These accommodations can easily be spotted in listings and local press. Some apartments and housing for expat in Japan entail a tenant to stay in contract for a year to less than two years. Others may be paid daily, weekly or monthly. The details of the contract vary depending on the arrangement made by the tenant and the property owner.

The usual rate for apartments ranges from 350,000 Yen to 400,000 Yen monthly depending on the area size and the location. Most apartments for expats include a television, washing machine, refrigerator, and other home essentials. For apartments without appliances, the typical rate falls below 350,000. Payments are usually non-refundable.

If you are a foreigner who wants to stay in Tokyo either for business or personal purposes, make sure that you are familiar with the regulations in Japan with regards to rentals. This is to make sure that you understand the policies and for you to abide their law. This will also protect you from landlords who could take advantage of you. Read the contract carefully before signing it and make sure that the arrangement you made with your proprietor is clear before you move in to the apartment.

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

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.

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:-

• Permanent Resident

• Non-permanent Resident and finally

• Non Resident

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. There is no tipping in any situation in Japan – cabs, restaurants, personal care. To tip someone is actually a little insulting.
3. If for some reason you aren’t too adept with chopsticks, try to learn before passing through immigration. It’s really not that hard.
4.  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.
5. Japanese society is focused on the group. Western cultures are focused on the individual.