I relocated from Ottawa to Japan on a year-long Working Holiday Visa late last year.
To date, significant advantages have included the affordability of daily life, the cuisine, and the excellent public transportation system.
Conversely, major difficulties have involved the distance from family and the process of forming new friendships.
My journey has taken me through Tokyo, Osaka, and Kumamoto so far, with additional cities planned before the year concludes. After seven months, I find myself considerably happier than I was in my home country, though residing overseas has presented its unique set of adaptations.
Here are some of the primary advantages and disadvantages I’ve encountered since relocating to Japan.
My daily cost of living appears to be reduced. In Japan, I’ve observed that routine expenditures such as groceries, housing, and dining out are significantly more economical. For instance, in Osaka, a substantial package of chicken, which would typically exceed 20 Canadian dollars in my home country, costs closer to CA$10. While prices fluctuate by location and retailer, and exchange rates can shift, essential items like eggs, bread, and milk generally prove more affordable, though fruit can be pricier. Dining out has also been a considerable perk. My husband and I have enjoyed some of our finest meals for approximately CA$20 total. In Canada, comparable dining experiences would readily cost double that, not including gratuity. Rent has also been more manageable financially. During my time in Osaka, I’ve been paying less than CA$1,700 monthly for a two-bedroom Airbnb, inclusive of all utilities. In contrast, back in Ottawa, I paid over CA$1,900 for a two-bedroom apartment, prior to additional costs like heating, internet, and tenant insurance.
Public transit simplifies daily routines. Having moved from Ottawa, I consider Japan’s transportation system a major improvement to my everyday existence. The trains are spotless, serene, straightforward to use, and crucially, punctual. Unlike Ottawa’s fixed-fare model, I appreciate that ticket prices here are distance-based, meaning shorter journeys within the city are less expensive than they would be at home. Even excursions to nearby cities are quite economical. From Osaka, I frequently travel to Kyoto and Kobe, with these round-trip journeys typically costing about CA$15. The scenic mountain vistas from the train windows are an added bonus.
The culinary scene stands out as one of my most cherished aspects of residing here. As a passionate food enthusiast, this factor was always destined to significantly influence my enjoyment of life in Japan. Since my arrival, I’ve explored a wide range of eateries, from trending locations and well-known franchises to intimate local establishments where my husband and I were the sole patrons. Among my preferred Japanese dishes to date are tonkatsu, ramen, beef curry, and miniature custard cream puffs. I’ve also savored Japan’s interpretations of familiar comfort foods, such as Indian cuisine, burgers, and pizza. Surprisingly, certain menu items from global chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks surpass the quality I experienced in Canada. In summary, I’ve deeply valued the diversity, excellence, and reasonable cost of the food available here.
Conversely, distance from one’s home country presents its own difficulties. Despite my affection for living in Japan, the separation from familiar individuals and locations has proven to be among the most challenging aspects. I initially believed video calls and messaging would suffice, but these don’t replicate in-person presence, and the 13-hour time difference further complicates communication. It has also been difficult to miss significant events in my hometown, such as new restaurant launches and a local music festival featuring artists I wished to see. Ottawa even achieved a Guinness World Record for the planet’s longest shawarma. While I occasionally long for Canada, my husband’s presence here significantly alleviates the burden of being away.
Adapting to distinct living environments and consumer goods has been necessary. Cooking is a passion of mine, and in my home country, I was accustomed to a full-sized oven, four stovetop burners, a slow cooker, and ample kitchen area. Some of the residences I’ve occupied here have been considerably more compact. To date, my kitchens have typically featured only one burner (or two, if fortunate), alongside a microwave, rice cooker, and kettle, compelling me to be quite inventive with my culinary preparations. I’ve also had to postpone preparing many of my cherished recipes due to the lack of suitable equipment here. Furthermore, I’ve encountered difficulty finding replacements for several daily products I depended on in Canada, such as my preferred deodorant and the curly-hair styling product I’d used for years. Upon depletion, I requested family members to bring more during their visits, as I was unable to locate equally effective alternatives locally.
Forming friendships has proven more challenging than anticipated. In Canada, I was accustomed to engaging in conversations with strangers, making casual small talk while queuing at a shop, or encountering new individuals and connecting sufficiently to exchange contact information. Here, people have been courteous and hospitable, yet impromptu discussions occur considerably less frequently than they did in my home country. I acknowledge that much of this responsibility lies with me: my Japanese language skills are still developing, and linguistic obstacles inherently hinder the formation of profounder bonds. Moreover, given my frequent relocation between cities, I haven’t had sustained chances to cultivate friendships through avenues like employment, education, or recreational pursuits. I’ve experienced numerous positive interactions since relocating, but I desire an easier path to transform these encounters into lasting friendships. Going forward, I intend to be more deliberate in initiating conversations and actively engaging socially.
