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A Week in Japan’s Countryside: Living Costs and Community Life

Just over a year ago, we traded the bustling streets of Tokyo for the serene landscapes of Japan’s countryside. While some daily expenses remain consistent across Japan, our move has brought notable changes in living costs and lifestyle. Join us for a glimpse into a typical week in our lives, exploring the expenses and unique aspects of countryside living.

Sunday: Community Cleanup and Grocery Shopping

We start our week early at 6:30 a.m. with a neighborhood cleanup, a hallmark of countryside life. Unlike the casual neighborly interactions in Tokyo, our rural community is tightly knit, complete with a neighborhood leader, a rotating notice board, and an annual community fee of 4,000 yen (approximately $27 USD). This fee supports local upkeep, and designated cleanup days bring everyone together. Armed with gloves and garbage tongs, we joined neighbors of all ages for a quick 15-minute spruce-up—our area was already spotless! The sense of community, from kids scampering with trash bags to elderly residents pitching in, was heartwarming.

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Later, we tackled grocery shopping at the local supermarket. Prices here mirror Tokyo’s, except for slightly cheaper fruits and vegetables. For even better deals, local farm markets are an option, but today we spent 8,000 yen (about $54 USD) on groceries to last three days, averaging 21,000 yen ($141 USD) weekly. The priciest item? A 2-kilo bag of rice at 1,500 yen ($10 USD), inflated by Japan’s ongoing rice shortage. With a one-bag-per-household limit at stores, rice has become a luxury, despite government efforts to release stockpile reserves.

Our biggest fixed cost is rent: 41,000 yen per week ($275 USD) for a modern, well-insulated 3-bedroom house. While high for the countryside, especially in our town along the Shinkansen line, the insulation is crucial for chilly winters. Utility and internet bills round out our housing expenses.

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Monday: Work and Language Learning

Monday kicks off the workweek. Roy, a software engineer, and I, a videographer for a tourism media company, mostly work from home. My job involves English primarily but requires Japanese during video shoots, so my company funds online Japanese lessons. We also practice through weekly language exchanges with friends, splitting calls between Japanese and English. These exchanges, sparked by connections made via the HelloTalk app five years ago, are a cost-free way to improve our Japanese and maintain friendships.

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Tuesday: Office Commute and Hobbies

It’s an office day, so we catch the Shinkansen—Roy to Tokyo, me to Takasaki in the neighboring prefecture. Commuting costs are covered by our employers, a common perk in Japan. Lunch is a treat: I enjoy a massive bowl of udon and tempura for 850 yen ($5.70 USD) near my office, while Roy dines out with colleagues in Tokyo. He grabs a self-heating bento for the ride home.

After work, we hit the bouldering gym, our priciest hobby. A 10-visit pass keeps costs down, but the exercise and community make it worthwhile. Tuesday’s coaching session with the gym owner is a highlight, guiding us through challenging courses.

Wednesday and Thursday: Quiet Days

Midweek is uneventful. We work from home, eat meals prepared from our grocery haul, and take evening walks, soaking in the mild June weather before summer’s heat arrives.

Friday: Roy’s Birthday Celebration

Friday is special—it’s Roy’s birthday! I cook a hearty breakfast, and we work through the day. For dinner, we try a unique soup pasta restaurant I’ve been curious about, followed by a small cake from a local shop. Despite a drippy candle mishap, the celebration is sweet and memorable.

Saturday: Onsen Getaway

With rain dampening the weekend, we opt for a day trip to a nearby onsen, a perfect birthday continuation. Our camper van, while costlier to maintain due to higher registration, insurance, and weight taxes, offers unparalleled flexibility. Diesel fuel, cheaper than petrol, and expressway tolls (adding time if avoided) are part of the trip’s cost. The onsen is a relaxation haven with hot springs, a restaurant, a massage area, and a reading nook. We pay for extras like food and drinks via a wristband, settling the bill at checkout machines.

Reflections on Countryside Living

Living in Japan’s countryside blends affordability with community spirit. While rent and car ownership are significant expenses, perks like employer-covered commutes, cheaper local produce, and community engagement balance the scales. Our camper van, though pricey, enables spontaneous adventures without hotel costs. Compared to Tokyo, the slower pace and tight-knit neighborhood make the countryside feel like home.

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