Finding a place to call home and navigating everyday life.

Finding Accommodation

• Choosing a Neighborhood: Tokyo has diverse neighborhoods. Popular areas for foreign nationals due to amenities, international schools, and atmosphere include:
  • Minato Ward: (Azabu, Roppongi, Hiroo, Shirokane) - Upscale, many embassies, international supermarkets.
  • Shibuya Ward: (Ebisu, Daikanyama, Yoyogi-Uehara) - Trendy, good dining, convenient. This is where Braid HQ are situated.
  • Meguro Ward: (Nakameguro, Jiyūgaoka) - Stylish, residential, good for families.
  • Setagaya Ward: More suburban feel, larger homes, good for families.
  • Consider proximity to work, schools (if applicable), and lifestyle preferences.
  • Be aware of natural disaster risks: Some low-lying areas near rivers or reclaimed land may be more prone to flooding or liquefaction in earthquakes.
  • Check hazard maps: Tokyo Metropolitan Government provides detailed hazard maps (in English) to help assess earthquake and flood risks when choosing a location.
• Living outside of Tokyo: Many people commute from areas near, but not technically a part, of Tokyo’s 23 wards. Popular cities include Musashino, Kawasaki, and Yokohama.
• Types of Housing:
  • Apartments (manshon): Concrete buildings, generally better quality and soundproofing.
  • Apartments (apāto): Often wooden or light steel frame, typically smaller and older.
  • Houses (ikkodate): Detached or semi-detached, more common in suburbs.
• Real Estate Terms:
  • LDK: Living, Dining, Kitchen. Numbers indicate bedrooms (e.g., 2LDK = 2 bedrooms + LDK).
  • 1R: One Room (studio).
  • Jō (畳): Unit of room size, based on tatami mat (approx. 1.62 sqm).
  • Genkan: Entrance area where shoes are removed.
  • Washitsu: Japanese-style room with tatami mats.
• The Rental Process:
  • Real Estate Agents: Using an agent is standard. Some specialize in assisting foreigners.
  • Initial Costs: Can be high, often 4-6 months' rent upfront.
  • Deposit (shikikin): Usually 1-2 months' rent, partially refundable.
  • Key Money (reikin): Non-refundable gift to landlord, usually 0-2 months' rent. (Less common in newer/foreigner-focused properties).
  • Agent Fee (chūkai tesūryō): Typically 1 month's rent + tax.
  • Guarantor Company Fee: Often required if you don't have a personal guarantor in Japan.
  • First Month's Rent.
  • Lock changing fee, Insurance.
  • Lease Contracts: Usually 2 years, renewable (often with a renewal fee).
• Short-Term & Serviced Apartments: Good option for when you first arrive while searching for long-term housing (e.g., Oakwood, Citadines, Monthly Chintai).

Setting Up Utilities

• Electricity: Typically TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company). You'll need to contact them to start service.
• Gas: Usually Tokyo Gas. An appointment is often needed for them to open the gas tap. Be aware if your apartment uses city gas or LP gas.
• Water: Contact the local water bureau.
• Payment: Bills can be paid at convenience stores, post offices, banks, or via automatic bank transfer (recommended).
• Internet & TV: Various providers. Often bundled.

Home Essentials

Apartments are typically rented fully unfurnished.

• Furniture:
  • Buying: Ikea, Nitori (popular Japanese chain), Muji, Francfranc. Second-hand shops (risaikuru shoppu) are also an option.
  • Renting: Some companies offer furniture rental, useful for shorter stays or if you're unsure how long you'll be in Japan.
• Appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines are standard (and typically not included in rental apartments). Ovens are less common than microwave ovens with convection features. Clothes dryers are also far less common; most people hang laundry to dry (balconies often have poles).
• Heating/Cooling: Air conditioners (eakon) usually provide both heating and cooling.

Daily Routines