Skip to main content

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.

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
  • 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.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

How to Send and Receive Money Internationally from Japan (2025 Guide)

How to Send and Receive Money from Japan International transfers from Japan can be slow and expensive if you only use traditional banks. Requirements also vary by provider: some ask for My Number, others for specific proof of purpose. This guide explains the practical options in 2025, what documents you need, how to reduce fees, and when to choose banks vs. fintech services. 1) How International Transfers Work from Japan Traditional banks: MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, Japan Post Bank send money via SWIFT. Reliable but fees add up: sender fee + intermediary fee + poor FX. Online/fintech services: Wise, Revolut, Payoneer use local accounts/networks to cut FX and speed up settlement. Clear fee breakdown and app-based tracking. Compliance/KYC: All providers verify identity and may ask for purpose of remittance and source of funds. Limits increase after full verification. 2) Documents You’ll Typically Need Residence card and passport My Num...
Read more

How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo Without a Guarantor (2025 Guide)

How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo Without a Guarantor (2025 Guide) Housing in Tokyo can be challenging for newcomers, especially when you don't speak Japanese. Even with a stable job and a valid visa, many real estate agencies request a Japanese guarantor, a local emergency contact, and Japanese paperwork. For foreign professionals without local connections or experience, this becomes a real hurdle. This guide explains practical, legitimate ways to rent an apartment in Tokyo without a personal guarantor. We'll explain how the system works, the alternatives landlords might accept, what it costs, which documents to prepare, and how to avoid common issues. Use this as your step-by-step reference for a smooth rental experience. 1) How the Tokyo Rental System Works Most Tokyo rentals are handled through real estate agencies that mediate between you and the landlord. Standard move-in costs can be higher than in many countries because of a mixture of very u...
Read more

Saving Money in Japan (2025 Guide for Expats)

Saving Money in Japan - 2025 Guide Japan is not cheap, but living well here doesn’t have to mean overspending. This practical guide shows how to reduce monthly costs across housing, utilities, food, transport, banking, and everyday purchases—without sacrificing quality of life. It’s written for expats, professionals, and long-term residents who want a serious, no-fluff playbook for 2025. 1) Housing & Utilities Target 10–15 year old buildings: Safer construction standards than older stock, usually cheaper than new builds. Zero key money / reduced deposit listings: Ask agencies to filter for reikin 0 and shikikin 0–1 . Negotiate renewals: Renewal fees ( koshin-ryo ) are often one month’s rent; you can negotiate the fee or a rent adjustment with long tenancy and good payment history. Energy control: Use eco modes on AC, LED bulbs, low-hot-water settings, and a dehumidifier during rainy season to cut electricity. Check building interne...
Read more