Long Read
Relocating to Sagamihara: A Step-by-Step Expat Checklist
so you're thinking about moving to sagamihara? good call. it's not tokyo, it's not yokohama-it's that weird in-between place that somehow feels like home if you give it five minutes. i moved here last spring with two suitcases, a half-broken laptop, and zero japanese. here's what i wish someone had told me before i landed.
the vibe check
first off: sagamihara is chill. like, "leave your bike unlocked and it'll still be there" chill. crime rate? laughably low. rent? way cheaper than central tokyo. you're looking at about §50,000-60,000/month for a decent one-bedroom in a decent area. compared to shibuya where you're paying that for a shoebox with a window, it's a steal.
weather? imagine if someone took british drizzle, mixed it with miami humidity, and sprinkled in a few typhoons for fun. summers are brutal. winters are mild but damp. bring a good rain jacket and a dehumidifier unless you want your clothes to grow mold.
the checklist (because you asked)before you land
- *residency card: you need this within 14 days of arrival. go to the local city hall (shiyakusho). bring your passport, visa, and proof of address.
- health insurance: japan's national health insurance (kokumin kenko hoken) is mandatory. it's about 10% of your income, but you get 70% of medical costs covered.
- bank account: most banks want a residence card. so do this after you register your address.
- phone plan: avoid the big three (docomo, au, softbank) unless you love overpaying. try iiimo or line mobile for cheaper prepaid sims.
housing hacks
- use real estate sites like suumo.jp or hometowns.jp. filter for "foreigner-friendly" if you don't want landlords side-eyeing your gaijin status.
- expect to pay "key money" (reikin) and a deposit (shikikin). sometimes it's 1-2 months' rent each. negotiate if you can.
- sagamihara has decent public transit, but if you're outside the main hubs, a bike is your best friend. you can get a used mamachari for like £10,000.
daily life
- grocery stores: aeon is your budget bestie. for fresh produce, hit local markets or smaller chains like yaoko.
- convenience stores: lawsons and familymart are everywhere. you can pay bills, ship packages, and buy hot food at 3am.
- recycling rules are strict. sort your trash into burnable, non-burnable, bottles, cans, and plastic. your neighbors will judge you if you mess it up.
overheard at the izakaya
"sagamihara? yeah, it's where tokyo people go to retire quietly."
"rent's cheap, but the train to shinjuku takes an hour. worth it if you value sleep over nightlife."
"there's a secret jazz bar near sagami-ono station. no sign. just follow the music and the smell of whiskey."
cost of living snapshot (march 2025)
| item | cost (yen) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apt (city center) | 50,000-60,000 |
| utilities (avg) | 8,000-12,000 |
| monthly train pass | 5,000-8,000 |
| meal at local restaurant | 800-1,200 |
| beer at a bar | 500-800 |
things to do (when you're not working)
- ken-ritsu sagamihara park: huge. great for running or just lying in the grass pretending you're not hungover.
- sagami lake resort: go-karts, pedal boats, and terrible fried food. perfect sunday.
- tama hills: hiking trails with views of fuji on clear days. bring water. it's a workout.
the messy truth
sagamihara isn't glamorous. it's not going to be on any "top 10 places to visit" list. but that's why i like it. it's real. people live here. they raise kids here. they drink too much sake on weekdays and still show up to work on time. if you want shiny skyscrapers and tourist traps, stay in tokyo. if you want a place that feels like a home before you even know it, sagamihara's waiting.
- sagamihara city official site for residency and trash rules.
- reddit r/japanlife for expat gossip and advice.
- tripadvisor sagamihara for things to do when friends visit.
- yelp japan to find the best ramen in your hood.
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