He believes the top six or seven teams in League One are at a Super Rugby level, and thinks the training regime is actually harder in the land of the rising sun.
Barrett makes his return to top-line New Zealand rugby with a seat on the bench for the All Blacks game against England in Dunedin tonight.
He completed a playing sabbatical alongside Highlanders great Aaron Smith at the Toyota Verblitz club a few weeks ago, and while he accepts his match fitness might not be at at its peak, the time in Japan worked well for him.
While he was drained after his stretch in Japan, which started barely a month after playing at the World Cup, a spell back in New Zealand that included one appearance for his Taranaki club was restorative.
"I feel refreshed now, physically and mentally", Barrett said yesterday.
"I know the intensity of test rugby will be different, so I’d expect to be blowing out there if I get a chance."
Gone are the days when top New Zealand players heading to Japan were said to be taking an early retirement.
Barrett, 33, enjoyed getting an insight into how the ambitious league was tracking.
"It’s no longer an easy competition. There are probably six or seven teams who could compete in Super Rugby. I believe that genuinely. The level is tough.
"Training is probably more intense during the week. Management of those sessions is a lot better here in New Zealand, just around peaking on Saturday. Things can get a little bit out of hand on a Tuesday and Thursday in Japan.
"Gone are the days of going to Japan for a holiday."
Barrett trained with the Blues on his return and sought eligibility to play at the pointy end of Super Rugby but was at peace with watching his team charge to glory.
"Looking back, a break was probably the best thing that could have happened."
He said he was completely at ease with being among the reserves tonight, and he would do everything he could to help playmakers Damian McKenzie and Stephen Perofeta.
A seat on the bench will give him a chance to watch closely as his two younger brothers mark a special occasion for the family.
Scott Barrett begins life as the new All Blacks captain, and Jordie is a vice-captain, under new coach Scott Robertson.
"It’s a new era, a beginning for the All Black legacy.
"Obviously, I’m super proud of Scooter and Jordie and their senior roles in the team.
"As a proud big brother, I’ll be right beside them and hopefully can add some influence later in the game or whenever I’m called upon."
Parents Kevin and Robyn Barrett were special guests at an Otago Boys’ High School Rugby Club function at the Green Island club last night.
Like every non-Crusader this week, Beauden Barrett has been asked what life is like under Robertson.
It is early days but he likes what he sees from the new coaching staff.
"What I’ve felt and seen is they’ve been very organised. They’ve delivered with conviction and clarity. There’s been quite a lot of content, and we’ve covered off a lot of things, but the way they’ve delivered to it to make it feel less cluttered has has been pretty impressive.
"Everyone’s on the edge of their seats and aligned with where we’re going.
Barrett will wear the All Blacks jersey for a 124th time tonight.
It marks 25 years of the national team’s relationship with sportswear giant adidas and the playmaker likes the jersey that has been designed for that milestone.
"The white collar is back. I’ve always been a big fan of it. I think it looks super-smart."
