Tokyo expat apartment

Minor Drawbacks You May Encounter While Looking For A Place To Stay In Tokyo

• Earthquake resistant buildings

Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Because of these, Japan has developed the most advanced system of earthquake resistant buildings in the world. In fact, the system constantly reinvent and improves itself that earthquake regulations regarding structures are revised, on the average, every ten years.

• Landlords or Agents who cannot speak English

Although English is being taught in some schools in Japan and kids are exposed to Western media, many Japanese still struggle to communicate well in English. A majority of Japan’s population is senior citizens and most of them were not taught English at all.

• Commuting

As with other apartments across the globe, rental prices drop as soon as their proximity to the city becomes larger. The farther the apartment is from the city, the greater possibility in which rental prices drop. If you work in the city, consider the daily commute you will have to take to get to work.

In line with this, try to ride the bus or the train during rush hour from the nearest station where your prospective place is located. Do not be surprised, people squeeze themselves into subways just to get in the train. In fact, special Japanese police are assigned to push people in. If this is the kind of commute, you are willing to face daily, by all means get that cheap apartment right at the city outskirts.

Not at last, entering a rental contract with a conventional real estate company is very expensive. A number of refundable and non refundable fees have to be paid, often totaling three to ten months’ rent, depending on the company and apartment:

• Reservation fee (tetsukekin)
• The tetsukekin is paid when you apply for an apartment, and before the actual rental contract is signed. It serves as a guarantee for you that the apartment is not given to somebody else, and for the agent that you do not change your mind. It is refunded after the actual contract is signed and is usually equivalent to about one month’s rent.
• Deposit (shikikin)
• The deposit is used to cover eventual future damage to the apartment. The deposit minus the cost for repairs is refunded when you move out. The deposit is usually equivalent to several months’ rent.
• Key money (reikin)
• This is a non refundable payment to the landlord in the amount of up to several months’ rent.
• Service fee (chukai tesuryo)
• This is a non refundable payment to the real estate agent in the amount of at most one month’s rent.

In most cases, apartments come unfurnished, utilities are not included in the rent, and pets are not allowed.

Reference: Tokyo Guest House at http://www.share-style.net/

Furthermore, most landlords are naturally reluctant to rent their apartments to foreigners who are not able to communicate in Japanese. Some of them will even categorically refuse their service to non permanent residents out of fear of frictions.
Many agents also require you to provide them with information about your financial background and to have a guarantor co-sign the rental contract as another security measure. Certain conditions apply as who can serve as your guarantor. It must usually be a Japanese national with a stable financial background.

Real estate companies for foreigners
Real estate companies, which specifically target Japan’s foreign community, exist mainly in Tokyo and other large metropolitan areas. They offer private and shared apartments for conditions that are much more suitable to the needs of foreigners, and often have staff trained in foreign languages.
For example, they offer rental contracts for much shorter time periods and lower and fewer initial fees than conventional companies. In addition, their apartments are often already furnished, and the cost for utilities may be included in the monthly rent.
Many real estate companies for foreigners operate so called gaijin houses (“foreigner houses”), a very inexpensive type of accommodation, while others target individuals and businesses on larger budgets and with higher requirements.

For example, if you want to travel to New Zealand, search for cheap flights nz weeks or even months before your scheduled departure date. This can is useful since you can have more time to compare prices and choose the most affordable fares for your budget.

Once you have found the right tickets, you should then start to search for your accommodation. Begin by determining what type of commodities and conveniences you would wish to have. Do you want to stay in lodgings that are near the city and have the latest modern facilities? Or would you prefer those that provide genuine local hospitality in a more traditional setting yet are located quite far from downtown? Would you want to stay in a hotel or an apartment?

Once you have identified your needs and wants, you should then check the room rates for the establishments that fit your requirements. Cut down your options to those that meet your budget limit, then try to see if you can get bigger discounts if you stay several nights. Make sure to make your inquiries and bookings weeks before.

If you noticed, the idea of purchasing your flights and accommodation ahead of time has been repeated. This is because being an early bird indeed has a great payoff. The person who makes his or her reservations in advance usually gets to enjoy more favourable rates as most travel operators offer amazing discounts to those booking tickets or lodgings earlier.

Finally, schedule your trip during non-peak days. The lesser the demand, the lower the price-this is the law of supply and demand. This is applicable too in the travel sector. So, if you do not mind waiting until the tide of vacationers subsides, do halt the trip for a little while. After all, you will get more than just a discount when you leave during off-peak season. You will also be able to enjoy the beach and other sites more without bumping into lots of other holidaymakers.

For anybody wishing to understand the real estate in Japan one has to understand rent terminologies used.  Without being able to understand the technologies it would be difficult to understand how they do their business.  Some of the terminologies always used are LDK (living, dining and kitchen).  These are extra utilities found in a house, if it has 3LDK that would mean that there are 3 rooms plus the above three.  Japanese kitchens are usually assessed from a different entrance from the main entrance.

The other terminology used is the Designated Private space. This term refers to the user’s private space including where the house stands.  This is one of the terms you will find when signing a rent agreement.  For those in unit dwellings, this refers to the individual’s house space and is not common to other people in the same unit. Wood frame structure – This is self explanatory; the frame is made of wood. We need to consider that most houses in Japan are built by wood and do not go beyond two stories.

Not all houses are made of wood other terms used Steel construction and Reinforced concrete. Owners of houses apart from the rent and deposit fees usually gets what is called Reikin.  Reikin is a gratuity fee given to the owner as a thank you.  This is not refundable. Japanese always list their room space separately.  By this I mean you can find the term CL which in essence refers to Closet and WC for a washroom or toilet as they prefer to call it.

1. Knowing a bit of Niponggo will help.
While the country today has placed ample amounts of street signs and public information that are written in English and Japanese, to guide both tourists and locals around, it still pays to learn a bit of the native dialect so it can be easier for you to ask anyone for directions. Nevertheless, if the need to talk to an English-speaking person arises, your best chances of finding one is to go out of your timeshare and step into hotel lobbies or approaching young people who are more likely to be familiar with the Western language (since it has been included in many of their school’s curriculum today).

2. Learn local etiquettes.
Most Japanese are particular about etiquettes and carrying yourself properly in public will definitely gain their respect and admiration. Hence, you need to acquaint yourself with basic rules such as these:

• Walking in your shoes or sandals inside a home is usually a no-no in local homes. In fact, most hosts will offer you a pair of slippers for you to use in the residence right at the doorstep. But, you should know that you must not use the same footwear in the bathroom, which normally requires another pair.
• When meeting up with any locals, do not expect anybody to shake your hands as a way of greeting; instead, most will give you a small, short bow, which you should also reciprocate with the same.
• Loud sounds and displaying private affairs publicly are frowned upon by many Japanese. Hence, you should not try to use your mobile phone while you are in the train or eat while you are walking.

Once you are acquainted with the following and you feel that you are more than ready to experience the Land of the Rising Sun, check out the rest of this blog for tips and information on where to book a comfortable accommodation during your holiday in the country.

Tokyo has one of the most efficient transportation networks in the world. It runs various transportation systems making residential within its centre worthwhile. Tokyo’s infrastructure network includes airports, express-subways, taxis, ferries (used to ferry passengers within the islands), trail (the most dominating transportation factor), trams and finally subways (which run across the whole city centre). Most of these residential apartments are situated a few minutes from the most important amenities.

Those considering staying in the luxuries apartments have no cause to worry. This is due to the fact that nearly all the amenities are within walking distance. These apartments have been built in accordance with international standards requirements making them some of the most sought apartments in Tokyo’s central business district. They are tastefully decorated and boast of highest degree of professionalism, taking into consideration their customers requirements. The apartments are fully furnished, with ample parking, and a very tight security network amongst other facilities.

Visitors or expatriates intending to stay in Tokyo for a period of time, have the advantage of choosing between the various residential areas what appeals to them. This is best done through a realtor or the real estate agents who handle most of the residential properties in Tokyo. The apartments size differ, depending on the family requirement, one cannot miss accommodation in Tokyo. It is advisable to ascertain one’s family needs before seeking the services of a realtor. This will make it easy for both of you to decide on the best accommodation set-up. Facilities like schools, place of work, hospitals and park or recreational centre should top the list as these are the deciding factor when it comes to choosing residential apartments within a given area.

There are several hotels around Ikebukuro making it a place worth staying in while in Tokyo. It boasts of accommodation for all classes and groups of people. Apartments and hotels have been built with the different types of residents who visit this city in mind. Ikebukuro is a very busy city and has some of the best ever shopping malls ever found in Tokyo. The number of shoppers here during different seasons of the year cannot be slighted.

Ikebukuro by night is a splendid and a vibrant city. Amongst some of the sights worth visiting while here include the minor red light district, frequented by both locals and visitors who do not want to be left out. This is a city that does not sleep; it is a 24 hour city and one of the busiest towns around the world. It is situated on the northern part of Tokyo. The number of people frequenting this place by city and night is amazingly large, and literally remains the same both by day and by night.

The number of bars or watering holes as residents refer to them is incredibly large and is one of the interesting features of this town. From which ever end, pubs dot every where. Ikebukuro has gone down history as one of the towns that has the longest and fastest elevator located at Sunshine 60 building. Revelers in this town are literally spoilt for choice, when it comes to entertainment. Entertainment centers are many in number and offer revelers nothing but the best. Ikebukuro is more vibrant at night as shoppers and revelers pass their time on their way home from a hard days work.

The concept of service apartments has reached all over the world. But, Tokyo apartments can bring the homely atmosphere. Their service is the best, since they concern user requirements well. You can afford better comfort with serviced apartments in Tokyo. You will not get a single chance to complaint about their services. Serviced apartments attract more travelers to places.

You will get everything, almost like in a dream. Tokyo serviced apartments can bring you much comfort to your lifestyle.  They will take care of all small and big matters. A fully furnished kitchen along with better equipped living room will bring much more comfort and happiness in your mind. It will always keep your mind entertained and active. Those who prefer to cook by their own can make use of all features available in the kitchen. These features will make your dreams come true.

Location of these apartments plays an important role. Almost all of these apartments are constructed where people can easily reach. These apartments are located in places where symmetry lies between nature and buildings. Location of these apartments will be in places where people love to live for. Because of large availability of apartments, you can have places that resemble in your dreams.

Tokyo apartments can provide you all comfort. There will have maids all around the building to help you in cooking food and other jobs. There will have resident associations to hear your complaints and take actions. You will not feel discomfort if you select Tokyo apartments. Why are you waiting for? Have your dream house in Tokyo.

Here are a few districts where you can find furnished apartments in Tokyo easily.

Roppongi District is one place where you can find a number of furnished apartments in Tokyo. Tokyo’s finest restaurants and cuisines can be found here. Also, there are a variety of shops and markets that you can explore. So, all in all, it will be a nice place for you to stay while spending your time in Tokyo. This district has a rich history and tradition. You will surely love it.

Another place to find furnished apartments in Tokyo is Ginza – the entertainment hub of the city. You will find a variety of night clubs, cafes, galleries, shops and restaurants here. This area is well connected to the Tokyo stations, so your travelling will be easier too, connecting you to all the major parts in and around Tokyo.

Marunouchi is also known as the commercial district of Tokyo. It is situated between Imperial Palace and the Tokyo Station. You will find headquarters of many big companies in this area. The offices of the North and South magistrates and the Finance magistrate are also here. Hence, this place is of great economical value. The furnished apartments here are really worthwhile for the businessmen that come to visit this place. Also, the headquarters to the Mitsubishi Company is situated in this area.

Aoyama is one of the most famous areas of Tokyo. It is the home to many of the celebrities in Japan. This place is famous for its fashion houses, restaurants and the shopping complexes. If you are a shopping buff, then you have to visit this place. Again, this is a good choice for business travelers, since finding furnished apartments here will hold commercial importance.

Hamamatsucho is the pace from where you can enjoy the full view of the Bay of Tokyo. There are many high rise buildings in this area, so you can see the little vehicles moving on the roads as “toy vehicles”. If you choose this area for finding an accommodation, then you will enjoy the scenic view of the city and the life otherwise in Tokyo.

Sugamo is a quiet place if you want to spend your time here. It is also a good place shop for the older generation. The place has a lot to offer to, in matters of tradition and culture. Also, it’s well connected to the Yamanote railway line, which connects this place to the rest of the areas in Tokyo.

Also, if you’re looking for apartments on weekly basis, then you should go for furnished apartments if you manage to take care of the other activities like washing clothes, utensils, cleaning the room , etc. They prove to be more economical if you are planning to stay in a group. However, they are still lighter on the pocket, if compared to the serviced apartments.