Job Discussion Forums

[jtea]

I accepted a job offer today teaching at an eikawa and will be moving to Ichikawa/Chiba in 2 months. Can anyone offer any tips? I don't really need packing/what to bring tips or anything like that. I'm looking for more of what to expect, what to prepare for, life in japan for the first month, etc.

I also have to find my own apartment so if anyone can offer advice on that, it would be great. Websites online unfortunately offer very limited data and images. Does anyone have experience renting from overseas?

[nightsintodreams]

What's the name of the company that owns your apartment?

Search youtube for the apartment company you'll be using. Plenty of apartment tour videos on there.

[rtm]

[RM1983]

[rxk22]

Expect it to be very hard to do much at all on your own. As everything will be in kanji and you will be effectively illiterate.

Also, if possible don't let your company have all the say in choosing your apt. A lot of places will squeeze you into a dumpy place for more than it should be, and they get a kickback imho.

Also, get "city gas" and not propane as your heat source, propane is about 5-6 times the cost of propane.

Ichikawa is near Tokyo, but is a commuter town, cheap and decent apts are available, I live near by. Don't let them give you Tokyo prices

[rtm]

[mitsui]

Well when I first moved in, back in 2000, there was nothing.
I had to go shopping. I bought a futon and pillow after moving in.
I think there were even no light bulbs.
I had no refrigerator, so I just went to a convenience store.
Had to buy soap, towels and other things.

By the weekend I went to a nearby electronics store.
Got the refrigerator but had to have the delivery arranged. So I needed to be with someone who could speak Japanese.

Having an air conditioner is necessary. Delvery and instalation has to be arranged.
Later I bought basic stuff like plates, glasses, pots, etc. later a toaster oven.

At first it is kind of tiring, since you have to work too.
In the evening, you think about what you need to buy next.

My neighborhood was good since nearby there was a big post office, a supermarket, drug store, laundromat, Daiso 100 yen store, etc.
It also was a quiet neighborhood, mostly.

[jtea]

[RM1983]

I came here with gf who can speak Japanese but we lived for about a year in a Fontana apartment. They are a company which deal with apartments for foreigners so we paid a bit more than standard rent but they set everything up and the flat was at least partly furnished with a fridge. I think it was a six month initial contract then rollin month to month. It was useful as we were able to take time getting a proper apartment after that.

If your apt is big enough to need furniture (ours wasnt, we just had an airbed from Don Quixote and then later on got a really small second hand sofa) then Ikea and etc delivery to your house. You pay a bit but it isnt extortion. I think you might be quite close to an ikea in Ichikawa? Might be wrong there though.

My bank is HSBC so I just brought my bank card and used that until I got paid. There is a small charge on the card but it is accepted in combinis.

[rxk22]

[jtea]

[rxk22]

Ok, well on the apt, find a station that you kinda like. I'd go with one that has a decent amount of grocery stores. Otherwise you'll end up spending a lot of food.
Also, I like to live near my hobbies, and don't mind commuting to work.

I'd get a small 1k style apt at first, as you don't need a big one. So yu can save money this way as well.

I still have my US bank, and use it to transfer my money from Japan into securities. As I don't believe in social security. Watch out for yourself.

The internet, I have had apts that took months to get it installed, others a few days. A major toss up here.

[RM1983]

Despite being with my gf I actually set my bank accout up myself, just had to find a foreigner friendly one. Cant think of the name now cos I use the post office one.

If berlitz require you to have a specific one theyll help you id think.

With the apartment have you looked into any agencies that do short term rentals? Or are you looking for the full on 2 year contract deal?


The Ikea is next to the CostCo! We go there. I hate it cos we can spend a whole day shopping there but it must be gf's favourite way to spend a sunday

[jtea]

I won't leave for another 2 months but what how long in advance would you guys recommend I start finding one that i like and start the process of renting it?

[mitsui]

A mansion is better. Apatos can have thin walls, and when the neighbors are noisy, it is really bad.