Job Discussion Forums

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

Hi everybody,

I am currently teaching English in Taiwan with another 2 months on my contract and am thinking about making the move to Japan. I would like to get some information about how much money to bring.

I read in FAQ2 on this site that between 480,000 and 600,000 yen is a good amount of money to come to Japan with. I have been reading up on the bigger chain schools and they seem like a pretty good option for me. I came to Taiwan with no job and that went great, but the cost of living in Japan makes me a little nervous about coming to Japan with nothing set-up beforehand.

My real question is; is there a difference between the amount of money you need to bring if you come to Japan with a big chain and the amount you need to bring if you come to the country with nothing? Also, the figure of 480,000-600,000 yen, does that include flight?

I guess I should also mention that I want to go to Tokyo. So, what I'd like to know is; if I come to Tokyo with a big chain school, how much money should I bring, including flight?

Any information would be really appreciated, especially from those who came to Japan with one of the big chains.

Thanks a lot,
fich

luckyloser700 · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 308 Location: Japan

I'd say the amount of money you're talking about sounds reasonable if you're coming with a job that doesn't cover up-front apartment costs as well as other intial expenditures. Some companies will have you waiting 2 months or more for your first full paycheck. Without a job before arriving in Japan, I wouldn't feel comfortable with less than 750,000 Yen. That's after buying the airline ticket.
I came two times with big company jobs in hand before leaving for Japan.
If you're just looking to get here, think eikaiwa work is fine, and are looking to have a company take care of your apartment and other start-up costs, come with one of the big eikaiwa companies. Then you could come safely with 250,000 -350,000 Yen. Pay advances from companies that are slow to get you your first full paycheck are not uncommon.

Good luck.