The cost of preparing for retirement in Tokyo has increased significantly over the past 8 years. Both the entrance fees and monthly costs have risen, so the total 5-year cost is now roughly 44 million won higher. The main factor is inflation. With rising land prices and building material costs in Tokyo, the entrance fees for new facilities have surged, and the combined increase in utility costs for electricity and gas, as well as personnel expenses, has driven up nursing care fees overall.

In the first half of this year, only 60% of inquiries about admissions to nursing homes and senior communities from elderly residents of Tokyo were for options within Tokyo itself. The remaining 40% were in neighboring areas such as Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama.

Due to the rising cost burden, more seniors are looking for more affordable options outside Tokyo, rather than insisting on staying in the city where they've lived their whole lives.

There are more than 20 high-end senior towns in Japan where the entrance fee exceeds 100 million yen. The most expensive is "Trust Grace Mikage" in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, where the entrance fee alone can be as much as approximately 2 billion won.

Despite the steep price, the occupancy rate is at 96.5%, making them virtually full. In fact, some people are even reserving their preferred rooms well in advance while they are still healthy.