Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.
Imagine this: you’ve just moved to Japan from New Zealand, and have arrived jet lagged but full of excitement. As you step into the airport, a friendly robot offers directions in flawless Japanese with English subtitles. This is Japan—an intriguing blend of futuristic innovation and ancient traditions. For New Zealanders embarking on this adventure, Japan is a place where centuries-old temples stand beside neon billboards, and each day feels like a mix of discovery and wonder. Whether you’re sipping matcha in a tranquil garden or navigating the bustling chaos of Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, life here is like nowhere else. The unmatched level of hospitality in Japan can be attributed to the deep-rooted culture of omotenashi, meaning to sincerely look after guests. Although, this is more than just being a polite host. It is providing the utmost effort and care without the expectation of reward or any return.
As a New Zealander, you’ll find plenty to love. The food is incredible with delicious sushi, fresh ramen, and in springtime, cherry blossom-flavoured treats. While some restaurants may provide forks upon request, learning to use chopsticks will come in handy and is seen as a sign of respect. Beyond the cuisine, you’ll be treated to breathtaking landscapes, from cherry blossoms in spring to snow-dusted mountains in winter. However, be prepared for some cultural adjustments. The famous Japanese work ethic, known for its dedication and long hours, can feel intense compared to New Zealand’s more laid-back approach to work-life balance. Understanding hierarchy and showing respect is very important. You’ll soon adapt with help from other expats, finding that Japan offers an incredible mix of history, innovation, and warm hospitality.
Crown Relocations NZ makes moving to Japan simple and stress-free with customised services to meet your relocation needs. We understand every part of international relocations, with over 55 years of experience in providing international shipping around the world, including to Japan.
Whether you have a houseful of furniture or just a few precious items, Crown offers flexible shipping options to suit your needs and budget, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Sole-use containers can be used for large items and households, while a shared container is a cost-effective option for smaller loads. We also offer air transport for priority items that need to arrive more quickly.
With Crown, you can leave all the paperwork to us. Our team handles all necessary clearances and entry documentation, assisting with Japan’s customs regulations and requirements. We make sure your move complies with all regulations.
To ensure peace of mind when moving, we provide transit protection insurance. Additional services, such as vehicle transport and pet relocation, are available to make your move as simple and stress-free as possible. Storage options are also available as needed.
With Crown, you can go knowing that every step of your move to Japan is managed with care and professionalism.
For an international moving quote, Call us now on 0508 227 696 to find out more or fill in our online request form.
Imagine your team thriving in their new Japanese home, embracing the culture and excelling in their roles. At Crown Relocations, we make this vision a reality. Whether moving permanently or on a temporary basis, our worldwide expertise ensures your team, and their families, have a seamless transfer to Japan.
We oversee every part of your team’s move from beginning to end, ensuring a smooth transition each time. Our consulting services are tailored to your company’s unique needs, helping you build a strategy that not only moves your employees successfully but also supports them throughout their transition.
Japan’s innovative work environment offers your team world-class training and career opportunities in Asia’s leading economy. Our Mobility Specialists provide comprehensive support, from navigating immigration requirements to offering settling-in and orientation services.
Our settling-in services go beyond the basics. We help your employees and their families connect with their new home through a variety of ways according to their needs. This can include language learning, house hunting, exploring local services, and even career support for partners, ensuring everyone can feel at home.
Contact our World Mobility specialists to find out more: call us on: 0800 243 578, or (+64) 9 415 7300. Alternatively email: [email protected] or complete our contact form.
Yes, New Zealanders can move to Japan, but a visa is required depending on your purpose. For those moving for work, a work visa is the most common option and requires a job offer from a Japanese company. Students can apply for a student visa, while spouses of Japanese nationals or highly skilled professionals may qualify for other specific visas. It is important to gather the necessary documents ahead of time to avoid any delays. Visa information is found on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Crown can help you navigate Japan’s immigration system when relocating from New Zealand, making the whole process easier and less stressful.
Call us today on 0508 227 696 or fill out our online form to find out how we can help you be well prepared to move to Japan.
Relocating from New Zealand to Japan can be expensive. Shipping costs, finding a place to live, and living costs in a new country all add up. Crown is best placed to help you enjoy a stress-free move at a reasonable cost. As well as providing packing and relocation services, we offer additional services such as moving insurance, international vehicle transport and pet relocations.
Let us take care of your international move to Japan. To find out how much it will cost, give our friendly team a call on 0508 227 696 or obtain a free quote online.
While moving to Japan is definitely an adventure, it’s not without its challenges. One of the main hurdles is the language barrier, as English is not widely spoken outside of major cities. Housing is also different from what many New Zealanders might expect with compact apartments and minimalist spaces. While picking up chopstick skills might take some practice, it’s a part of embracing Japanese culture that will improve your dining experience. Once you’ve adjusted to these differences, Japan’s safe, clean, and efficient cities, as well as its beautiful countryside, make it a truly unique place to call home.
Our team at Crown are experts in providing seamless relocation services, assisting with both moving and settling into Japan. Call us on 0508 227 696 or fill in our free quote online to find out more.
Crown Relocations has a variety of international shipping options that can be tailored to meet your budget and relocation needs. Whether you’re shipping a few items, or a full household, we provide sole-use and shared containers, as well as air transport for urgent deliveries. With more than 55 years of experience, we guarantee a reliable and simple relocation experience, helping you every step of the way.
Talk with our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote.
Choosing where to live in Japan depends on your preferences. Tokyo is ideal for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, while Kyoto offers a more traditional, serene environment. Osaka is famous for its delicious food and friendly people, while Sapporo in Hokkaido provides an escape to the snowy mountains. Okinawa, on the other hand, offers a more tropical, relaxed lifestyle. Fukuoka draws in young professionals with its mix of modern amenities and beaches. Nagoya stands out with a strong automotive industry and central location. Yokohama, located just south of Tokyo, offers a wonderful balance of vibrant international atmosphere and relaxed living by the sea.
Housing in Japan can be an eye-opener. Urban apartments tend to be smaller than in New Zealand, especially in big cities like Tokyo. Renting also comes with extra steps like paying key money, a kind of thank-you gift to the landlord. Renting often requires a guarantor which is usually a Japanese citizen but there are companies which serve as a guarantor for foreigners. Buying a home is straightforward with citizenship not being required. However, it is harder to get a mortgage if you are not a permanent resident. Japanese homes are efficient and cosy, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate the minimalist lifestyle. At Crown, we can help you find accommodation before moving to Japan, making your relocation simple.
Japan’s healthcare system is among the best in the world. New Zealanders moving to Japan will need to enrol in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program or a company plan, which covers 70% of medical costs. This makes healthcare quite affordable. While medical facilities are state-of-the-art, English-speaking doctors are more common in large cities. You may want to practise explaining your symptoms in Japanese if you’re living in more rural areas.
Japan has a strong education system, known for its rigorous standards. Public schools provide excellent education but are taught in Japanese, which might be challenging for expat children. For families seeking English-language schooling, international schools are available, particularly in major cities, though they come with a higher price tag. Many international schools follow the IB or British/American curriculums. Japanese universities are ranked very highly, especially in engineering and technology. While there are an increasing number of programmes at university level which are in English,many courses are still conducted in Japanese.
Despite Japan’s advanced technology, cash is still required. While credit cards are accepted in larger stores and restaurants, it’s always a good idea to carry money for smaller purchases. The Japanese currency is the yen (JPY). Opening a Japanese bank account is straightforward for long-term residents, and needed for managing bills or receiving a salary. Living costs vary, with Tokyo being on the pricier side, but smaller towns and cities offer more affordable living.
Getting around Japan is famously easy. The train system is one of the most efficient in the world, and the Shinkansen (bullet trains) can whisk you across the country at record speeds. Buses, subways, and even bicycles are common in cities, while taxis are also readily available. Discount cards and travel cards are worth buying to save money, but check which ones provide the best deal for your needs. If you decide to drive, converting your New Zealand licence to a Japanese one is straightforward. However, with public transport being so efficient, many expats find they don’t need a car.
Although you can get by with English in major cities, learning Japanese will make your life much easier, and more enjoyable. From ordering food at a local izakaya to understanding directions, knowing a few key phrases can make all the difference. Plus, the effort to learn the language is often appreciated by locals. There are many schools, online programmes including one specifically for anime and manga fans, and language exchange meetups to help you get started.
Crown also offers Japanese language learning as part of our additional services, so you can be more confident when moving to Japan.
Building friendships with Japanese people can be a rewarding, albeit gradual, process. While Japanese culture tends to emphasise formal boundaries and politeness at first, once you’ve earned someone’s trust, friendships can be deep and lasting. Patience, respect for cultural norms, and a genuine interest in Japanese customs will go a long way in fostering these relationships. When meeting people outside of work, participating in cultural activities, joining clubs, or taking classes like language exchange, cooking, or sports teams are great ways to connect with locals who share similar interests.
Networking is an important part of life in Japan, both personally and professionally. Japan places great value on personal relationships, especially in the business world, where building trust and rapport are essential for long-term success. Expats will find plenty of opportunities to network through online groups such as InterNations, social meetups, or formal business networking events.
By engaging in activities outside of work and investing time in these connections, New Zealanders can foster friendships and professional relationships that will enhance their experience in Japan.
Moving to Japan? Go knowing
Moving to Japan as a New Zealander is like stepping into an entirely new world of experiences. There will be some challenges, such as navigating the language, adjusting to a more compact lifestyle, and figuring out how to survive the Japanese work ethic. But once you’ve settled in, Japan offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty, advanced innovation, and a wonderful welcoming culture with omotenashi. Plus, if you can use chopsticks in public without dropping half your meal, you’re already winning at life here.
Let us simplify your move to Japan. As your international moving experts, our team at Crown takes care of every detail so you can focus on what matters most – discovering and embracing your new life in Japan.
Go knowing you can trust Crown to make your move simple and hassle-free. Call us on 0508 227 696, fill in our online quote request, or visit Crown Relocations NZ to find out more.
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