Job Discussion Forums

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

The housing situation in Japan aggravates me to no end - key money, agent fees, guarantors. All these things I find absolutely exhausting and a ripoff job.

I'm looking at the options. Last year I lived in an apartment for which I paid key money, and due to job change and other factors, left at a loss. Now I'm living in an apartment managed by a gaijin agent, partially furnished, for which, I feel, I pay reasonable rent and didn't need to pay key money. I'm looking at the option of staying in a guest house.

Those folks who live in guest houses - tell me, what are the advantages and disadvantages? Any good things or bad things you hadn't anticipated? What are your costs of livng like? What's privacy and noise like? Do you get to know your fellow inmates? How's the turnover where you are? Is it hard saying goodbye to temporary residents all the time?

C'mon, sell me on the idea!

Mike L. · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 519

They range from terrible to pleasant from what I've heard.

The further out of the ring perhaps they might be newer and cheaper but also short on amenities.

I went to one once, in Otsuka, on the Yamanote line.

Great people, the residents, but it was a roach and rat infested dive.

They were charging like 70,000 yen for a room, included untilites.

I personally couldn't do it. Maybe straight out of uni I would have but not now.

That leaves you with this option:

http://www.udc.go.jp/

No key money, no thieve's, I mean real estate agents fee, professional and non-discriminatiry managment.

Have a look. There's info in English but you will need Japanese to get in and arrange everything. It's a lot of work intially. I'm doing it now.

Good luck!

unchi pants · Joined: 20 Dec 2003 Posts: 64

Hi Liz...

My first feeling was that if you need someone to sell you on the idea of staying in a guest house, it's probably not for you.

My guest house experience is similar to Mike's. In the end, it's really only a saving of a few months rent... Worth it only if you are planning to stay for a short while (or REALLY can't afford the deposit).

Same as Mike... If I was straight out of uni, I might consider it. But these days ... YADA!

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Naruhodo ne...

Thanks guys for the advice and link.

Yer probably right...I'm likely to long out of university mac'n cheese eating days to appreciate the atmosphere of a guest house...