Do You Need a Car in Japan? Tokyo and Rural Life Compared
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When I first moved to Japan, I assumed that owning a car would make life easier wherever I lived. After experiencing life in both central Tokyo and Narita City in Chiba Prefecture, I realized that the answer depends almost entirely on location. In Tokyo, I rarely thought about needing a car. In Narita, I now use one for many ordinary errands without giving it much thought. The difference is so large that car ownership in Japan cannot be explained with a simple yes or no. Living in Tokyo Without a Car Several years ago, I shared a two-bedroom apartment in Shinjuku with a friend. The monthly rent was ¥180,000, but we divided it equally, so my share was around ¥90,000. Living in Shinjuku was expensive, but it was also incredibly convenient. Train and subway stations were nearby, and supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, convenience stores, and government offices were either within walking distance or just a few stops away. For most daily errands, taking the train was easier than driving. ...