TOKYO NOTICE BOARD

HOUSING

Modern accommodation in Tokyo still has the reputation overseas of cramped rabbit-hutch like apartments, in dense overcrowded suburbs. With almost 35 million people living in greater Tokyo, space certainly comes at a premium. And with the average room space/living area significantly less than cities like New York or London; rent can feel unfairly high.

However, in the past decade the effects of deflation and the recession have started bringing costs down, and more agents are getting used to dealing with non-Japanese customers.

There are many advantages for living in the capital though. Safety is something you can take for granted in Japan. Unlike most modern cities in the West, walking around at night with your iPhone or mp3 player out isn't something you need to worry about.

Each of the four seasons in Japan has its own special magic. Spring sees the bloom of cherry blossoms, summer can be spent riverside enjoying a local fireworks festival, the parks in autumn are filled with picturesque, colourful leaves, and winter sees the hustle and bustle of the metropolis calm down for a short rest.

Where you want to live, how long you want to stay and how much you can afford to pay are all things you should carefully consider.This site offers practical and reliable information for all your housing needs. New friends, new experiences and a new life awaits you in the big city!

Type of accommodation

ROOM MATES

It is possible to rent a room from a Japanese or foreign tenant with an extra room. People are always looking for roommates and often place ads in our magazine. So, check it out. Some of them may even offer better deals with other options.

PRICE RANGE	20,000 yen - / month
CREDIT CARD	Depends on the location
DEPOSIT	Depends on the location
UTILITY COSTS	Depends on the location
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Depends on the location
INTERNET	Depends on the location

Guest House

The number of guesthouses increased dramatically in the 1990s to provide accommodation for foreign tourists and residents. They have become popular since they do not require a guarantor for renting a room whereas renting a Japanese apartment is always more complicated. You can choose to stay at a dorm-like room to keep the rent down or to get a single room for more privacy. Most places provide shared kitchen and bathrooms. You are able to encounter many different cultures and possibly do language exchanges with other Japanese residents.

PRICE RANGE	30,000 yen - / month
CREDIT CARD	Depends on the location
DEPOSIT	Depends on the location
UTILITY COSTS	Depends on the location
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Available
INTERNET	Available

Apartments

It is common to rent a room through a real estate agent. As Japan has its unique system of deposit and key money as well as paying agent fees, it is most definitely recommended to find a bi-lingual real estate agent if this is your first time getting an apartment in Japan. For your information, it often said that you should be earning a monthly income that is three times the cost of your rent.

PRICE RANGE	50,000 yen - / month
CREDIT CARD	Depends on the location
DEPOSIT	Necessary
UTILITY COSTS	Not Included
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Available
INTERNET	Depends on the location

Serviced Apartments

These are popular among busy business people who frequently come to Tokyo. Furnished rooms make it easy for a short stay. A lot of these serviced apartments are conveniently located in uptown Tokyo and payments can be made weekly or monthly.

PRICE RANGE	100,000 yen - / month
CREDIT CARD	Available
DEPOSIT	Not Necessary
UTILITY COSTS	Included
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Available
INTERNET	Available

Ryokan

Traditional, Japanese lodging recommended for tourists. A number of ryokan are found in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. The rooms are mostly laid with tatami mats and visitors will sleep on futons on the floor. Put on a yukuta, which most ryokan will provide, and take a bath at the public bath to feel what traditional Japan is like. Some ryokan may even have ping-pong tables and classic arcade game machines. Breakfast and dinner is normally included in the price. However, please note that the price is not per room, but per person.

PRICE RANGE	8,000 yen - / day
CREDIT CARD	Depends on the location
DEPOSIT	Not Necessary
UTILITY COSTS	Included
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Depends on the location
INTERNET	Depends on the location

Hotel

There are a wide variety of hotels in Tokyo. Whether you decide to stay at a Japanese hotel or an internationally renowned hotel, most staff are able to communicate in English. Hotels are perfect for those who seek a relaxing and soothing experience in a familiar environment. Tokyo’s beautiful night view can often be seen from windows high up in the city’s more famous, skyscraper hotels. Treat yourself here if you want the best service available.

PRICE RANGE	8,000 yen - / day
CREDIT CARD	Available
DEPOSIT	Not Necessary
UTILITY COSTS	Included
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Available
INTERNET	Available

Capsule Hotel

A cheap place to stay, popular with businessmen who have missed their last train. Capsule hotels provide box-type beds designed for Japanese people, so it may be a tight fit for westerners. They are equipped with showers and some even come with sauna. However, they are mostly for Japanese people, so it may be hard to find a place with English-speaking employees. Each bed is only usually separated by a curtain, making it hard to keep your privacy. Capsule hotels are recommended for those of you who are curious about seeing unusual rest spots for Japanese workaholics.

PRICE RANGE	3,000 yen - / day
CREDIT CARD	Depends on the location
DEPOSIT	Not Necessary
UTILITY COSTS	Included
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Depends on the location
INTERNET	Depends on the location

Love Hotel

A unique Japanese alternative to meet the sexual needs of young Japanese couples, made as an alternative to the normal, cramped Japanese apartment. Many love hotels are found in busy towns such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro mainly targeting young couples. They have become popular among young Japanese people as a good date spot since some of them come with a variety of entertainment like karaoke and TV games.

PRICE RANGE	6,000 yen - / day
CREDIT CARD	Depends on the location
DEPOSIT	Not Necessary
UTILITY COSTS	Included
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Depends on the location
INTERNET	Depends on the location

Manga / Internet Cafe´

Manga / Internet cafes have been very popular since the late 1990s. Nowadays, they even offer overnight stays. User can choose a semi- private room to read Japanese comic books and magazines as well as surf the net. Most places have blankets for rental and shower facilities. People can stay overnight for about 1,000 to 2,000 yen, so it is recommended for those with a tight budget.

PRICE RANGE	1,500 yen - / day
CREDIT CARD	Depends on the location
DEPOSIT	Not Necessary
UTILITY COSTS	Included
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF	Depends on the location
INTERNET	Available

TOKYO NOTICE BOARD is a free English weekly magazine providing information, classifieds including budget accommodation, furnished apartments, guesthouses, used furniture, second hand goods, garage sale...

HOUSING

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