Tag: japan


Find Your Home in Tokyo with housing4expat-tokyo.com

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Did you know that finding a house in Tokyo is not at all like moving to a different state in the same country? It’s very different in Asia – the culture, people and lifestyle.  Hands down, there’s nothing to argue about – a foreigner
will need a real estate company or real estate broker to negotiate for him. Most expats are lucky because the company hiring would probably do all the legwork for him in helping him get settled in. However, if this isn’t the case there are always sites like http://www.housing4expat-tokyo.com to fall back on.


But before approaching a broker, an expat must have some answers ready. For example, what are the ideal conditions for closing a deal? Will the expat need a place near the office or in a certain type of neighborhood? Many expats tend to stick together and live close to each other. This is understandable as they need a support system for themselves and for their families. They will also have to accept certain standard terms for leasing a property like the usual 2 year period, 2 month security deposit, goodwill or key money, insurance, taxes and broker’s fee.  Monthly payments must be settled before the current month which means rent payment must be given a week before. There may be additional charges for maintenance of the building which the tenant usually assumes.
In Tokyo and most places in Japan, if the contract is to be signed by an individual, he or she must have a guarantor who is a respectable Japanese individual. This guarantor will assume the headaches of the rent in case the tenant skips town or bounces a check.
The expat will be expected to open an account in order to issue checks to pay the rent. Landlords will not accept international checks or even credit card payments. They will be more willing to accept local company checks and sign a contract with the company instead.

Reference:http://www.housing4expat-tokyo.com

Comments Off | House, Japan, Tokyo

Why Do You Have to Show a Driver License for an Apartment Rental?

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Living in Tokyo is not as easy as it seems.  Foreigners, have to part with a lot of money amongst other requirements so as to be able to rent apartments in Tokyo.  The Japanese rental laws or requirements; require that those intending to rent apartments pay at-least 6 months rent before being allowed to fully rent apartment (this is broken up in three phases).  The rental process for those living in Tokyo is interestingly handled by real estate agents.  Not landlords like in other parts of the world. This has proved more worthwhile than dealing with landlords directly. 

The above, has been occasioned by the number of defaulters.  This has caused landlords a lot of unnecessary agony when in comes to rental payment, and absconding without making any payments on the rents due.  Renting apartment in Tokyo period ranges from one year to two years and not less.  Foreigners face some of the toughest hurdles when it comes to apartment’s rental here.  Amongst some of the problem they face is the language barrier, and secondly, finding a trustworthy guarantor.

Foreigners who have valid driving licenses from their country origin, are only allowed to use the same on Japan’s roads for a maximum period of one year.  On expiry, they are required to go through the rigorous process of obtaining a Japanese driving license.  This is expensive, thorough and involves a lot of mandatory driving process.  A driving license from whatever part of the world is one of the best identification documents that have withstood the test of time.  It includes a person’s intimate details

rental requirement

 

One of the other advantages in providing a drivers license number is the issue of parking.  Most apartments in Tokyo provide car parking lots for their residents.  It is a proof that one is law abiding citizen.  Since most of the countries do not share the same identification details; a drivers license is a proper way of identification, as most of them are usually international rated.  They indicate user’s personal details, address, contact information, country of origin and finally, their proficiency amongst the many other available details.

 

Comments Off | Japan

Mukogaoka Yuen

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Kanagawa, JapanMany have probably not heard of the place Mukogaoka Yuen. This underexplored area of Kawasaki ward in Kanagawa hosts Ikuta Ryokuchi Park, which contains a number of exciting cultural outlets. Mukogaoka Yuen is situated only 20 minutes train ride away from Shinjuku on the Odakyu line.

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park covers a large area of Tama hills and is surrounded by small woods made up of various oaks. The park contains many varieties of seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms (usually in full bloom in April), irises, hydrangeas, camellias, and azaleas. “Rose Garden” which is open to the public in the spring and autumn.

We recommend you to visit the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art, also located within the park. It accommodates the works of the world famous Taro Okamoto and his parents. The Museum also offers a rich events program with lectures and workshops available to the public.

Also within the park are traditional Japanese houses built 200 to 300 years ago. These houses have been selected as important national cultural asset and offer hands-on workshops.

Enjoy a stroll around the park and absorb the creativity that Ikuta Ryokuchi offers! If you’re interested in visiting, check out nearby yokohama guesthouse for accommodation!

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