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SELECTAbout This Guide
Life in Tokyo: Your Guide is a lifestyle guidebook published for non-Japanese residents by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs to help them begin their new life in Tokyo. From the moment you enter the country, this guide has all the information you need to live your day-to-day life. You will even discover advice from fellow expats who have been living in the city for some time, providing extra knowledge that is sure to come in useful. Let this guide kickstart your new life in Tokyo!
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People often use a real estate company to find a place to live. Always check the contract carefully and make your decision after actually seeing the room.
You’ll have to furnish the place yourself.
Rent | Paid monthly, in advance for the following month. |
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Management fee | Electricity and cleaning fees, etc., for common spaces. Paid monthly. |
Deposit | This is a security deposit for unpaid rent or damage to the property. When you start renting, you deposit this fee with the landlord (about 1–2 months’ rent). When you leave, the charges of repairing the property are deducted, and if any is left, it is returned to you. |
Key money | A fee handed over to the landlord at time of contract. About 1–2 months’ rent. |
Agent’s commission | A commission paid to the real estate company. About 1 month’s rent. |
* In many cases, a guarantor or a guarantor company is required at the time of contract.
When you start living at a new place, you will need to arrange for electricity, gas, water, and other utility services. Do so after you decide on your moving date.
Type | How to Apply | |
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Electricity | Choose the service provider, then apply. | Phone, Internet |
Gas | ||
Water | Apply to the Bureau of Waterworks, Tokyo Metropolitan Government. |
Electricity / Gas | |
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How to Apply | Choose the service provider, then apply. |
Phone, Internet |
Water | |
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How to Apply | Apply to the Bureau of Waterworks, Tokyo Metropolitan Government. |
Phone, Internet |
*Someone from the gas company will come to your place when you start or cease gas services.
A rough estimate of monthly electricity, gas, water/sewer service rates for a person living alone.
Type | Electricity | Gas | Water/Sewer | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amount (1month) | 3,500 yen | 3,500 yen | 2,000 yen | 9,000 yen |
Type | Amount (1month) |
---|---|
Electricity | 3,500 yen |
Gas | 3,500 yen |
Water/Sewer | 2,000 yen |
Total | 9,000 yen |
If you’re going to a real estate firm, go with a friend who understands Japanese.
When renting a home, you will find that many properties are based on two-year contracts.