Monthly living expenses vary depending on your lifestyle and location, but in general, prices in Japan can be high, especially in major metropolitan areas like Tokyo. For university students, the monthly average living cost, including rent, is about 120,000 to 130,000 yen. For working adults, it's around 180,000 to 200,000 yen.
Here are some examples of monthly expenses:
Prices in Japan can be high, and they may not differ significantly from the United States, in major metropolitan areas. However, the food portion sizes can be smaller even if the prices are similar to those in the United States. Additionally, there has been an increase in food and utility bills.
Japan offers plenty of affordable and delicious dining options, especially in Tokyo where you can find everything from world-class kaiseki to renowned street food. For example, a lunch set meal can cost around 1,000 yen, while dinner at a restaurant may be around 2,000 yen. An izakaya, a type of Japanese pub, could cost around 5,000 yen for drinks and bar food.
If you have a student visa and permission for other activities, you can work part-time for up to 28 hours a week. However, short-term tourist visas do not allow part-time work. It is important to follow the permitted work hours and locations, as violating these rules can lead to deportation from Japan.
As of October 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Tokyo is 1,072 yen per hour, but it is important to note that minimum wages may vary depending on the region.
While there are job opportunities for foreigners in Japan, the options may be limited. Some jobs, such as factory work and parcel sorting, may not require advanced Japanese language skills. Western native English speakers often get jobs teaching English or English conversation.
Japan is becoming increasingly cashless, with many shops accepting electronic money and credit card payments, but cash is still king, so it is advisable to keep cash on hand.
The most common form of electronic money is "Suica," which is widely used for train fares. Various other types of electronic money are available, and the accepted methods are clearly displayed at cash registers and on storefronts.
If you need medical assistance, the first step is to contact a local hospital. If you are uncomfortable with the language, JST offers a service to accompany you to the hospital and provide translation support.
Visiting a hospital in Japan typically costs around 5,000 yen per visit. The treatment process for infectious diseases or other illnesses is similar to standard medical care in any other developed country, but without the sticker-shock the uninsured face in the United States because of our national health care system.
A basic check-up or visit is around 3,000 yen. Depending on the symptoms and complexity of the medical exam, it is advisable to carry at least 10,000 yen in cash, as many hospitals prefer cash payments.
JST offers a peace-of-mind assistance service to accompany you to the doctor's office or hospital for medical assistance and translation services. You can find detailed information on our website's service page.
Although there are hospitals in Japan that accept non-Japanese nationals and offer limited English support, it is recommended to verify English services by calling in advance as the English speaking staff may not be on-site when you go there.
Japan is generally safe, and there are no extremely dangerous areas. However, it is a good idea to be cautious when visiting certain nightlife / pink districts at night like Kabukicho. Not overdrinking is a key to safety and not walking into clubs or bars with no windows or in areas known for love hotels is best practice. It's safer than most places, but women walking alone at night may get harassed occasionally, so try to avoid it and know where your local koban (police box) is in case you're followed.
Trains are the primary mode of transportation in Tokyo, offering convenient access to various destinations. Buses are available, but they can be challenging for newcomers unfamiliar with the city.
If you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask the people around you. You can also call the police on 110 or the ambulance on 119. If you ever find yourself in a non-immediate emergency situation, feel free to reach out to JST, and we'll do our best to support you.
Vegetarian options are increasing in Japan, and there are websites and apps like HappyCow that can guide you to vegetarian-friendly restaurants. However, it's a good idea to check ahead if a table's available because many are very popular.
It's advisable to have a safety net of 300,000 to 500,000 yen, as it can take some time to open a bank account in Japan.
Wi-Fi spots are available throughout Japan, especially in larger cities. However, compared to some other countries, it may be harder to find. Renting a pocket Wi-Fi device could be helpful during your initial months in Japan.
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