# Moving to Tokyo, Japan

## Outline

* [Internet + Cell Service](#internet--cell-service)
  * [Payment Methods](#payment-methods)
  * [Notes on Cell Phone Plans in Japan](#notes-on-cell-phone-plans-in-japan)
* [Buying Used Items on Facebook](#buying-used-items-on-facebook)
* [Home Centers in Tokyo](#home-centers-in-tokyo)
* [Great Things To Buys](#great-things-to-buys)
  * [Dryer for clothes](#dryer-for-clothes)
* [Other Resources](#other-resources)
* [Japanese Review Sites](#japanese-review-sites)

## Internet + Cell Service

*Trying to search for a cell phone plan in Japan?*

Go to a [Yodobashi Camera (ヨドバシカメラ)](https://www.google.com/maps/search/%E3%83%A8%E3%83%89%E3%83%90%E3%82%B7%E3%82%AB%E3%83%A1%E3%83%A9/) or [Bic Camera (ビックカメラ)](https://www.google.com/maps/search/%EF%BE%8B%EF%BE%9E%EF%BD%AF%EF%BD%B8%EF%BD%B6%EF%BE%92%EF%BE%97/) store

* These big electronics stores have well-staffed cell phone section where you can browser through various plans
* Stores by major stations also tend to have more English speaking staff

Go to a Yodobashi or Bic Camera staff and ask for a recommendation

* They will go over the various plans and help you pick the best one for your needs & price range
* ⚡ Do not go to the specific cell phone plan salesperson at the branded booths unless you are 100% sure you want their plans

Personal Recommendation:

* Store: [Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku West Main Store (ヨドバシカメラ 新宿西口本店)](https://goo.gl/maps/A6AnJRYfraKQURZk6)
* Plan: SoftBank 光 + YMobile Bundle Plan
  * Great for working at home with the fast Softbank 光 fiber internet connection
  * Cheaper than buying the two services separately (saved on setup costs and reduced monthly billing)
  * Simple integration with [PayPay](https://blog.paypay.ne.jp/en/english-language-on-paypay/)

As of Nov 2022:

* SoftBank 光 is pricier but the fastest internet plan for Tokyo
* YMobile is a budget-friendly cell phone plan that has the same coverage as SoftBank
  * Recommend YMobile for those who want coverage in rural areas (mountains, beaches, etc.)
* Rakuten Mobile is the cheapest cell phone plan but has limited coverage

### Payment Methods

* Easiest way to pay for your cell phone plan would be with a credit card
* Japan Post Bank is the way one to open a bank account with.
  * For more information, refer to the [How To Open A Japan Post Bank Account - MATCHA](https://matcha-jp.com/en/4496) article.
* Then apply for a [Rakuten credit card](https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/) before trying to get a cell phone plan.
* Got money in a different currency? Consider [Wise Debit Card](https://transferwise.prf.hn/l/6Z8d5Y5) as a payment method.

### Notes on Cell Phone Plans in Japan

Japan's major cell service providers:

* AU
* Docomo
* Softbank
* Rakuten Mobile

Data + voice vs data-only plans?

* It is cheaper to get a data-only plan and use a VoIP app like LINE or WhatsApp for voice calls
* Generally, data-only plans does not support phone calls or SMS (text messages)
  * Great for those who have company phones
  * Not great when trying to use 2-step verification for online services (security or sign ups)

Vocabulary:

| English         | Japanese       | Notes |
| --------------- | -------------- | ----- |
| Unlimited plans | 無制限 / museigen |       |

Helpful Articles

* [Japan's Cheapest Cell Phone Plans Compared - Tokyo Cheapo](https://tokyocheapo.com/business/japan-sim-card-options-data-voice/)
* [How and why to get a Japanese phone number - Time Out Tokyo](https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/how-and-why-to-get-a-japanese-phone-number?package_page=112292)

## Buying Used Items on Facebook

## Home Centers in Tokyo

*Closest thing to Home Depot* 😅

Near central Tokyo:

* [Viva Home Toyosu / スーパービバホーム 豊洲店](https://goo.gl/maps/joP3skD6cFqW3RG99)
* [Kohnan Koto Fukagawa Store / コーナン江東深川店](https://goo.gl/maps/c5gas35kiGSvoWMe9)

## Great Things To Buys

### Dryer for clothes

* Event if it is small, it makes a huge difference in simplifying laundry days!
* EN: Compact clothes dryer
* JP: 小型衣類乾燥機
* Solid size for a small apartment: 3.0kg \~ 4.0kg

Recommendation:

* EN: My Wave Warm Dryer 3.0
* JP: マイウェーブ ウォームドライヤー3.0
* Amazon: <https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B06XBBNMRX/>
* Keepa (Price Tracker): <https://keepa.com/#!product/5-B06XBBNMRX>

## Other Resources

* [Living in Tokyo: city life tips for newcomers - Time Out Tokyo](https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/city-life/your-guide-to-living-in-tokyo)
* [Living in Tokyo - Tokyo Cheapo](https://tokyocheapo.com/living/)
* [Living Archives - Metropolis Japan](https://metropolisjapan.com/living/)

## Japanese Review Sites

* [SAKIDORI（サキドリ）- ほしいが見つかるモノメディア](https://sakidori.co/)
* [価格.com](https://kakaku.com/)
