The company has provided me with subsidised accommodation, as with others who also qualify, in my chosen location, Kashiba-Shi. Choosing accommodation with this company is particularly difficult with all the rules and regulations which warrants its own post at a later date.
I used to walk for about 15 min to the Kintetsu Goido station, hop on a train for 5 min and then transfer to the company bus at Yamatotakada. The bus journey would take on average 50 min and it was a time to catch up on sleep, as was the return leg.
Mornings started at 0545 h in order to make sure the train and bus catching ritual could be accomplished. If I missed the train then getting to the office on time would mean a very expensive taxi ride. Now, I commute by car which allows me to lie in until 0700 h and commuting time remains at approximately 50 min. Traffic may add another 10 min.
The accounting department calculates how much petrol money should be paid each month and can vary as fuel prices go up and down like a yo-yo. Surprisingly, it is paid in advance in the previous month's salary. The costs of wear and tear and depreciation of the vehicle through commuting are borne by the owner of course.
This layer of added flexibility, not to mention more quality sleep time, is well worth it.
