Possibly moving to Tokyo with newborn...

We are possibly moving to Tokyo from Shanghai with a newborn (now 1 month old) and I wondered if anyone else had made this move or generally had advice about living in Tokyo with a small child. On the upside I think Tokyo is much cleaner/safer than Shanghai but wonder how is it in terms of expat life? I've heard it is very hard to connect with the Japanese. Also, we're very spoiled in Shanghai in terms of household help which costs next to nothing. I don't suppose it's easy to find/afford in Tokyo? But any views on the ups and downs of a young family living in Tokyo would be much appreciated? (and ps we will have a full expat package so costs are not so scary!)

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you will enjoy being an expat in Shanghai MUCH more than in Tokyo. ALthough living in Tokyo will be quite an experience!

I work with someone who used to live in Tokyo and they loved it. It's clean, organised, the people are friendly (mostly on the surface though since most don't mix alot with expats), the food is great. It will be a much better place for your child considering air quality.

We lived in Tokyo for 6 years and had 2 children there.We had a lovely time and didnt want to leave when the time came.

If you need a helper they are very expensive.When we left there 2 years ago the average price to hire a helper for an hour was 1500 yen and to hire one on a monthly basis was between 150 000 - 200 000 yen.I had a lovely lady that came to help me for a few hours a week and we made a deal of 1000 yen an hour(just for babysitting) so you can get them a little cheaper if they like you.It is a well known fact that helpers want to work in Japan because of the high salary but it is very hard for them to get a visa.My helper had a visa because she was married to a Japanese man.

There are a few areas where the expats like to live and the american club is very popular if you can afford it.We had an expat package but still lived in a local area and we didnt join the clubs...instead i met people through my husbands work and through baby groups.With a one month old baby you shouldnt have much trouble meeting lots of people.

Good luck