Three years ago my family of three departed New Zealand for Kobe Japan in pursuit of a complete fresh start. We felt drained worn out from rapidly rising expenses scarce professional advancement and constant money pressures.

We already enjoyed Japan during visits yet settling there permanently appeared risky. However shifting countries did more than modify our location it transformed our overall well-being entirely.

Prompt medical attention is available

In New Zealand my husband once waited months for an MRI following a serious work injury while I invested years and substantial funds seeking solutions for ongoing health issues via an overwhelmed public system.

When his back discomfort returned I anticipated similar lengthy waits in Japan. Instead I chuckled when the clinic physician inquired whether he wanted the MRI in three hours or later that day following lunch. The entire expense totaled just 6000 yen roughly 38 US dollars.

Although New Zealand healthcare is nominally free access often proved challenging. I now experience great relief knowing affordable prompt treatment exists when required. My ten year old daughters monthly pediatric specialist visits cost merely 280 yen under two US dollars.

Abandoning our vehicle enhanced our daily routines

We lack a car so physical activity forms part of everyday movement. Between train stations school commutes and shopping I routinely achieve ten thousand steps daily.

During my initial four months here I shed ten kilograms around twenty two pounds though I soon regained them due to the tempting bakeries throughout Japan.

More walking has altered my connection to surroundings. Inside a vehicle seasonal shifts went unnoticed. Now I pause to observe spring growth cherry blossoms above rail lines or autumn foliage turning deep red. I even added winter strolls to sense snowflakes on my face as nearby hills turned white.

Frequent journeys have become feasible

While in New Zealand overseas trips remained infrequent and costly. In Japan affordable flights across Asia plus an extensive rail system render travel simple and inexpensive.

Last summer we explored Vietnam Taiwan Singapore Bali and the Setouchi Islands. Our multi destination summer plan flying from Osaka to Singapore and Bali then returning to Japan totaled 212587 yen 1332 US dollars for all three using low cost airlines.

A trip to Beppu this May highlighted our good fortune. Riding the Yufuin no Mori scenic train past mountains of bright green cedar and purple wisteria I gazed out and wept from deep appreciation for this fresh chapter.

Access to budget international flights nearby and a domestic network enabling easy weekend getaways has made travel a regular feature rather than a rare indulgence.

Housing and food costs dropped by over half

In New Zealand we paid 1680 New Zealand dollars roughly 985 US dollars monthly for a modest two bedroom unit beyond central Christchurch. In Kobe we now spend about 450 dollars monthly for a larger three bedroom apartment.

The first time I purchased a weeks groceries in Japan I entered the store carrying 50000 yen about 315 US dollars expecting to use most of it. The bill came to only 15000 yen 95 US dollars leaving me convinced of an error at checkout.

Although increasing costs and a weaker yen have raised daily expenses for many households in Japan the situation remains far more manageable for us than prior life in New Zealand particularly regarding housing food internet and dining out.

Residing in Japan has altered my outlook and boosted mental well-being

Beginning anew in Japan was not an instant solution adapting to another language and culture brought isolation occasionally. Yet engaging with an entirely different lifestyle shifted my viewpoint encouraging greater appreciation and reduced resistance to circumstances.

Although finances cannot guarantee joy the economic security and lifestyle adjustments here lowered my anxiety so substantially that eight months ago I discontinued antidepressants after depending on them since age seventeen.

Japan did not heal everything but it established conditions supporting recovery which renewed my interest in exploring the world.