UNITAS JAPANESE LANGUAGE SHOOL-Regional Information

Japan is one of the countries with the highest cost of living in the world. It’s easy to assume that the cost of living would be a heavy burden during the stay in Japan for learning the language. Among Japanese cities prices are especially high in the capital city Tokyo, due to excessive concentration of various facilities and economic activities(see figures below). However It emphasizes that Tokyo is a convenient city. Yamanashi pref. has the lowest prices among the prefectures next to Tokyo.
In recent years eastern part of Yamanashi pref. are considered within commuting distance to Tokyo, and the JR Chuo-Line takes you to the Shinjuku station without a transfer. Also the direct coach service is widely used to Shinjuku via the Chuo express highway. Considering the low cost of living and convenient distance from Tokyo, Yamanashi is the best place to live.

The consumer price regional difference index (an average rate in 2002)		in Yamanashi
-Total index except imputed rent of own house (national average 100)-
		Tokyo, the prefectures lying next to Tokyo
		The prefectures in Kanto area except above.

The data is quoted from the homepage by Yamanashi Statistical Survey Department.

The imputed rent of own house---The rent which is supposed to be paid for the house, when it’s regarded as a rented house.

Rent would account for the majority of living cost. There are quite a lot of Japanese who think the rent in Tokyo is too high.
The monthly rent of private rental housing in Yamanashi in2002 is \3,774 per 3.3㎡,which is the 29th level in Japan. It’s 12% lower than national average and the lowest among the cities neighboring Tokyo, and half the cost of rent in Tokyo. Considering how much time you spend at home in daily life, room selection is one of the most important factors in Japan.

data from MPHP "Annual report of retail prices statistical research"

Yamanashi pref. shares Mt.Fuji―the symbol of Japan, with Shizuoka pref. Kofu is a midsize city called “the city of the mountain” being rich in natural environment. In recent years, rich water resource from the mountains have become the source of commercially produced mineral water. Moreover it has flourished in growing fruit, such as grapes and peaches.
People are often interacting with each other and there are many facilities or sports facilities. There are also many cultural facilities, such as Yamanashi prefectural museum(by name of the “Millet museum”, and the Yamanashi archeology museum. Additionally people in this area are enthusiastic about children’s education. Parallel established Unitas foreign language Academy has been at the forefront of language education and English conversation since 1970.

Rank first

Rank second

Rank third

Data is extracted from the homepage by Yamanashi pref. statistical research department.(There is another comparison.)

Japan has 47 prefectures and city government.