Housing in Japan

• 23Apr

  Tips for Finding the Ideal Tokyo Apartment for Rent

  Japanese Housing No Comments

  Intricate details should be considered when trying to get the ideal Tokyo apartment for rent. These details include accessibility, cost, facilities available and the neighborhood. This information is vital before deciding to move a family to a new location. Clients should also get a reliable and authentic company to help in the search for the best apartment. The following are tips for finding the most suitable rent apartments in Tokyo.

  

  Tokyo apartment for rent

  Identify the needs
  The clients should always consider the needs of their families. This should determine the size, location and amenities. It is always necessary to consider the budget that a client makes. The apartment selected should also be large enough to cater for the entire family. It is also crucial to determine the design of the apartment to select, including mansions or multiple story buildings. The amenities including bathrooms, toilets and kitchen appliances, should also be considered by the tenants.

  List down suitable locations
  The clients searching for Tokyo apartment for rent should list their favorite locations. This decision should involve consultations within the family setting. The client should then search for a reliable company to help with a list of the available apartments. They should select the apartment that best suits their needs and is located in the most preferred neighborhood. The client should take time to visit the apartment in order to attest to its suitability.

  Consider the terms
  After selecting the best apartment, clients should then seek to conclude the deal. It is vital that the client reads the contract terms carefully. They should inquire about all the charges that they should pay to the, landlord and the company. The documentation for the Tokyo apartment for rent should clearly stipulate the amount to pay, date of payment and the mode of payment. After reading the contract agreement, clients should then sign and get copies for record keeping.

  Tags: living in Japan, long stay apartments in tokyo, tips for apartment rental

• 10Jan

  Where can I find apartments in Tokyo

  Accommodation, Apartment, Japanese Housing, Luxury Apartments, new apartment, Tokyo No Comments

  One of the most visited global cities in the world, Tokyo attracts millions of expatriates or foreigners every year, be it for work or for recreational activities. Most tourists find Japan as their second home. Japan provides nearly the same comfort that they are accustomed. Actually, living in Tokyo is a combination of both Japanese and Western culture. But stay in the city can be challengeable if one does not know how to get about and where to look for essential amenities. Amongst the gravest problems faced by expatriates is the difficulty of finding proper accommodation.

  
  Apartments are generally rented through real estate agents rather than landlords. Real estate offices can be recognized through advertisements on signs in the neighborhood and in various publications.
  Most of the foreign nationals choose to live in Tokyo’s cosmopolitan areas in Minato ward namely Azabu, Hiroo, and Shirokane. In these areas, the streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, and fashionable apartments. Hiroo and Azabu are preferred by more diplomats, senior executives and expats for a more convenient western lifestyle. These are Tokyo’s center of foreign community. The Hibiya, Namboku, and Oedo subway lines make it easier to go from one place to another or to tour around Tokyo.
  Centuries ago, Hiroo and Shirokane were the home for feudal nobles which established large estates. Some of these estates turn out to be the home of many embassies at present while diplomats and most foreigners established their residence in nearby Azabu and Shirokane. Inhabitants could find modern shopping centers in Azabu and Hiroo. The place also has fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, churches and schools which cater to the needs of foreign nationals. National Azabu is very popular market for foreign food. Azabu became Tokyo’s high-status residential neighborhood and at the same time Hiroo became famous of its clean surroundings and attractive neighborhood with trees lining the streets and the famous western-style apartments. Shirokane area is the next most visited locale in Tokyo after Azabu and Hiroo,
  One of the earliest uncertain blocks one will face is to find accommodation in a neighborhood that is well-connected. As an alpha city, Tokyo is expensive and this indicates that property too is heavily priced. The trick is to find a perfect balance between connectivity and affordability. While taking into consideration the various neighborhoods in Tokyo, one could perhaps try finding affordable housing in old downtown neighborhoods.

  Reference:

  http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/

  Tags: apartment Tokyo, apartments in Tokyo, foreign community, living in Tokyo, real estate agents

• 09Jan

  Celebrating the Japanese new year at your Tokyo apartment

  Japan, Living No Comments

  Every New calendar year brings happiness and joy for the world. People start every New Year with optimistic thinking and expect good things. New Year celebrations take place all over the world but by custom, there are some countries where these celebrations have become a tradition due to their religion or believe. Japan is one state where people wait long for this annual festival. According to Gregorian calendar, 1873 was the first year when New Year celebrations were started as a tradition in Japan. It is history that before Meiji Period, Japanese used Chinese lunar calendar that is still used in Korea, China and Vietnam. But 1873 was the first year after Meiji Restoration when Japanese officially adopted Gregorian calendar. As publically known, people of Japan are really hard working and they love to work day and night without any break, so that’s why there days of life before the arrival of New Year night is really busy. But one day before the arrival of 1st January that is also called as Omisoka, people of Japan do hard to complete their arrangement for New Year Celebration.

  

  Here in below lines you will get to know about different aspects of New Year celebrations including traditional food of celebration night, bell rings, post cards, Otoshidama, Mochi, poetry, games entertainment, beethoven’s ninth and hatsuhinode.

  Japanese community is in habit to use special dishes and food for New Year celebration and these special dishes are known as Osechi-ryon. Commonly they use Osechi in place of Osechi-ryon. Common food ingredients under this food group include seaweed, mashed syrupy potatoes, fish cakes, chestnut and soybeans. Moreover, these people use to ring a bell at midnight in all Buddhist temples as they believe that they can get rid of all sins and worldly desires. This bell gets rung a total of 108 times.

  It is said that end of December and first week of January is tough for post offices as people use to exchange New Year greetings card with each other. Moreover they also follow some special traditions like Otoshidama, Mochi and some others listed above.

  Tags: celebration, Japan, Japanese, new year

• 09Dec

  Cheap apartment for foreign students in Tokyo

  Apartment No Comments

  Since the number of dormitories offered by Japanese universities are fewer than that offered by universities in other countries, many international students face hardship trying to find apartments on their own.

  
  There are many things to research when renting apartments in Tokyo, including Japanese law and customs. These complexities, on top of starting a new life in Tokyo, being far away from friends and family, and doing this all in Japanese can be bewildering and highly stressful
  Housing near Hongo or Komaba campus

  Housing near Hongo or Komaba campus in a studio-type room for singles (20m2 room with kitchen, bath and toilet) would cost about 90,000 yen a month, and housing for two people (40m2 with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bath and toilet ) about 150,000 yen a month.
  Housing near Kashiwa campus
  in a room for singles would be about 60,000 yen a month, and housing for two people about 80,000 yen a month.
  In Japan, people tend to keep monthly rent at about 30% to 40% of monthly income. This would mean that people living near Hongo or Komaba campus have a monthly income of over 270,000 yen if single, and 360,000 yen if for two people. This housing expense is quite a big burden.
  Average monthly rent paid by students of Todai is 68,500 yen. Students live slightly distant from the campus to keep the rent low. The Japanese public transportation system is highly efficient, making it very common for people to use trains to commute. It is actually quite rare for people to live walking distance away from the university. Only half of all Japanese students attending Todai live in the 23 wards of Tokyo, including Bunkyo ward and Meguro ward. The students’ average commuting time to school is 45 minutes.

   

  Reference: Tokyo Guest House by Share Style http://www.share-style.net/

  Tags: accommodation, apartment, cheap, dormitory, foreign student, in Tokyo, Japanese

• 01Dec

  Live in central Tokyo with decent price

  Tokyo No Comments

  Along the Yamanote line, which defines the inner circle of central Tokyo, are the cities of Ebisu, Meguro, and Gotanda. These major areas are very well situated on the edge of central Tokyo and just far enough away from the usual “Gaijin” (foreigner) “ghetto”, yet still a very short commute to all business districts (within minutes from Hiroo, Roppongi, and Kamiyacho). They are also places just out from these prime central locations where you can get more spacious apartments and homes for your money. It used to be that the areas of Meguro and Gotanda were favored only by more established foreign residents of Tokyo, but nowadays it seems that even newcomers are attracted to some of the charming residential neighborhoods, with parks, recreational centers, and a slightly more suburban feel.

  
  EBISU -Ebisu a neighborhood in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Conveniently near Roppongi and central Shibuya, Ebisu is easily accessed by the JR Yamanoteand Hibiya lines via Ebisu Station. Together with the trendy neighboring communities of Daikanyama and Hiroo, it has boutiques, vintage stores and patisseries all within easy walking distance from Ebisu station.
  Ebisu’s main tourist attraction is centered around the Yebisu Garden Place and the Westin Hotel area. Accessible from the East Exit of Ebisu Station via the Yebisu Skywalk covered moving walkway, it includes the headquarters of Sapporo Breweries, The Beer Museum Yebisu and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.
  MEGURO -Meguro is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It calls itself Meguro City in English.
  Meguro hosts fifteen foreign embassies and consulates. One of Tokyo’s most exclusive residential neighborhoods (Kakinokizaka) is located in Meguro.
  As of December 31, 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 259,968 and a density of 17,685 persons per km². The total area is 14.70 km².
  The ward was founded on March 15, 1947.
  GOTANDA -Gotanda  is a busy neighbourhood in the Shinagawa ward of Tokyo, Japan. The name “Gotanda” can be literally translated as “a (rice) paddy of half-hectare’s size”. The district straddles the Meguro river, and is located between the Meguro and Ōsaki stations on the important JR Yamanote Line.
  The neighbourhood is centered on the Gotanda Station, which is served by the Toei Asakusa subway line and the elevated Tokyu Ikegami train line in addition to the Yamanote line.
  Gotanda is home to the embassy of Indonesia, and Palestine. Peru maintains an office near the train station, as well — the latter being busy enough to attract a Peruvian restaurant.

  Tags: central Tokyo, decent price, Ebisu, Gotanda, homes, Meguro, Ōsaki, spacious apartments

• 23Aug

  Best Areas to Live in Tokyo

  Japanese Housing No Comments

  Tokyo, being one of the most populated cities around the globe, accommodates millions of people within it. You must be looking to reside Tokyo. Finding the best place to live in Tokyo is something very difficult but you must ensure that the Tokyo apartments you are looking for should be within the vicinity of the good areas of the city so that you could enjoy all of the facilities required to reside a cosmopolitan city like Tokyo. Although, there are lots of places that are worth living in the city but in accordance with the general surveys addressing the best place to live in Tokyo, we come up with only one name and that is Nakano. You would love to reside there.

  

  Here we go for entailing some of the best areas to live in Tokyo so that you might go for the same in order to enjoy a well facilitated and relaxed life in this city of hustle and bustle. Here we go!

  There are reasons why the Nakano has been top rated by the visitors and the residents. Some of the best attractions that bring Nakano at the top of the list are:

  • Otaku Shopping Center

  • Nakano Broadway

  • Sun Plaza

  In addition to the above, you have the option enjoying all the luxuries being a Tokyoite. Although, Nakano has been topped this year but the one that must never be ignored while looking to reside Tokyo is the Koenji area. It sounds quite nice to reside there.

  It is not only about the best areas to live in Tokyo but also, we are going to take a look at the best and the most favored area of the city where most of the people love moving to. This is none other than Kichijoji which attracts a lot of people with its thriving bars and a refreshing small town outlook. One of the main attractions of Kichijoji is certain to include the Inokashira Park attracting lots of visitors.

  Some of other most adorable places to live in Tokyo city include Meguro, Kasai, Tachikawa, Ikebukuru, Nerima, etc.

  Tags: Best area, housing, Tokyo

• 23Aug

  What Do You Need for Your First Apartment?

  finding apartments, new apartment No Comments

  Well, you are done with buying or renting your first apartment but don’t know what to be done thereafter. Most of the couples are very excited on getting their first apartments but at the same time they are frustrated as well how to furnish the same. Moreover, they are also required to find out what the essential items are that they need being in the apartment. There are certain essentials that can’t be ignored rather these are the items that complement a good home. Here we go discussing those essential items that go a long way in fulfilling the requirements of a new apartment to be resided for the first time!

  

  The first thing that everyone does have in his or her mind is the bed. It all depends on your choice whether you want to buy a queen bed or 2 single beds. Most of the people like to go for the luxury king size beds with different types of mattresses. You would have to incorporate your budget requirements as well while buying the beds.

  The next thing is all about the kitchen. You need have utensils, plates, cooking items, etc but they need fulfill your requirements as to your cuisine style. Of course, you need cook food for you, so kitchen items can’t be ignored and need be given first priority.

  The trash bins are very important here if you want seeing your apartment looking neat and clean throughout. You must go for at least 3 trash bins so that your kitchen, dining and bed rooms remain clean and tidy.

  Fire alarm is essential and can never be ignored. Always implement the security measures in your first apartment as you would keep the danger away in this regard. Do make it sure that fire alarms have been installed, although being the responsibility of your landlord.

  Lamps and fans must also be there so that it might suit your living style and the weather conditions as to the area you reside. The fan may also be luxurious if you have a good amount of budget otherwise go for the one that suit your home within the restricted budget limits.

  If you want apartment look classy and elegant then windows treatments are necessary. Buying window blinds and curtains as per your choice and style would go a long way in not only making you feel gracious but also impressing the coming guests.

  Tags: Japan, Japanese, new apartment

• 26Apr

  3 Great Reasons to Stay in a Long Term Apartment

  Housing, Japanese Housing, Serviced Apartments No Comments

  While there are a variety of other options for places to stay when visiting in Japan, one of these options is a long term apartment. This is an apartment that you can stay in for typically one month or more. This is a common choice among those who will be staying in Japan for an extended period of time. People may choose to stay in such apartments for many reasons. Some of these reasons may include the fact that 1) it would be by far less expensive than staying in a hotel for long periods of time, 2) you would have the ability to live as if you were at home, and 3) you would have more money to apply towards your trip with the money you would save. These are just a few reasons as to why they may prove to be a beneficial choice.

  

  A long term apartment would definitely prove to be less expensive than booking a hotel room for a month. In a hotel, you could spend as much as 67,535 yen per night. For an entire month, that would come to a total of 2,026,042 yen. That is the equivalent of $24,570. You could buy a car with that amount of money instead of staying in a hotel for a month. On the contrary, one of the most expensive apartments found in Japan would run you 261,000 yen, which is equal to $3,165.17. That is much more reasonable for a months stay than the cost of a hotel booking over the course of a month. The best part is, these long term apartments offer service similar to those of hotels.

  Another great thing about choosing to stay in an apartment during your visit to Japan is the fact that you would have the ability to live as if you were in your own home. They come fully furnished and many also come equipped with some great entertainment devices such as LCD televisions, DVD players, stereos and more. You would be in your own space and could do things just as you would in your own home. This would probably help you to feel more comfortable while you are there.

  With the cost of an apartment being significantly less than the cost of a hotel for the course of a month, you can apply the money you saved towards enjoying your trip. You can choose to try out one of the top restaurants and experience fine dining in Japan. You can also choose to possibly take part in a tour. There is an abundance of things to do while in Japan and with the money you will be saving by staying in a long term apartment, you will have the ability to truly experience Japan and all that it has to offer.

  As you cans see, there are many benefits. The money you will save should be a big enough benefit to persuade you into choosing a long stay serviced apartment to stay in while you are in Japan.

  Tags: extended stay in tokyo, furnished apartments in tokyo, long stay apartments in tokyo

• 01Mar

  5 places to find luxury apartments in Tokyo

  Luxury Apartments No Comments

  Tokyo is wonderful with all its magnificence and modernity, culture and tradition – it will definitely make you feel that you’ve not made a wrong choice in visiting this place. The city is filled with colors in the morning and bright lights in the night. The city feels alive, and there is a distinct vibe of freshness in the air. Technologically advanced and culturally rich, Tokyo will fascinate you at every moment. If you are visiting this city and don’t want to compromise on a very comfortable stay here, then you should definitely opt for luxury apartments in Tokyo.

  

  Since they are luxury apartments, you will have to pay a premium for this kind of accommodation, but it will be worth it, since you will be provided with all sorts of comfort and amenities that will make your stay luxurious.

  Here are the top 5 places to find luxury apartments in Tokyo.

  1.  Shinjuku:

  This area is the entertainment and business hub of Tokyo. You can choose a luxury apartment here and enjoy your stay while visiting a variety of shops, the Tokyo Metropolitan City Hall, the Shinjuku National Gardens, and the Tokyo Opera City.

  2.  Marunouchi:

  Marunouchi is mainly popular because it is a centrally located business district in Tokyo.  Situated near the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, it is the headquarters to many of Japan’s big and powerful companies, especially from the financial sector. The area has skyscrapers, dining, and shopping complexes. It’s a good option to find luxury apartments in Tokyo in this area. Also, the close proximity to Tokyo Station makes travelling easy.

  3.  Roppongi District:

  One can choose this space to find luxury apartments in Tokyo since it’s one of the most bustling and lively places in the city. The district is most popular for its foreigner friendly night life that offers bars, restaurants and night clubs. This area can be one of the best places to find luxury apartments in Tokyo. It is also considered a developed cultural center that includes several art museums. It has the National Art Center, which is Japan’s largest art museum, along with Mori Art Museum and Suntory museum of Art.

  4.  Odaiba:

  This part of Tokyo has an open feel to it. Situated a little away from central part of the city, the city has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants and shops. Its closeness to Tokyo Bay makes this one of the best places to find luxury apartments in Tokyo. The Yurikamome monorail makes it very easy for one to get to this part of the city. All in all, a great place for families to stay.

  5.  Aoyama:

  This is the fashion hub and a home to many celebrities in the city. The area has many markets, cafes and restaurants, making it one of the most luxurious places to stay. If you want to find a luxury apartment in Tokyo, and you decide to stay here, then get ready to spend an extra buck on your stay, but it will be worth each and every dollar spent.

  Also, while choosing a luxury apartment, one should keep in mind that they are the best option if you planning on a short stay in Tokyo, though they are an expensive option. If you are looking for luxury, then you should definitely go for them. The best option is likely to stay together in a large group – that way, it’ll be more economical.

   

  Tags: luxury apartment, short term stay, tokyo apartment, tokyo stay

• 25Jan

  Serviced Apartments in Tokyo

  Housing, Serviced Apartments No Comments

  With the rise of international traveling also came the rise of serviced apartments. In Tokyo, for example, serviced apartments are very popular as they are already fully-furnished and come with several basic amenities. The greatest advantage, of course, is paying at a lesser price compared to hotels. Serviced apartments give travelers comfort, freedom, privacy, and safety at a lower price. What more can you ask for?

  There are several serviced apartments in Tokyo, and your next dilemma now is how to look for the one that fits you. This should not be a problem though, if you just know what you’re looking for. First, you have to decide what type of serviced apartment you need.

  There are “aparthotels” located in the city, which can give guests a feeling of living in a hotel, with 24-hour reception, but also a feeling of living in an apartment because of the lack of hotel facilities. There are also corporate housing available, residential properties which have been converted to short-term or long-term rentals. Corporate housing is popular in Tokyo because it can give travelers a feeling of a “home away from home”.

  After you’ve decided what type of serviced apartment to rent, you have to decide the size of the apartment itself. The great thing about serviced apartments is that they can be a very convenient option when travelling with the whole family. Apartments size range from studio-type rooms, fit for one to two persons, and two to three-bedroom houses that can fit a family of five. Despite the sizes of the apartments, however, they still are cheaper compared to their corresponding hotel rooms.

  

  Now that you’ve got those sorted, you can then focus on looking for the actual apartment. There are several booking agents with websites for pre-booking months or days before you travel. Contacting these agents and describing to them clearly the type and size of apartment you want. These agents will then contact several serviced apartments and give you a good price range. The agents will charge a small fee for these.

  If you’re a spontaneous traveler, a nice option is to wait until you get to Tokyo to find an apartment yourself. Serviced apartments are sprawling all over Tokyo, so you are sure to get an apartment in no time. A few conversations with locals could also help you find the best deals; as long as you stay positive and keep a friendly smile on your face, you might even find an opportunity to negotiate the prices of the apartments.

  Tags: oveview of serviced apartments, serviced apartments, serviced apartments in tokyo, tokyo lodging

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