Finding The Best Place To Retire In Japan For Foreigners

Retirement is a long-term dream for everyone, but in Japan, though?

Whether you will retire in Japan for the long or short term, consider where you want to spend your time.

Everyone has different needs and wants when it comes to retirement. So, here, we look at several places to help you decide on the best place to retire in Japan.

Basic retirement information in Japan

Retirement in Japan is a whole nother can of worms that will not discussed in this article, but here is the basic information if you are interested in retiring in Japan.

• The Natixis Global Retirement Index ranks Japan as the 22nd best country for retirement security. 

• The legal age requirement is 65, but you can retire at 60 with a lower pension rate.

• There is no retirement visa, so you will need permanent residence, a spousal visa, or Japanese citizenship to live in Japan for the long term. 

• Contribute to the basic pension for 40 years to obtain the full pension amount.

• The full amount of the basic old-age pension is 816,000 yen (2024 fiscal year).

Retiring in Japan is a common choice for many Japanese people, but for foreigners, the experience can be quite different, especially if you do not have long-term residency. 

But don't let that information stop you from visiting and staying in Japan during your retirement. 

Factors to consider when retiring in Japan

There are 6 key features to look for when retiring:

1. The living environment

2. Leisure activities

3. Medical care

4. Food

5. Comfort

6. And security

All these will vary depending on your lifestyle and what type of retirement you are looking for. 

Many cities offer the ease of retirement with abundant activities, the convenience of public transportation, and adequate medical and welfare facilities. 

However, the high cost of living is a factor to consider if you don’t have enough to sustain yourself while in retirement.

In comparison, living in rural Japan might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It does offer its benefits. It’s quiet and more peaceful, and you tend to have better neighborly connections than in the city. 

So, the best place to retire in Japan will be different from person to person.

How MailMate can help you when you are retired in Japan

Retiring in Japan can be a complex process, but with MailMate, you can navigate it with ease. MailMate offers a range of features designed to ease the transition and improve your quality of life during retirement in Japan.

1. Online mail management

If you plan to live in Japan, let MailMate handle all your Japanese mail, bills, and notices.

Your mail will be sent to the MailMate scanning location, where you can request to open, translate, forward, or shred these items.

This feature is perfect for anyone who wants to understand all their incoming Japanese mail.

2. Bilingual support

With our bilingual staff, MailMate can translate and be the communication bridge between you and your Japanese service provider.

If you have any questions, email MailMate in English or Japanese and we will answer to our best abilities.

3. Utility liaison

If you just bought a property and are unsure how to start your utilities, MailMate can help.

Let MailMate know where your property is so they can contact the correct service provider to provide your property with electricity, water, and even internet. So when you arrive in Japan, you’ll have a functioning property to stay in. 

4. Tax representative

From property tax to real estate acquisition tax, MailMate can help prepare and submit documents accurately to ensure compliance with all tax requirements in Japan.

Looking at the best place to retire in Japan as a foreigner

Japan has amazing cities, and they may or may not be the best places for retirement.

So, here, we explore the different locations throughout Japan to find the best place for you to retire and call it your home.  

1. Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical destination and one of the best place to retire in Japan as a foreigner. Known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and slower pace of life, it is a popular choice among many retirees in Japan as well.

Around the area, there are many outdoor activities, such as snorkeling and hiking, to golfing, with plentiful cultural attractions and festivals to explore.

There are plenty of communities, including English speaking ones. So you won't have to worry about English accommodations for your medical services and other things.

2. Nagano

Nagano is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the "Japan Alps." Thanks to the fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits, the life expectancy here is among the highest.

Because of its nature, Nagano offers many outdoor activities to keep many retirees active, such as hiking and skiing, with hot springs to provide a relaxing evening.

If you ever want to go to Tokyo, it’s about an hour and thirty-minute train ride by the Shinkansen. 

As a retiree, there are plenty of active health promotions and preventative health measurements for you.

3. Hiroshima

Hiroshima offers urban and nature together as the sea and mountains are a drive away. The city is known for its cultural history and excellent seasons.

Plus, Hiroshima provides great healthcare and well-developed infrastructure for the intercity community, with its streetcars, ferries, and Shinkasen to visit other parts of Japan. 

Consider Hiroshima as a place for retirement because it provides the aspects of a city with nature behind it.

4. Shizuoka

Shizuoka is known for its incredible views of Mount Fuji. Still, it’s also famous for its tea production and diverse local specialties with eel, whitebait, and sakura shrimp.

As one of the best places to retire in Japan, there are plenty of leisurely activities thanks to the numerous sightseeing spots within this prefecture, such as the Kawazu cherry blossom festival, hot springs in Atami, Ito, and Shuzenji, a seacoast line, parks, and waterfalls.

Plus, Shizuoka is close to Tokyo, where you can take a 2-and-a-half-hour Shinkansen to train up.

5. Hokkaido

Despite its cold winters, it is a popular place to retire in Japan because of the amazing natural landscape and seasonal beauty.

There are plenty of activities year-round, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and enjoying nature in the summer.

Sapporo, its major city in Hokkaido, combines the city with the relaxing atmosphere of the surrounding mountainous areas. Hokkaido provides retirees with medical equipment support, care products, and meal delivery services to those who want to live independently.

With plenty of fresh seafood and numerous medical facilities for good health care access, Hokkaido is a great place for a retired balanced lifestyle.

6. Kagoshima 

In particular, Ichikikushikino City has good transportation access connected to the Shinkansen and the Kagoshima Airport.

Ichikikushikino City has plenty of cultural attractions to visit, from beaches to local gourmet spots.

The local government has health promotion programs for retirees to ensure a healthy and active retirement. Additionally, with its numerous healthcare facilities and supportive community, Ichikikushikino City is a good place to retire in Japan.

7. Hyogo

Awaji Island, in Hyogo, is known for its natural beauty, fresh food, and hot springs. 

This island has convenient access to nearby Japanese cities such as Kobe and Osaka. So you have plenty of areas to explore by car.

At Awaji, the local government provides retirees with free access to a swimming pool and helps with transportation, contributing to the quality of life for those living there. Additionally, they provide support for those who need help going out to shop or organizing their homes.

Live in the area before moving for your retirement

While many Japanese cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, are on many people’s budget lists for places to visit, these places might not be the best place for retirement. 

If possible, try to visit these or other places you are interested in retiring in for about a month and experience what they have to offer in the summer and winter so you can get both experiences of what it’s like to live there year-round. 

Frequently asked questions

Can American citizens retire in Japan?

Yes, American citizens can retire in Japan. While a Japanese retirement visa does not exist, long-term visas help any expat retirees to stay in Japan longer than 90 days. You will need to apply for a visa under the “Long Stay for sightseeing and recreation ” for Japan.

In closing

Finding the best place to retire in Japan is entirely up to you, depending on the type of lifestyle you want during your retirement.