23-year-old American pays $483/month in rent to live alone in Japan

I imagine people are usually anxious about making a drastic change in their life like picking up things and Moving to a new country. But I remember sitting in Los Angeles airport, Tony Tony Chopper A bottle of water in my hand, I feel excited and want to start my new life. All I could think about was finding Favorite matcha A café where I spend the morning after landing in Tokyo.

Growing up in Southern California, I was always interested in Japanese culture and cuisine. During the pandemic, I became obsessed with anime: the characters who never give up, the friendships, and the quiet moments of life. I was fascinated by the sound of the language and the simple aesthetic. The displays made me want to try everything for myself.

In January 2025, a little less than a year after I graduated from UC Irvine, I took that flight to Moving to Japan.

But freedom is expensive in America. I had four jobs after graduation – as a full-time visual merchandiser at Lululemon, a small label business owner, a real estate signage manager, and an organizational director at a lacrosse club. I felt burdened by the financial stress that just existed. It felt impossible to be able to do that Bear the rentHealthcare and other essentials without getting a corporate job.

So when I found an advertisement in June 2024 about teaching English in Japan at an ikaiwa, or conversation school, I applied for the job on a whim. I went through an interview all day and got the job. I didn’t hesitate.

Although they were supportive, everyone around me thought I was crazy for leaving behind a seemingly stable life in California. Why wouldn’t I want to be close to my family and a long term friend? But Japan had been calling me for years, and I felt like this was my chance.

After six months of paperwork, packing, and goodbyes, I was on my way.

My apartment has a lot of natural light and a tatami room (a traditional room with a straw floor for tea ceremonies), just like the ones you’ve seen in anime. In the US, I would never be able to afford something like this on my own. In JapanIt felt achievable, even comfortable, thanks to my teaching salary of 277,500 yen (about $1,800) a month.

The cost of living surprised me in other ways, too. A filling meal in Tokyo—such as a traditional teishoku (meal set) with a beef rice bowl, miso soup, eggs, and drinks—can cost just 1,000 yen (about $6), compared to the $20 you’re used to paying in California. My company covered my transportation costs and groceries didn’t break the bank. For the first time, my basic needs were met without constant worry.

But teaching was never my passion. It was Entry that allowed me to move to Japan, and for that I will always be grateful. But after about six months, I realized I wanted something different.

Now I create social media content for a language app for $175 per week and work as a freelance digital marketing assistant for $25 per hour. The number of hours for the latter so far has varied from about 50 in August to three in September when we were between clients to 22 in October, since I traveled to Hawaii and Okinawa that month.

Being here not only freed up money but also mental space. I can focus on Practicing hobbies Such as creating content about traveling abroad, going to the gym, studying Japanese, and communicating with locals, instead of always focusing on how to make ends meet.

And I miss my friends and family in California. There are days when I feel like… The sting of loneliness Despite being surrounded by millions of people. I’m an extrovert, but even for me it can be tiring to go out of my way to overcome the language barrier and make friends.

But these struggles made me more independent and patient. When I close my door and leave my apartment every morning, I feel a mixture of belonging and gratitude. This is my chance to live the life I dreamed of while watching anime as a teenager.

I don’t know how long I will stay in Japan. But for now, I’m cherishing every moment. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Ashley Peters He is a digital creator and marketing assistant based in Japan, sharing stories about life abroad, language learning, and creative growth. Follow her journey YouTube, Tik Tokand Instagram.

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