Job Discussion Forums

projectgenesis · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 6

Hi, is there anyone that has just arrived or returned from Japan that can give me a rough break down on the minimum amount of money needed to set up when you arrive there, I mean in terms of rent, key money, etc. I understand this all depends on where you are posted. I will only have about �2500 saved if I were to get out there for March. I have a feeling this will not be enough, baring in mind I will have to wait 6 weeks for my first pay check. Thanks everyone.

Bread · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 318

That might be enough, but you haven't given any kind of information at all. Is that money left after buying a plane ticket? Will you already have a job?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

This is how I used to describe expenses for people who come without a job in hand. Everything is an average, so it roughly takes into account rural and urban situations. It does not include airfare.

rent 50,000-80,000 yen/month (guesthouse accommodation, which might also want a 25,000 yen refundable deposit)

utilities (none for guesthouse)

phone (cell phone can be 0 yen if you buy a 1-year-old model, plus 10,000 yen setup costs, plus 5000-8000 yen/month service fees depending on the multitude of options)

local transportation 25,000 yen/month (does not include long distance trips to other cities)

food 30,000-50,000 yen/month (depends on how you shop and whether you are a carnivore or vegetarian)

miscellaneous things (insurance, hair care, dry cleaning, photocopying/printing, postage, buying a newspaper for the ads only)

everything else is a luxury in this regard

Kaycie21 · Joined: 21 Jul 2010 Posts: 14

Are you coming over with Interac, cause it sounds like you may be. If you are they have an option to take the apartment set up money out of your first paycheck, instead of paying up front. Then the 2300 will be plenty. I've been here for a little bit less than a month and have spent about 600, most on food and things for the new place.

projectgenesis · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 6

Hi, thanks for the replies everyone. I'm waiting to hear back from companies at the moment. Never the less it is necessary for me to start looking at things financially from now. Dam! I didn't factor in my flight. It seems like the amount I plan to save will not be enough after calculating your expenses and it seems I will be scraping by and that's if everything goes well. If I overspend or if there is an emergency I will be in trouble. After March, when do the companies consider hiring ALTs, is it in September? I think I need to save more money otherwise I will be cutting it fine.

bluetortilla · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 815 Location: Henan

That all being said, you can live for about $10 US a day for daily necessities (minus transportation and all that). I know 'cause I've done it Very Happy

I lived at a guest house in Tokyo for less than 130,000 y a month for a while (including everything) and did OK.
All bare bones stuff mind you.

Kaycie21 · Joined: 21 Jul 2010 Posts: 14

The hiring process for ALTs who start in September start way before, I'm not sure of the exact month... but I'd suggest just applying now and requesting to start in September.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

projectgenesis · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 6

Just want to say thanks guys for all the info, it has really helped me reach some clarity about my situation. Basically I need more money.