Job Discussion Forums

[solarmist]

I will be moving to the Osaka area next month (as I've mention before) and I'm looking at alternatives to Nova housing and I found the Orange, Lemon, ect Houses and am wondering if anyone would share any experience they've had living in a gaijin house. I do want to mention that I'd probably get a nicer room, possibly one with a private bathroom/shower, if I decided to go that route.

It seems like it would be very similar to a university dorm where you have common areas, restrooms/showers, but I'm concerned by little things like the showers being coin operated or being exploited as an English speaking resource (I know the Osaka house has an English school attached and you can do a "home stay" there). Also, what about privacy, how private is your private room? I know walls are thin, but do the locks work well?

[earthmonkey]

I can't comment on any specific gaijin house in Osaka. The experience will, of course, be largely determined by the quality of your roommates. In Tokyo, I've heard a range of experiences. From "I missed it when I got an apartment." to " I'm afraid to go back there tonight."

You are smart to look for alternatives to Nova housing. If a better job opportunity arises, you'll be more free to pursue it. Also, who wants to live with their co-workers?

I lived in a company apartment (single) with my first job in Japan. I lived there for a year and still remember the feeling of relief when I moved into my own place. The apartment and location were ok, but having my accommodations tied in with my job gave me a sense of captivity.

[Big John Stud]

earthmonkey wrote:

I can't comment on any specific gaijin house in Osaka. The experience will, of course, be largely determined by the quality of your roommates. In Tokyo, I've heard a range of experiences. From "I missed it when I got an apartment." to " I'm afraid to go back there tonight." You are smart to look for alternatives to Nova housing. If a better job opportunity arises, you'll be more free to pursue it. Also, who wants to live with their co-workers? I lived in a company apartment (single) with my first job in Japan. I lived there for a year and still remember the feeling of relief when I moved into my own place. The apartment and location were ok, but having my accommodations tied in with my job gave me a sense of captivity.

Earthmonkey makes some good points! But something else to consider is the high cost of rent, specially if you rent a place with a private bath. When I was between jobs some years ago, I had looked into them thinking I could save money. I couldn't believe how much some of these places were charging for a room! Just a room with no bathroom nor kitchen. Unbelieveable!

The advantage of staying in an apartment provided by the employer is to avoid paying key money! Usually the apartment already has the apartment.

Rent is a scam in Japan so keep looking for alternatives! There are deels out there just easier to find a needle!

[rai]