The cost of living in Japan is very high. This holds true especially when it comes to accommodation. For example, in Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, the average rent for a small room with shower and toilet is 70,000 yen/m. Your initial outlay for such a flat would come to about 6 months' rent. This is calculated as follows:
| (YACHIN) |
One (1) month's rent. |
| (SHIKIKIN) |
Deposit, refundable upon termination of the lease providing no damage has been done. |
| (REIKIN) |
Key money' payable to the owner, is obligatory and non-refundable
Normally two (2) months' rent. |
| (TESURYO) |
Commission' payable to the agent, is obligatory and non-refundable.
Normally one (1) month's rent. |
Some places charge only one month's deposit or Shikikin and some places do not charge. Key-money or Reikin it may seem cheap but they may charge you extras when you decide to leave. It is advisable to look into the contract and understand the conditions fully before signing.
Getting your own apartment through a Japanese real estate may be difficult as a guarantor may be needed and because your stay is short. Sub-letting is prohibited and share accommodation is gradually gaining popularity but still not common amongst Japanese, as it is with foreigners. Inexpensive international boarding houses, or 'GAIJIN' houses are also an alternative (usually one month's rent deposit is required), but it is difficult to maintain any degree of privacy. Advertisements for the above types of accommodations can be found in our office and in certain English publications. Although there are very few 'Gaijin' houses outside the main city areas the rent for apartments is cheaper. Homestay accommodation is difficult to arrange in Japan, although sometimes we have a few in our office. The best and virtually the only way is through personal contacts.
Example of the costs for a 'GAIJIN' House in the Tokyo Area:
| Rent(Include Utilities) |
| Single |
\55,000/M |
| |
\14,000/W |
| |
\2,200/D |
| Double |
\82,000/M |
| |
\21,000/W |
| |
\3,300/D |
| Room |
6 tatami-mats room with Air-conditioner (\100/D)
(1 tatami is 176 cm × 88 cm) |
| Others |
| TV(Bilingual), English Paper, Public Phone, Cooking Facility, Hot Shower & Bath, Washing Machine & Dryer, etc., |
|
