Smart Living in Japan: How to Save Big on Groceries, Travel, and Daily Goods (Daiso & Surplus Food EC, etc)

Save Smarter, Live Better in Japan!

While job opportunities in Japan are enticing, the cost of living, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, can be a challenge. The cumulative expense of rent, groceries, and daily necessities can become a significant financial burden.

This guide is designed to provide foreign residents working in Japan with specific, actionable saving techniques and tools to effectively reduce their daily expenditures and increase their savings. By mastering these unique Japanese services, you can achieve a higher quality of life in Japan.

1. The Ultimate Guide to Cutting Daily Expenses: Food & Groceries

Your daily food and necessity purchases offer the most significant potential for immediate savings. You can optimize your spending by mastering both pre-purchase research and store selection using Japanese digital tools.

1-1. Master the Digital Flyers and Coupon Apps

• Shufoo! & LINEチラシ
  This essential smartphone app allows you to check sales flyers from local supermarkets and drugstores for free. You can easily compare where to find the cheapest ingredients for tonight’s dinner and never miss a sale day.
• Official Coupon Apps
  Major drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ) and Sundrug (サンドラッグ) distribute exclusive coupons and point-up alerts via their official apps. Simply check them before checkout to get discounts on regularly priced items.

1-2. Buying Close-to-Expiry (and Cheaper) Food

Driven by the Japanese value of Mottainai (a sense of regret concerning waste), dedicated e-commerce sites help reduce food loss by selling goods at a fraction of the original price.

• Otameshi and Kuradashi
  On these websites, products nearing their best-before date, items with updated packaging, or overstocked goods are sold at deep discounts, often 50% or more. They are perfect for stocking up on drinks, snacks, and instant foods.

2. Maximize Points and Cashback: Your Key to More Savings

Japan is a world leader in loyalty points. Paying with cash can actually be a disadvantage! It is critical to use credit cards and payment methods with high point-back rates for everyday transactions.

2-1. Smart Credit Card and Payment Use

• Rakuten Card:
  One of the most popular credit cards in Japan, the Rakuten Card offers permanently free annual membership while boasting a high point-back rate (typically 1 point per 100 yen).
  • Benefits: You earn points faster when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba (e-commerce) or when using Rakuten Pay in physical stores.
  • Usage: Accumulated points can be used as 1 point = 1 yen for payments not just on Rakuten Ichiba, but also at a wide range of convenience stores and cafes.
• QR Code Payments (PayPay, etc.):
  Take advantage of the frequent “Campaigns” run by these services. You can earn significant point returns or cashback when making payments during specific promotional periods or at certain stores.

2-2. Double-Dipping on Common Loyalty Points

• T-Point, Ponta, and d Point:
  These common loyalty points can be earned and spent in a wide array of places, including convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants.
  • “Double-Dipping” Technique: Present your loyalty card to earn points, and then pay with a points-earning credit card or QR payment. This smart method allows you to collect multiple points from a single purchase.

3. Reducing Big Expenses: Travel and Shopping

3-1. Finding Discounted Travel

• Airline Sales:
  Transportation costs for trips or visits home can be substantial. Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) like Peach and Jetstar periodically run major sales. Follow their newsletters or social media to book early. Also, check for domestic flight discounts offered by major carriers (JAL, ANA) specifically for foreign residents.
• Night Buses:
  For long-distance travel, such as between Tokyo and Osaka, consider night buses. While they take longer, they can cut your travel expenses by more than half compared to the Shinkansen (bullet train).

3-2. The Power of Second-Hand and Reuse

High-quality used goods are abundant in Japan, making reuse a great option when setting up your life or replacing items.

• 2nd STREET (セカスト):
  A major reuse shop chain that sells a wide variety of items—not just clothing, but also home electronics, furniture, and daily goods. It’s a great place to find good-condition used furniture and appliances at low prices.
• Flea Market Apps (Mercari, Rakuma, etc.):
  These apps are perfect for selling your unwanted items for cash and for buying items affordably when you suddenly need something, like during a move.

4. The Magic of Hyaku-en Shops: The 100-Yen Store Hack

Japanese 100-yen stores like Daiso, Seria, and Can☆Do are true treasures for foreign residents.

Must-Buy Items:

• Kitchen Goods: Disposable aluminum foil, cling wrap, and simple cooking tools.
• Storage Items: Boxes, hangers, and organizational supplies.
• Stationery: Pens and notebooks for work or study.

Note: Be aware that some items may cost more (e.g., ¥200, ¥500), but always compare the quality and price before making a purchase.

5. Conclusion: Your Financial Freedom Starts Today

Smart saving is a crucial skill for enhancing your quality of life in Japan.

The accumulation of small, smart efforts will lead to significant savings. Implement the tools and techniques introduced today one by one, and make your life in Japan more secure and fulfilling!

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