Welcome to Tokyo
Tokyo is the world's largest metropolitan city with a population of over 14 million (37 million in the metro area). As Japan's economic center, Tokyo is a primary destination for Indonesians working or studying in Japan. The city can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guide, you will fall in love with life in Tokyo.
Choosing a Place to Live
Choosing where to live is the most important decision. Here is a comparison of popular areas for Indonesian nationals:
| Area | 1K Rent (estimate) | Characteristics | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shin-Okubo/Okubo | 65,000-80,000 yen | Korea Town, many halal shops, multicultural | Muslim Indonesians, those needing access to halal food |
| Shinjuku area | 75,000-100,000 yen | Transit hub, many part-time jobs | Students, workers needing transit access |
| Ikebukuro area | 65,000-85,000 yen | Many anime shops, affordable residential area | Students, moderate budget |
| Adachi-ku/Katsushika-ku | 50,000-65,000 yen | Northeast area, cheap rent | Tight budget, families |
| Edogawa-ku | 55,000-70,000 yen | Large Indian/foreign community, affordable rent | Families, moderate budget |
| Nakano/Koenji | 60,000-80,000 yen | Subculture, bohemian, many cafes | Creative young people |
| Shibuya/Harajuku | 90,000-130,000 yen | Center of fashion and entertainment | Those with a high budget |
Recommendation for new Indonesian residents: Shin-Okubo or the Ikebukuro area. Transit access is good, prices are relatively affordable, and they are close to halal shops and foreign communities.
Understanding Tokyo's Train System
Tokyo's train system is the most complex in the world. Tips to survive:
Types of Trains
- JR (Japan Railways) - The largest network, including the Yamanote Line (the central Tokyo loop line)
- Tokyo Metro - 9 subway lines
- Toei Subway - 4 additional subway lines
- Private railways - Tokyu, Odakyu, Keio, Seibu, Tobu, etc. (to the suburbs)
Transit Cards
- Suica/PASMO - Rechargeable IC cards. Digital versions are available on iPhone/Android.
- Commuter pass (定期券/teikiken) - If you take the same route every day (to work/school), buy a commuter pass. It's much cheaper.
- Example: Ikebukuro-Shinjuku daily fare = 170 yen x 2 x 22 days = 7,480 yen. A 1-month commuter pass = 4,070 yen. A saving of 3,410 yen/month.
Train Tips
- Rush hour: 07:30-09:30 and 17:30-20:00. Trains are extremely crowded. Wait for the next train if it's too packed.
- Women-only car (女性専用車両): Available during rush hour. For women only (men are not allowed).
- Google Maps: The best transit navigation in Tokyo. Real-time, including platform numbers.
- Last train (終電/shūden): Around 00:00-00:30. If you miss the last train, you'll have to take an expensive taxi (5,000-15,000 yen) or wait for the first train (05:00).
Cost of Living in Tokyo
| Expense | Monthly Estimate (single) | Saving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rent + utilities | 70,000-100,000 yen | Live in the eastern area, share house |
| Food | 30,000-50,000 yen | Cook for yourself, shop at Gyomu Super |
| Transportation | 5,000-15,000 yen | Commuter pass, bicycle |
| Mobile phone | 1,000-3,000 yen | MVNO (IIJmio, ahamo) |
| Health insurance | 5,000-20,000 yen | Apply for a reduction if your income is low |
| Entertainment | 5,000-20,000 yen | Many free options: parks, shrines, window shopping |
Total estimate: 120,000-200,000 yen/month for a single person in Tokyo.
Eating on a Budget in Tokyo
- Gyudon chains: Yoshinoya, Sukiya, Matsuya - beef bowls starting from 400 yen
- Ramen: 600-1,000 yen per bowl
- Konbini bento: 300-600 yen (often 20-30% off after 20:00)
- Supermarkets at night: After 20:00, sushi and bento are 30-50% off
- Cook for yourself: 5kg of rice (1,500-2,500 yen) is enough for a month. Gyomu Super and OK Store for cheap ingredients.
Important Areas for Indonesians in Tokyo
- Shin-Okubo - Halal shops, halal restaurants, Korean BBQ
- Yoyogi-Uehara - Tokyo Camii (largest mosque), halal shop in the basement
- Akihabara - Cheap electronics, anime, games
- Shimokitazawa - Thrift shops, vintage fashion, unique cafes
- Ueno - Free/cheap museums, Ameyoko market (cheap fruit and food)
Part-time Jobs for Students
If you hold a student visa:
- Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted (資格外活動許可): Must be applied for at immigration, free of charge
- Limit: 28 hours/week (during school term), full-time during long holidays
- Common jobs for Indonesians: Konbini (950-1,200 yen/hour), restaurant (1,000-1,300), factory (1,100-1,500), translator (1,500-3,000)
- Where to look: Town Work (townwork.net), Baitoru, Indeed Japan
Emergency Services
- 110 - Police
- 119 - Ambulance and fire department
- Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tokyo: +81-3-3441-4201 (Meguro-ku)
- Tokyo English Lifeline: 03-5774-0992 (crisis counseling)
- Himawari: 03-5285-8181 (multilingual medical information)
Tokyo Survival Tips from Senior Indonesians
- "The first year is the hardest. But after that, Tokyo becomes a second home."
- "Cook for yourself and buy secondhand. You can save 30,000-50,000 yen/month."
- "Don't be afraid of getting lost on the train. Google Maps is always right, and the next train will arrive in 3-5 minutes."
- "Join the Indonesian community via Facebook and LINE. They are your second family."
- "Always carry a folding umbrella. Tokyo's weather is unpredictable."
Tokyo may seem intimidating at first, but this city offers incredible opportunities and experiences. With the right preparation and an open mindset, you will find your own rhythm of life in the world's largest city.