Tokyo has the highest minimum wage in Japan. For workers, students, and foreigners considering jobs in Japan, understanding the Tokyo minimum wage is essential.
In this guide, we explain the Tokyo minimum wage in 2026, how it compares to the national average, and what income you can expect if you work full-time.
Tokyo Minimum Wage in 2026
As of 2026, the minimum hourly wage in Tokyo is approximately ¥1,113 per hour.
This is the highest minimum wage among all prefectures in Japan.
| Location | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥1,113 |
| Osaka | ¥1,064 |
| Kyoto | ¥1,008 |
| Fukuoka | ¥941 |
| Japan Average | ~¥1,004 |
Tokyo leads the country due to its higher cost of living and strong labor demand.
Monthly Salary at Minimum Wage in Tokyo
If someone works full-time at minimum wage, their monthly income can be estimated as follows.
Example calculation:
¥1,113 × 8 hours × 22 days
Estimated monthly salary:
≈ ¥195,000 per month
This is the gross income before taxes and social insurance deductions.
After deductions, the take-home income is typically around:
¥150,000 – ¥170,000 per month
Annual Income at Tokyo Minimum Wage
A full-time worker earning minimum wage may earn approximately:
| Period | Income |
|---|---|
| Monthly | ¥195,000 |
| Yearly | ¥2,340,000 |
This amount may increase slightly depending on overtime, bonuses, or employer benefits.
Is Minimum Wage Enough to Live in Tokyo?
Living in Tokyo on minimum wage can be challenging, especially if you live alone.
Typical monthly expenses in Tokyo include:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1K apartment) | ¥80,000 – ¥120,000 |
| Food | ¥30,000 – ¥40,000 |
| Utilities | ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 |
| Transportation | ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 |
Total estimated monthly cost:
¥130,000 – ¥185,000
This means living alone on minimum wage may leave little room for savings.
Learn more here:
Why Tokyo Has the Highest Minimum Wage
Tokyo’s minimum wage is higher because:
- The cost of living is higher than other cities
- Tokyo has the largest job market in Japan
- Businesses must compete for workers
Because of these factors, Tokyo wages are consistently higher than the national average.
Minimum Wage vs Average Salary in Tokyo
Minimum wage is very different from the average salary in Japan.
Typical salaries in Tokyo are much higher than minimum wage.
Learn more here:
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Cost of Living in Tokyo (2026 Guide)
Cost of Living in Osaka (2026 Guide)
Cost of Living in Kyoto (2026 Guide)
Cost of Living in Fukuoka (2026 Guide)
Cost of Living in Sapporo (2026 Guide)
Living Cost in Japan Per Month