Japan is an exciting place to visit and stay worldwide. It is a sparkling blend of modernity with a culture spanning centuries and beautiful natural sites. You will enjoy extravagant ceremonies, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife across the country as it offers something for everyone. However, it is also among the most expensive countries globally. In this article, you’ll learn about the country and how to save money while you’re there.
An Introduction to Japan
Japan is a beautiful, mountainous island nation in East Asia. It neighbors China, Russia, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, the sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, and the East China Sea. It has 6,852 islands with 67% forest cover. 98.5% of its population is Japanese, and Tokyo is the world’s most populated city. The country has one of the highest life expectancy indexes in the world today.
Japan is one of the leading economic and technological centers worldwide. It is the perfect blend of ancient gods, traditional customs, modern cutting-edge technologies, and new-age pop culture. Unfortunately, the cost of living in Japan is so high compared to other countries due to the population size and the pressure it piles on resources.
Money-Saving Tips for Japan
Japan ranks among the top 10 most expensive countries in the world to reside in. Life is three times more costly in Japan than in the USA. If you’re new in the country, you should still be able to save money without compromising the quality of your basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and transportation. These tips will help you hack it.
How to Save Money on Food
Food expense is mandatory for everyone. Nonetheless, you can minimize what you spend on meals without compromising the quality and quantity.
- Cook your own meals instead of buying the costly obento (lunch boxes) from the supermarkets or other fast food options.
- Use your discount card when buying food from the supermarket. Such cards accumulate points you can use to offset spending, thus saving you money.
- Time your shopping near closing time to enjoy up to 50% discounts on ready-to-eat food in various outlets.
- Check the food prices on the shelves before purchasing. Imported foods are sometimes cheaper than homegrown food in Japanese grocery stores.
- Create a shopping list to prevent impulse purchases. It will help you manage your money well by keeping you focused on only what you need.
How to Save Money on Clothing
Proper clothing is at the core of comfort, and you can’t avoid spending on it. Cut your expenses on clothes without compromising your presentability.
- Shop during the off-season at affordable prices. Purchase winter clothes in summer more cheaply than during winter.
- Buy quality clothes from thrift shops and sell them your unused items.
- Use coupons and shopping on sales to save money by taking advantage of discounts, especially on newly introduced products.
How to Save Money on Accommodation
Decent shelter is a fundamental human need, but you must consider how to save money without compromising your dwelling. These few tips will help you save a little money.
- Consider a share house if you are a student. It is cheaper than rental apartments, and a student visa will help you to secure one effortlessly.
- Carefully scrutinize the terms and conditions before renting to avoid rip-offs. A few apartments demand a refundable deposit fee (shikikin) or non-refundable thank-you-money (reikin), while others do not. The last option may seem cheaper, but it may be the most costly if you must spend money renovating and cleaning the apartment to make it habitable.
How to Reduce Transportation Costs
Everyone spends money on transportation to work, shop, or tourist spots. Below are some tips for saving money without disrupting your everyday travels.
- Use the commuter pass (teikiken) if you constantly travel between two stations. Paying for extended periods earns better discounts.
- Use coupon tickets if you are a part-time worker or a constant traveler between two stations more than ten times. Train companies will give you 11 tickets at the price of 10 which is quite a bargain in a country where living costs are over the roof.
- Ride a bicycle or use night buses. A bike not only helps you to stay healthy but also saves the dime you would spend on the taxi, train, or bus company. Night buses are also cheaper than other public transport in Japan.
Conclusion
Living in Japan is costly, but you’ll manage fine. With proper saving practices, you will enjoy a quality lifestyle without hurting your pockets. Make some money with internet sharing on the side with the Pawns.app to ease the financial pressure. It’s as simple as answering surveys and sharing your broadband.
FAQ
How much money do I need per day in Japan?
The lowest daily budget in Japan is roughly $26 to $69, equivalent to 3,506 yen and 9,305 yen, while a middle-level budget starts from $69 to $140.
How do I save money on groceries and bills in Japan?
Cooking meals and shopping at affordable supermarkets with a clear list is the best way to save money on groceries and bills in Japan. Take advantage of discounts and compare prices to get the best deals.
