Introduction
The cost of living, especially rent, depends on the area. So, be sure that the information provied here is only valid for Tokyo and adjacent cities such as Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures.Arrival
Initial expenses
You should plan to arrive with enough money to meet the substantial initial expenses of your first weeks in Japan. Until you settle your living arrangements, you should expect to spend around 1,500 yen a day for meals at moderately priced restaurants and from 6,000 to 20,000 yen per night if you use hotel or guest house in Tokyo. Advance reservations for a first few days are strongly recommended.
Transportation in Tokyo
Japan, especially in Tokyo metropolitan area, has an efficient public transportation network. Trains are the best way to move in Tokyo and other Kanto areas. They are famous for punctuality, superb service, and complexity of lines. There are several information for tourists available on websites. Do you want to use cars? Forget it!.
Housing
Finding suitable housing for yourself and your family will most likely be one of your major concerns. You must understand that finding a new accommodation is stressful even for native Japanese.Types of accommodations and typical prices
- Apartment - Most popular for both singles and families. Housing cost vary widely depending on the neighborhood, escpecially on the distance from the nearest station. This is because train is the most popular in Tokyo area. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment generarlly ranges 70,000-100,000 yen per month or more depending on the location of the unit. If you need more spatious apartment, you should pay more. Noted that room sharing is not common in Japan.
Most of owners ask a deposit of one to two month's rent and a "key money" of one to two month's rent. You should e prepared to pay up to four or five months' rent before occupying an apartment. A part of the paid deposit will be returned when you leave but the key mone won't be back. - Dormitory/International lodge - Some major universities have dormitory rooms. Also some public organization such as JASSO offer international lodges. Rent of these facilities ranges 20,000-40,000 for single and 30,000-50,000 for families. The number of rooms is very limited. You might have to wait for several months after the applications.
- Room share - Room sharing is not popular in Japan because most of accomodations are not wide enough to share with a few people.
How to find housing
One of the simplest ways to find an aprtment is to visit realtors. Realty offices maintain extensive lists of apartments. Realtors offers free tours to apartments you're interested. We recommend to visit realtors and see rooms as many as possible.
Utilities