Want to find everything (costs/culture/difficulties at the earliest) about living in kobe, Japan?

Question

I have an offer and have to accept it or reject it based on your answer

Answer 1

Costs are higher in places like Tokyo, but that's the same as living in any major city.
I personally don't find japan that expensive, unless you are looking for things like Dominoes Pizza which can set you back about $30 Canadian (3000 yen). By comparison, you can get a 2 course Japanese meal for under 1000y.

Travel by train is expensive within Japan. Culturally it's like no other place and there are things that you need to get used to, like getting stared at if you are non-Asian. it's not rude or mean spirited, most people are curious and in a bigger city like Kobe, you probably won't get stared at too much. No one crosses the street unless its a green light. Society is pretty polite and respectful so as long as you are too, you'll be fine. People will want to come up and chat with you, just to practice their English, but you get used to it and you meet a lot of different people that way.

If you already have a job lined up then I am sure they will provide you with training, and housing tips to ease the transition, especially if it's a English-teaching job.

I say go for it. I did and I don't regret moving to Japan at all. The first week is always hard but you'll learn to love it. My only advice is bring lots of cash with you upfront as you often have to wait a month before your first paycheck.

Answer 2

If you are going to be working for a Japanese company, you will be taken care of. the benefits of working for a Japanese company are great. Cost of living is high, but the salaries are usually high enough to cover it. The things I consider to be "expensive" are fruits and vegetables. Other things are not that expensive. If you live in the housing provided by the company, you will be lucky as far as rent is concerned, because everything will be automatically taken out of your pay check, so to speak, since you don't get a "Check". Usually you salary is remitted directly to a bank account in your name.

As far as difficulties, it all depends on how flexible and accepting your are of cultural differences. If you are a die-hard American and things have to be done "YOUR" way, you will have a terrible time here. If you can adapt and change according to your environment, you may not want to leave.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you know nothing about Japan, I would'nt suggest going there. If you have no interest in a country, you're not likely to be happy there. "Offer?" If you're going to base anything from this message page, I'd say to turn the offer down. Costs are very high there. Most people don't speak Enlglish.

Answer 4

Dont you know anything about japan?
the prices are hight, the houses are expensive and small.
I wish i had your chance and go there because i love japan.

Answer 5

Try this :

http://www.city.kobe.jp/index-e.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe