Moving to Japan for a year?

Question:

Hopefully i'll be moving to Japan in a year or so, (once money and things are sorted of course!) and i was wondering what time of things will need to be done.

I'm hoping to stay about a year, so here are a few things i've been wondering about.
What type of visa will i need? (Will get a job whilst out there OR before i leave ETC.)
Travel insurance, will i need it? ._. If so,help? confused a little!
And do you think it'd be best to buy a return ticket for a year later OR just a single and another single/one way when i'll be returning?
I live in the UK by the way!

I haven't decided which part of Japan i'll be moving to yet, probably Tokyo or Osaka. Apartment can be easily sorted, so i don't need much help with that. So yeah, hope you're able to help, and thanks!

Answer:

You cannot just pack up and move to Japan for an entire year.
Your maximum stay is 90 days as a 'Temporary Visitor'.
You cannot simply get a job there. The Japanese government requires anyone who wants to work in Japan to have University degree from a recognised university. When you have that, you will need a job offer from an employer in Japan who will sponsor you in order to qualify for a Work Visa. You must find such an employer from OUTSIDE of Japan as it is illegal to look for work as a 'Temporary Visitor'. If you did so anywhay, and you were found out, they would deport you immediately and you would never be allowed in the country again.
Apartments are also not as easy as you might think. Most landlords do not rent to foreigners. Even if you find one who does, you will then need 1, 2 or more months rent equivalents for non-refundable keymoney. In addition you would need one month's worth of rent for damage deposit plus your first month's rent.
You will also need to be able to prove to the Japanese government that you have suffficient funds to be able to live in Japan self-sufficiently for at least 6 months.(i.e. have the funds in a bank).
Your next obstacle is that even if you clear all of these hurdles and actually get a job, your first month's pay won't show up until the middle to end of the month following the one you earned it in.(In North America your first paycheque is withheld only 14 days).

Your other option is to try the JET programme, but you will still need to have a university degree to work as ALT.

You will be traveling, so obviously you will need travel insurance.
And, yes, they won't allow you in the country if you do not have a return ticket.