Gotanda is a busy neighbourhood in the Shinagawa ward of Tokyo, Japan. The name “Gotanda” can be literally translated as “a (rice) paddy of half-hectare’s size”. And this is where I live. The district straddles the Meguro river, and is located between the Meguro and Ōsaki stations on the important JR Yamanote Line.
The neighbourhood is centered on the Gotanda Station, which is served by the Toei Asakusa subway line and the elevated Tokyu Ikegami train line in addition to the Yamanote line.
Gotanda is home to the embassy of Indonesia, and Palestine. Peru maintains an office near the train station, as well — the latter being busies enough to attract a Peruvian restaurant.
Home sweet home is what I like to call it. My own Tokyo apartment. Since I don’t belong to this country, I had a hard time finding the right place for me. The basic problem was the language barrier. But that was resolved with a help of a friend who belonged here. I must say social networks are a great help in this matter case; then came the stage of finding the right real estate agency. Here in Tokyo finding the right place for foreigners is bit problematic since the landlords are skeptical of renting their place to foreigners. But it is best advisable to seek for a real estate agency. They sort out all your problems and get you what you deserve. I had to go through a lot of procedures. Different kind of charges have to be paid like the reservation fees which is paid when you apply for an apartment, and before the actual rental contract is signed. It serves as a guarantee for you that the apartment is not given to somebody else, and for the agent that you do not change your mind. Then the deposit, it covers eventual future damage to the apartment. The Key money, this is a non refundable payment to the landlord in the amount of up to several months’ rent. And finally the service charge, this is a non refundable payment to the real estate agent in the amount of at most one month’s rent.
And once I was through this, it was the best feeling I could have. Finally settled in. settling in was no such problem. I prefer my Tokyo apartment to be very cozy and this is how I furnished it. Every night after my office i prefer getting in my bed with a cup of nice hot chocolate and a good flick to catch with it. If I look down from my balcony there is a busy road and a happening market. A lot of hustle bustle in this city. But all is forgotten when I am home. The credit also goes to my landlords who are very friendly, they live right below. They make you feel as if you are a part of their family. Though hard to find in Tokyo but I was lucky enough. As I said “home sweet home” is what I call it.
Tags: apartments, cozy, Japan, JR Yamanote Line, recommendation, Tokyo apartment
Japanese people celebrate New Year according to their own customs and traditions. This day is considered very important event in Japan and people celebrate this day with excitement. It is considered an annual festival in Japan. The people in Japan prepare special types of food products on this occasion. Most of the japans people like to celebrate this occasion at home and they eat delicious dishes. They prefer to enjoy this occasion with their friends and relatives because it is a part of their tradition. They prepare food products and preserve in their refrigerators for future use. Ozni is a special dish in Japan and it is prepared with rice and other ingredients.
Similarly watching of channel programs and serials is also very famous. People invite each other and they arrange some programs. It is a very special and important occasion event for Japanese people. Therefore most of the Japanese people like to enjoy this occasion. People also enjoy some holidays on this occasion. Another important celebration in Japan is bell ringing. There are present a large no of Buddhist temple in Japan and these temples ring their bells on this occasion during midnight. The people of Japan believe that ringing of this bell will eliminate their sins. They also worship in temple on this occasion. The month of December is a special day for business. This month is also important for Japanese post offices because most of the Japanese people send greeting cards to their relatives and friends.
People send invitation cards to invite the people for social gatherings. If you have had a death of any person in your home then you will not send card to any one because it is a part of tradition. These are few common traditions and customs of Japanese people. Companies in Japan prepare millions of post cards for this occasion. Some people also use the source of internet to send greeting cards to their relatives. Another important custom in Japan is the preparation of rice cakes on this occasion. Some people participate in games to enjoy the day of New Year.
Tags: celebration, Japan, new year
Living in Tokyo, though a mind-blowing experience is not without its pitfalls. If one has never been to Japan before, life in Tokyo will not come without a culture shock. Most of the Brazilian, British, Chinese, Filipinos, French, Korean, and US Americans populace have completed moving to Tokyo. But most expats moving to Tokyo prefer their home according to practical considerations. Factors like proximity to work, international schools, public transport, shopping facilities, etc. – are really important to consider before choosing a home.
Everything within the boundary of the Yamanote Line is centrally situated, eye-catching for foreign residents, and even more luxurious than is usual for Tokyo. Expat housing tokyo choose to live in Azabu, Hiroo, and Shirokan. These areas have streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and fashionable apartments. Living in Tokyo is made easy through the existing subways: the Hibiya, Namboku, and Oedo subway lines which make it easier to go from one place to another.
Living in Tokyo, one will probably observe that Japan is a comparatively standardized society, ethnically and culturally, but Tokyo is an excepxtion to this rule. However, quite a few expatriates settle within the eight most central wards, especially in Meguro, Minato, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. Living in Tokyo’s central wards is especially popular among more affluent expatriates.
Older and cheaper housing in Tokyo may lack some amenities. Apartments do not necessarily have central heating, but living-room and bedroom come furnished with a kotatsu, a low table with an electric heater attached to its underside.
Foreigners attracted in living in Tokyo may be delighted to hear that medical standards in Japan are very high, though medical care is fairly expensive. The language barrier is often the major setback for expatriates living in Tokyo. Consequently, quite a few embassies offer lists of recommended medical service providers for their nationals living in Tokyo.
A foreign resident living in Tokyo for one year or more have to enroll in the national health care plan. So expats housing Tokyo often take out added private health insurance during their life in Tokyo.
While there are no travel-health warnings against diseases for Japan, the earthquake of 2011 and the resulting nuclear disaster caused an increase in radiation levels. The area around Fukushima’s nuclear power plant has been declared a prohibited zone. Radiation levels have increased in Tokyo as well, and various governments have issued travel warnings for Japan.
Tags: expat housing in Japan, expat housing Tokyo, Tokyo housing
No matter what you nationality and ethnicity is people all over the world celebrate New Year in a different way. Some people used to play music, dance and party on eve of New Year and some of them welcome new year with prayers and warm wishes. Japan is a country having rich culture and traditions. In Japan the on new year people a lot of different things. It not all about drinking, dancing and fireworks in Japan there are some key things we you should enjoy if you ever got chance to visit Japan on new year.
The first thing is that the celebration of new year’s run for more than 3 days in Japan and most of the people and business are close in this time period. It is a tradition in Japan that people love to send best wishes to friends, family and other relatives on the eve new year. The Japanese people love to send cards to each other on new year especially kids. These cards are well designed and well decorated. The other thing which is considered as a tradition in Japan is that people used to give money to the kids and they will insert money inside the cards.
On new year people will decorate their homes with lights and clean their house as people used to visit each other to wish each other. The other tradition which you can find in Japan is that on the December, 31st midnight they ring the bells one hundred and eight times in their temples all over the world as it was in their religion. The other things about bells is that Japanese people believe that by ringing bells you can get rid of all sin you committed in previous year.
Japanese people love to eat the traditional foods items on the eve of new year. They eat many dishes and also keep some dishes in the refrigerator for the guest as the stores and shops are closed due to holiday. There are so many different television show especially made to provide entertainment to people on new year.
Tags: celebration, Japan, new year, Tokyo
While you plan your Tokyo stay, you are probably trying to find where the best place to stay would be. This will depend largely on what you plan on doing while in Tokyo. Another thing to consider is the length of your trip. If you plan on staying for a month, a monthly apartment would serve you best. However, if you are staying for a shorter period of time, a hotel or short stay apartment in Tokyo would probably suit you best.
Since most travelers only stay for about a week or so, most will choose a hotel. What hotel would serve you best will depend on what locations would be most convenient for you. Also, you will want to consider what amenities you would like your hotel to have as well. There are many great hotels available in some great areas of Tokyo with some of the finest amenities. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect hotel for you to stay in during your time in Tokyo. Yet more short stay apartments have become a popular choice over hotels because of its prices and amenities resembling that of home, without compromising luxurious experiences.
However, if you are traveling to Tokyo for a business trip or something of the sort where you will be staying in Tokyo for a month; a monthly apartment would be a wise thing for you to consider. You can live as if you are at home as well as save some money. Monthly apartments are available all over Tokyo. The monthly apartments are usually pretty nice and come fully furnished with some great features for you to enjoy.
So, when it comes to planning a place for you to rest your head at night during your Tokyo stay; you just have to consider a few things. First, think about the length of your visit in Tokyo. Then, decide what locations around Tokyo would be most convenient to you as well. You may also want to consider your total price range as well. Once you have considered all of these things then you can choose where to stay during your trip with ease.
Tags: accommodations in tokyo, hotels in tokyo, short stay apartments in tokyo
Tokyo, Japan provides any tourist with beautiful experiences, and that is mainly due to the many fascinating sights that it offers. There are many prefectures and cities that can be found just in Tokyo itself. Amongst its most popular and interesting ones are Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku. These places are not only teeming with people from all walks of life, you can find all the little quirks and interesting sights that are a must visit for all visitors to Tokyo.
When you are looking for a Shinjuku apartment, you should know that Shinjuku has two main halves where the commercial and business centres can be found. Shinjuku has everything that a tourist would want in an attraction. It combines modernism with the ancient traditions of Japan. Multi-coloured neon lights cover the many skyscrapers, which any visitor would have their fill of retail shops, bars and restaurants. Trying to book low cost accommodation in Tokyo is a breeze in Shinjuku, with the many budget hotels that can be found there. Shinjuku is one of the 23 wards that make up Tokyo.. Shinjuku is known as one of the busiest places in the world.
The Shinjuku train station is the most packed train station in not just Japan but the entire world. Shinjuku has many high end shopping malls making it the fashion capital of Japan only second to Ginza. There’s a variety of things one can purchases from clothes to electronics, be forewarned though the prices on items are high. The Shinjuku Central Park is great place to relax and escape the urban jungle. The park which is made up of many cherry blossom tree’s is an amazing site to behold during cherry blossom season. Shinjuku park also happens to be sited near another good area to check out the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings which gives the free view of Shinjuku and Tokyo from skyscraper height. The Shinjuku Gyoen park, the park is one of the biggest in Tokyo at approximately 58.3 hectares. The park is made up of roughly more than 20,000 tree’s of which 1,500 are in the cherry tree variety. The park is a must see during cherry blossom season which occurs early April. Shinjuku is home to Kabukicho a district in Shinjuku known as the red light district one of the biggest in Asia. The area is filled with many hostess bars, restaurants and nightclubs. But, it is also advisable to not to venture too deep into this area alone as it is known its Yakuza influence. Even though the area is somewhat dangerous by Japanese standards it’s crime rate would most likely dwindle in comparison to big American cities.
Trying to find accommodation in the three districts of Tokyo offers the tourists with a host of options. There are classy five star hotels to budget business hotels. With Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku all located on the central Japan Rail Yamanote line, planning the stay within these areas will mean convenience and endless options when it comes to entertainment, sights and sounds.
Tags: shinjuku
While staying in a Yokohama guesthouse while visiting Yokohama is one option available to you in planning your travels to Yokohama, you can also choose to stay at one of the top Yokohama hotels as that is another option out there for you. There are definitely many great hotels in Yokohama available for you to stay in while in Yokohama. However, you may want to choose one of the top hotels in the area for the best experience and service while you are there visiting. Three of the top Yokohama hotels include the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel, the InterContinental Yokohama, and the Pan Pacific Yokohama.
The Yokohama Royal Park Hotel is located inside of the Landmark Tower. It stretches from the 52nd floor to the 67th floor of the Landmark Tower. This hotel is probably the number one hotel in all of Yokohama. Some extremely amazing views can be seen from this fabulous hotel, and that’s just one of the benefits of the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel. This hotel also features a beautiful interior as well as top of the line amenities. The Yokohama Royal Park Hotel features five restaurants as well as the Royal Ascot Bar. This hotel also has a fully equipped fitness center called the Landmark Fitness Center. You can also experience the best hospitality by getting a relaxing massage at the Aromatherapy Salon or by enjoying a nice cup of tea at the Kaikoh-An tea room. The Yokohama Royal Park Hotel has everything you could ever dream of in a hotel, which is why it is rated as one of Yokohama’s top hotels.
The InterContinental Yokohama is a luxury hotel that was built in a very unique, but eye-appealing shape. This hotel is located in downtown Yokohama, which gives it a great location as it is nearby to many local attractions. The InterContinental Yokohama features many amenities such as a beauty salon, florist, an indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and much more. This hotel also features three restaurants, two bistros, and two bars or lounges.
The Pan Pacific Yokohama is an extremely luxurious hotel that is very popular among business professionals as that is the majority of the hotel’s guests. This hotel has an exquisite location as it towers above the Yokohama waterfront. The Pan Pacific Yokohama is also close to attractions for restaurants and shopping, such as Queen’s Square, Landmark Tower, and World Porters. This hotel also features some great amenities such as both indoor and outdoor pools, a health club, a restaurant, a spa, a hot tub, and more.
With all of the amenities and features of the top Yokohama hotels, it’s no wonder why people choose to stay in them every day. These hotels definitely will not disappoint you. They will surpass your needs and expectations of a hotel during your stay in Yokohama. The structure, views, and interiors are also definite extra added bonuses to each of these hotels aside from the service and experience you will find in them as well.
Tags: guest house yokohama, share house, yokohama guesthouse, yokohama hostel, yokohama hotels
If you’re wondering where to stay when traveling in Tokyo, Shinjuku might be a good place to start. Shinjuku is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo and is considered the metropolis’ second center (fukutoshin). Shinjuku is the large area surrounding Japan’s busiest railway station; the station is comprised of about a dozen railway and subway lines and is also one of Tokyo’s major stops for long-distance highway and city buses. This makes Shinjuku a good play to stay in for a “gaijin”, a foreigner. Going around Tokyo becomes so convenient because of the several transport options available.
The area surrounding Shinjuku station is already a huge commercial, business, and entertainment center. Its latest addition, the Southern Terrace, offers an amazing view of the Takashimaya department store and is also a good spot for just laying around and watches the numerous trains move in and out of Shinjuku.
Also found in Shinjuku are Tokyo’s skyscrapers and Japan’s largest and most extravagant red light district. The skyscraper district is located to the west of Shinjuku station and includes several of Tokyo’s tallest buildings of popular hotels and business centers. To the northeast of the station, on the other hand, lies Kabukicho, a huge red light district comprising of a good number of bars, restaurants, motels, and several red light establishments.
There are also several family-friendly tourist spots found in Shinjuku. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center is a twin tower standing over 200m high, containing the offices and assembly halls of Tokyo’s metropolitan government. It is a popular tourist attraction because of its observatories on the 45th floor of each building, which gives just about the best views of Tokyo.
Shinjuku Gyoen is the place to visit on a slow day. Although technically in Japan, there is no such thing as a slow day as the Japanese are known to always make the most of their time. Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s own version of New York’s Central Park. It is just a ten-minute walk from the JR Shinjuku station and comprises of a Japanese and English garden, a Taiwanese tea house, and a botanical conservatory. It is also the best place to go to in the Spring when it’s time for the world-famous cherry blossoms to bloom.
Tokyo Opera City is a must-see for art enthusiasts and curious gaijins. It is a skyscraper with some interesting tenants, such as Microsoft and Apple. Most of the floors of the building are filled with office spaces while the lower floors house a shopping center and an art museum, which never runs out of interesting multimedia exhibits. It also houses the New National Theatre, Japan’s national center for the performing arts.
These are just some of the places and experiences Shinjuku can offer. Of course, one has to see these places and experience life at Shinjuku first-hand to truly become a believer.
Image Source
Tags: shinjuku, tokyo tourism, touring in tokyo, where to stay in tokyo
Depending on location, hotel services in Japan encompass the standard assortment of choices. Establishments catering to the needs of business travelers may boast business and internet services of which some may be complimentary to guests. Many provide this amenity at a common locality whereas room-based connection is a standard feature in more luxurious places. Transportation arrangements can be made with the concierge or front desk for car rental or hired cars. Guests have the option to rent mobile phones or have them delivered to their hotels. Despite the internet, postal services are still being practiced and cordially handled by the staff.
In a bid to draw more patronage to their establishment, some places provide in-room cooking amenities. Complete with basic kitchen appliances, crockery and cutlery, a kitchenette is available for guests who prefer to dine in. Less formal establishments offer communal cooking facilities which are normally popular with foreign guests wishing to interact with one another and swap travel tales. Some hotels provide common laundry machines and dryers whereas others install individual units within the rooms. As such, hotel services in Japan extend from room to shared settings.
Minor needs do not miss the careful eye of some establishments. Whether it is a hair clip or a pair of reading glasses offered complimentary to guests, careful attention reaps rewards in the form of returning guests.
Every hotel is normally equipped with an eatery, with some having more restaurants to cater to differing tastes as well as complying by their number of stars awarded. Many city hotels practice the bed and breakfast concept whereby a basic meal is offered in the morning. Albeit not a Hilton breakfast, it is sufficient for an average guest to start off his day.
Space constraint dictates the ability to provide recreational facilities such as gymnasiums and pools. Some may even provide hot spas as a means of relaxation. Hotel services in Japan’s city outskirts also extend to natural hot springs which are a definite crowd puller during festive seasons and holiday periods.
Tags: hotels, japanese hotels, services
Going on a vacation should be relaxing. With the right hotel accommodation, one can ensure that their day’s rest would go on pleasantly after a long day of activities. Thus, it is crucial to make prior planning so that you stay the accommodation will be of satisfaction.
You would first want to form a budget evaluation. This way, you can eliminate options that are beyond your budget. Remember that although you may have set enough money for the place itself, there is that possibility that you will need some extra money to spend on other necessities or wants during the vacation. There may be some additional costs there, so you would need to allocate a budget for them as well.
Another thing that you would need to consider would be the location. You might have plans in your mind of places you might want to visit, so finding an accommodation near those places, or is easy to access to transports that go there would be important. With the right location, you will be able to minimize the chances of getting lost, hence, save on transportation fees.
Once you have decided on a budget and a location, make use of booking engines to find out for details that may influence your decisions. Booking engines are really great as they have a compilation of ratings, list of amenities, prices, and locations available. They usually also provide maps to help you find the way there. This way, you can compare the accessibility of the hotels to the destinations that you are planning to visit. You are also able to access the hotel’s Web site should you want to know more about them.
While you may have a rough idea of which hotel you might want to stay at, do check forums on the hotel as people might have written reviews of their stay there. Based on their reviews, you can mentally prepare yourself for what to expect, so that you will not be caught surprised and be unsettled throughout your vacation.
Lastly, make your booking for the hotel accommodation, and reconfirm its booking. You would not want to end up having to find a place to stay in an unfamiliar place.
