Living cost

You found a perfect apartment in Tokyo listed for ¥80,000. You do the math: “Okay, first month’s rent plus a deposit… maybe ¥160,000 to move in?” You go to the real estate agent, and they hand you an estimate: ¥450,000. Welcome to the “Shokishiyo” (Initial Cost) shock. In most countries, moving costs are transparent. In […]

In our previous guide on “Areas to Avoid,” we shattered the illusion that living in Roppongi or Shibuya is the key to a happy Tokyo life. We showed you that chasing those famous addresses often leads to financial stress and cramped living conditions. But simply knowing where not to live isn’t enough. You need to […]