Breetai said:
Looks like it's a little ways from where I might be still. I'll need to get a motorbike!
I've heard that getting a Japanese license is a real pain in the
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Hey Breetai.
I think I can help with some of your thoughts/concerns.
First, I did live in Saitama for two years when I worked for an eikaiwa. Basically it's a "bedtown" for Tokyo. It's convenient and cheap to get to Tokyo (and Urawa is close), so that's good. The prefecture is pretty flat and non-descript, which is fine for biking but I yearned for mountains to break up the landscape.
If you don't mind, what type of job are you applying for? Must be pretty certain if they're paying for you.
As for the license, it depends on what your wants/needs are. First, if you're Canadian, British, or Australian you only have to take a written test to transfer over your license as long as you had it for more than a year in that country before you came here (and can prove it). If you're from the states or most other places, you have to take a driving test as well. I actually failed the written test the first time (10 T/F;M/C questions) because it was pitifully traslated. You can get the rule roads and driving manual in English, also (I think it's about 1000 yen).
I passed the driving test on the first time (automatic). Just make it look like your breaking your neck for every little turn. You can also take a one-time driving lesson at most driving schools for about 5,000 yen where they'll go over all the rules and what-nots for you. Bring a Japanese friend if your lingo isn't too good. It's by no means impossible to get the license and the experience was enlightening (if a bit expensive as well).
If you don't want to do that you can get a license for a 50 CC or lower moped. For this, you'll have to take a 100 question written test (again T/F and M/C). After it there's a "safety lesson" you have to attend, but no driving test.
BTW, a regular license for cars also includes 50 cc mopeds.
As far as costs go, obviously a moped is the way to go. You can get a new one for 90,000-200,000 yen. I got a used one for 40,000. The yearly registration (at least where I live) is 1,000. It frees you up a lot, but sucks in the cold and rain.
As for cars, you can get a used one pretty cheaply. With all cars, however, there are many other costs. Most likely you will need to rent a parking space which can be anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000+/month. Gas is about 130 yen/litre. Then there is the dreaded "shaken"--bi-yearly inspection. Depending on how you do it, it can run 70,000-100,000+ without repairs. My yearly taxes are about 45,000 yen. So unless you want to travel the country by road to make it worthwhile, I would suggest getting a regular license, and a moped.
Hope that helps. Take care.