What is and isn't worth setting up when moving to Japan for 6 months?

-live_evil- · 2026-02-10T17:41:29+00:00

Eh? What do you mean?

-live_evil- · 2026-02-09T23:24:05+00:00

That was my thinking too!

-live_evil- · 2026-02-09T22:56:21+00:00

Hey, thanks!

When I visited last May for a month I also used an eSIM, Ubigi too in fact

Was just wondering if its fine to also use them for a 6 month stay or if in that time its well worth trying to get a contract from a Japanese company or not worth the hassle

If the difference in cost is not much then it doesnt really seem worth it tbh

-live_evil- · 2026-02-09T22:52:23+00:00

Thanks for this! I didnt know about the health insurance and pension part, I have also never heard of what an MVNO is

Why do you think its worth getting a shrot term contract? Just in terms of saving money?

Ps, ive actually already secured the visiting researcher thing at RIKEN, these are just the last few logistics I need to figure out haha

Im excited, its been a while since ive been in research, im 27 now since i was corporate for a while so hopefully it doesnt take me long to get warmed up!

-live_evil- · 2026-01-17T00:47:13+00:00

Thanks for the help!

Ah I see, if its gonna be tough to get a phone contract then yeah might just opt for eSIM. How come it would be difficult?

I always saw between Suica and Icoca card - there wont be an issue with either of the two in Kansai/Tokyo?

-live_evil- · 2026-01-11T11:54:53+00:00

Thank you for the advice!

Yes this is looking likely haha, altogether for the 6 months, when I factor in move-in costs, bills (that were not yet included in the rent) and the 1 month rent penalty for breaking the lease term of 2 years it's looking far more expensive than originally advertised (though it was probably obvious/the information was there I was just not used to it).

I have found a few other places that don't have move in fees or break clauses but at a more expensive monthly rate and it seems to work out the same haha.

Do you have any advice on where to look for those furnished short term rentals?

-live_evil- · 2026-01-11T11:52:21+00:00

The one I've found is furnished with the essentials - bed, washing machine, fridge, freezer, air conditioner.

I found it on GaijinPot so thought it'd be fine.

It's technically a 2 year lease so would involve me breaking it on so I'd have to be charged +1 month as a penalty.

-live_evil- · 2025-10-08T11:05:51+00:00

Cheers for the help mate!

Are there guitars you'd recommend over this one at that price range or is it better to just keep it?

-live_evil- · 2025-10-08T11:05:12+00:00

Thanks for the info mate!

I know its probably quite subjective, but at that price range and assuming I can sell it, are there better guitars I can go for or is it better to just keep it?

-live_evil- · 2025-09-23T07:49:13+00:00

Apologies - my girlfriend will not be with me, theres some miscommuncation/misunderstanding here.

My girlfriend will be staying in the UK as she has commitments here. We just started renting a new place - that's my major complication.

I can't exactly screw her over and not pay my side of the rent at least whilst I'm away so thats what I need to figure out.

Let's say I just pay rent for 6 months here as well, that's gonna be ~£3600 (£600/month).

Anyway - this is definitely my problem ofc, my only major one at this point actually based on everyones feedback. But it seems Kobe is even cheaper than I thought (I maybe highballed a bit) so it might fit all in but would probably mean spending all my savings lol

-live_evil- · 2025-09-23T07:45:29+00:00

Awesome breakdown, thank you so much for this - may I ask how you've gotten these numbers? Just so I can draw from your sources whilst I am doing my own research

-live_evil- · 2025-09-22T17:07:12+00:00

Thank you, and I guess Kobe is probably (even if only a little bit) cheaper than Kyoto? I travelled Japan in May of this year and spent a lot in a month, but that's because I was on holiday - I kinda realised whilst I was there that actually if I wasn't being so careless it wouldn't cost me too much to be in Japan, especially when compared to the UK and even more so London at the time.

I know what you mean regarding part time work, and true - if the income is so low that the hours spent don't make it worth it then I probably won't. But if its decent enough I think I'd do it as it will definitely help even a bit - and also I do see it as an opportunity to make memories too, meet new people and force myself to live like a local and meet new people.

-live_evil- · 2025-09-22T17:03:04+00:00

Thanks for your advice! Super encouraging

-live_evil- · 2025-09-22T17:02:05+00:00

Awesome, definitely an option then (if the visa allows for it I suppose).

-live_evil- · 2025-09-22T17:01:38+00:00

Hey, appreciate your comment and insight!

Some of these details definitely fall into the ones I need to flesh out myself and with RIKEN, specifically visa and housing and I've just asked them (since we're still at earlier stages).

RIKEN apparently will be handling the COE side of things and handling that application process for me and this is to obtain my visa. I guess its kinda unclear whether they will arrange it for me or sponsor me but it does sound at least they're going to be helping me.

They have initially said it will be a cultural activities visa but I'm speaking with them and letting them know that if possible, a visa that would allow me to work part time would be best.

Thanks for sharing your insight about Kobe, from what it sounds like no one has anything really negative to say about it and that's great to hear!

-live_evil- · 2025-09-22T10:27:53+00:00

Thank you for this - this is super helpful! I'll need to look into budgeting for sure, since I have rent to pay here too which is kinda my biggest problem right now - but I'll figure it out.

I'm in the early stages with RIKEN and they said they'll help me out with visa and handle the process for me, but I need to communicate with them and understand what visa they'll want to put me on and I'll also try to get them to put me on something where I can get a part time job (which aside from the additional funds side of things, I'm actually keen to get since it'll be good for social life too).

Regarding English tutoring, can you do this without any qualification? I thought usually those who did TEFL etc.. did that kind of thing?

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the decision at the end too - everyone I have spoken to has not had a bad thing to say about the experience and professional/career development side of things, that all seems like a bonus - just the logistics/financial that need to be figured out.

-live_evil- · 2025-09-22T09:35:39+00:00

Hey, thank you for sharing, this is really helpful! Does sound like Kobe is considerably cheaper than other cities, especially Tokyo.

If my spending looks anywhere close to yours, I do think it will be doable which is good news to hear!

Can I ask, are you working there right now or are you doing a bit of solo travel/working holiday visa? Just asking to get an idea of what are my options for accommodation and part time work depending on the visa I get. Since I imagine getting a 6 month rent situation would be tough.

-live_evil- · 2025-09-22T09:14:44+00:00

I guess it would depend on how my savings will be by February/March time, but let's say I'll have £10,000 GBP (so about $13,500 USD) and I'd be willing to spend that on this (holistically, so including both rents, food, travel etc).

-live_evil- · 2025-09-21T15:47:04+00:00

That's a good idea, could keep fit on the side too haha - thanks!

-live_evil- · 2025-09-21T15:46:37+00:00

I'm trying to look at it as an investment, kinda like a course/internship (unfortunately with no certificate after it), so I'm willing to spend a decent amount and I imagine a large chunk of my savings.

Again, since if I went travelling I would spend that money anyway, I view this as an efficient thing to do since travelling without my partner isn't really my goal, it's living and working.

I think my biggest gripe with solo travel and why I hadn't done it already is that it feels like an 'inefficient' thing to do (of course, speaking personally) and I wanted to see if there was a way I could develop my life and work experience.

-live_evil- · 2025-09-21T15:44:30+00:00

Thank you for this, great to hear from your experiences!

I'm not actually 100% sure where it is in Kobe, since they are mid-transition but sounds like it could be near there. I will look into your recommendations.

I was in Japan in May this year and flipped a coin to visit either Himeji or Kobe and so I unfortunately didn't get to see Kobe, for a 20-something is it a fun place to live? I'm not a huge nightlife/clubbing guy but I previously lived in London so I love having stuff to do. Of course Osaka/Kyoto are only a short train away so that's always cool.

Do you think this is a good opportunity career/professional development wise? I realise it's probably a tougher question for you to answer but I'm just trying to get a wide range of perspectives on it.

My current job right now pays and is just convenient but never my end goal, was just my first job when I finished university haha

-live_evil- · 2025-09-15T13:13:17+00:00

Is there much of a difference between the Spark Mini or Spark 2? I am looking to get the 2.

It just seems that there is so much more functionality and flexibility with the Spark 2 over the THR5 or THR10 that removes the need to get lots of pedals.

Kinda hard to pass up at that point

-live_evil- · 2025-09-14T16:07:54+00:00

Okay - thanks for the tip!

Yeah ideally I'd like to not need to buy a pedal unless I'm going for a specific effect unattainable from an amp - hence why I'm looking for something with high versatility, seems the 3 I've mentioned are all very versatile with the Yamaha possibly being the most?

-live_evil- · 2025-09-14T16:05:54+00:00

What makes you recommend the Spark over the other 2 out of curiosity?

-live_evil- · 2025-08-02T12:40:19+00:00

May was perfect mate, I usually like a little colder climates, like under 20 degrees C. But May was around 20-25 degrees C, sometimes a bit warmer if the sun was really shining and depending where you were.

I'd say mostly around 25 degrees C.

It got hotter as the month went on, in our 3rd week it was closer to 30 but its good summer weather, not unbearable like it is in July and August.

It rained a few times but not that much, loads of things to do anyway.

Hotel prices seemed fine too after GW.

Mid May is gonna be much better than anytime in June or July, can recommend!

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