residence in japan
Although some student dormitories are run by local governments and schools, approximately 79% of international students live in private dormitories or apartments. As soon as you receive the notification of acceptance, start collecting information about housing. Methods of gathering information include: (1) your school’s international student counter, (2) the Internet, information magazines, and (3) real estate agents in the area you want to live in.
student dormitory
merit
・It costs less than an apartment (no security deposit, key money, or renewal fee)
・Furniture, home appliances, etc. may be provided.
Disadvantages
・Due to the limited number of rooms, not all applicants will be able to move in.
・There are rules such as curfew and wake-up time.
・Kitchen, toilet and bath are shared
apartment
merit
・You can organize your life rhythm as you like
・Acquire financial sense
Disadvantages
・In many cases, it is necessary to pay a security deposit (equivalent to several months’ rent. In some areas, it is called a security deposit), key money, brokerage fee, etc.
・Rental contract procedures are complicated
・You need to buy your own furniture, home appliances, etc.
Housing costs by region of residence
| Area | Average housing cost (yen) |
|---|---|
| National average | 38,000 |
| Tokyo | 50,000 |
| Hokkaido | 30,000 |
| Tohoku | 34,000 |
| Kanto | 44,000 |
| Chubu | 29,000 |
| Kinki | 37,000 |
| Chugoku | 27,000 |
| Shikoku | 24,000 |
| Kyushu | 26,000 |
One point advice
Estimated housing costs (monthly)
Student dormitory: Dormitory fee 28,000 yen (for JASSO Tokyo Japanese Language Education Center)
Apartments: Prices vary greatly depending on the popularity of the station, distance from the station, age of building, etc. In rural areas, you can find an apartment for around 30,000 to 40,000 yen, but when looking for an apartment in Tokyo, one rule of thumb is to look for less than 60,000 yen.
joint guarantor
In Japan, when renting an apartment, a “joint guarantor” is generally required. If you do not pay the rent on time, or if you damage equipment in your room and do not pay for repairs, your landlord will request payment from your co-signer. For international students who do not have many acquaintances in Japan, there is also a system in which school officials (institutions, faculty, staff, etc.) can act as a joint guarantor. Also, by entering into a contract to pay a “guarantor fee,” you may not need a “joint guarantor” .
Comprehensive housing compensation for international students (residence compensation)
This insurance reduces liability and the burden of joint guarantors in case of fire, etc. This insurance is a system of the Japan International Educational Support Association (public foundation).
*Please note that this service may not be available at some schools, so please check with your school.
Tips for finding a room
Estimated housing costs (monthly)
1, Rent, initial costs
2. Distance from school, commuting time, and ease of access using transportation
3. Room size, condition of indoor equipment, sunlight in the room, living environment of the apartment and neighborhood