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| Guest Houses in Japan |
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| Written by Administrator | |||
| Wednesday, 06 February 2008 23:15 | |||
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If you are planning on staying in Japan then one of the best places to stay are at guest houses. Sometimes referred to as "Gajin Houses" these are very convenient and offer almost all the necessities you need for day to day living. One of the best things about Guest Houses is that they don’t require all the fees, which go along with renting an apartment in Japan. Some don’t even require a deposit, although now most places require a small deposit anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 yen. This is almost always returned to you at check out. Why are Guest Houses in Japan so good? Well here is a small list why I think they are great options.-No key money, gift money, realtors fee, and low deposits, which get returned. -Very simple process to stay. Just call them up see if they have rooms, go and see the place, and sign a small paper saying you won’t do anything illicit or damage the place. ( Some just say welcome here is your key.) -Most places will have a small fridge, futon or bed, dresser, T.V. and free internet. Some have air conditioning some don’t. The one I stayed at had a coin operated one in the room 100 yen for 3 hours not bad for those really hot days. -All the cooking supplies you need pans, pots, etc. although a lot of people just go to the dollar store and stock up their own little portable kitchen set - Laundry facilities are usually available. -There are a lot of people with knowledge of the area you are in. Guest houses are not just foreigners and travelers. Some young Japanese prefer to live at guest houses to avoid the fees of renting an apartment. Also some people are only in the city for 1 month so it is a great option. -community rooms a large room where everyone who lives there can just hang out. They usually have a T.V. in their which has satellite. The places I stayed at the common room was more like a news station. I did cook a GIANT pot of stew for the whole place once. I got bored!
Okay so all this is great but… What about the cons of Gajin Houses?-Small rooms. Guest houses have small rooms although some of the more expensive ones have large nice rooms most rooms are 3 tatami. That’s about 2 large steps by 3 large steps. Put a fridge and bed in there and you are quickly running out of room. I actually like it though! -Community toilets and showers, If you don’t like sharing the facilities then guest houses are not for you! -They are expensive in the long run. For the same price as a small guest house you could have a nice little apartment of your own. The only problem with apartments is that there are hefty fees to get one, usually 3-5 months’ rent, which you don’t get back. Guest houses are great for up to about a year. After that find an apartment! Use them to get settled find out where you want to stay. Then move. If you get an apartment, and don’t like the area, moving will cost you. It can cost you a lot, maybe a few couple months’ wages! - Privacy and your belongings? I wouldn’t suggest storing really expensive things. I am not saying it will happen. I live in Japan because it is one of the safest places in the world. I had a computer, PS2 and other stuff in my room and nothing happened…just remember you live with a lot of people. All in all they are defiantly the best way for travelers to stay in Japan, without breaking the wallet on hotels. Here are a list of Guest Houses (Gaijin Houses) I have put this list together to help everyone out. I found it difficult when I first came to Japan to figure out how to find Guest Houses. I hope this list helps some of you. Here is a link to the most comprehensive Guide to Gajin Houses in Japan GAJIN HOUSE JAPAN
Tokyo Borderless-Tokyo - Friendly Tokyo apartment in Japan! Guest house Borderless-Tokyo! NaritaAzure Guest House - International Guesthouse AZURE is located in Narita in Chiba, Japan OitaBeppu Guest House - 1 night 1500 yen Kyoto Gojo GuestHouse - Here in one of Japan's oldest cities, Kyoto. Including a Cafe! Osaka Bannana House - Sakai, Osaka Japan HokkaidoInos Place - Sapporo Hokkaido Okinawa Yomitan Village - Nestled on the East China Sea side of central Okinawa YokohamaYokohama Hostel Village - Budget Accommodations
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