Living abroad is a dream for many, yet only a handful muster the courage to take the leap. Alessa Hickman is one of those daring souls who made the bold move to Japan seven months ago. Her journey has taken her through the vibrant streets of Tokyo, the cultural heart of Osaka, and the serene landscapes of Kumamoto. While she has found joy in her new life, it hasn’t come without its own share of challenges. Alessa’s experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the realities of relocating to a foreign country, blending excitement with the need for adaptation.
In her candid account featured in Business Insider and shared by Il Messaggero, Alessa reflects on her transition from Canada, the only home she had known before this adventure. She emphasizes that while her happiness has soared in Japan, the journey has not been without its hurdles.
The Cost of Living in Japan
One of the most notable advantages Alessa discovered is the significantly reduced cost of daily living. She shares, “Here in Japan, I’ve found that everyday expenses like groceries, rent, and dining out are much more manageable.”
For instance, she compares the prices of chicken, noting, “At home, it would have cost me over 12.50 euros, but here it’s closer to 6.” Although prices can fluctuate between cities and stores, she finds basic products like eggs, bread, and milk more affordable. However, she does point out that fruit tends to be pricier.
Dining Out and Rent
Alessa and her husband have enjoyed some of their most memorable meals for approximately 12.50 euros for the both of them. Dining out has become an exciting part of their experience.
When it comes to housing, Alessa paints a stark contrast. “Living in Osaka, I pay less than 1,050 euros per month for a two-bedroom Airbnb, utilities included. Back in Ottawa, I was paying over 1,180 euros for a two-bedroom apartment, not even factoring in heating, internet, and renter’s insurance.”
Transportation and Culinary Adventures
On the topic of transportation, Alessa shares her admiration for the train system in Japan: “The trains are clean, quiet, easy to navigate, and, above all, punctual.” The fare structure is based on distance, making day trips to nearby cities quite affordable. For example, a round trip from Osaka to Kyoto and Kobe costs her around 9 euros. And she can’t help but mention the breathtaking mountain views from the train window.
Culinary exploration has always been a passion for her. Alessa has ventured through everything from viral local spots to popular chains and quaint restaurants where she and her husband were often the only patrons. She has been pleasantly surprised by the Japanese versions of dishes she used to enjoy back home.
“I’ve found Indian food, burgers, and pizza. Some items from chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks are surprisingly even better than what I was used to,” she reveals.
Challenges of Relocation
Despite the numerous advantages, challenges do arise. Alessa acknowledges, “As much as I love living in Japan, being so far from the people and places I know best has been one of the hardest parts.” She admits that video calls and messages cannot replace the warmth of in-person connections, and the 13-hour time difference complicates communication even further.
Fortunately, she has her husband by her side, which helps ease the loneliness. “As much as I miss Canada at times, having him here makes the distance much more bearable.”
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Jason R. Parker is a curious and creative writer who excels at turning complex topics into simple, practical advice to improve everyday life. With extensive experience in writing lifestyle tips, he helps readers navigate daily challenges, from time management to mental health. He believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
