They range from star-grazing skyscrapers to thousand-year-old castles. You can pay your utility bills there, send a parcel, print (including photos) and scan, or take money out from an ATM. If you compare the average Japanese meal with the average American meal, Japanese meals are far healthier. Most high paying jobs barely scratch the surface of 10M a year. You're probably fine! 12M-15M is easily upper end for anyone living in Japan. Although lots of expats love living in Tokyo its not right for everyone. Tokyo NRT (Narita) and HND (Haneda) Airport Transfer Low Cost Taxi, Go-Karting in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know, Your Prepaid SIM Card Options for Travel in Japan, Renting a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan: Best Options, Everything You Need to Know about teamLab Planets. The Pedestrian Walkways in Tokyo City are Colossal. 5. Whether Japanese people tend to litter less, or janitors simply work efficiently, you will be shocked at how free of trash and graffiti Tokyo is compared to many other big cities. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Omg so amazing I love the article I want to go to Tokyo someday!!! If you get a chance while living in Japan, explore the countryside. But why is the crime rate so low in Tokyo? Renting a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan: The Best Options, Takeshita Street: Fashion, Food, and Fun in Harajuku, Back with a Bang! I love most of the Japanese food, especially ramen, nigiri sushi, udon, okonomiyaki. At Among Cultures you can follow our journey of moving from Poland to New Zealand and recently landing in Japan. The traditional Japanese diet is a whole-foods-based one that is rich in fish, seafood, and plant-based foods with minimal amounts of animal protein, added sugars, and fat. Check out The Ultimate Guide to getting a job as a foreigner in Japan for more information Im securing a job while living in Tokyo. And if youre searching for the best area to stay in Tokyo, being close to the station also means getting excellent food. 9. This is my way of connecting with similarly minded people looking to enjoy Tokyo Life as much as I do. If you are moving from your current country to Japan, here are 10 things you'll love about living there. Having cash on you is an essential part of living in Tokyo. At home, I used to eat apples with every meal, but fruit is more expensive here. Tokyo not only has delicious Japanese food, but lots of international food as well. There are basically no places that are not safe to go to at any time. Living in Tokyo: city life tips for newcomers - Time Out Akihabara has a few shops that sell nothing but robotic components.Tokyo is the place to be for manga, anime, cosplay and video game enthusiasts. There are lots of reasons to consider a move abroad: work, school, moving with family or following love. Getting your utilities up and running is a surprisingly simple affair, if youre setting up your own apartment. For more about the people behind this site, check out the profiles of the cheapos. It's worth noting that handguns are illegal in Japan, which may also make you feel safer walking by yourself. 1. Read on to find out. The truth is, each country has its own good and bad points. The first decision is location vs. cost vs. size. Have a look at our guide to choose your provider, if this is an option for you. The delivery costs vary depending on your area, so try and go to the closest one (one recently opened in Harajuku, and a new one is set to open in Shibuya). Kaitenzushi, the "conveyor belt" sushi restaurant. It really feels like many cities squashed together. However, many people are able to mitigate accommodation costs by living further away from the main Tokyo area. Were Alex & Tomek. Rent is a major expense, and utilities are normally an additional cost. 10 things you should know about living in Tokyo - Angloinfo Check out the video below. Are you a geek? Welcome to All Good Things Tokyo. If you need to bring medication to Japan, there are allowances for a certain period. I just go to the station, pick the platform and wait a few minutes for the train to arrive. Maybe you want to see Tokyo's Sky Tree, the newly constructed tower that is the tallest in Japan. If you want to know more about how public transport works in Tokyo, check out our guide on how to use trains in Tokyo for essential basics and useful tips and tricks. If you want to contribute to or sponsor Tokyo Cheapo, get in touch. Finding the Right Travel Insurance for Japan, Moving to Tokyo: A Complete Guide for Cheapos, November 9th, 2020 | Lily Crossley-Baxter. However, there are many great non-seafood options in Japanese cuisine. Sukiyaki. You can see old temples and shrines, or maybe the Imperial Palace where the current Emperor lives. Instant Download - Print off for your private library before the government demands we take these down! Got questions about moving to Tokyo? Tokyo is the world's greatest city: 50 reasons why | CNN To find why we started this site, check out the Tokyo Cheapo Manifesto. Walking alone at night is no problem. Smoking in Japan is more common than you may think. Here is probably the most extensive ebook on Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Eliminating Your Taxes, Protecting Your Assets And Regaining Privacy Over Your Life And Investments. Things need to be more flexible. 7. 1. If your ever looking for an atm dont look for a bank but one of the thousands of convenience stores scattered all across Tokyo. You can feel relatively safe walking anywhere in Tokyo at night. This is a great blog! Thank you. Convenience stores dont only sell products, but also services. Escape Artist - International Strategies For The Globally Minded. For me, the only downside of using trains in Tokyo are the rush hours, when virtually all trains are just packed with people. Have a look at the table below for an idea of prices in Tokyo. People will always try their best to help you out when you are lost and will even ask others or walk you to your destination! Your employer orward office will enroll you in Japans pension scheme too, which is technically mandatoryand up to three years worth of payments can be claimed back through an arduous process once you leave the country. There are few advantages to having a car in Tokyo, when you can use public transportation so easily. It made me daydream about going to Tokyo, cosplaying and eating all of that good looking food! Japan is famous for its cleanliness, particularly in big cities like Tokyo. Also that's easily enough to be the sole earner of even let's say a household of 4 and still live VERY comfortably. This is the only optional one, and is often included in shared houses or some apartment buildings. So, is Tokyo a good place to live? Forgetting your purse or wallet somewhere is also not normally a cause of great concern, chances are someone turned it in if they didn't simply leave it there. You're in the right spot! Also, paying for your train fare is extremely easy you can either pay wirelessly with your phones NFC chip, buy a ticket from the ticket machines or purchase a train card also known as a Suica card. This article will try to capture the significance of the Asian culture, more specifically Japanese culture. Tiny shrines can also be found next to convenience stores, hidden between apartment buildings, almost anywhere. The Yamanote line circles around most of Tokyo's most popular spots, like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara. Read up on the best options here. Tokyo used to be relatively expensive in the 80s and 90s, but it has since been overtaken by the rest of the world. If youre really thinking of living in Tokyo safety should be a top priority. Tokyo is also home to many famous temples and shrines like the Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi and the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. This makes Tokyo not only a good place, but a great place to live especially if you have a family. Depending on your property, you may be using a city gas supply or propane, but as the former is more likely, well focus on that. 1. But we do occasionally get to have more breakfasts together as the Tokyo offices open later than Australian offices do, for sure. They are always on time, clean, quiet and they run every few to several minutes. If you are in the realm of teaching, finding a job will be an absolute breeze. Moving to a country that accommodates, and even encourages foreigners, makes it so much easier. Every year, people worldwide come to see the cherry blossoms, which are called sakura! For your own space, with no one wandering into your kitchen and making toast at 3am or taking a shower shortly after, a private place is the answer. Getting to the station by bike is also an option that many people choose. Note: If you ever need the toilet find a convenience store. The fact of the matter is, that generally, people in Japan do not litter. All the relevant services should be on the first page. Theyll take your details, your photo and fingerprints and give you a residence card. With companies like SoftBank, Au and Docomo, you can easily pay over 7,000 a month for internet throttled after 3GB, whereas MVNOs like IIjmio and Sakura Mobile offer data+voice deals forunder 4,000/month with 5GB limitsso its a pretty clear choice. How Much Should I Earn Monthly To Live In Tokyo? Unless youre loaded, you cant have all threeso its best to prioritize: two out of the three is the goal. Please note that prices can change in the future. With everything from sofa sets to kitchen appliances, youll be able to furnish your place pretty fast, although you may need a friend with a van or a very willing pair of hands if you live nearby. The delivery is often cheap or free when buying from big shops like Biccamera, Amazon, etc. As you may already know trains in Tokyo can get packed, this gives some perverted individuals the chance to get a little too close for comfort. All of this convenience is truly great, but when coupled with long working hours it sometimes seems to make the lives of many people here like on auto-pilot. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to go, whether it is to get anime goodies, to visit temples or to buy the latest harajuku fashion there are certain things that everyone would agree on that makes Tokyo a great place. Set-up costs can be unusually high due to the (ridiculous) fees added on to rental agreements, for example: key money, cleaning fees, maintenance fees, contract fees and agency feesall on top of a deposit, which means you can end up paying aboutsix times your rent when you first move in to a place. Be sure to keep it safe, as getting a replacement is a slow process. Pros And Cons Of Living In Japan - QUESTION JAPAN Not sure about Japanese styles or sizes? Tokyo offers you more than just a place to live but a place to enjoy your life and start a new journey. Fuji from Tokyo - and if you fancy a climb, getting to the Fuji area is only a bus ride away. A vegan friend of mine recently visited from France and finding food for her was definitely a challenge. Regardless of the reason for your move, though, calling a new country home is a huge decision. There are ways to avoid some of those costs, and well go into that below. Reasons to Live in Tokyo: Top 10 List | Tokyo Cheapo Facts about Tokyo - 25 things you probably didn't know - Swedish Nomad 1. If you move from the address you provided when you were first given your registration form, take your card to the immigration office along with a contract and passport, and they will write the new address on the back of the card. Japan's karaoke boxes are a perfect way to have a good time and embarrass yourself in the safety of your own private room. Salary question about Living in Tokyo : r/Tokyo - Reddit With the majority of major Japanese companies As well as phone companies situated in Tokyo it has naturally become the best destination to find work in Japan and that goes forforeigners as well. The latter is easier if youre going to be managing your money closely, as you can control when to pay (bills are often sent out pretty early, often withtwo weeks until payment is required). Before we talk about how clean Tokyo is watch the video below its hilarious. The recreational abundance in Japan is rarely spoken about. Gyukatsu-MOTOMURA (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Hamamtsucho, etc) Gyukatsu Aona ( (Shinjuku, Ueno, etc) 9. For people in Japan, cleanness is very important, so they make sure the spaces around them are clean and in order. Matsudo is active in the area of parenting support and medical support. You can find high-end Michelin star restaurants or inexpensive meals to satisfy your cravings. Whether you want to visit a cat cafe on your weekend or catch your own fish in a restaurant and have it cooked for you, theres always something to keep you entertained. Myself? There have been instances when Ive been running late and Ive wanted to j-walk so badly, but I havent because it would considered rude. A cat in Ueno Park enjoying cherry blossom season. Enjoy! For what garbage there is, people recycle. a) Accommodation Accommodation is the most expensive part of life in Tokyo. Voted up :). We really hope you will find it useful. Owning an umbrella that is not transparent and looks more expensive seams to help. The form is pretty simple and most places have English translation services available. We cover all the basics including things to do in Tokyo, Apparently when Steve Jobs visited Sushi Iwa during his last trip to Kyoto he was so impressed with the experience he signed a rare autograph for the Master Ohnishi which said All Good Things. If you fell in love with Tokyo and decide you want to move here, these are 10 things that I find awesome about the Tokyo life! Of course, crime still occurs, so being proactive about anything suspicious will be to your advantage. I've also heard good things about Chiba, but haven't really explored the area much. Leaving home and moving to the biggest city in the world can be a bit of a daunting prospect, but dont worrywe have you covered! 2. It's safe. Osaka, Japan, is a city thats as vibrant and dynamic as it is steeped in history! So, from a western (in my case, American) viewpoint, what makes Tokyo a great place to live? At home, I manage my finances electronically, which helps me stay organized. You can stumble upon some cans (and vomit) in the early mornings though. Next, depending on where you need to be for work or school, choose your area based on two things: amenities and train lines. There are so many places to eat out that even if you would eat in a different place every day it would take you years to try everything. Sometimes you miss interaction with people who are culturally similar to you, who understand your sense of humor and who you find it easier to get along with. If you have brought your unlocked phone with you from home, an MVNO is your best bet, as you can even have a proper phone number with them (not just data only). I love living here as well though, there is so much to do and see and it's got a low crime rate, like you said. Roughly 70% of expats in Japanlive in the threelargesturban areas Tokyo being the main one of course. These stores are also good for the cleaning basics, with bin-bags, those sink-drain nets and countless other bits and bobs like magic sponges! Here are 10 ideas for fun, free, and cheap things to do in Akihabara everything from anime to maids, and more! Trains in Tokyo are just amazing. If you live in Japan, you will also be required to recycle, and must keep an eye on the garbage collection schedule - combustibles on Tuesdays and Fridays, maybe, PET bottles on Wednesday, and so on. . Instead of tossing trash street-side, most recycle their trash leaving the streets clean and beautiful. More into natural beauty? Takao not too far for Tokyo! In Japan, and central Tokyo in particular, space is premium, so by optimizing courier services Japans industry is able to save on storage space. Tokyo: What are the best and worst things about living in Tokyo? Copyright 2023 TokyoTreat. Not to mention other countries cuisines readily available in Tokyo. The Japan rainy season is called tsuyu or sometimes baiyu. Now that Ive been in Tokyo for a little over two months, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the things that I love most about Tokyo and the things that I havent enjoyed as much. If you're a fan of Japanese culture, visiting Tokyo probably is (or has been) on your bucket list. See our Japanese banks comparison article for more. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Honestly, Tokyo is enormous and each part of Tokyo has something unique to offer. We break down just a few of the many reasons that you should live in Tokyo. Most people feel really safe even when walking home alone at night. There is food, games, performances, and people wearing yukata (a light cotton kimono). For those who are considering taking a trip to Tokyo, I hope these points help you get a better sense of what Tokyo is like from the perspective of an American student studying here. Building structures in Japan are unlike any other in the world. Tokyo was named the world's most satisfying city for travel in a 2013 poll by TripAdvisor and its popularity is continuing to grow. So its very nice to see an article like this being fully positive about living there. Have you ever lived abroad and what was your experience? Japantics from Nagasaki, Japan on March 04, 2016: Great article. So if youre hunting privately, be prepared for rejection (no matter how good your Japanese is). Indeed, Tokyo is the world's biggest urban environment, holding more than a quarter of Japan's entire population. Look at the table below to get an idea of how safe Tokyo is compared to London. Each of them has its own shopping centers, food streets, parks, etc. You always live on walking distance from your station and there are plenty of shops around! See our article Womens Health In Tokyo: White Lies, Pregnancy Tests and Pills to know where you stand. More than likely youre not going to see your wallet again. When there's a delay it's usually not for long either! If you are *otaku*, you will have a 100 reasons to live in Tokyo list. Thanks to a reliable and quite affordable public transportation system many people decide to live on the outskirts of Tokyo and commute to work every day. It is also now used as your visa, rather than the one in your passport which will no longer be updated if you change status (only the card will)so keep it on you and keep it safe. The first great thing about Tokyo is that it's really really safe. Thats why we travel, to see the world and all it has to offer. Due to Tokyos large expat community, its not difficult to find the services you require all in English. Thought leaders from across Japan's energy sector gathered in Tokyo last week to discuss the role energy will play in adapting the country's cities to a challenging . This includes services like moving companies, doctors as well as real estate companies. Even though people from Tokyo are known to be a bit colder towards strangers than people from other cities in Japan like Osaka, I still think they are very polite! If you would like more information, please contact our office HERE, 7 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Japan, 5 Tips to Ease Your Transition After Moving to Japan. For fancier folks, try the 3 Coins stores, where youll find some decent and nicer-looking items like plates and laundry baskets, to giveyour place a more warming feel. 2. Ikebukuro district is full of cosplay and doujinshi (fan comic) stores. What Are the Worst Things About Living in Tokyo? - Medium This is one of the most popular experiences in Tokyo! Maybe you like noodles, like soba, udon or ramen. You hardly find litter, even at stations or places like Shibuya that are considered relatively dirty. Convenience The convenience stores are actually convenient. You may decide youd prefer to stick to phone data or portable wifiso be sure to do a little extra research into these options before committing to anything. If you plan on living in a large or semi-large city in Japan, I highly recommend getting out and walking around to explore the culture and presence of the Japanese ambiance. Tokyo is surprisingly clean. Once youve seen something you like, have a read of our transport guide so you know how to get there fast and cheap. You should consider using them when they are available. The transport network in Tokyo has an additional convenience of the IC card (Suica or Pasmo card), so you dont have to buy a ticket each time you use a train or a bus. Spicy Rice Noodles: Is this the Most Popular Cheap Eat in Hong Kong? Note: Trains can get extremely packed during rush hour so bear in mind it wont necessarily be a comfortable commute if your destination is popular. Let me tell you why. These are often offered at a heavily discounted rate and avoided like the plague by most Japanese renters. Buses usually come within a minute or two of the designated time. Kids going to school and back by themselves are fine too. When you register, you will be set up with National Health Insurance coverage which requires monthly payments. Its important to try new things when it comes to food, so dont be scared to try a few sushi rolls youre unfamiliar with! Your email address will not be published. It is called The Ultimate Guide To Going Offshore. Even if there are clearly no vehicles in sight, people tend to wait until the walking signal turns green. These services can be a lifesaver especially if you dont speak any Japanese. The public transportation in Japan is excellent. 14 Best Things to Do in Tokyo | U.S. News Travel Its fleeting, so we might as well make the most of it while we are here, Free of charge. There are even designated smoking areas in Tokyo. Japans crime rate is very low. For Tokyo being the biggest city it is surprisingly clean! Homestays are another option with a few differences to share housessee our comparison article. Otaku Wonderland If you've got a nerdy side Tokyo is your city. If you buy something in the morning there is a great chance it will be delivered to your door on the same day. Unlike other cities, where the car horns, engine revs, and people shouting make up the background noise, Tokyo is virtually silent. Tokyo Is like the engine that drives the Japanese economy. Don't you like shopping for clothes? For more item prices in Tokyo click here. With the only rules being that everything has to be free and the receiver has to collect (or pay shipping), its a simple trade space with plenty of action. Transportation. I'm just . Good and Bad things about Living in Japan - HubPages " Its hard for people not to appreciate the amazing attributes of Japan and Tokyo, especially when they know where to look! But I lived there so long because overall, I loved it, and it is an amazing place to be! People are encouraged to keep their garbage with them and throw it out at home - not too hard to do when there are few public trash cans. 11. Setting up a simple bank account in Japan is relatively easy, with banks like Shinsei offering English support and one free transfer a month. Home Sickness: It Comes, but It Also Goes, black and brown representation in Italian art, communicating abroad in stressful situations, confronting issues with American holidays, contrasting American and French college life, looking at my home country from the outside, medicinal plants of the southern hemisphere, recreating my favorite traditions in France, Venice and the art history of southern Italy, Mrida: My Introduction to a Beautiful and Historic Yucatecan City, Finding My Heritage in an Unexpected Place, Challenging Stereotypes: Unveiling the Living Mayan Culture.
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