In January 2025, Ashley Peters, a 23-year-old freshly minted graduate, took the leap of faith many only dream about: moving to Tokyo, Japan. Born and raised in the sun-kissed suburbs of Irvine, California, Ashley’s journey to Tokyo was not born from an early desire to travel, but rather sparked by a serendipitous TikTok video that opened her eyes to the possibility of teaching English in a foreign land. Today, she shares her experiences living in a bustling metropolis, illustrating both the joys and challenges that come with her unique adventure.
Upon her arrival, Ashley was captivated by the eclectic culture, the convenience of everyday life, and the stunning variety of cup ramen available at the ubiquitous 7-Eleven stores scattered throughout the city. “What’s a Japanese 7-Eleven without a giant variety of cup ramen?” she mused, reflecting on her newfound culinary treasure troves that provide meals for as low as 80 cents. For Ashley, who had previously never lived alone, her new life in Nakara, a 15-minute train ride from the bustling heart of Shibuya, represented a dream come true.
Living in a foreign country comes with its peculiarities. Ashley’s Japanese apartment, while modest, is functional, revealing the unique traits of local living. Unlike her old apartment in California, where she shared a one-bedroom space with her boyfriend for nearly $2,800 a month, her new home rents for about 74,460 yen ($500). “There’s a lot of space out here, I just don’t really know what to do with it,” Ashley laughed, describing the compact, efficient design that Japan is known for. The apartment, though not equipped with a traditional stove, boasts an electric burner, an essential for her minimalist cooking style.
Another significant adjustment was the rigorous waste management system. Ashley cheerfully took to the challenge, utilizing an Amazon purchase designed for trash segregation. “I can only take cardboard boxes out on Saturdays,” she explained, emphasizing the cultural respect for cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
The Japanese bath experience also struck Ashley as a cultural highlight. She found comfort in the practice of taking nightly hot baths, a custom deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. The bathroom layout took some getting used to, with separate units for the toilet and sink, a design efficiency that she quickly appreciated.
With the summer sun beating down and temperatures rising, her reliance on her apartment’s air conditioning has increased. As Ashley navigates her finances, she notes the fluctuation in her electricity bills: cost-efficient in winter at 1,500 yen per month but peaking at 5,000 yen during the sweltering summer. “In California, I was financially strict, tracking every penny and limiting dining out,” she recalled, painting a picture of budgeting constraints now washed away by the affordable and delightful culinary options available in Japan.
One particular joy of living in Japan is the convenience store culture, epitomized by the ever-popular 7-Eleven. “You can really make an entire meal just off of convenience store foods,” she stated while showcasing a shopping haul that included a protein shake, chocolate bread, and refreshing electrolyte beverages, all for a mere $5.95. The convenience and affordability of healthy options have made her days more manageable and enjoyable.
However, living in Japan is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to the language barrier. Despite her proactive approach, the complexities of the Japanese language can feel overwhelming. “I’ve had my friends help me with phone calls to my bank and phone carrier because I just didn’t know how to communicate my issues,” Ashley confessed, shedding light on the real struggles of expatriate life. From deciphering medical terminology during doctor’s visits to navigating the bureaucratic maze of bank appointments, everyday tasks can quickly escalate into daunting challenges.
Ashley’s job as an English teacher lasted from February to August, during which she earned 277,000 yen a month. However, she soon transitioned to freelance work in social media content for a language app and as a digital marketing assistant, juggling between different roles and incomes. The flexibility of her new jobs allows her to allocate more time toward studying Japanese, a goal she’s committed to as she immerses herself in the local culture.
As her social life in Japan experiences ups and downs, Ashley emphasized the necessity of putting herself out there to forge connections. “It’s definitely harder to make friends,” she admitted. Yet, her natural extroverted personality pushed her to seek social interactions outside her comfort zone. The financial relief of being able to afford her rent and living expenses gives her peace of mind, allowing her to focus on exploring her interests like language studies and content creation without the constant worry of financial instability that had shadowed her life in California.
Navigating daily life in Japan has prompted Ashley to foster a sense of gratitude for every moment she spends in her host country. Knowing that her visa requires renewal and that long-term living can be complicated by bureaucratic hurdles has intensified her desire to savor each experience. “I just want to enjoy every single day while I’m here,” she concluded, leaving readers with a glimpse of her vibrant new life, filled with both challenges and the rich rewards of cultural immersion.
