Category: Blog

💌 Expectations vs. Reality of Dating in Japan

皆さんこんにちは!
This time, I want to talk a bit about what it’s like dating in Japan — always, of course, from my own experience. Remember, every person is different.

And for those who idealize Asian people: no, it’s not like in the dramas.

In my case, before coming to Japan, I had no expectations because I didn’t even plan to date. However, I did have the image that it wouldn’t be too hard, but that Japanese people were much more reserved and less affectionate or romantic — based on YouTube videos I used to watch.

When those moments finally came, some turned into funny stories, others repeated the same patterns, and a couple ended in disappointment.

🌸 Cultural Differences I Noticed When Dating Japanese People

Something that will always happen when dating someone from another country is cultural differences — especially when the cultures are as opposite as ours.

And this doesn’t just apply to dating, but also to friendship. Some examples I’ve noticed about dating in Japan include:

• Japanese people don’t text all the time. They can take a couple of days to reply. It can be discouraging and make you lose interest, but it’s not personal — it’s just how they are.
• They struggle to express their feelings and tend to avoid conflict. Beyond their shyness and calm pace, a downside when dating is that they rarely say things directly. You’ll notice excuses, changes in behavior, or — in the worst case — ghosting, leaving you wondering what happened.
• At least for me, reading signals has been tricky. Until you get used to how they communicate and behave, there can be a lot of misunderstandings.
• Of course, the language barrier is a big one. If you don’t speak Japanese or the other person doesn’t speak English, it’s very difficult to move forward. Don’t expect much beyond something casual. I definitely recommend learning the language, but if you’re looking for a partner, it’s better if they’ve lived abroad or have foreign friends.
• Finally, Japanese people really respect personal space and time. Their way of showing affection can feel quite cold compared to how we Latinos express it.

👉 Read also: Friendship in Japan: My Personal Experience and Tips

💬 Communication: Between Shyness and Misunderstandings

When it comes to this, I want to share one of my experiences.

I briefly dated a Japanese guy I met at one of my jobs. There was chemistry right from the start, and we talked a lot on LINE. At first, his replies were quite frequent for a Japanese person, and we also saw each other at work.

Everything started off great, and most of the time, he was the one initiating plans. We started going out and, even though we didn’t have an official title, we acted like a couple. However, every time we met, there was some kind of misunderstanding. We liked talking about deep topics, but the language barrier made it complicated.

Even though he knew some English and I could understand a bit of Japanese, there were things we just couldn’t express the way we wanted. One day, things simply changed — he didn’t have the courage to face and end things, so he started becoming distant, ignoring me, and treating me more like a friend.

This is a behavior I’ve seen in other people too — when something doesn’t work, they slowly disappear.

The problem was that I still had to see him at work. Luckily, I quit not long after, and that was the end of it. But it was a pretty disappointing and painful story.

🌏 Finding Balance Between Two Cultures

For me, dating people from different cultures is challenging but also enriching and exciting.

Regardless of where someone is from, every person teaches you something new. The cultural difference just adds more spice to it.

So, for things to work, there needs to be balance — and most importantly, communication.

👉 Read also: Cultural Differences in Japan and How I Adapted

🍵 What Helped Me Enjoy Dates (Without Getting Frustrated)

A friend once told me, “Just go and enjoy the date. If it goes well and you meet again, great. If not, at least you had a nice time.”

And honestly, he was right. Even though I’m a pretty social person, I often feel lazy about dating — repeating the same questions, the same stories… So, for me, a good date is the one that breaks the pattern.

The key is not to go with high expectations, and don’t spend more than two hours meeting someone for the first time — unless you’re really having fun, of course.

🌿 When You Learn Not to Force Things

Something I learned in Japan is not to force things when another person is involved. You can be persistent and work hard for what you want when the focus is on yourself — but when it involves someone else, you can’t force or expect them to think or feel the same way you do.

If you let go of control and the anxiety of waiting for replies or plans, you’ll feel much more relaxed.

✨ The Best Part: Learning From Every Encounter

Some people go on many dates; others meet one or two people and start dating officially right away. There are countless stories and experiences.

What matters is that every date is unique — a lesson, a moment, and sometimes even a funny story to share with friends later, haha.

In Japan, many foreigners use Bumble for casual dates or relationships. Others use language exchange apps like HelloTalk or Tandem.

💭 Final Thoughts: Real Connections Beyond Language and Culture

I could share many more interesting and funny stories, but this post would get way too long.

To wrap up, my reflection is that what really matters when dating in Japan is being able to connect genuinely — beyond language, cultural differences, and expectations.

And tell me, have you ever dated a Japanese person? How was your experience? I’d love to read your stories! 💕

よろしく、

花ちゃん.

皆さんこんにちは!
One of the most common questions is how much does it coast to live in Japan and whether it’s enough to cover your basic expenses and still save money.
In this article, I’ll share a guide based on my own experience and information I’ve gathered, taking Tokyo as the reference point.

Stay until the end to make the most of your time in Japan!

🏠 1️⃣ Accommodation: The biggest expense

No matter what kind of place you rent, housing will take the biggest portion of your budget — anywhere from ¥50,000 to ¥120,000 or even more.
It depends on the area, size, year of construction, and whether you’ll share with someone else.

What type of housing should you choose?

If you’re coming with a Working Holiday visa, I recommend starting with a share house or hostel, especially if you plan to move around different areas of Japan. They usually allow short-term stays (three months or less), and the rent often includes all utilities — electricity, gas, and water — so you don’t need to set them up separately.

Of course, one thing that can be either positive or negative (depending on your personality) is that you’ll share all common areas with other people. In some places, a minimum stay of three months is required.

If you’re planning to live longer in Japan, it’s more convenient and cost-effective to rent an apartment. Most contracts require at least two years (sometimes one), and it’s a bit more complicated to set up at first — you’ll need to pay a lot upfront — but monthly rent is often reasonable.

I talk about this more in another post: Renting an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner.

Rent prices by city

Location makes a huge difference. Living in areas outside central Tokyo, such as Saitama or Kanagawa, will be cheaper than neighborhoods like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
The farther you live from the city center, the more affordable it is.

However, you’ll need to consider the commute time if you work in central Tokyo. It’s not so much about the cost (since many companies cover part or all of your transportation), but the physical exhaustion of traveling over an hour each way every day.

Additional costs: Deposit, key money, furniture

As I mentioned in the other post, there are also extra costs when renting — a deposit (usually one month’s rent), key fees, and sometimes cleaning or insurance fees.

If you choose a share house, you won’t need to worry about furniture. Some apartments also come furnished.

But if you want to decorate and make the space your own, you can buy new furniture (it’ll require some budgeting) or go for second-hand shops.

From my own experience: my first apartment came unfurnished, so I bought a fridge and washing machine from a second-hand shop for about ¥70,000 total. Then, I used Jimoty to find free or super cheap furniture (I even got a really comfy sofa!), and finally, I used Amazon.
When I moved to a new apartment that was already furnished, I kept some items and sold the rest through Facebook groups.

Tips for saving on housing while live in Japan

If your goal is to spend as little as possible:

• Choose an area a bit farther from the city center.
  For example, I’ve lived in Suginami-ku, a super convenient area well connected to Shinjuku. If you prefer the other side of Tokyo, Taito-ku is another great option.
• Talk to other foreigners living in Japan — sometimes they’ve rented directly from the owner and can share contacts, saving you agency fees.
• When going through an agency, clearly state your budget so they can give you realistic options.
• Be open-minded about older, smaller, or more remote places.
• Visit second-hand stores, use Jimoty, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace.

🍱2️⃣ Food: Supermarkets, restaurants, and money-saving tips

Now let’s talk about another essential topic — food.
You might think cooking at home is always cheaper, and while it can be healthier, eating out in Japan can actually be very affordable if you know where to go.

Grocery shopping in Japan

Of course, this depends on your habits and whether you live alone or with someone.
There are many supermarket chains, and prices vary, so it’s best to check which options are near you.

Personally, I often go to OK Super, sometimes My Basket, and occasionally Life. On average, I spend around ¥15,000–¥20,000 per month on groceries.

Eating out: Restaurants and convenience stores

As I mentioned, eating out can be cheap.
If you don’t feel like cooking or didn’t prepare a bento for work, you can easily find budget options:

• 🍜 Ramen shops: around ¥1,000
• 🍣 Sushi chains: ¥2,000–¥3,000 for several plates
• 🍛 Family restaurants like Saizeriya, Café Gusto, or Sukiya: ¥1,000–¥2,000
• 🥢 Konbini bentos: about ¥700

Plus, tea or water is free in most restaurants, so you don’t need to spend extra on drinks.

I, for example, don’t eat much — a small pizza and a few chicken wings at Saizeriya are enough for me — so eating out remains pretty cheap.

Expensive items and cheaper alternatives

Some foods are naturally pricey in Japan — like vegetables, fruits, and meat.
If you eat a lot of those, expect higher grocery bills.

But there are cheaper and nutritious options like mushrooms, tofu, and chicken or pork.
And if you enjoy healthy snacks like nuts, it’s okay to spend a bit more — balance is key!

🚆3️⃣ Transportation: Getting around Japan

If you live in Japan, transportation is another big expense
Including your commute and leisure trips, you might spend at least ¥30,000 per month, but remember — most companies reimburse transportation costs, which helps a lot.

Trains, buses, and bicycles

In Tokyo and other major cities, trains are the most convenient way to get around — everyone uses them.
Fares range from ¥200 to ¥2,000 depending on the distance, though it’s rare to spend over ¥1,500 on one trip, at least you go outside Tokyo. The average is about ¥500 per ride.

Buses are usually around ¥200 but are less convenient unless there’s no train nearby.

And if you live close to your workplace or the station, I highly recommend getting a bicycle. It saves money, keeps you active, and you can find one cheaply on Jimoty or Facebook.

Commuter Pass and discounts

One great thing about trains is the Commuter Pass (定期券 teikiken).
You can buy it through your transportation card app if you regularly commute on the same route.

Basically, it gives you a discounted fare for workers or students.
You just select your start and end stations, choose how long (1, 3, or 6 months), and pay upfront.
Then, during that time, you can ride freely within that route without topping up your card.

If you travel outside your zone, you’ll just pay the difference.
For example, if your pass covers Mitaka → Shinjuku but you go to Shibuya, you’ll pay for the Shinjuku–Shibuya section.

Combined with your company’s transport allowance, this can really help you save!

📱4️⃣ Other expenses: Phone, insurance, and entertainment

Let’s wrap up with the last part — those extra monthly expenses that also matter: phone plans, insurance, and fun.

Mobile plans: Affordable options

Two popular options when you first arrive are Mobal and JP Smart, since you can sign up easily with just your passport.
However, they’re quite expensive, so I recommend switching once you have your Zairyu Card.

A great option is Rakuten Mobile.
Their plan adjusts based on how much data and calls you use:

• under 3GB → ¥1,000
• up to 20GB → ¥2,000
• over 20GB → unlimited for around ¥3,000

Click here if you want to know What to do in your first day in Japan

Health insurance and pension

You’ll have to pay for health insurance and pension, both mandatory.
Depending on how long you’ve lived in Japan, you may also be charged other taxes based on the previous year’s income.

If you’re on a Working Holiday or have low income, you can request pension exemption or reduction.
Eventually, if you’re planning to live in Japan, you’ll have to pay — especially if you plan to stay long-term or have a full-time job.

If you’re full-time, your company usually handles this, and they’ll deduct around 30% from your salary.
Currently, I pay both myself and spend about ¥26,000 per month in total.

Leisure and entertainment

For fun and tourism, Japan offers endless options — from free parks to themed cafés!

If you want to save money, there are many free or inexpensive spots, like temples, gardens, and museums.
For instance:

• Ghibli Museum (Mitaka) → ¥1,000
• Shinjuku Gyoen Park → ¥500
• Torikizoku (izakaya) → ¥360 per dish or drink
• Karaoke → cheaper on weekdays with “free time” deals
• Cinema tickets → around ¥3,000, but look for discount days

For something special, I highly recommend visiting DisneySea — it’s unique to Japan!
And for breathtaking views, try the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory in Shinjuku — it’s free and offers a 360° city view.
Another great one is the Chiba observatory, where you can see Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa at once.

💡5️⃣ How much do you need per month to live in Japan

To wrap up — how much do you really need?
It depends on your lifestyle and goals.

If you’re here on a Working Holiday, enjoy and invest in experiences — travel around Japan, try new things!
If you’re living here long-term, you can take it slower and adjust monthly.

💰 In conclusion, you can live comfortably with ¥170,000–¥200,000 per month.

Japan can be expensive, but with good planning, you can live well and enjoy every moment.

My advice: Adjust your budget according to your priorities, and take advantage of the many affordable options available.

If you have any questions or want to share your own experience, leave me a comment below!

よろしく、

花ちゃん

皆さんこんにちは!

Living in Japan as a foreigner means facing a culture that is completely different from what many of us are used to. Some people adapt quickly, while others decide to experience Japan only for a short time before returning to their home country.

In this article, I’ll share my biggest cultural shocks in Japan and how I managed to adapt to Japanese daily life.

If you’re thinking about moving to Japan, keep reading!

👋 1. First Impressions in Japan: When Everything Feels Like an Anime

In one of my first posts, I wrote about my unfortunate first experience in Japan. Even though my phone had died and I couldn’t speak Japanese, I didn’t panic. Deep down I knew I’d figure things out and get to my destination.

Guide for your first day in Japan with WH

But… what were my first impressions?
The first time I went out, I headed straight to Akihabara, the closest neighborhood to Nippori where I was staying. It was a day full of amazement: I looked at every detail, filmed, took photos, and couldn’t believe I was really in Japan. Everything I had seen online was now in front of me. I even felt like crying out of excitement—it all seemed unreal.

In those first days, Japan felt like a dream, but also strangely familiar, probably because I had seen so many pictures and videos before. Even when I took the wrong train, I got off, walked around a random neighborhood, and kept thinking:
“Wow, I’m in Japan.”

I also tried ramen for the first time in one of those shops where you order from a vending machine. It felt so futuristic, just like the payment system in konbini convenience stores.

And of course, related to anime, visiting Radio Kaikan (which appears in Steins;Gate), hearing the crosswalk sounds, the school bells, or the train passing by… it felt like living inside an animation.

That’s how everything started…

🗣️ 2. Japanese Communication Style: What Foreigners Find as Cultural Shock

One cultural shock many foreigners talk about is tatemae: the “polite mask” that Japanese people often use. But honestly, I think this happens everywhere—no one is openly rude to strangers, right?

That’s why customer service in Japan feels so kind and helpful. Even if it seems exaggerated, you’re welcomed with a smile.

But when it comes to making friends in Japan, things can be tricky. If you feel people aren’t being completely honest, it can hurt. Japanese people often avoid saying “no” directly, so you have to learn to read between the lines.

If someone hesitates a lot, it usually means disagreement. And if a compliment feels too over-the-top, it might not be 100% sincere. It’s not the same to say:
“Nice to see you”
as:
“AAAAHHH, SO GREAT TO SEEEEEE YOUUUU!!” with dramatic acting included (yes, true story 😅).

Luckily, I quickly found a circle of Argentine friends, and I also met Japanese friends with a more open mindset. Most of my other connections were temporary, nice, but mostly work-related.

⏰ 3. Japanese Punctuality: Why Being One Minute Late Is a Big Deal

Latin Americans often have a reputation for being late. In Japan, however, being even one minute late is considered disrespectful.

With friends, it might be forgiven, but in the workplace, it can cause real issues.
I always tried to arrive at least 10 minutes early, but train delays sometimes made me late. Even then, I’d immediately get messages asking what had happened.

Now I’m used to it and rarely arrive late. I always plan extra time in case something goes wrong.

Fun fact: at one of my part-time jobs (a hostel), some Japanese coworkers admitted being late simply because they overslept. I was surprised at how honest they were! Maybe part-time jobs (baito) are more flexible. That was a non-expected cultural shocks in Japan, haha.

🥢 4. Unwritten Rules in Japanese Public Spaces

I already mentioned some of this in my article What to Do and Not to Do in Japan, but even knowing them beforehand, some rules still shocked me.

For example, there are no trash bins or benches on the streets. After hours of walking, it can be tough not finding a place to rest.

I was also impressed by how organized smoking areas are and the amount of respect people show in train stations or busy streets. It’s like silent chaos, but still orderly.

🧠 5. Rigid Mentality in Japan: When Going Off-Manual Isn’t an Option

This is one cultural shock I still struggle with. Many Japanese people find it difficult to step outside of what they’ve been taught.

If something is done a certain way, it has to stay that way—even if there’s an easier or more logical solution.

For example: at work, one coworker suggested a more efficient way to bake cookies. But my boss hesitated because the method had already been “decided.” She eventually agreed, but it took effort to break away from the manual.

The same happens in restaurants: if a customer requests removing an ingredient or something out of the ordinary… staff often freeze, not knowing what to do.

😅 6. Funny and Random Cultural Shocks in Japan

Here are some surprising (and fun!) things I noticed:

• Most people pushing strollers… are carrying dogs, not babies!
• Dogs are super pampered: purebred, dressed up, and always clean.
• Locks open the opposite way—you turn the key from left to right.
• It took me a while to get used to traffic moving on the left. I often looked the wrong way.
• Cleaning products are next-level: sticky rollers for carpets, wipes for everything, disposable cleaners. Pure magic!
• People protect themselves a lot from the sun: long sleeves, umbrellas, visors. And yes… I’ve joined them too.

🌱 7. Lessons Learned: Adapting to Japanese Culture Without Losing Yourself

So, what did I learn from these cultural shocks?

If you come with an open mind, adapting to Japanese culture isn’t as hard as you may think. I expected it to take months, but it was much easier.

What many foreigners miss, especially Argentines, is the warmth of hugs and spontaneous hangouts. Luckily, I had a support circle from the beginning, which made it much easier.

Today, many aspects of Japanese culture have become part of my daily life without me noticing. Others still surprise me, but what I know for sure is that I feel very comfortable living here.

✨ How about you? Have you experienced similar cultural shocks in Japan?

If you already live here, I’d love to hear about your own experiences and how you adapted.
And if you’re planning to come, tell me what excites you the most—or what scares you. Share in the comments 💬👇

よろしく、

花ちゃん

I decided to write a dedicated article about Renting in Japan because I had an experience I’d like to share so that you can keep it in mind and hopefully avoid going through the same thing. So, I invite you to read my tips!

🙅🏻‍♀️ Is Renting in Japan Difficult as a Foreigner?

You’ve probably heard that it’s hard to rent in Japan if you’re a foreigner due to many restrictions and the language barrier. The truth is, there are lots of requirements and upfront costs involved, so yes, it’s complicated—but not impossible.

🔑 Basic Requirements for Renting

• Having a visa that allows you to stay in Japan for at least two years (since most contracts are for a minimum of two years).
• Having a job contract to prove you earn enough to pay rent regularly, or some proof of income.
• Having a Japanese guarantor—this can be a Japanese friend, a foreigner with permanent residency, or a guarantee company you can hire.
• Paying initial costs.
• Having a Japanese phone number and bank account.
• Doing an interview or online application where you’ll answer questions about your job, whether you agree to building rules, and more.

Staying in Japan After a Working Holiday Visa

🗣️ The Language Barrier When Renting in Japan

Trying to rent without knowing Japanese is a big challenge. If you want to rent directly from a landlord, you’ll need a lot of luck—they must be open to renting to foreigners and/or speak English.

Also, some may take advantage of your lack of Japanese to overcharge you.

So, the easiest route is to look for real estate agencies that work with foreigners and offer support in various languages.

🏘️ Steps to Rent an Apartment in Japan

STEP 1: Look for Accommodation
Recommended websites:

• Craigslist
• Wagaya Japan
• Real Estate Japan
• LeoPalace
• E-Heya
• MiniMini

You can filter by area, monthly budget, apartment type, walking distance from the station, square meters, and more.

STEP 2: Choose Multiple Options
Depending on the time of year, the place you wanted may suddenly become unavailable. You can send just one email with a preferred option and the agent will suggest alternatives based on your needs.

STEP 3: Submit Your Documents

• Passport
• Residence Card
• Employment Certificate
• Latest payslips
• Tax statement or income certificate
• Japanese phone number and bank account
• A Japanese guarantor
• Initial payment (advance rent, deposit, agency fees, fire insurance, etc.)

STEP 4: Sign the Contract & Get the Keys
Once everything is paid and the contract is signed, they’ll hand over the keys and you can move in.

IMPORTANT: Most contracts are for at least 2 years. Some mention “possible renewal,” but this isn’t guaranteed—keep that in mind!

✔️ Pros and Cons of Renting in Japan

Pros:

• There are affordable options in convenient areas and in good condition.
• Some rentals include basic utilities like water and internet.
• Agencies usually help you set up services like electricity, gas, etc.

Cons:

• Some landlords reject foreign tenants.
• Strict rules (no modifications, noise restrictions, no pets, etc.)
• High initial and exit costs (some agencies try to overcharge for repairs).

🙋🏻‍♀️ My Experience Renting in Japan

When I first arrived on a Working Holiday Visa, I moved into a share house in Itabashi. The room was tiny and the place was dirty. Three months later, I moved to another share house in Asakusa, where I lived with other Argentinians and had a much better experience.

When I changed my visa, I decided to rent my own apartment. I contacted Wagaya, but due to high demand, it was a tough process. I eventually found a place in Setagaya, planning to stay until 2027. However, at the end of the year, I got a letter saying I had to leave by March 2025—there had been a misunderstanding and the landlord didn’t want to renew.

After talking with friends, someone connected me with a direct landlord and I got a new place: better location, bigger, lower initial costs—and again, with Argentinian neighbors!

Take a look on How to Make Friends in Japan

But the biggest issue came later: the previous real estate agency tried to charge me a large amount of money for “cleaning and repairs.” I filed a complaint and even threatened legal action, managing to cut the cost in half and get my deposit back.

💡 Final Advice

If you can rent based on other foreigners’ recommendations, even better. And if you go through a real estate agency, check the costs carefully and dispute anything unfair.

Also, keep in mind that even if the contract says “renewal possible,” it often (if not always) doesn’t happen. So read carefully how long your stay is and, if you’re not okay with it, speak up at the beginning or look for another option.

For more info or to file a complaint:
🔗 Kokusen Housing Complaints Website (JP)

✅ Conclusion

Renting in Japan can be challenging, but with information and caution, you can find a great place. I hope this guide is helpful and helps you avoid the issues I faced! If you have any questions or want to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment.