Japan is one of the countries with a high cost of living. Especially if you live in cities like Tokyo.
Usually, a Non-Japanese like myself will work more than one job in a day, and students will apply for part-time jobs to support their living here in Japan while studying.
In many cases, we foreigners here in Japan after receiving our salary, immediately send money to our loved ones back home abroad. That’s why sometimes it is very difficult to save money. And it seems everything here in Japan is very expensive like food, transportation, and so on.
In this article, we will give you some information on how to save your money in Japan; whether you are living in Japan as a student or as a resident.
Food
Food is the most important need of every person since it gives strength to our bodies.
Food provides nutrients that we need for our everyday activities, and that is why we spend a lot of money on it.
However, there are some ways to minimize our expenses on food.
1. Cooking
Instead of buying Obento (lunch boxes) in convenience stores and supermarkets, or eating at fast-food restaurants, you will save money when you cook your own food.
For example, one obento range from 350 yen to 498 yen at supermarkets. Fast-food restaurants range less than 1,000 yen but more than 500 yen. And this is for only one meal.
On the other hand, if you cook 1 cup of rice alongside vegetables and fish/meat, this will cost much less. You can also prepare food for several meals which makes it practical as well.
2. Apply for a discount card
Always make a discount card where you often buy your food (supermarket). You’ll get points for every purchase, and when you accumulate points, you can use them for other payments. Thus, saving money.
3. Shop near closing time
Most supermarkets here in Japan offer up to 50% discount for their ready-to-eat food just before closing time. Also, 10%, 20% up to 30% discount for some food like meat and fish.
They start putting stickers from 7 pm for a 10% discount, then after one hour, they change it to 20%. Starting from 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm, they put the 30% discount sticker up to 50% for other food.
*This is the case for “LIFE supermarket”. Other supermarkets may have different time schedules.
4. Always look for the price
Some foods in the supermarket here in Japan are imported from other countries. Check for these foods since most of them are cheaper than food from Japan.
As for the fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish, be sure to always look for the price and compare.