How to save money in Japan?
This point that Japan is an expensive country to live, is not true.
With the right knowledge and good guidance, you can materialize your dream of studying and working in Japan, at less cost.
Keep reading to know HOW!!!
Whenever I tell people about my experience of studying Japanese language in Japan, everyone asks me the same question instantly: “Isn’t Japan very expensive?”
The response is that the annual cost of living and education in Japan is half that of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.
How to leverage the most out of Japan, within your budget??
Stage 1: Planning
Real work begins before you actually set foot in Japan. Finding the right processing agent is the most effective way to save money. They will tell you how and when to start in order to be optimum in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Tokyo, for example, might be prohibitively expensive to live in when compared to Tokushima, Osaka, Takamatsu, or other Japanese cities. Be it property prices, apartment rents, travel, or food, Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Choosing a smaller city is the first and foremost hack of saving money in Japan.
So If you are looking to save money, it might make sense to pick a smaller city to study in Japan.
Luckily, there are many affordable accommodation options and part-time jobs available in these cities, especially for foreign students.
Stage 2: Saving money during your stay in Japan
Now let’s understand how to save money once you reach Japan. Studying in Japan can give you international and cultural exposure that can easily be converted into money by using your skills smartly. Begin by finding a part-time job and carefully reducing other expenses.
Invest in a bicycle: Japanese towns are quite bicycle-friendly, so instead of taking pricey public transportation, try getting an inexpensive bicycle.
Shop Wisely: Anyone who has lived in Japan knows that the nearby 100-yen store (such as Daiso or Aeon) becomes your best buddy soon. Anything you might need – right from kitchenware, stationery, tools, household items, candies, chocolates, beer, or a very cute piggy bank to help you save more money – Everything is in order and at a reasonable price.
Tip: Don’t be swayed by all the cute and amusing products that you don’t require.
Ask Around: When you first arrive in Japan, inquire about hidden ways to save money, and any Japanese will gladly teach you how to save money by filling out a simple form.
Quality of items: You will not be disappointed if you purchase any goods in Japan, whether it is expensive or inexpensive. Japanese durability and quality are guaranteed in everything – food items, electronics, stationery, or household goods.
Cost-effective food: When it comes to eating out, Japan offers a wide range of options and prices. Depending on where you go, restaurants can be expensive or surprisingly cheap. Avoid busy shopping malls and mainstream eateries and try to look for smaller restaurants hidden in alleyways. You can grab a steaming rice bowl, curry, or noodle dish for less than 400yen. Cooking your own food will ultimately save you more money… as long as you understand how to shop wisely.
A great way to avoid pricey groceries is shopping late and locally. These markets typically have lower costs than convenience stores, and you’ll find a lot of amazing offers on vegetables, meat, and fish in these markets towards the end of the day.
Go Local: Another approach to save money in Japan is to observe what the locals eat. Discover new ingredients like kabocha, daikon, and other Japanese veggies by taking note when they come into season. Get yourself a large bag of rice, a bottle of mirin (cooking wine), and a large supply of soy sauce, which are all necessary elements in most Japanese cuisine. Although learning new recipes takes time and work, you’ll be able to surprise your friends and family back home by making your own Japanese dish on a budget.
To sum up, Japan is more conducive to student life, and the experiences you obtain in this fascinating country will undoubtedly be priceless.
Also, don`t forget to check our YouTube Channel “Nihongomax” for further tricks and tips.
