Job Discussion Forums

[JoshuaK]

Hello.

I'm moving to Tokyo next month on a WHV to look for a job, and I'm currently searching for accommodation until I find work that might provide subsidised housing...

Is there a website around that provides a (relatively) comprehensive guide to Gaijin Houses in Tokyo? Any chains not to touch with a 40ft pole? So far the names I've encountered are Fontana, Sakura House, Bamboo House and Leo's Palace. Are any considered better for 1 month rather than a long-term stay?

I'm looking at paying 50,000 to 70,000, but cheap as possible is best. I'm not to sure on location yet, I guess something central as I don't know where I'll be working! Thanks in advance for all helpful responses.

PS I checked in the search and the only topic titled "Gaijin Houses" went off topic from the first response. If there is a topic that I missed a link would be great!

[JimDunlop2]

[bornslippy1981]

This link should help you. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2200.html

It gives you a number of places.

As for me, I recently moved into a Sakura House guesthouse. The rent is a 3500 yen more than what I was paying in a company apartment, but my room is almost twice the size, and I'm not getting bent over on the rent. Their website says they'll hold a room for one week, but they held mine almost three weeks because I didn't want overlapping rent with the old place.

I'd recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4770025033/sr=8-1/qid=1139493010/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-7969454-0379001?%5Fencoding=UTF8 It should help you out choosing a location, and then go here - http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/e-norikeyin.html - to check how long it'll take you to get to places you plan on interviewing with.

You can check out which subways and trains are near your place. The Sakura House website gives you an estimated time to each nearby location.

I only moved a few weeks ago, but have been happy with the place so far. As I type, I can hear the Yamonte Train, and it takes 1 minute to walk to the station, and I'm within 5 minutes of 5 subway lines and Ueno which is also convenient. When I arrived, the room was as described, with a table, Internet, bed, dishes, etc. The owner of the building also comes in on Friday afternoon and cleans the toilet, shower, and common area. But, this isn't normal for their other places.

My only gripe is the kitchen, but I knew about it before moving in. There's one burner, so I have to get up 5 minutes earlier to boil the water for tea, and then drink tea while I cook my eggs and sausages. I prefer them together, but I can live with the change.

I would say though, that Fontana's website isn't too helpful because you can't see pictures of the places, and I think another place, Samurai House maybe it was, e-mailed be back 2 weeks after I requested a viewing asking if I was still looking for a place.

If you need more info. let me know.