Tokyo International Friends & Events 東京国際交流会
Tokyo Best Expat Community | Make Friends in Tokyo | Get Access to Exclusive Events.
Your complete A–Z guide to living in Japan as an expat or foreigner. From opening a bank account and getting a SIM card to navigating the healthcare system, Japanese bureaucracy, and daily life hacks. Curated by Peter Chen, 18+ years in Tokyo — so you can skip the hard lessons.
The Japan Rail Pass gets more expensive on October 1, 2026 — every duration and class goes up 5-6%. Here are the exact old and new prices, why the timing matters, and how to lock in the current price before the deadline.
Climbing Mt Fuji in 2026 means a ¥4,000 permit on all four trails, a 4,000-climber daily cap on Yoshida Trail, and a mandatory reservation with a safety briefing on the Shizuoka side. Here's exactly how the system works and how to book.
Japan overhauled its weather alert system on April 28, 2026, adding a new top-tier “Danger Warning” level and standardizing alert names nationwide. Here's what changed, what Danger Warning means, and the multilingual app every foreign resident and tourist should have installed.
Japan is widening access to its automated e-Gates in 2026, letting more foreign visitors and residents skip the staffed immigration counter. Here's which airports have them, who can use them, and how to register through Visit Japan Web before you fly.
Tokyo is giving every registered resident — foreigners included — up to ¥11,000 in Tokyo Points through the Tokyo App Living Support Program. Here's exactly who qualifies, how to apply before April 2027, and how to turn the points into real cash via PayPay, Rakuten, or Mercari.
Share house vs apartment in Japan: a 2026 cost, contract and lifestyle comparison for foreigners — with a clear recommendation for new arrivals.
Renting in Japan without a guarantor is possible in 2026. Learn how the guarantor system and key money work — and 5 ways foreigners can skip both.
Moving apartments in Tokyo? Mercari Japan is the smartest tool you have. Buy used furniture at 40–70% off, sell everything before you leave, and avoid costly large-waste disposal fees. Referral code GUJURR for ¥500 off your first purchase. Complete Tokyo moving guide.