Is Tokyo, Japan really that expensive?

Recently no matter where I seem to go, who I talk to, emails I receive, I always seem to be asked the same question about living in Japan. Can you guess what it might be?

 Is Japan expensive? 

Yes that's right, the question that many people wonder about when they are thinking about travelling to  or living in Japan. Japan is notoriously known as an expensive place to live or travel to; it often tops the list of the most expensive countries in the world, specifically Tokyo which is where I live right now. 

According to the Guardian.co.uk - Tokyo topped the list for the most expensive city to live in the world in 2012:

www.guardian.co.uk

But is this really true? I cannot give a definitive answer and I don't want to. What I am going to do instead is create a mini-series of posts related to this question; analysing various elements of living and travelling in Tokyo, Japan. From accommodation, eating out, nightlife, shopping, tourist hot spots and general day to day living. 

Are you really expensive Tokyo? Let's find out. 

Before I begin though, please remember that this is just one persons experience of life here. Yes, I have been both a tourist and an expat in Japan, I have spoken to Japanese and non-Japanese alike about this and I have done some research. However, it is up to you to use the information as you wish. Comments and questions are both welcomed and appreciated. 

Upcoming post in the first of this mini series: Acommodation.