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How Much Money Should You Save Before Moving to Japan?

How Much Money Should You Save Before Moving to Japan?

One of the most common questions people ask before moving to Japan is simple, but stressful: how much money do I actually need?

Online answers range from wildly optimistic to unnecessarily alarming. The reality depends on your situation — but there are realistic minimums, and there are common mistakes that leave people financially exposed in their first months.

This article explains how much money you should save before moving to Japan, based on real costs, timing gaps, and what newcomers consistently underestimate.

Why Your First Months in Japan Cost More Than You Expect

Even if you already have a job lined up, Japan has a timing problem that affects cash flow.

Common reasons:

  • Your first salary is often paid 4–6 weeks after you start working
  • Initial housing costs are front-loaded
  • Administrative costs arrive early
  • Nothing feels “monthly” at the beginning

This means you need a buffer — not just enough to survive, but enough to stay calm.

The Big Upfront Costs Most People Forget

Housing Setup

Renting in Japan usually requires significant upfront payments.

  • Deposit (敷金): 1–2 months’ rent
  • Key money (礼金): often 1 month’s rent
  • Agent fee: around 1 month’s rent
  • First month’s rent (often prorated)

For a modest apartment, this can easily reach 4–6 months of rent upfront.

If this is new to you, see: Renting in Japan without a guarantor .

Initial Living Setup

Even “furnished” apartments often require additional spending.

  • Basic furniture or appliances
  • Internet setup fees
  • Utilities deposits
  • Household basics you don’t bring with you

These costs are rarely huge individually — but they stack quickly.

Unexpected Ongoing Costs: Winter Heating

One cost many newcomers underestimate is winter heating.

Japanese apartments are often poorly insulated, which makes heating entire rooms expensive — especially if you are home a lot during your first winter.

This is why many households rely on a kotatsu, a low table with a built-in heater and thick blanket that warms people directly instead of the whole room.

Used properly, a kotatsu can help keep electricity bills under control while staying comfortable. If you want to understand how this works in practice, see: Why a kotatsu can save you money in Japan .

Realistic Savings Targets (Practical Ranges)

Rather than one magic number, here are realistic ranges based on how you’re moving.

Student or Working Holiday Visa

  • Minimum: 1,000,000 JPY
  • Comfortable: 1,500,000–2,000,000 JPY

This assumes modest housing, shared accommodation, and tight budgeting.

Employee With a Job Lined Up

  • Minimum: 1,500,000 JPY
  • Comfortable: 2,000,000–3,000,000 JPY

This buffer covers housing setup, living costs, and the gap before your first salary.

If you’re unfamiliar with Japan’s pay timing, this may help: Working in Japan: salary expectations .

Self-Employed or Job-Seeking After Arrival

  • Minimum: 2,500,000 JPY
  • Safer: 3,500,000 JPY+

This is where many people underestimate risk. Income instability plus delayed bills can create serious pressure.

Related reading: Hidden costs of being self-employed in Japan .

What You Do NOT Need to Over-Save For

Some fears are exaggerated.

  • Daily food costs can be reasonable
  • Public transport is predictable
  • Healthcare is affordable once insured

Japan is not cheap — but it is stable once you are set up.

The Real Risk Is Stress, Not Bankruptcy

Most people do not “run out of money” immediately.

The real problem is:

  • Making rushed housing decisions
  • Accepting bad jobs out of pressure
  • Feeling constant anxiety during admin procedures

A larger buffer buys you decision-making space, not luxury.

So, How Much Should You Save?

If you want one simple answer:

  • Absolute minimum: 1,500,000 JPY
  • Realistic comfort: 2,000,000–3,000,000 JPY
  • High flexibility: 3,500,000 JPY+

More savings does not mean spending more — it means fewer mistakes.

Key Takeaways

  • Japan front-loads costs heavily
  • The first salary delay matters more than rent
  • Housing setup is the biggest shock
  • Winter heating is often underestimated
  • A buffer reduces stress more than lifestyle spending

Saving enough before moving to Japan is not about comfort — it’s about starting your life here without unnecessary pressure.

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