(SIM vs eSIM)
Physical card (SIM)A physical SIM card can simply be inserted into another smartphone if your current phone breaks.
Virtual card (eSIM)eSIM plans are often cheaper and can be booked conveniently online.
A Japanese phone numberis essential for working and for using many services. While data plans are relatively easy to buy, getting an actual phone number requires strict identity verification. Some providers specialize in foreigners and offer English support:
- Mobaloften lets you order the SIM card before departure or pick it up at the airport. This means you can get your phone number before you even register your address at city hall.
- Sakura Mobileusually requires a Residence Card (在留カード) with a registered Japanese address.
- GTN Mobileoffers special plans for Working Holiday participants.
If you already have good Japanese skills and a residential address registered on your Residence Card,cheaper providers such as Rakuten Mobile, LINEMO (SoftBank), ahamo (Docomo), and povo 2.0 (au/KDDI) also become options.
Information on health insurance can be found in the Arrival section under the Work & Travel tab.
Travel health insurance providers
Coming soon.
Additional insurance
Coming soon.
The IC Card for local transitis useful for longer stays in Japan. Instead of buying a separate ticket for each ride in the local bus and train network, you simply hold the card against a scanner when boarding and/or alighting. In large cities, there are machines to top up the card at almost every station.
Highway busesare probably the cheapest way to travel longer distances within Japan. Well-known providers and booking portals are:Willer Travel, Japan Bus Online, Highway Buses, Kosokubus
The Shinkansen (bullet train)is often the fastest, most scenic and most pleasant way to travel, but usually also the most expensive.
Domestic flightsare relatively inexpensive and can usually be found via Google Flights.
Luggage delivery services (Takkyubin)are available at konbini (e.g. 7-Eleven or FamilyMart), airports, major train stations and many hotels. They deliver your luggage affordably within a few days and save you the hassle of carrying everything yourself:Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express