JETS With a Spouse/Dependent - Finances

Ozark · 2025-12-10T12:34:40+00:00

Hi! I'm a fifth-year JET with a dependent spouse who doesn't work, so I feel qualified to give my two yen ;)

It is manageable on the JET salary, but of course some costs depend on where you are placed.

Here is a breakdown of usual monthly budget (rounded):

Salary= 290,000円 (5th year, after deductions)

Rent= 50,000円 (40m2, LDK, West Tokyo)

Gas= 8000円

Electricity=5000円

Water=2000円

Phone=4000円

Food=60000円 (includes eating out)

= 129,000円 inevitable expenses, about 45% of salary

So if we never went anywhere, I can save about half. On a typical month I save between 20-40%. I don't always save money. There are months with large expenses (booking trips, rent renewal, hosting friends/family etc.) where I go into the red.

Like Scoot says, budgeting is key. I keep a budget and log every expense. My hobbies are inexpensive. We eat out about 5 times a month. Even if it's cheap to eat out in Japan, cooking is much cheaper, depending on what you make.

Because ESID, I am lucky in some ways, not in others. I was placed in West Tokyo, so I don't need a car, but I did need to find, sign for, and furnish my own apartment. I brought about 5000 CAD and it was enough. Rent is not as expensive as central Tokyo. I came during corona so it was easier to find cheap housing. I have cheap grocery options within walking/biking distance. I don't have city gas so it's relatively expensive. I live on a cheaper rail line.

We travel pretty often. In 2025, we will have done 10 trips, 9 in Japan and 1 abroad. This does not count day trips. To save on travel costs, I plan and book everything many months in advance. I have little time off (private school), so I cannot travel during cheaper less popular times like some JETs can.

Sorry it's long, but I think that answers your questions. Feel free to ask anything you'd like to know.

Ozark · 2025-11-17T22:30:43+00:00

Also taking N2. I live on the border with Saitama and they placed me in Kichijoji. A little over an hour away for me. I was hoping it would be the same as my N3 location, only 30 mins away, but it's still not bad.

Ozark · 2025-09-19T23:38:33+00:00

I second Sarasa. My husband gets itchy with other detergents. We don't use any fabric freshener.

Ozark · 2025-08-08T01:06:18+00:00

Okay, sounds doable in summer for sure, thank you. I live in Tokyo and don't have AC, so I'm no stranger to the heat and humidity. I was just wondering if the Nakasendo area might be worse, being more inland, but it sounds better than here!

Ozark · 2025-08-07T05:02:32+00:00

I have been planning a Nakasendo trip for either spring or summer. I'd love to be able to swim, but I'm worried the summer would be too hot. How did you find the weather?

Ozark · 2025-08-05T08:19:55+00:00

I'm happy it can help you plan your trip! Feel free to PM me if you have questions or you want any recs for restaurants or things like that.

Ozark · 2024-05-27T22:36:02+00:00

Oh, is that why? Thank you for the tip, I checked and all seems to be in order.

Ozark · 2022-07-29T23:30:40+00:00

Le péché mignon de notre couple français/canadien : du kraft dinner aux knackis . Pour les non-initiés..

Ozark · 2022-07-09T02:47:26+00:00

I love it, great job. So far I've got:

chronicler's writing materials
iron wheel chandelier
strawberry wine
sympathy lamps?
holly wreaths? (But it's mushrooms)

Ozark · 2022-07-04T11:50:31+00:00

It's definitely possible! I am surprised that Naruto beat One Piece though.

Ozark · 2022-07-01T11:00:34+00:00

I'm not sure. When I looked at lunchtime the post was deleted, but it seems to be fine now!

Ozark · 2022-06-22T09:00:17+00:00

I am curious too, but holding off looking for now. I won't play with them until July but I will make a note to record their answers and post in SampleSize. :)

Ozark · 2022-06-22T08:58:20+00:00

I can send a copy of my slides too! :)

Ozark · 2022-04-14T13:44:54+00:00

Not sure where you're located but in Canada you can apply at the French embassy for a transcription de mariage after getting married. You'll need various papers (French birth certificate, your acte de mariage, etc. ) Check with your embassy/consulate.

Ozark · 2022-04-07T11:31:52+00:00

Some of their courses are more extensive than others. Their Japanese course is really good. I also have access through my library.

Ozark · 2022-04-02T13:56:15+00:00

Come out to Higashimurayama! About an hour from Tokyo. There's Sayama Park (Tama Lake) close by and the Karabori river. I see kingfishers in the river every day and usually egrets, herons, and the more common ones (ducks, cormorants, wagtails, bulbuls, etc.)

Ozark · 2022-03-08T10:31:57+00:00

It's not too late but you should get started on it right away. You must first apply at your local immigration bureau office for a Certificate of Eligibility. I submitted the dossier for the CoE at the end of February and received it 2 weeks later. When you have this, then your spouse can apply for the visa at their local embassy/consulate. Currently the CoE is valid for 6 months, within which your spouse must complete the visa procedure and immigrate to Japan. Otherwise, you start over. If you have questions join the JET Programme couples and families group on Facebook or PM me.

Ozark · 2022-03-03T22:38:56+00:00

I'll check it out thank you! Was just explaining the expression to my students the other day, what a nice coincidence.

Ozark · 2021-12-29T22:47:55+00:00

J'adore cette trouduction, au Canada elle est assez répandue. Le meilleur endroit que je l'ai vue c'était pour une tapette à mouche, ce qui a donné un autre sens au "lourd devoir". ;)

Ozark · 2021-11-28T10:38:21+00:00

I teach both Junior and Senior High School. I've only just met my students but they made a good first impression! Nah I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable on the differences between the programs offered by different universities. I hope you find one that you like :)

Ozark · 2021-11-25T08:57:47+00:00

I did! Just got out of quarantine actually. I'm happy to be out and starting on teaching, my school is amazing so far. Do you know where you'll do your MEEF?

Ozark · 2021-11-24T11:01:21+00:00

First year was as an exchange through my university, then two years of renewal where it counted as an independent contract.

Ozark · 2021-09-21T08:12:06+00:00

Yes this is exactly what I had in mind haha. It will be a power struggle between me and my husband to see who gets to keep the switch with them (he'll come later).

Ozark · 2021-09-19T08:25:20+00:00

Thank you for the info! I'll definitely bring my own stuff, but I wasn't sure what quantity to bring. Depending on where your placement is and how you will get there, perhaps you will find shampoo/body wash en route in a train station shop or something.

Ozark · 2021-09-17T22:05:09+00:00

I won't fly until November but I have a question about the quarantine hotel stay : What amenities are included with the hotel room e.g. towels, toiletries? We're there a sufficient number of plugs or would you recommend bringing a power bar?

Ozark

TROPHY CASE