Move from Adelaide to Tokyo with Chess Moving Overseas Removalists
The thought of moving from Adelaide to Tokyo can be compared to trading a more relaxed lifestyle for a bustling city life. After all, Tokyo is home to the busiest intersection and train station in the world. Of all the cities in Japan, Tokyo boasts a unique combination of ancient temples, skyscrapers, serene parks, and places you can unwind after a long day of work.
The city has just about everything that would pique someone’s curiosity, and in this detailed guide, we’ll discuss tips on how you should prepare to move from Adelaide to Tokyo, the best places to settle that match your lifestyle, and a lot more.
Preparing for Your Move From Adelaide to Tokyo
Planning a permanent move to a country that has a different language and culture is never easy. Building new connections, finding a place that suits your lifestyle, and navigating unfamiliar processes are just scratching the surface of the things you need to get done. To make the move easier, you’ll need to have a detailed plan that starts the moment you’ve committed to moving to Tokyo.
To help you get started, here’s what you need to do.
Create a moving checklist
The first step in preparing for your move is to make sure you’re always organised and have a timeline of your progress. A moving checklist will serve as your roadmap that lists all the tasks you need to complete before, during, and after your move.
Key items to include are:
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Visa and documentation
While locals from Adelaide and across Australia are free to visit Japan without a visa for 90 days, a permanent move will require a visa and a residence permit. For an updated list of requirements, make sure to visit the website of the Japanese embassy in Australia
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Finding and getting to your place of accommodation
As one of the largest cities in the world, choosing a place to stay in Tokyo can be a challenge. Furthermore, with a huge discrepancy in price between taxis or ride-sharing apps compared to trains, you’ll need to know how to navigate Tokyo's public transportation system effectively to save money.
The first thing you need to do once you arrive in Tokyo is to secure an Integrated Circuit (IC) card, a reloadable card that will make it possible for you to travel almost every train in the city as well as make payments for vending machines and different shops in the country. You can find it on every subway and it costs about 1,000 yen.
For knowing which place in Tokyo to settle in, we discuss that in a later section in this blog.
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Deciding what to keep, sell, or discard.
Relocating to a new country is the perfect time to declutter. Instead of having all your belongings with you when you move to Tokyo, use this time to carefully choose which items to bring and leave behind. To make this process more efficient, be sure to pack items per room, and if you’re having a hard time deciding what to do with certain items, you can also make use of flexible storage options from Chess Moving
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Notifying banks and disconnecting utilities
This part of your checklist is more straightforward. Before your move-out date, be sure to terminate local subscriptions, disconnect utility bills, and notify your bank that you're moving to a new country. There could be a chance that they’ll have a partner bank in Tokyo that can facilitate moving your account.
Familiarising Japan’s public transportation systems
Japan’s public transportation system is renowned for its efficiency, punctuality, and extensive coverage. An example of this is Japan’s famous Shinkansen or bullet train which can take you to major cities across the country at speeds of up to 320 km/h.
To give you a better idea of which mode of transportation you should take in Japan depending on the distance, read below:
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Rail system
To expand on Japan’s bullet trains, this form of transportation is used when you want to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, Tokyo to Kyoto, or Tokyo to Hiroshima, and vice-versa. Shinkansen tickets are more expensive than regular trains and require reservations for certain classes.
Another type of railway system is Japan’s JR trains. The JR Group operates various local, regional, and express trains across Japan. The JR East, JR West, and other regional JR companies provide services within their respective areas and include both rapid and local services. However, in Tokyo and Osaka, there are a wide array of subway networks operated by different companies.
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Bus system
The bus system in Japan is more about supplementing Japan’s train services to ensure it doesn’t get too crowded or to serve commuters where routes are not accessible by train. There are public buses that serve urban areas and travel long distances, as well as private buses that offer personalised routes or services not covered by public buses.
Another important thing to note is that Japan’s public transportation system follows strict timetables. Luckily, an app like Google Maps will show precise train and bus schedules throughout the day.
Hire a professional mover
Given the complexity of an international move, hiring a professional moving company is highly recommended to help with packing and securing the necessary paperwork to ensure you’ll have no problems at customs.
To find a reputable mover in Adelaide, here’s what you need to do:
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Research and compare prices
In this stage, be sure to accurately relay your needs to the moving company. Will you need help with packing or cleaning? Are there any special or fragile items that need to be moved? Do you need moving insurance to protect your valuable belongings? Being equipped with answers to these questions will ensure you get transparent rates and reduce the likelihood of paying hidden fees.
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Verify credentials
While cost is an important factor in any purchasing decision, it shouldn’t be the only factor that will determine your decision. Be sure to also check for a moving company’s credentials and read reviews online from their previous customers.
A professional mover will make the entire relocation process a smooth operation, and if you choose Chess Moving removalists for your move to Tokyo, that’s exactly what you will get.
How Chess Moving Can Help Streamline Your Relocation.
As a name that’s been around for decades, Chess Moving’s international relocation services offer unparalleled experience and reliability no matter the situation.
Our team will take the time to understand the complexities of your move and make sure to provide a personalised service plan that will be tailored to all of your needs and budget. We understand how stressful this process can be, especially when one wrong turn can lead to a multitude of issues. That’s why we make sure to handle all aspects of your move with a focus on quality and efficiency. While most moving companies will offer similar services, you’re sure to have an extra edge with us in the following areas:
Meticulous approach to packing.
As one of the often overlooked aspects of the relocation process, we make sure to utilise extra steps during the packing process. We use only high-quality packing materials, including bubble wrap, foam, and custom crates specifically designed to absorb shock and prevent damage. We’ve also made sure to train our staff in the proper packing and lifting techniques when loading and unloading boxes to further ensure they arrive at Tokyo in pristine condition.
Settling-in assistance
Moving past transporting your belongings, moving from Adelaide to Tokyo includes adjusting to a new environment, culture, and way of life. We can provide assistance in helping you find the right accommodation, navigating Japan’s transport system, and identifying reputable schools and banks in a given area. When we say we want to make your move to Tokyo as smooth as possible, we ensure it doesn’t end with transporting your belongings from Adelaide to Tokyo.
Moving insurance
The security of your belongings is paramount. And it can be hard to predict what can happen during transit, especially in an international move. Luckily, our insurance options make sure you have peace of mind and financial protection no matter what happens during the move.
What makes our insurance packages more alluring than our competitors is how we’ll work with you to assess the value of your belongings and recommend coverage options that are easy on your wallet whether you’re transporting valuable artwork, antique furniture, or everyday household items.
Short-term and long-term storage options
Similar to the transit of your belongings, it can be hard to predict when one item can come in handy in the future. To avoid adding any stress on your end as you pick and choose which items to bring to Tokyo, we offer both short-term and long-term storage options that cater to your specific needs.
Our facilities are dust and vermin proof, climate controlled, and when the time comes that you will need to get an item from our facility, we can have it ready for you via pick up or coordinate the logistics to have the item delivered to your preferred location.
Navigating Customs Regulations: What You Need to Know
Every country will have its own unique set of laws regarding items you can bring into the country. In Tokyo (or any other city in Japan), bringing certain prohibited items will not only result in confiscation but also be denied entry or punished by law. Japan has restrictions on different meat products, plants, counterfeit products, fruits, firearms, obscene materials, illegal drugs, and animals.
There are also limitations on the amount of alcohol, medication, and cosmetics items you can bring though this is mostly done as a precautionary check to make sure these items are for personal use and not for business.
For pet transfers from Adelaide to Japan is that Australia is considered a “designated region” and the only requirements needed are proof that a dog or cat has resided in your home country since birth or lived in Australia for at least 180 days immediately before export to Japan. If the dog or cat does not fulfil those conditions or has been in a designated region for less than 180 days, your pet will be quarantined upon arrival in Japan to make up for the insufficient days. Other countries labelled as designated regions from Japan include Iceland, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam.
For meats, fruits, and plants, here’s a short list of items that are not allowed entry in Japan.
Prohibited meat products
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Processed food
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Raw meat from hoofed animals and items derived from honey bees
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Dairy products over 10kg and are intended for business
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Burgers and sandwiches bought on the plane
* Cheese is subject to deliberation from Japan’s animal quarantine while some meat products in Australia can be given an inspection certificate issued by the government.
Prohibited plants and fruits
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Mango
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Mangosteen
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Guava
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Lychee
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Other citrus fruits
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Sweet potatoes
Settling into Tokyo: Choosing The Right City for a Smooth Move
In Japan, they dub their cities “wards” as a way to differentiate areas from smaller municipalities like towns and villages. There are around 23 wards in Tokyo that offer unique living experiences. However, when you factor in historical significance, access to transportation, and tourist attractions, the best options you can choose to settle in as you plan moving from Adelaide to Tokyo are down to six.
Here’s your guide to choosing the best area:
Shibuya
Shibuya is known for its bustling atmosphere and is a hub of youth culture and fashion. It’s famous for the Shibuya Crossing and is a preferred place to live for young professionals, trendsetters, or those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife.
Pros
Cons
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is another bustling commercial and administrative area in Tokyo that offers similarities to Shibuya and Ginza. It’s home to the busiest train station in the world and is the ideal location for anyone who wants to explore the different wards in Tokyo. Shinjuku is suited for anyone who likes to experience both the culture and nightlife of Tokyo.
Pros:
Cons:
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High cost of living.
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Crowded environment
Roppongi
Roppongi offers a unique combination of modern and historical Tokyo. On one side you’ll see a multitude of tourist attractions and skyscrapers while another side will show old shrines and museums. The best part of Roppongi is that it also has a large expat community, making the relocation a bit easier as you can easily communicate with people who are familiar with the area.
Pros
Cons:
Asakusa
Located in a district in Taito, Tokyo, Asakusa is famous for its historic sites such as Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street. This ward offers a more traditional Tokyo experience with old-fashioned shopping streets and cultural landmarks. Compared to the previous areas mentioned above, Asakusa is more relaxed and less crowded.
Pros
Cons
Nakameguro
Known for its trendy, laid-back atmosphere, Nakameguro is a more residential area compared to the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo. It’s the perfect place for growing families as it’s also a few minutes away from Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Pros:
Cons
Ikebukuro
For those searching for affordable housing with good amenities close by, Ikebukuro fits the bill. It’s still a major commercial and entertainment district, but the cost of living is more affordable compared to Shibuya and Shinjuku. In fact, Ikebukuro is one of the sought-after spots in Tokyo for families and students.
Pros:
Cons
Adjusting to Life in Tokyo: Cultural and Practical Considerations
Australia and Japan have distinct cultural differences that reflect their unique histories, traditions, and social norms. Here’s an overview of some key cultural contrasts between the two countries:
Daily life and social norms
Australian culture tends to prioritise individualism and personal freedom. People often value self-expression and personal choice. In contrast, Japan emphasises collectivism and group harmony. If there’s a debate on, say, an activity a group of people wants to do, individuals are expected to prioritise the interests of their group.
Work culture
In Australia, people tend to prioritise work-life balance and the work environment is typically more relaxed and informal. The Japanese work culture is known for its long hours and dedication. There is often a strong emphasis on loyalty and commitment to the company.
Food and dining etiquette
In Japan, there are a few dining practises you need to follow that most countries won’t mind you doing. This includes:
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When you use chopsticks, avoid crossing them or pointing them at someone.
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To show your appreciation of how good the food is, it's considered polite to slurp your noodles, and to leave only a very small amount of food on your plate.
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When paying, be sure to place the cash or credit card on a provided tray.
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Avoid tipping as this can be considered rude
Tourist spots you need to visit in Tokyo
While you will have a lot of time to explore what Tokyo has to offer given the city's vast array of attractions, there are simply a few places you need to visit first before anything else.
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Senso-ji Temple
As Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, Senso-ji in Asakusa offers a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage. To make your trip worth it, walk through the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street to shop for traditional souvenirs and snacks aside from exploring the temple grounds.
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Mt. Fuji
As Japan's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not a lot has to be said about convincing someone to visit Mt. Fuji whenever they’re in Tokyo. It’s one of the more sacred sites in Japanese culture and the best time to visit is around Spring (April) or Fall (October).
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Tokyo Tower
Modelled after Paris’s Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
This expansive park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, with beautifully landscaped gardens and seasonal floral displays. The best time to visit the park is during cherry blossom season in the spring and autumn foliage in the fall.
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Ueno Park and Zoo
Another park you can visit in Tokyo to relax and enjoy nature is Ueno Park. It’s a large public park that is a walking distance of Japan’s oldest zoo (Ueno Zoo), the Tokyo National Museum, and the Ueno Royal Museum.
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Tsukiji Outer Market
Although the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a vibrant hub for fresh seafood and other local delicacies. This is the perfect place to sample fresh sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese foods.
Making the Move
While moving from Adelaide to Tokyo can come with its fair share of challenges, having a moving service provider like Chess Moving to assist with your relocation can make the process significantly smoother.
To know more about our services and tips about moving to Japan, call our nationwide hotline 131 469.