Living in Saitama: the ultimate expat guide

Saitama's economy thrives on commercial business, manufacturing, and its role as a suburban hub serving the Greater Tokyo Area. While many residents commute to Tokyo for work—approximately 23.5% of the city's 747,000 commuters travel to the Tokyo Special Wards daily—the city itself offers diverse employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Key Industries and Opportunities

Major employers in Saitama include automotive manufacturers like Honda, global companies such as Marelli Corporation (automotive components), and numerous service-sector businesses. The Saitama New Urban Center, opened in 2000, hosts regional branches of central government offices and corporate headquarters. The wholesale, retail, and service industries dominate local employment, while traditional crafts like Iwatsuki's hinamatsuri dolls and samurai helmet manufacturing continue to thrive.

Work Visas for Japan

Foreign nationals need a valid work visa to be employed in Japan. The most common visa categories include the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa for professionals in IT, engineering, teaching, and business roles. Employers must sponsor your visa by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Immigration Bureau, a process taking 1 to 3 months. Japan also offers a Digital Nomad Visa (launched March 2024) for remote workers earning at least ¥10 million annually (~USD 65,000), allowing stays up to six months.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: Statistics Bureau of Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Saitama offers excellent higher education opportunities for international students, with several universities providing English-taught programs and strong support services. The city's proximity to Tokyo also means easy access to Japan's most prestigious institutions while enjoying lower living costs.

Saitama University

Saitama University is the only national university in Saitama Prefecture, located in the western outskirts of Saitama City. It offers undergraduate programs across five faculties: Liberal Arts, Education, Economics, Science, and Engineering, plus three graduate schools. The university welcomes international students through its Short-Term Exchange Program (STEPS) and offers intensive Japanese language courses. Tuition fees for national universities in Japan are standardized: the admission fee is ¥282,000 and annual tuition is ¥535,800 (approximately USD 1,900 and USD 3,600 respectively). Tuition waivers and MEXT scholarships are available for qualified students.

Other Institutions

The region hosts several private universities including Saitama Institute of Technology, Seigakuin University, and Daito Bunka University. These institutions offer programs in engineering, business, and humanities. For students seeking English-medium education, many choose to combine Saitama residency with enrollment at Tokyo universities, taking advantage of the short commute.

Admission Process

International students typically need to obtain a Student Visa through their educational institution, which applies for a Certificate of Eligibility on behalf of the applicant. Requirements include proof of financial ability to support yourself during studies, academic transcripts, and language proficiency certificates. Most universities accept applications 6 to 12 months before the academic year begins in April.

Sources: Saitama University, Study in Japan

Saitama offers diverse schooling options for expat families, from Japanese public schools to international institutions. The Urawa area is particularly renowned as an educational district, home to some of the prefecture's best public schools and numerous private institutions.

Japanese Public Schools

Public education in Japan is free for elementary (6 years) and junior high school (3 years). Expat children are welcome to enroll, though instruction is entirely in Japanese. Urawa Ward alone has 12 elementary schools and 5 junior high schools, with the area known for academic excellence. The Saitama Municipal Omiya International Secondary School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, providing a globally recognized curriculum option within the public system.

International Schools

Columbia International School, located in Tokorozawa (accessible from Saitama), offers the Ontario (Canada) curriculum from kindergarten through high school, with all courses taught in English. The school accepts rolling admissions and provides Japanese language instruction alongside English-medium education. Other options include Lily of the Valley Christian International School in Toda City and various international preschools throughout the prefecture.

Fees and Enrollment

International school tuition in Saitama typically ranges from ¥2,000,000 to ¥4,000,000 per year (~USD 13,500-27,000), with private preschools charging approximately ¥28,000 to ¥49,000 monthly. Enrollment usually requires academic records, proof of residence, and sometimes entrance examinations. Many schools offer Saturday programs for prospective students to experience the learning environment before committing.

Sources: Columbia International School, International Baccalaureate

Saitama offers significantly more affordable housing than Tokyo while providing excellent urban amenities. The city's ten wards each have distinct characteristics, making it easy to find a neighborhood matching your lifestyle and budget.

Popular Areas for Expats

Urawa Ward consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live in Saitama. Known as an educational district with excellent schools, it offers upscale residential areas, major shopping complexes (PARCO, Isetan, Atre), and convenient transportation. Average rent ranges from ¥98,000 for a 1LDK to ¥114,000 for a 2LDK. Omiya Ward serves as the city's commercial and transportation center, with JR Shinkansen access and vibrant shopping districts. Rent here averages ¥55,000 to ¥65,000 for comfortable single accommodation. Chuo Ward offers the modern Cocoon City shopping complex and proximity to Saitama University, ideal for students and young professionals.

Rental Costs

The following table shows typical monthly rents in Saitama:

Renting as a Foreigner

Renting in Japan typically requires a guarantor, though many agencies now offer foreigner-friendly properties without this requirement. Initial costs traditionally include key money (reikin) and security deposit (shikikin), each equivalent to 1-2 months' rent, plus agency fees. Some properties advertise zero key money to attract tenants. A credit check is standard, and basic Japanese documentation including your residence card is required.

Sources: Numbeo, Local real estate agencies

Saitama offers a rich cultural landscape that surprises many newcomers. From world-class museums to ancient shrines and vibrant sports culture, there's always something to discover in this diverse prefecture.

Must-Visit Attractions

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is the world's first public museum dedicated to bonsai, featuring specimens up to 500 years old. The surrounding Omiya Bonsai Village, established in 1925, contains six private gardens open to visitors. The Railway Museum near Omiya Station showcases Japan's rich train heritage, with interactive exhibits and historic rolling stock that delight visitors of all ages. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines founded around 473 BCE, features a stunning 2-kilometer approach lined with trees.

Parks and Nature

Omiya Park spans over 67 hectares and includes a small zoo, sports facilities, and beautiful cherry blossom viewing in spring. Besshonuma Park in Urawa offers walking trails, fishing areas, and a Japanese garden perfect for weekend relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Chichibu region in western Saitama provides hiking trails, hot springs, and the spectacular Nagatoro Valley with whitewater rafting.

Sports and Entertainment

Saitama is a sports lover's paradise. The Urawa Red Diamonds football club, one of Japan's most popular J.League teams, plays at Saitama Stadium 2002. The Saitama Super Arena hosts major concerts, sports events, and exhibitions. Tokorozawa Sakura Town, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, features the stunning Kadokawa Culture Museum with its famous Bookshelf Theater, plus teamLab digital art exhibitions and anime-related attractions.

Local Events

The Chichibu Night Festival (December 2-3) is one of Japan's three great float festivals, featuring elaborate illuminated floats and fireworks. The Saitama Criterium cycling race, sponsored by the Tour de France, takes place each October. Throughout the year, local matsuri (festivals) celebrate everything from cherry blossoms to traditional crafts.

Sources: Saitama Tourism, Japan National Tourism Organization

Life in Saitama combines Japanese efficiency with suburban comfort. The city provides all modern conveniences while maintaining a more relaxed pace than Tokyo, making it particularly attractive for families and professionals seeking work-life balance.

Getting Around

Saitama boasts exceptional public transportation. Omiya Station is a major hub where JR Shinkansen lines meet local services including the Keihin-Tohoku Line, Saikyo Line, Takasaki Line, and Utsunomiya Line. Trains run every few minutes during peak hours, with fares to Tokyo typically between ¥580 and ¥800 one way. The New Shuttle connects Omiya to the Railway Museum and northern areas, while the Saitama Rapid Railway links to Tokyo Metro's Namboku Line, reaching Shibuya and Yokohama directly. A Suica or Pasmo IC card works on all trains and buses, simplifying travel throughout Greater Tokyo.

Shopping and Services

Major shopping destinations include Cocoon City in Saitama-Shintoshin, Aeon Lake Town in nearby Koshigaya (Japan's largest shopping mall), and numerous department stores around Urawa and Omiya stations. Supermarkets are abundant, with chains like Ito-Yokado, Life, and Maruetsu offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are on virtually every corner, providing 24/7 access to essentials, ATMs, and bill payment services.

Healthcare

Japan's universal healthcare system covers all residents, including expats staying more than three months. You'll enroll in either Employee Health Insurance (through your employer) or National Health Insurance at your local ward office. The system covers 70% of medical costs, with patients paying the remaining 30%. English-speaking medical services are limited, so many expats opt for supplementary international insurance for additional support.

Sources: Japan Guide, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Saitama offers excellent value compared to Tokyo, with restaurant prices approximately 25% lower and grocery costs about 20% less. This makes it an attractive choice for expats seeking quality urban living without the premium Tokyo price tag.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table estimates monthly expenses for a single expat living in Saitama:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo, Local market research (2024-2025)