Living in Tokyo

For information only. This guide is an editorial orientation resource. It does not constitute legal, tax, or administrative advice, and does not recommend or encourage any specific course of action. Regulations, procedures and entitlements change; always verify current requirements with your mission, the relevant Japanese authorities, and qualified advisers before taking any decision.

Overview

Tokyo is the largest city in the world by metropolitan population and one of the most efficiently organised. It hosts approximately 140 resident embassies and diplomatic missions, concentrated primarily in Minato-ku (the Hiroo, Azabu and Roppongi area). The administrative environment for diplomatic staff is generally smooth, the city is exceptionally safe, and public transport is outstanding. The practical challenges are different in character from other postings in this guide: Japanese is the dominant language of everyday life, English proficiency outside the diplomatic and international business community is variable, and the cost of housing and schooling is among the highest in Asia.

The legal framework

The privileges and immunities of diplomatic and consular staff in Japan derive from the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), implemented in Japanese domestic law through the Act on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and related instruments.

The body responsible for accrediting diplomatic and consular personnel and managing privileges and immunities in Japan is the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA):

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919 Phone: +81-(0)3-3580-3311 Foreign Missions in Japan: mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/protocol

Residence status

Diplomatic and consular staff are granted a “Diplomat” or “Official” status of residence (zairyū shikaku) by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, in coordination with MOFA. This status is noted in your passport or in a separate certificate of residence status. It exempts you from ordinary immigration procedures and is your legal basis for staying in Japan.

MOFA provides a Certificate of Residential Address to accredited diplomatic personnel. The current application form was revised in October 2025 and is available at mofa.go.jp/ms/po/page22e_000814.html. This certificate is required for a number of practical administrative steps in Japan, including opening a bank account and registering a vehicle.

Housing

The primary diplomatic residential cluster in Tokyo is in Minato-ku, particularly the neighbourhoods of Hiroo, Azabu (Minami-Azabu, Nishi-Azabu, Moto-Azabu), and Roppongi. This area houses the highest density of embassies in Tokyo, numerous international schools, Western-oriented supermarkets (National Azabu, Nissin World Delicatessen), English-speaking medical clinics, and the broadest range of international restaurants. It is the most practical residential choice for newly arrived diplomatic families.

Other areas popular with diplomatic and international families:

• Setagaya-ku (Sangenjaya, Yoga, Futako-Tamagawa): quieter, more residential, popular with families using BST, St. Mary’s or Seisen schools
• Shibuya-ku: well-connected, cosmopolitan, mix of apartments and smaller houses
• Shinjuku-ku and Bunkyo-ku: convenient for the central government district (Kasumigaseki) but less densely served by international schools

Rents in Hiroo and Azabu for a three-to-four bedroom property suitable for a family range from approximately JPY 400,000 to JPY 900,000+ per month. The market is expensive and competitive. Your mission’s administrative office will typically have established relationships with agents experienced with diplomatic clients.

Healthcare

Tokyo has excellent private and public healthcare. For diplomatic staff, the most commonly used English-friendly hospitals are:

• St. Luke’s International Hospital (Tsukiji, Chuo-ku): a long-established international and English-speaking private hospital close to the diplomatic residential area
• Tokyo Medical University Hospital (Shinjuku-ku)
• International Medical Center of Japan (IMCJ, Shinjuku-ku)
• JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center: English-speaking services available

Most diplomatic missions arrange private health insurance for their staff. Confirm your coverage position before arrival. Japan’s national health insurance system (kokumin kenkō hoken) is not automatically available to diplomatic pass holders.

Language

Japanese is the official language of Japan and is used in virtually all government, administrative and everyday transactions outside the immediate diplomatic community. Unlike other posting cities in this guide, English signage and English-speaking staff are not uniformly available across Tokyo; they are common in tourist areas and international facilities but less so in residential neighbourhoods and local government offices.

Your mission’s administrative office will handle most formal interactions with Japanese government bodies. For daily life, basic Japanese is a genuine practical asset. Several language schools in Hiroo and Minami-Azabu specifically serve diplomatic and international community arrivals.

Emergency contacts in Japan

The police emergency number in Japan is 110, not 112. This distinction matters in a situation requiring a rapid call.

Official sources

• MOFA: Foreign Missions in Japan / Protocol Division
• MOFA: Certificate of Residential Address (form revised October 2025)
• Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 (UN)
• Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 (UN)
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government: Living in Tokyo

Last reviewed 7 July 2026.