A realistic look at life in rural Japan as a married couple
Many videos talk about the cost of living in Japan —
but most of them focus on Tokyo or a luxury lifestyle.
This article is different.
I’m Japanese, married, and living a normal life in rural Japan.
Here, I’ll share what our life actually costs in 2026 — honestly and realistically.
At the end, I’ll show you my monthly total, and I also have a small announcement.
If you would rather watch a video version, I’m talking about this on my Youtube channel.
My Income in Japan (2026)
I work a regular full-time job from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After taxes and social insurance, my monthly income is about:
250,000 yen per month (after deductions)
In addition, I receive bonuses twice a year, about 500,000 yen each time.
I’ve been working at the same company for five years since graduating from university, and this income feels quite average for my age in Japan.
Because I don’t live in Tokyo, I can still save a little.
However, many of my friends living in Tokyo say their income isn’t enough to enjoy life.
Most of them do 副業 (side jobs) —
working after 5 p.m. or even on weekends.
Personally, I can’t imagine that lifestyle.
But for them, earning more money and spending it on beauty, travel, or hobbies feels worth it.
Everyone chooses differently.
Food Costs in Japan
Food in Japan is surprisingly affordable, especially at chain restaurants.
You can easily find good-quality meals at places like:
- Hamazushi
- Sushiro
- Sukiya
- Gusto
At these restaurants, you can usually eat for under 1,500 yen.
Ramen also costs around 1,000 yen at most places.
Recently, Washoku Sato, an all-you-can-eat restaurant chain, has become very popular.
For 3,000–4,000 yen, you can enjoy:
- Shabu-shabu
- Sushi
- Steak
- Desserts
It honestly feels like a dream.
When I was a child, my family sometimes went to all-you-can-eat restaurants, and those memories are still very vivid for me.
Our Monthly Food Budget
For two people, including groceries and eating out:
About 40,000 yen per month
I usually cook on weekdays and eat out with family or friends on weekends.
Fun & Entertainment in Japan
Drinking & Izakaya Culture
Many izakaya offer all-you-can-drink plans.
For 2,000–3,000 yen, you can drink 20–30 kinds of beverages for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Interestingly, about 40% of Japanese people have a low tolerance for alcohol — and I’m one of them.
That’s one reason these drink plans are so common.
Karaoke
Karaoke in Japan often has private rooms, even for one person.
It usually costs about 1,500 yen per hour, including free soft drinks.
Snack Bars: A Very Local Japanese Culture
In Japan, there’s a type of bar called a “snack.”
At a snack bar, you:
- Drink
- Sing karaoke
- Chat with the woman who runs the bar
They usually serve only drinks and simple snacks — hence the name.
Local people often gather there, and strong community connections are formed.
If you enjoy chatting with locals and singing Japanese songs, this can be a very unique experience.
Onsen (Hot Springs)
I go to an onsen about once every two weeks, especially in winter.
Stepping into hot water after a cold day is one of the most relaxing moments for me.
Entrance usually costs around 1,000 yen, and many onsen also offer:
- Manga
- Relaxation areas
Housing Costs in Japan
Housing is one of the biggest expenses, and it varies greatly by location.
I live in a small town and pay:
80,000 yen per month for a 2LDK house
That means:
- 1 living room
- 2 additional rooms(shared with my husband)
Tokyo Comparison
In Tokyo, rent is very different.
- Around 100,000 yen even for a single person
- In less convenient areas, you might find something for 60,000 yen
Personally, I don’t want to live in Tokyo.
It’s crowded, busy, and housing costs would feel like a heavy burden if my salary stayed the same.
A Personal Reflection on Lifestyle
I love nature and a quiet, comfortable life in a smaller town.
Right now, I’m pursuing a lifestyle that feels right for me:
- Where I live
- How I work
- What truly makes me happy
I hope this article helps you imagine what life in Japan could really be like.
Monthly Total Cost of Living
For me, the total monthly cost of living is about:
180,000 yen
It might sound reasonable, but many people in Japan are increasingly frustrated with the economy.
Salaries aren’t changing much, but the cost of living keeps rising.
I’ve never really talked about politics or the economy with family or friends before —
but recently, more and more people have started discussing it.
That alone says a lot.
Announcement: Private Japanese Lessons
I’m planning to start offering private Japanese lessons from next April.
I’ve created a waiting list, and I’ll notify you as soon as everything is ready.
If you’re interested, please check the Google Form linked below and sign up.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for reading until the end.
I write and make videos about:
- The Japanese mindset
- Cultural misconceptions
- Everyday life in Japan
If this article was helpful, you might also enjoy my YouTube videos.
Let’s enjoy these moments together 🌿
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