Real Estate Information in Japan

Housing for expats in Tokyo

Tokyo is well recognized for its high standards of living. It is one of the world’s second largest economies. Businessmen and tourists stay at Tokyo apartments for a more wonderful nightlife experience. In Tokyo, the night is enormously wonderful with its stylish hip-hop club, wine bars and clubs. The place has all the modern facility of a good life such as food, transportation, good places to stay and friendly people. However, despite of these modern offerings, most tourists wants to experience the way the ancient Japanese people lived.


Tokyo, with its 10 million people from all walks of life is becoming more “complex and international”. But, the Japanese people struggle hard to retain and enjoy its rich culture and customs. This is the main reason why housing for expat in Tokyo experience the traditional Japanese way of living while at the same time enjoying the modern day comforts of life. They are very curious to experience the life of the ancient people of Japan.
Town House is an important part of Japan’s architecture which uses natural materials in the construction of buildings. The building is made of wood and natural materials to provide a pleasant and unique environment. Guests are encouraged to follow the ancient practices of Japanese people which generally include the use of tatami mat as an alternative of carpet and to sleep on the floor using cushion. Expats also experience removing their shoes upon entering their hotel rooms and use indoor slippers as a substitute.
Most of the single expats living in Tokyo for a year or two opt for shared housing, where living areas, kitchens and bathrooms are shared by all the residents. This type of accommodation is cheaper than renting an apartment, and also has the added benefits of shorter notice periods and no initial costs. Tokyo is a massive city made up of small discrete neighborhoods, several of which together form a ward or ku. Housing for Expat in Tokyo is mainly in Minato, Shibuya and Meguro. These areas and suburbs in Tokyo tend to be ultimate for those expats that wish a locale that can offer plenty of international interaction as well as supermarkets and shopping options.

Most expats hunt homes with the help of real estate agents and individuals are a big help to expats before making a final decision about accommodation.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Expats, Japan, Real Estate, Tokyo Apartments | Comments Off

New Year sale in Tokyo

Every year as soon as Christmas is over, everyone rushes to leave that holiday mood to move on to the very next holiday mood for the next celebration which is the New Year’s Celebration. Some people begin to make New Year resolutions while other people make big plans and there are also some people whom begin to commit themselves to changing certain aspects of their lives. All that is very commonly linked to New Years, but for shoppers in Japan, the New Year marks the start of a sale which comes once a year.


Now the bulk of society would consider the idea of shopping during the New Year’s to be an unpractical one, as logic would say that most shops are closed for the New Year’s. Well today we are going to flush out that stale old method of thinking as we will introduce to you some of the best New Year sales available in Japan, to prove to you that New Year is indeed an excellent time to shop.

In Japan every New Year marks the start of their annual New Year sale which will attract thousands if customers every year to come join in and partake of their generous discounts which they place over various goods. The response to the New Year sale is so great in Japan that every year promises the common sight of a sea of people lining up outside their favorite store waiting to get a chance to enter the store and take their fair share of the discounts.

Besides the jaw dropping New Year discounts, the shops in Japan are also well-known for having their Fukubukuro sales during their New Year’s sales as well. For those of us whom are unfamiliar with that term, a Fukubukuro is basically a mystery bag which has been filled with goods from the respective stores. Customers can choose to purchase that bag without knowledge of its contents for a standard price. This provides customers a chance to walk away with a bag full of goodies which are well worth the money spent on the bag, or a bag full of unusable goods as it is obsolete to the buyer for example, clothes which don’t fit.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Japan | Comments Off

Where to Find the Apartment that Survives through Earthquakes

March 11 twin disasters
When the March 11 double disaster occurred in Japan, the earthquake and tsunami devastations brought about the threat for radioactive leak of Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power station located Northeast of Japan. Moreover, Shinmoedake volcano located spewed ashes to the clouds. Japan is said to be located in the Ring-of-Fire, where earthquake is most likely to occur at anytime, in fact quakes can be felt almost everyday anywhere in Japan. That is why most apartments Tokyo districts are designed to withstand quake occurrences. Now, travelers are watchful over places in Tokyo and other parts of Japan that is secure against earthquakes. Some travelers are able to plot safe apartment Tokyo areas where travelers could stay with peace of mind.
Tokyo Building Standards Act
Tokyo is one of the largest and crowded cities in the world with over 2.6 million structures including mid-rise concrete apartments. It surrounds the Tokyo Bay while the main city is situated at the northwest end of the bay. Amazingly, despite its strategic location, Tokyo buildings had sustained minor damage during the March 11 disasters, not a single tower fell anywhere in Japan, even in Sendai where the quake epicentre is situated. Though some walls were cracked and pavements were crumpled, but the buildings themselves remained standing all throughout. The reason for this remarkable fact is Tokyo’s strict adherence to the standards safety of the Tokyo Building Standards Act. The law states that a structure built in 1981 or after must be able to handle an earthquake between 6 and 7 on the seismic scale. Despite, this engineering ingenuity, Japanese engineers still have lessons to learn. Making buildings resilient is not enough. The challenged they say, is to make towers that do not just withstand earthquakes, but to make the people inside the building believe that it will really work to dispel fear of a building collapse.
Buildings are quake proof
After the disasters there has been a demand for low rise apartments and many buyers is now searching for housing on firmer ground inland. However, going through the statistics, anywhere in Japan is not free from earthquake. There is also no guarantee that low rise buildings are safer than high rise buildings. What the people should do is to see to it that structures must be built using the standards of the 1981 “shin-taishin” or New Earthquake Resistant Building Standard Amendment and subsequent laws. Tokyo’s skyscrapers are proof to this ingenuity. The building with 40 and 50-storeys housing apartments and businesses crowded the older, traditional buildings that were squat and flat. Tokyo is just following other cities of the world like Manhattan and Hongkong who are geared to develop high rise buildings due to scarcity of land.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Real Estate | Comments Off

Japanese Transportations

Railway transport
Japan is noted for its very efficient public transportation network, especially if you are travelling within metropolitan areas and larger cities. It’s fast, efficient, uncomplicated to use, and costs saving.  The railway transport is the major means of passenger transport, especially for mass and high-speed travel in major cities. Along with other private rail routes, the Six Japan Railways (JR) Train Stations provide passenger service to most parts of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The seventh JR Company carries the shipments. There are about 27,268 km of rails crisscrossing the country with about 22.24 billion passengers (395.9 billion passenger per kilometer) recorded in 2006.  Japan had also pioneered the high-speed “bullet train” or “shinkansen”, which links Japan’s largest cities at speed up to 300 km/h (186 mph). For a long tour in Japan for at least a week or more, then it is best to avail of the JR Pass to make use of the many lines within the Japan Railways Network. This is sold to foreign tourists and overseas residents through certified Travel Agents outside of Japan. Also, all of Fukuoka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo and Yokohama have subway systems. The subway lines conveniently transport you to the city. It is usually underground with available maps (in both English and Japanese) to bring you to your destination.

Marine and Air Transport
In maritime commerce, Japan’s chief ports are Yokohama (for Tokyo), Nagoya, and Kobe. In 2002, Japan’s merchant fleet totaled to 615 ships. It has principal domestic airports which include:  Haneda in Tokyo, Itami in Osaka, Itazuke in Fukuoka, and Chitose on Hokkaido. While the principal international facilities include: Kansai International at Osaka and New Tokyo International at Tokyo or better known as “Tokyo Narita” or “Narita airport”. Japan Air Lines (JAL), the nation’s major domestic and international airline, began operations in 1952 and inaugurated international flights in 1954. All Nippon Airways, established in 1957, began as a domestic system and now serves overseas routes. I started carry freight in 1987.
Bus transport
Driving with your car in Tokyo is expensive due to high parking fee. Car rental is also up by well over $100 per day for a sedan. Thus, bus tour is not the best option in touring major cities. However, if you’re going to the countryside like the regions of Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, then it is worth the rent for flexibility and ease of travel. Taking the bus route is the most appropriate transport outside Tokyo central.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Japan | Comments Off

Things You Need to be Careful with When Living in Japan

For people who wanted to venture into Tokyo’s busy metropolis, there are few things they have to be careful and consider to make living in Tokyo apartments convenient and enjoyable despite the crowd and expensive way of life. Living in Tokyo may be rewarding, but it has also its good points and bad points to ponder upon. Knowing these factors will greatly influence your decision whether to live or not to live in greater metropolitan Tokyo.
Tokyo is home to famous attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Japan’s most famous theme park. If you are a tourist, Tokyo must be in your priority list. Tokyo Disney resort is located at Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. You should not leave Japan without visiting Tokyo Disney resort, it would be truly frustrating and a big loss for tourists if they miss this wonderful opportunity to see Tokyo’s happiest land on earth.There are also other theme parks, and other beautiful places to visit around Japan. For a greater experience, you have to plan your itinerary to be able to visit each one and be happy for that wonderful learning experience about Japan.
Tokyo_apartments
For those who will be staying long in Japan either for work or as a tourist, it is best if you find places to stay outside central Tokyo. Tokyo’s standard of living is very high including apartment rentals and use of its facilities. Rent for a single’s apartment would cost as high as $US500 to $US1,000 a month over  175 square feet (16 square meters) floor area. You can have more space at a lesser cost on apartments located outside Tokyo. Living outside of Tokyo would give you the same comfort and provide you with same facilities, but at a very affordable cost.
Another thing to consider in staying Japan is the use of service vehicles. Around Tokyo, travelling is a lot easier by using public transportation than using your own private vehicle. Parking space in Tokyo is scarce, and if there be any available space, you would be paying a higher parking fee. Private vehicles are only advisable to explore regions outside of Tokyo where public transportation is scarce or not available.

 

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Tokyo Apartments | Comments Off

How To Work With An Accountant For Real Estate in Japan

Accounting in Japan has gone through many changes, the most recent major adjustments were made after 1997. This was when the Prime Minister at that time decided that accounting in Japan had to meet international standards and plug weaknesses in the system. He did this in response to the financial crisis from bad loans.


Choosing an accountant in Japan for your real estate needs is not difficult. There are many companies offering accounting service, some of which are foreign-run. You can choose to work with local businessmen or seek the counsel and service from a company run by an American or foreign group.

Be guided by these principles in Japanese accounting. For instance, transparency is of utmost importance. The Japanese government is the entity that controls accounting standards. This is unlike in places such as the US, Germany or Great Britain where independent organizations control the accounting standards.

In Japan, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) administers and enforces accounting regulations; and controls the Business Accounting Deliberation Council or BADC. It may happen then that some decisions made by MOF may be more political than improvement of accounting procedures. In fact, it happened in 1999 with approval to revalue land holdings to increase capital ratios.

If you have zero accounting experience, instead of relying on information from one accountant in Japan, make an effort to always get a second opinion. The Japanese accounting system still has loopholes and can be used to hide gains or losses, among others. However, if caught, the penalty is severe.

Also, unlike in the US, Japanese accounting does not require privately-owned companies or businessmen from disclosing information voluntarily. In the US, a company’s performance in the market is cause for celebration and marketing to boost even further their position in their respective industry. It’s an effective campaign that is not used in Japan. On a positive note, accountants in Japan have a tendency to feel a close affinity with their clients, and honor this relationship immensely.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Real Estate | Comments Off

Shopping for a Business Office in Japan

The Japanese have particular business etiquette very different from the western world, so shopping for a business office in Japan must be done according to these standards. Shopping for a business office in Japan must start by respecting the Japanese traditions and culture. Any kind of roughshod attitude will never get you the office you want. The Japanese will never hesitate to reject your offer, however attractive if it they are offended in any way.

On the other hand, they do respect the culture of other people, so you don’t have to change your business style, or pretend to be someone you aren’t. The general rule is to be respectful. Here are some detailed tips you should not ignore:

  • Never write on their business cards
  • When meeting, always keep the center seat reserved for the most important person in the meeting, and that may not necessarily be you as the potential tenant
  • If you are given an rental offer, respond as soon as you can, and never leave your response hanging for over a day. If you must delay your decision, ask questions or for more time
  • American, English, or even other Asian jokes are not taken in the same way. Avoid telling jokes because it can easily be misinterpreted
  • The Asian culture is not as direct as the western way. They won’t say a direct “No” to you, but will do it obliquely. It also works in the reverse, which means it’s important to practice tact rather than be confrontational
  • Remember what you agree to in a meeting because Japanese have a great skill for memory, and will use it when necessary, quoting you verbatim if necessary
  • If during your negotiations, you experience a lull. Respect it. The Japanese see nothing wrong with silence, and usually, they’re thinking about their options.

Do you remember the recent earthquake in Japan? It was astonishing how there was no looting in stores. Learn from this because it is a strong indication of how proud the Japanese are.  They do not appreciate tips or will reject you outright if you offer a bribe. Finally, relax and show your character. They appreciate honesty above all.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Real Estate | Comments Off

How to Buy Japanese Real Estate

Real estate in Japan is a burgeoning business. With the right investment acumen, one can buy Japanese real estate at a cheap price and sell it when the going is good. Because Japan is a growing and progressing country, everything in Japan is changing for the good. Japan is one of the best countries to invest in today, whether it is in real estate, infrastructure or as a traditional business concern. Other than real estate, maybe you’ve looked into Tokyo serviced apartments.  But whether you are a Japanese national, or a foreigner looking to invest in Japanese real estate, you need some help while deciding on which Japanese real estate you ought to buy.

To look for the right kind of Japanese real estate, you would need to contact a Japanese real estate agent. A Japanese real estate agent will not just help you in recognizing the properties that are financially lucrative, but they would also help you through the entire process of the financial transaction regarding the real estate.

The best way to look for Japanese real estate agents is to visit the market in your local area in Japan. Most Japanese places are chock full of real estate agents. You could also look for Japanese real estate agents in the local newspapers and magazines. The more famous real estate agents advertise their services in the newspapers and magazines. You would just need to give them a call to find out about their products and services.

If you do not find the kind of real estate agent that you are looking for, you could even look for a Japanese real estate agent online. Several real estate agents either have their websites, or they put up classifieds in the websites that cater to the real estate business in Japan. They would provide you with their phone numbers and addresses. Some real estate agents would provide you all the information over the website itself, with the use of e brochures, video clips, photo galleries, etc.

You can look for Japanese real estate agents, and buy Japanese real estate in these three simple ways. While you are checking for Japanese real estate agents, make it a point to check out whether they are affiliates to any of the real estate groups and forums. There are many instances where foreign tourists are taken for a ride by unscrupulous characters in another country.

For best results, once you reach Japan, visit the consulate to find out about the various real estate agents who are listed by the consulate, so you can be sure that they are safe to deal with and carry out financial transactions with.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Real Estate | Comments Off

An Overview of Tokyo Residential Real Estate by an Outsider

Real EstateBelow is a quick overview of Tokyo residential real estate, given by an outsider. Employees from big name companies will tell you the details, but many will make it seem like you are best to go through them. The author has no ties to any real estate agency or firm, so this overview is not biased.

International Families

If you are moving to Japan, or back to Japan, and you have children who do not speak the language, then a home or apartment in Minato-ku, Tokyo might be worth looking at. This area has many different international schools, as well as hospitals with English speaking staff, including doctors and nurses.

Houses

The average price of a home in Tokyo is ¥138,920,000. Most of these are 2 bedrooms, but some are 3. The startling thing is that a two bedroom home in a better neighbourhood is more expensive than a four bedroom home in a les well-to-do area. However, the area should be what you need it to be, and include what you need.

Apartments

The average cost for an apartment to own is ¥212,250,000. This is less than a home, and there are some advantages to living in an apartment over living in a home. In an apartment you will have more secure parking and more security than in a home. However, in a home you will have a lawn rather than a balcony.

Apartments for rent

¥750,000 is the average rent for an apartment in the heart of Tokyo. Considerably less than owning a home or apartment, it might be easier for a lot of people to rent before they have the money to buy.

This is a very short overview of the short stay apartments  in Tokyo market, but it will be helpful to get a grip on how much you may have to pay.

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Real Estate, Tokyo Apartments | Comments Off

Japanese Real Estate License

Several foreigners continue to migrate to Japan, particularly to Tokyo, for reasons such as business, family, and travel.

Japan Real Estate

For those migrants, investing in a real estate in Japan has become a need too valuable to pass up. Real estate business in Japan is continuing to rise over the years due to the many tourists coming into the country. This is why several land owners have already converted their residential properties into income-generating properties in the past few years. Apartments, for instance, is a great source of incomes for Japanese landlords because serviced apartments (already

fully-furnished and packaged with basic amenities) are the new craze for modern tourists.

For those who are interested in starting a real-estate business in Japan, all you need to accomplish is to obtain a license from The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism or from the respective Prefectural Governors.

The license is valid for 5 years and is required for all those wanting to sell or purchase lands or buildings for residential purposes; trading lands or buildings for residence; set-up a real estate agency for buying, selling, trading, and leasing of

lands or buildings; and intermediation of selling, purchasing, trading, or leasing of lands or buildings for residential purposes. However, if you are planning to buy, sell, trade, or lease one of your properties other than for the purposes already mentioned, there is no need for you to obtain a Real Estate Business license.

Anyone planning to obtain a license should also pass a certain examination in order to be qualified as a Real Estate

Transaction Manager (RETM). Not being qualified as such would deem a person disqualified from obtaining the license.

Locals and foreigners who have already legal permanent residency in Japan (not to be confused with citizenship) are also eligible to bid on properties auctioned by the judicial court of Japan. These properties are taken by the court from landowners that no longer pay their debts and taxes. This is of course, legal and this is a great way to obtain properties at a lower value than having to go through real estate agents.

Whatever methods of obtaining a real estate property you may have in mind, however, it is clear that these properties will continue to increase in value through the years. Whether you use these properties for residential purposes or to generate sustainable income, there seems to be no time better than now to invest in real estate properties in Japan.

Image Source

Posted on by admin
Filed under: Real Estate | No Comments »

Next Page »