Studying in Japan is costlier in comparison to other study destinations in the world, especially in Tokyo city. However, a lot depends on the lifestyle you follow. Over 300,000 international students choose Japan as their study abroad destination every year. You must do your research, review your finances and go ahead with the admission process to universities in Japan. In this article, you will get an overview of what to expect as a student while living in Japan.

A significant number of students from around the world are moving to Japan. The high quality of education and vibrant lifestyle are what attract them and make Japan a preferred study destination. Here’s what international students should know about the cost of living in Japan.

Japan has a very contemporary approach toward education.  They have modern labs, use advanced technologies, ensure that each student gets the best education and has the complete freedom to study whichever subject they want to. When you are planning to move to a new country like Japan, there are a few things you must consider in advance, such as the cost of living in Japan, so that you can make the arrangements accordingly and once you reach there, you don’t feel lost.

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The Cost of Living in Japan

Even though you will mostly hear that living in Japan is costly, you must note that the cost of living in Japan can vary depending on where you live. The cost of living in metropolitan areas is higher than living in the outskirts. For example, Tokyo, the capital city, has been ranked among the world’s top ten most expensive cities. It is the most expensive place to live in Japan. Rent rates are huge and increase every year. It makes up a large part of living expenses in Japan, followed by car ownership and transport. Yet, living in Japan does not necessarily have to be expensive. You may choose local products, not-so-posh areas to live in, and manage a good quality of life. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors that a student must consider –

University expenses in Japan

One of the primary benefits of living in Japan as a student is that the academic fees in Japan are less than those in the United States and the United Kingdom. This is why students from across the globe are choosing to move to Japan for higher studies. Several Japanese schools also provide scholarship programs to help students and they have tuition exemption/reduction programs for international students. Students may have to pay an application form fee, entrance examination fee, facility or equipment usage fee, etc. The admission and tuition fees are different in colleges. One can check the official sites of the University for More Detailed Information.

Read more on: Universities in Japan

The table below shows the various expenses:

  National Local Public Private

(excludes medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs)

 Private

(medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs)
Graduate School Approx. 820,000 Yen Approx. 930,000 Yen Approx. 1,000,000 Yen Approx. 800,000 Yen
University (Undergraduate)　 Approx. 820,000 Yen Approx. 930,000 Yen Approx. 1,100,000 Yen Approx. 3,200,000 Yen

Top universities in Japan-

  • University of Tokyo
  • Kyoto University
  • Osaka University
  • Keio University
  • Nagoya University
  • Tohoku University
  • Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • Waseda University
  • Hokkaido University
  • Kyushu University
  • University of Tsukuba

Read more on: Top Universities in Japan for international students

Average cost of living in Japan for students

The densely populated cities in Japan come with high costs, and it is often ranked as one of the most expensive places to live in the world. However, the unique culture and excellent public facilities make it a popular place for living and studying or working. Living in Japan can be affordable for students who are ready to make certain conscious changes in their lifestyle. Check out the average cost of living in Japan.

Accommodation and utility costs

As a student in Japan or for that matter, anywhere else in the world, your best option is to start looking for housing at your university or college. This will be affordable and appropriate. Rent in Japan can vary because there are some really cheap tiny apartments of around 10 square meters to luxury apartments in prominent districts. As a student, you can rent an apartment outside of central Tokyo where housing costs are distinctly lower.

Housing costs

  • Room in an apartment share in Japan – 89473 – 127819 Yen (USD 700-1000).
  • Private (one bedroom) apartment in Japan – 153382 – 166164 Yen (USD 1200-1300).
  • Luxury (three bedroom) apartment in Japan – More than 380000 Yen (USD 3000+).

The nationwide average monthly rent, excluding the utilities, is between 50,000 and 70,000 Yen. Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utilities, and electricity is the most expensive of the three. As a student, your average cost for utilities will be just under 10,000 Yen a month, about 4000 Yen for electricity, 3000 Yen for gas, and 2000 Yen for water. Students may also use induction cooktops to cut gas costs.

Food costs

Japan’s cuisine is very popular and global. You can taste some of the best sushi, chicken katsu, and ramen here. You can buy seasonal vegetables and seafood from the local supermarkets in Japan. Pre-cooked products are sometimes available at discounted prices. You can eat healthy, budget-friendly, home-cooked meals as a student or try fast food that is easily accessible.

There are some cheap restaurants where you can have a full meal that will cost you between 500 and 1000 Yen. It includes noodles, curry rice, bibimbap, and many more different types of dishes. A meal at a more average restaurant costs roughly between 1000 and 3000 Yen. As a student, you may also buy lunch boxes (bento), which are sold in convenience stores and department stores, train stations. Cafes are there in most of the cities. A cup of coffee will average around 300 Yen, while prices at boutique cafes may be slightly higher.

The average prices of major food products in Japan

  • Rice (5 kg) – 2,137 Yen (USD 19)
  • Bread (1 kg) – 435 Yen (USD 4)
  • Milk (1 L) – 223 Yen (USD 2)
  • Eggs (10) – 248 Yen (USD 2)
  • Apples (1 kg) – 497 Yen (USD 4)
  • Cabbage (1 kg) – 244 Yen (USD 2)

Connectivity

When you are living in Japan, connectivity is not a problem. Internet connection is fast and reliable. The country is highly regarded for its power, entrepreneurship, and cultural influence. Mobile phones are easily available with a valid residence card and a Japanese bank account. Residents who need internet at home should consider getting either a pocket Wi-Fi device (monthly fees from 2500 Yen) or subscribing to broadband or fiber optic internet (monthly fees from 4000 Yen). Students in Japan usually have 24-hour free access to the internet and campus network service. There are also paid Wi-Fi hotspots in Japan.

Cost of transportation

Students who commute regularly can purchase train commuter passes for unlimited travel between their home and college for one or multiple months. Most major cities have extensive metropolitan rail networks and are well connected with the neighborhood. One of the most cost-effective ways of getting around in Japan for a student is by cycle. To go a short distance, a bicycle is really convenient and cost-effective. You will find bicycle parking stands near every railway station and shopping center. Local buses in large cities are the main means of public transportation. You can also avail of taxis in almost all cities, but that will come with a heavy price tag.

Transport cost in Japan

  • Taxi ride (airport to the city) – 30 Yen (USD 50)
  • One day Tokyo Metro pass – 3 Yen (USD 5)
  • One day bike hire in Tokyo – 6 Yen (USD 10)
  • Bullet train (Tokyo to Kyoto) – 72 Yen (USD 120)

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Key takeaways

  • No matter where you move to in the world it is inevitable that you will incur some hidden costs. Always save and plan accordingly to cover additional costs.
  • The most important takeaway here is that Tokyo is Japan’s most expensive city. If you choose to live in a smaller city like Kamakura, Osaka, or Yoshino, it will save you some money.
  • Japan is a modern, evolving country, and connectivity or public transportation is not a problem here. These are also fairly priced for a student.
  • Japan is known for its excellent medical system. This system is available to all citizens and long-term residents, living in Japan for more than a year.

So go ahead with your dream of studying in Japan. Good luck! Reach out to SIEC for application and assistances.