ScholarshipUnion | Guides
After Winning

Living in Japan
The Honest Reality

Nobody talks about the 40% housing discrimination rate. Or the loneliness that hits at month three. Or how a trip to the bank becomes a two-hour ordeal. Here is what daily life in Japan actually feels like as a foreign student.

City Cost Comparison

¥60K–85K
Rent (studio)
¥35K
Food
¥10K
Transport
¥13K
Remaining
¥45K–60K
Rent
¥30K
Food
¥8K
Transport
¥38K
Remaining
¥30K–45K
Rent
¥25K
Food
¥5K
Transport
¥55K+
Remaining

Culture Shock & Challenges

~90% of Tokyo private rentals reject foreigners. No anti-discrimination laws. University dorms or guarantor companies are your best options.

Rejecting foreign tenants~90%

Banking, medical visits, municipal offices — all primarily in Japanese. Even basic N5 knowledge helps enormously.

Breaking into Japanese social circles is difficult. Join university clubs, attend international events, learn the language.

Ready to Start Your MEXT Application?

Now that you know what life in Japan really looks like, the next step is understanding the application process from start to finish.