Housing

Japanese housing

In Japan, housing is provided either by public organizations or private corporations. Public housing is managed by prefectural or city governments, while private real estate brokers arrange private housing. Lot size and floor space are usually indicated in the Japanese unit tsubo, which is equivalent to approximately 3.3 square meters. In general, room space is expressed in terms of tatami mats (which are about 180× 90 cm each), using a unit called jo.

Public housing

Some public housing is available for foreign residents. There are some criteria for application, including income requirements. If the number of applicants exceeds that of open housing units available, applicants are selected by lottery.
City-owned housing: Jutaku Kanrika
(housing management section)
of Himeji City Government
TEL 079-221-2632

Prefectural/public housing: Hyogo
Prefectural Housing Corporation
TEL 079-289-0076

UR rental housing: UR Kobe branch
TEL 078-251-4075

Private housing

Real estate companies offer brokerage service for finding, selling or buying private real estate, such as houses, apartments and condominiums.

It is recommended that you clarify your preferences in advance, such as:

• how much you can pay for rent,
• how many rooms and how much space you need, and
• which area you prefer to live in.

Visit real estate brokers in the area you prefer, and tell them your preferences (location, budget, layout).

<Example real estate advertisement symbols>

K : kitchen
DK : dining-kitchen
1DK : dining-kitchen plus one bedroom
LDK : dining-kitchen and living room
S : storage