15th
12 -
2011
|
comment closed
Looking for a place to rent in Japan is no easy task. Once you get to Japan, you will notice that everything is in Japanese – signs, newspapers, grocery items, menus, and every written piece of paper. It is their language and they expect visitors to adapt not the other way around. There are mini stands that advertise apartments for rent but they’re also written in Japanese. Instead trying to translate everything, you need to find a real estate agency if you want to settle this issue as quickly as possible.
The traditional real estate brokers tend to be less inclined towards foreigners. They are never rude but they don’t go out their way to please. It’s all business, nothing personal. Many don’t speak fluent English so this makes it difficult to deal with them.
One thing you have to realize once you step into Japan is that there are preconceived notions about Caucasians. They base their ideas on what they see in TV and film. Look at the status of US films and TV reality shows, and try to view it from a foreigner’s point of view. You’ll soon understand their apprehensions based on what’s being shown on New Jersey Shore or Desperate Housewives episodes. Of course, that’s being a little extreme but it emphasizes the point that Asian culture is much more conservative.
The kind of real estate agency you need to find is one that has bilingual staff, can relate to landlords effectively, and protect your interests as a visiting foreigner. They won’t be the complete opposite to the traditional brokers but neither will they stay cold and professional. They are welcoming and understand the apprehensions you have about moving to Japan.
Often, foreigners who find the right real estate agency to help them out also find their first Japanese friend. A good real estate agency in Japan that specializes in apartments and houses for foreigners realize that they are the welcoming committee, and they are very good at showcasing the best that Japan has to offer. Where can you find these guys? Look online and double check feedback from other foreigners. You’ll find a common thread soon enough.
Reference:
http://www.kencorp.com/tokyoapartment/index.html
13th
12 -
2011
|
comment closed
The new response to anyone looking for a Tokyo apartment for rent would be what type of apartment. Not long ago in Japan, this wasn’t the case. A Tokyo apartment for rent was either a hole in the wall of an upscale, very expensive unit. Back then, foreigners and expats did not have the range of choice available today. Just look at the different types of apartments one can rent in Tokyo:
The Gaijin House
In English, this is called the “foreigner house” and is one of the least expensive accommodations in Japan. There are many gaijin houses around Tokyo and they are ideal for short term stay that is over a week. Compared to living in a hotel, it is cheaper but with none of pampering that comes from staying in a 3, 4, or 5 star hotels. There is a choice between a furnished or unfurnished gaijin house and it is possible to sign a short term lease contract based on weekly or monthly contracts.
The Shared Apartments
These units are rented out as rooms with or without private bathrooms. There are common areas like the kitchen and living room or LDK which stands for the Living, Dining, and Kitchen areas. The monthly rental rate for shared apartments start from 40,000 to 100,000 Yen per person, the exact rate will depend on the location and number of rooms being rented out.
The Private Apartments or Guest Houses
These are private units with no sharing involved unless you bring in someone. These guest houses are more expensive than shared apartments but it is possible for a group of friends to share the unit. The monthly rate on the average for a guest house starts from 100,000 Yen but it can change depending on location and amenities. Most guest houses are furnished with a pay phone, futon which is a foldable sofa without a wooden frame, kitchen utensils, and in some cases, also a TV.
Aside from rent, the tenant is expected to pay for utilities, maintenance, and insurance.
12th
12 -
2011
|
comment closed
Interestingly, Tokyo – Japan is one of the places in the world where residents are required to pay residence tax. Residential tax is paid by not only home owners, but by those who are renting the premises. The tax rates are not standard and are grouped in two distinctive categories. These are namely:-
-
Special City Tax and
-
Tokyo Metropolitan Tax
In Tokyo these are generally levied together, and all tenants who intend to stay for over six months are required to make these payments. Different cities across Japan levy different types of taxes depending on their by-laws.
The tax period usually begins around June-July of each consecutive year. It is important to understand that not all tenants understand that they pay tax. Salaried or employed residents usually have their tax deducted by the employers depending on the salary scale and the area of occupation and submitted directly.
It is important to understand that the rate of tax on property ranges from 10% and above of one’s total income. The tax rates change from year to year. The Government usually reviews this and sets new standards once the same has been set. Tax is not only paid by the employed, even the self employed are required by the Japanese law to pay residential taxes.
There are standard requirements that a tax form must be filled, and submitted to the Taxation each year. This takes place between the months of January and March each year. If not done or paid at the right time, there are penalties that come with not remitting payment in time as is required by law.
Tax rates are also grouped according to classes and the amount of income. To be able to have a clear understanding of these groupings, tax here is grouped under the following terms:-
All residents living in Tokyo have an obligation by law to pay residential tax, nationality notwithstanding. There are a group of people who are exempted from paying these taxes. This must be proved by the Government before any exemption is done. There is usually a central place where all the information regarding tax payment is centered.
8th
12 -
2011
|
comment closed
Land of the rising sun. JAPAN. A country full of treasures. A country where you would enjoy digging out gold. The term “Japanese Traditions” signifies the customs or practices that have been passed on from one generation to another in Japan. The captivating and dazzling traditional festivals of Japan are made more attractive by their processions. This spectrum of festivals includes Sanja Matsuri, Sapporo Snow Festival, Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Takayama Matsuri, Chichibu Festival and Nagasaki Kunchi. Foreigner’s life in Tokyo is a little difficult at the start. The traditional arts of Japan offer an opportunity to experience something truly exotic or find inner calm. These ancient ‘ways’ are not for the faint of heart, but many foreigners come to Japan each year to enlighten themselves through their study. Giesha They are trained in various traditional Japanese arts, such as dance and music, as well as in the art of communication. Their role is to make guests feel at ease with conversation, drinking games and dance performances. Geisha can be found in several cities across Japan, including Tokyo and Kanazawa, but the former capital of Kyoto remains the best and most prestigious place to experience geisha, who are known there in the local dialect as geiko. The unique cultures and traditions in Tokyo make foreigner’s life in Tokyo a little difficult. Another legend that follows is Sumo. Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Many rituals with religious background are still followed today.
Known for its beauty and sharpness, Japanese swords can never be forgotten. The sword used to be the distinguishing mark of the samurai. Japanese gardens, that is, gardens in traditional Japanese style, can be found at private homes, in neighborhood or city parks, and at historical landmarks such as Buddhisttemples, Shinto shrines and old castles.
Landscape gardener Seyemon Kusumoto wrote that the Japanese generate “the best of nature’s handiwork in a limited space.”
Few customs that foreigners need to know when they are in Japan:
- Bowing is nothing less than an art form in Japan. For tourists, a simple inclination of the head or an attempt at a bow at the waist will usually suffice.
- There is no tipping in any situation in Japan – cabs, restaurants, personal care. To tip someone is actually a little insulting.
- If for some reason you aren’t too adept with chopsticks, try to learn before passing through immigration. It’s really not that hard.
- Take off your shoes at the entrance to all homes, and most businesses and hotels. Usually a rack will be provided to store your shoes, and pair of guest slippers will be sitting nearby; many Japanese bring a pair of indoor slippers just in case, though.
- Japanese society is focused on the group. Western cultures are focused on the individual.