japan
Language
Japanese
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Weather
Much of Japan has a subtropical climate which during summer gives very hot and humid temperatures and during the winter months can cover areas of the country with thick snow! The climate varies largely from North to South with the North being much cooler and the South much more tropical.
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Population
126.5 million
Ranked 11th for population density
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Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is based on rice with miso soup and side dishes to accompany it. The side dishes often consist of fish and vegetables (which are cooked in broth, or pickled). Sashimi and Sushi are also very common which is cooked or raw seafood.
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Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
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Social
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Lots of sports teams and clubs
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Some well-kitted gyms
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Lots of cafes, restaurants, bars, and karaoke
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Good nightlife
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Cost of living
Japan is often considered an expensive country to live in, particularly in major cities like Tokyo. High costs for transport and accommodation contribute to the overall expense of living. However, it is possible to live more affordably if you budget carefully. For instance, you’ll notice a significant difference in cost between locally produced goods and imported items. By making thoughtful choices, you can manage living costs effectively.
For a more detailed breakdown of living expenses, we recommend using Numbeo.
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Accommodation
Housing in Japan is generally not difficult for expats to find, and rental prices can be comparable to those in the UK, depending on the city. However, one of the biggest challenges renters face is the high administrative costs involved in securing a place. These costs can be quite steep, including agency fees, key money (a non-refundable gift to the landlord), and other charges, which can significantly increase the upfront cost of renting a property.
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Public transport
Japan is renowned for having some of the most efficient and clean public transport in the world.
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4 international airports
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Subway systems
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Very efficient and clean trains
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Buses and taxi easy to find