Job Discussion Forums

Amadruada · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 10

So, I'm off to Tokyo in a few. My company's putting me up in a guest house, as there aren't any available apartments, and it looks pretty good- free internet, shared kitchen and bath, private room...

I'm just wondering if anyone else has stayed in a guest house in Tokyo- or anywhere, really- and can tell me about their experience. Negative or positive, no matter.

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

I just stayed in one for the month of September while I was waiting to move into my new apartment. I'm glad it was only a month. The biggest problem for me was the kitchen. Quite a few of the guests never cleaned up after themselves. I like to cook and it wasn't pleasant for me. My room was fine. It was western style with a very comfortable bed. Free internet was good. The hike from the station to the house wasn't so good. There were some noise issues, but nothing too bad. A Japanese guy was living in the guesthouse and he was really cool. I expected the worse when I first moved in; besides the kitchen problem it was better than expected.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

That is pretty standard for guest houses in my experience- there are always people who won't clean up after themselves, and if there are no staff who will do it, then it can get quite bad. Cockroaches were a problem in the kitchen in summer at both places I lived, but I never saw them in my room (I made sure not to have food in there for long).

Noise can be an issue when you have so many people living in the same small building, although you can be lucky. There always seems to be one or more decidedly odd people around too. I made some good friends while living in guesthouses though, some of who are still friends years later.

I lived in one guesthouse in suburban Tokyo which was near the station, and one way out in Saitama which was a long way from the station- a shuttlebus was provided though.

taffer · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 50 Location: Japan

I stayed in a guesthouse run by TOHTO. It was pure fun. Get used to sharing as far as bathroom/ kitchen is concerned. I had to get up a bit early to ensure I got my shower and shave on time. Otherwise it was great. Look at a guesthouse this way, it is a good chance to exchange info and when you do get to live on your own you will well appreciate it. Good luck!

ConnDestn · Joined: 07 Jun 2008 Posts: 17

I stayed in shrekwatta guest house for 5 weeks in the summer of 07. Its located in Nerimaku and was like a 2 minute walk from the train station. Also had lots of shops and restaraunts in the area despite the area being a quiet place. The guest house had shared kitchen and bath. Also had tv with many channels and a computer that was web capable. You could go on the roof too, which I loved to do at night and read.

Personally I didnt have any problems with the other guests but that all depends on who the guests happen to be. In fact I talked often to them and learn about their cultures as well. Mostly from Germany and Phillipines.

If I was able to recapture that experience I wouldn't mind living there for awhile which is what I plan to do atl east for 3 months when I first get back to Japan for working.

http://www.shrek-watta-house.com/