cost of living
Tokyo and its big city cousin to the south, Osaka, are consistently voted among the most expensive places in the world in international polls. Japan in general is notorious for its high prices, prompting many potential visitors to choose a different, more cost-effective destination. Sure, from an outside perspective, prices in Japan are more than most are used to, but what do those who actually live there think? Japanese website, Ameba News, asked 570 working Japanese adults to name any products they felt weren’t priced correctly, whether too expensive or too cheap. The results may surprised you.



Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japan’s Hiepita forehead cooling strips, so popular they changed the language, are disappearing
Japan now has sweet onigiri cakes and they’re absolutely delicious
Towering lanterns light up the summer sky at Akita’s famous festival
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japan’s Hiepita forehead cooling strips, so popular they changed the language, are disappearing
Japan now has sweet onigiri cakes and they’re absolutely delicious
Towering lanterns light up the summer sky at Akita’s famous festival
New form of luxurious poverty arrives at Japanese convenience stores with Tenkasu Gohan
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
New anime mecha figure’s pilot is…you!?!【Photos】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Otaku draws inspiration from anime hero to confront knife-wielding attacker on train