Living in Tokyo: 2026 Expat Money-Saving Guide — Apps, Tips & Resources

5,000 Yen Monthly Support for Kids FREE MONEY

Tokyo’s 018 Economic Support program gives families a monthly allowance of ¥5,000 per child. That’s real money back in your pocket every month — just for registering. Many expat families miss this because they don’t know it exists.

Tax Exemption for Dependents

If you have dependents (children or elderly family members) you can apply for tax exemptions to significantly reduce your annual tax burden. This is one of the most overlooked benefits for expats in Japan.

ASOVIEW — Family-Friendly Discount App

ASOVIEW helps you find the best family activities in Tokyo and across Japan — amusement parks, museums, zoos, and more — all at discounted prices. Stop paying full price when there’s a free app that saves you money on every visit.

Child Allowance System in Japan

Japan’s child allowance (児童手当) program provides ongoing financial support for families raising children. Many newcomers don’t claim it. Register as soon as possible — you can’t claim missed months retroactively.

SoftBank Air WiFi — 5G Home Router ¥40,000 CASHBACK

No fiber contract, no complicated setup. SoftBank Air is a plug-in 5G home router that works anywhere in Japan. If you apply through the link below, you’ll get a ¥40,000 cash back — making it essentially free for months.

JAF Membership — Roadside Assistance + Discounts

If you own or drive a car in Japan, JAF is essential. It covers roadside assistance (flat tires, breakdowns, lockouts) AND gives you discounts at hundreds of facilities across Japan — theme parks, hotels, restaurants, and more. One call can save you more than the annual fee.

OakHouse — Shared House Living ¥10,000 POINTS

OakHouse is one of Japan’s most expat-friendly shared house providers. No guarantor required. No key money. English support. Monthly rents start from around ¥50,000. Register through the link below and get ¥10,000 in points toward your first rent payment.

TikTok Lite — Earn ¥5,000 in 10 Days ¥5,000

Download TikTok Lite (separate from regular TikTok) and simply check in for 10 consecutive days to earn ¥5,000. It’s one of the easiest sign-up bonuses available in Japan right now.

Hapitas — Earn Points Fast on Everything

Hapitas is a point aggregator site — you earn points by shopping at online stores, signing up for services, and completing simple tasks. Points convert to cash or gift cards. Think of it as getting paid for things you’d do anyway.

Karrot — Flea Market App 300¥ GIFT CARD

Karrot is a hyperlocal flea market app — think Craigslist meets Facebook Marketplace, but built for Japanese neighborhoods. Sell items you no longer need quickly to nearby buyers. Download, register your location, and get a ¥300 Amazon Gift Card just for signing up.

PayPay — Japan’s #1 Payment App ¥300 BONUS

If you don’t have PayPay yet, you’re paying more than you need to at thousands of stores across Japan. It’s Japan’s most widely used cashless payment app. Sign up with referral code below and receive ¥300 instantly.

🔑 Referral Code: 07-UMBLI04

PayPay Flea Market — Sell Anything ¥500 BONUS

PayPay Flea Market (formerly Yahoo! Flea Market) is one of Japan’s most trusted second-hand platforms. Sell clothes, electronics, furniture — anything. Link it with PayPay and get ¥500. Use the referral code below.

🔑 Referral Code: WWYMXZ

Olive SMBC — All-in-One Card ¥1,000 BONUS

Olive from SMBC combines your debit card, credit card, and Vポイント card into one single card. Fewer cards, fewer fees, and you’ll get ¥1,000 just for registering. If you bank with SMBC or are looking for a smart card in Japan, this is the one.

Temu — Shop Everything at Rock-Bottom Prices ¥15,000 OFF

Temu ships to Japan and covers everything from gadgets to homewares to clothing at prices you’ll find hard to believe. Your first order can get up to ¥15,000 off using the link below. Great for stocking up on daily essentials when you first arrive.

Rakuten Rebates — Cashback on Everything You Already Buy

Before you check out on any online store in Japan (Rakuten, Temu, Yahoo Shopping, etc.), run it through Rakuten Rebates first. You’ll earn extra cashback on top of any existing discounts. It’s free and takes 10 seconds — there’s genuinely no reason not to use it.

Klook — Discount Tours & Activities ¥500 OFF

Klook is the go-to platform for booking tours, day trips, attraction tickets, and experiences across Japan (and Asia). Register with the link below and get ¥500 off your first booking. Perfect for weekend trips around Japan.

TIFE Events — Tokyo’s Best International Social Scene

The best way to truly experience Tokyo is through its people. TIFE hosts 40+ events per month — from language exchanges and food tours to rooftop parties and day trips. Meet people from 69+ countries and make Tokyo feel like home.

Recruit Agent — Career Change Support

Recruit Agent is Japan’s largest career change support service, operated by Recruit (the company behind Indeed in Japan). Dedicated career consultants help match you with jobs, prepare your resume, and navigate the Japanese job market — all in one service. Essential for anyone looking to switch industries or companies in Japan.

Rikunabi NEXT — Japan’s Popular Job Search Platform

Rikunabi NEXT is one of the most widely used job search platforms in Japan. Browse thousands of listings, set up job alerts, and apply directly. Strong across tech, sales, marketing, and management roles. Used by both Japanese companies and foreign-affiliated firms.