Moving to Japan Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Japan is booming with new visa pathways and a weakening Yen making it more accessible. J-Find Visa allows two years to find work or start a business; Digital Nomad Visa available for remote workers (up to 6 months). Tokyo cost of living often rivals NYC/LA with high-quality meals under $10 and cheaper modern housing. Japan's National Health Insurance is mandatory, covers all medical needs with income-based caps, and costs far less than U.S. healthcare.

Why is Japan experiencing a boom among Americans?

Japan is experiencing a "boom" in interest among Gen Z and Millennial Americans in 2026. Long considered a difficult destination for relocation, a weakening Yen and new visa pathways have made Japan more accessible than ever. It offers an unparalleled level of safety, world-class public transportation, and a culture that blends deep tradition with futuristic technology. For those seeking an "adventure-based" move without sacrificing urban convenience, Japan is the #3 most searched destination.

The quality of life in Japanese cities is exceptionally high, with cleanliness and social cohesion that often come as a shock to those moving from major U.S. hubs.

What are the visa options for Americans?

While traditionally strict, Japan has introduced more flexible options for 2026.

J-Find Visa (Future Creation Individual Visa): For graduates of top-ranked global universities, this allows Americans to stay for up to two years to look for work or start a business.
Digital Nomad Visa: A relatively new option that allows high-earning remote workers to live in Japan for up to six months, offering a "test run" of the Japanese lifestyle without a long-term commitment.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Study
Other (Digital Nomad)

How does the cost of living in Japan compare to USA cities?

In 2026, Tokyo is surprisingly more affordable than cities like New York or Los Angeles, especially regarding dining and public transit. You can eat a high-quality meal for under $10, and housing—while smaller in square footage—is often more modern and cheaper than in U.S. coastal cities.

What is healthcare like in Japan?

Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory and world-renowned for its efficiency and low cost. Compared to the U.S., healthcare is significantly more affordable, with the government capping out-of-pocket expenses based on your income, ensuring that a medical emergency doesn't lead to financial ruin.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.