What to Expect for One Month in Japan

Planning to do an internship in Japan? Before you pack your bags for Tokyo, it's important to understand what your monthly expenses might look like. Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but it's also known for being a little pricey. This blog will break down the average monthly cost of living in Tokyo for foreigners doing an internship in 2025, so you can plan your budget and save with confidence. 🧠 Quick tip: As of 2025, 1 USD is approximately 150 JPY. Keep that in mind as we compare prices!  

🏠 Accommodation in Tokyo for Interns

Most interns choose to live in shared houses or guesthouses—affordable options that often come fully furnished and include utilities.

• 🔑 Shared house (Tokyo): Around ¥75,000–¥90,000/month (USD $500–$600)
• 🛏️ Private apartment (small studio): ¥100,000+ (USD $670+)

Many foreign interns prefer shared houses because they're more social, easy to book, and often located near train stations.  

🍜 Food & Groceries

Tokyo is a food paradise, but eating out every day adds up fast. Most interns cook at home and treat themselves to meals out a few times a week.

• 🍱 Groceries: ¥30,000/month (USD ~$200)
• 🍛 Eating out occasionally: Add ¥10,000–¥15,000 (USD ~$70–$100)

Example prices:

• Convenience store bento: ¥500 ($3.30)
• Ramen: ¥800–¥1,000 ($5.30–$6.70)
• Supermarket rice (5kg): ¥2,800 ($19)
• Eggs (10): ¥270 ($1.80)

 

🚆 Transportation

The Tokyo Metro and JR train systems are efficient, clean, and easy to use.

• 🚇 Monthly commuter pass: ¥10,000–¥15,000 ($65–$100)
• 🚌 Local buses: Often included in rail pass

If you live close to your internship site, you can reduce this cost significantly. Biking is also a popular option!  

📶 Utilities & Mobile Plan

Most shared houses include utilities in the rent. But if you're in a private apartment, this is what you can expect:

• 💡 Utilities (electricity, gas, water): ¥10,000–¥15,000 ($65–$100)
• 📱 SIM card / mobile plan: ¥2,000–¥3,000/month ($13–$20)
• 🌐 Wi-Fi: ¥4,000–¥6,000/month ($27–$40) — often included in rent

Many interns use prepaid SIM cards or affordable plans from providers like Mobal.  

🎉 Entertainment & Personal Expenses

• 🍻 Going out with friends: ¥10,000–¥20,000/month ($65–$130)
• 🧴 Toiletries, clothes, etc.: ¥5,000–¥10,000/month ($33–$65)
• 💆‍♀️ Cultural activities (temples, museums): ¥500–¥2,000 each

Tokyo has tons of free events, festivals, and scenic parks, so it's easy to have fun without spending much.  

💰 Estimated Total Monthly Expenses in Tokyo

So, how much should you actually budget for one month in Tokyo as an intern, student, or young professional in 2025? Here's a realistic breakdown based on the averages above:

Category	JPY	USD (approx.)
Accommodation (shared)	¥60,000–¥100,000	$420–$700
Food & Eating Out	¥40,000–¥45,000	$265–$300
Transportation	¥10,000–¥15,000	$65–$100
Utilities & Mobile	¥5,000–¥15,000	$35–$100
Entertainment & Personal	¥15,000–¥30,000	$100–$200
Total (estimated)	¥120,000–¥205,000	$885–$1,400

🎯 Pro tip: If you cook more, limit nights out, and walk or bike to work, you could get by with less. On the other hand, if you enjoy going out and exploring Tokyo's food and nightlife scene, plan for the higher end of the budget.