Hi there, and welcome to Aya’s Japan Move Guide! 🌸

I’m Ayako, and I started this blog because I know how exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—it can feel to move abroad in midlife. I’m in my 50s, living in Niigata (a beautiful coastal area north of Tokyo), and I’ve wrestled with many of the same questions you probably have right now.

A little about me: I was born on Sado Island, a place known for its natural beauty and deep traditions, and I’ve now lived in Niigata for more than 30 years. Both places shaped how I see Japan: open skies, clean streets, and a slower, more grounded lifestyle.

Life here still amazes me in small but powerful ways. The streets are free of dog poop and litter. There’s a huge park nearby where I can walk safely—even at night, as a woman alone. My favorite thing? The water. In Niigata, you can drink it straight from the tap, and it’s some of the freshest, most delicious water you’ll ever taste.

The people here reflect the region, too. Niigata locals aren’t pushy—they’re serious, kind, and good listeners. A simple example: the other day, I absentmindedly left cash at the ATM. To my relief, every yen came back untouched. Experiences like this remind me why I love living here.

Maybe you’re dreaming of a slower lifestyle. Perhaps retirement in Japan is on your mind. Or maybe, after years of routine, you simply crave adventure. Whatever the case, here’s what I want you to know: it’s not too late, and you can make it happen.

When I first began exploring my own “next chapter,” I felt buried in confusing visa rules, housing terms I’d never heard of (what’s key money?), and endless stories about how hard it is to “fit in.” Back then, I wished someone would just break it all down—practically, clearly, and with encouragement.

That’s exactly why this blog exists. My goal is to give you clear steps, honest insights, and the kind of advice I wish I’d had when I started. Moving to Japan in your 40s, 50s, or 60s isn’t just possible—it can also be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life.

 

What you’ll find here

This blog will focus on the essentials you need to plan your move and settle in successfully, including:

1. Visa Requirements & Applications
🛂 Step-by-step guidance on choosing the right visa for your move after 40.
▶︎ Find your visa options →

2. Renting or Buying Property in Japan
🏠 From key money to guarantors, here’s what housing really looks like in Japan.
▶︎ Explore housing tips →

3. Navigating Healthcare
💊 Japan’s healthcare is affordable and reliable — learn how it works for expats.
▶︎Learn about healthcare →

4. Cost of Living
💴 Tokyo, Niigata, Okinawa — see how far your yen can really stretch.
▶︎See cost breakdown →

5. Banking & Finances
🏦 Open accounts, transfer money affordably, and set up financial stability in Japan.
▶︎ Get finance tips →

6. Daily Life Tips
🍱 From trains to trash sorting, these small tips make a big difference in midlife moves.
▶︎ Discover life tips →

7. Exploring Regional Japan
⛰️ Why cities aren’t the only option — Niigata and beyond offer affordable, rich lifestyles.
▶︎ Explore regional Japan →

I’ll be updating regularly with guides, checklists, and stories from my own experience here. If there’s a topic you’re curious about, please leave me a comment—I’d love to hear from you. You can also follow along on Instagram: @aya_japanmoveguide.

So grab a cup of tea (or maybe matcha 🍵), and let’s start planning your Japan adventure together. You’ve got this!

🌸Warmly,
Ayako