Cost of Living in Japan

Living costs in Japan and especially in Tokyo are famous to be among the world's highest. However, if you live outside of central Tokyo, adjust to a Japanese lifestyle and do not depend too heavily on food and products from your home country, you may be surprised how inexpensive Japan can be. Most of the large chain schools will provide you with some type of accommodation. This is a very big help as it is difficult to find accommodations on your own without the help of a Japanese national. Not to mention being very expensive. Although the type provided will vary, expect things to be on the small side.

Utilities such as gas, water and especially electricity are expensive, and phone rates are high. For international calls, consider internet phones, callback services and other offers for the foreign community. Local supermarkets are relatively inexpensive if you stick to Japanese food such as seasonal vegetables, seafood, soya bean products and rice. If you visit supermarkets shortly before closing time in the evening, you can purchase remaining perishable products at big discounts. There are plenty of restaurants where you can have a full meal for between 500 and 1000 Yen. Noodles such as ramen and soba, curry rice, bibimba, hamburgers and many more types of dishes are available at such inexpensive restaurants. Look for them around and inside large train stations and in business areas. During lunch hours, many restaurants offer inexpensive teishoku (set menus) at around 1000 Yen. Lunch boxes (bento), which are sold in convenience stores and department stores, train stations and at temporary stands in business areas are also a good deal.

Clothing departments of supermarket chains such as Ito Yokado or discount clothing stores such as Uniqlo offer inexpensive clothing. The availability of large sized clothes may become a problem if you are over 180 cm tall or a big person, otherwise. Department stores and boutiques are more expensive. Japanese hair dressers are famous for their great service and high prices. However, there are also places where you can get a quick haircut for around 1000 Yen.

Commuters can purchase commuter passes for unlimited travel between their home and office/school for a given time period. A large variety of other discount offers is available for train travel in Japan. Owning a car in Japan is expensive due to the mandatory bi-annual inspections (shaken), mandatory insurance, an automobile tax and the fee for a parking space (in large cities). The cars themselves, however, are relatively inexpensive, with smaller new cars starting at less than one million yen. A liter of gasoline costs around 100 Yen. The use of highways is subject to tolls.

Electronic goods, such as TVs, stereo sets, cameras and computers are relatively inexpensive at stores like Yamada Denki, Yodobashi Camera, Sakuraya and Bic Camera, and in discount shopping areas like Akihabara in Tokyo.