Realistic Apartment Hunting in Central Tokyo! | What you can get for $1000 | Living in Japan 🇯🇵

Hi friends! 👋 We’ve officially started our apartment hunt in central Tokyo- so exciting! We want to show you the entire process! In this video, you'll see apartment tours of the places we viewed this week. We're super curious to know your thoughts about these places, so please leave a comment and let us know what you think!!!
Here is Mika's contact info if you need an english-speaking agent to help you find your perfect apartment in Tokyo! Her e-mail is: [e-mail]
✈️ get 20% off hotels in Japan using code “JEFFANDMEL20” when you book via our affiliate link on Rakuten Travel: click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/...
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🇯🇵 find us on instagram @itsjeffandmel
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0:00 Budget & Agent
0:45 Apartment 1
6:45 Apartment 2
9:31 Apartment 3
12:45 Prices & Comparisons

[@itsjamlife]

Which apartment would you pick?! 🤔

[@s.s.athome7982]

#1 is the only option for me.

[@grownupgoth]

Would def go with the first unit because of the amount of light and location. Are there income requirements like in the U.S. ?

[@bjmurphy34]

I would choose the first apartment. I like all the positives about it, and I think the limited space is manageable.

[@itsjamlife]

We like that one a lot too! You’re right, the positive features of apartment 1 seem to outweigh any negatives!

[@xyzarivera]

Definite like apartment#1 Personally, would put natural sunlight first in my criteria and it's harder to adjust if lighting is bad. And i like looking through my window where I can look far away and not at my neighbor's balcony.

[@itsjamlife]

Yeah! We totally agree with prioritising natural sunlight. It makes a HUGE difference! Unobstructed window view is also important, cuz if it looks into someone else house… I’ll probably just keep the blinds closed all the time (which defeats the purpose of that window, lol)

[@revamp8835]

It would be great if you showed other apartments outside central that may be cheaper around ¥50,000-¥100,000 just to see the difference & comparison between central and outside central

[@chrissyhello]

#1!! Super interesting to see this process, can't wait for more videos 😊

[@itsjamlife]

Yay!!! We’re really excited to share more updates soon too! 🥹🙌

[@jamlifefan37]

Apartment #1 is definitely the best!

[@Aikaterina18]

The first one! I just vibe with it :)

[@chrisodebeek787]

Apartment n01! A very nice outside space which compensates the smaller size of the inside. Plus the Vue is great.

[@kesea5454]

#3 is a non-starter. No bidet? Old looking bathroom? All those step? No chance. #1 is the way to go. It's small, but looks clean and modern and the best overall bang for your buck.

[@itsjamlife]

Fully agreed! The only thing apart #3 had going for it was the size. We ended up going with #1, and we’re VERY glad it wasn’t already snatched up by the time we came back for it. 😅

[@kesea5454]

@itsjeffandmel glad you guys got want you wanted and I hope you'll be very happy there. It's a cute place. Please do an update after you're fully moved in and furnished

[@sirmione905]

If there’s an outlet next to the toilet, you can buy a bidet and install by yourself. It’s not that expensive.

[@kesea5454]

@@sirmione905 nah. I need that to come with the apartment.

[@1azertywow]

I would recommand looking outside of Tokyo. Just got my new place, in Kawasaki (20min from Shinjuku). 50m2, 4min away from the station, 130k per month(not counting water bills etc). I found plenty of 60m2 for the same rent all around Kawasaki. Or even cheaper if you don't have any high criteria lol. Now, rent tends to be cheaper in Japan because of all the other fees. To move in the appartment I have to bring first 530k. Shit tons of fees. Also, contracts are usually 2 years contracts, so if you stay after the 2 years you need to pay an extra rent for the contract extension. Until now I lived in Yokohama (far from the center), 12min from the station, 40m2 for 66k per month. Depending where you look you can definitely get some good deals.

[@swirlandtwirl5417]

the real estate is very Pretty

[@deleila_charlie2068]

I'd pick none since I'd never want to live in Tokyo. But if I had to pick, I'd go with two. Layout was actually good, I'm good at making it work always because I'm creative. I liked three because of the space but it was grungy and old.

[@janinesheedy8432]

Definitely the first one! I’m amazed it’s so much cheaper than renting in Sydney

[@itsjamlife]

Yes, absolutely! We are so thankful to have found an apartment that we like at a very reasonable price ☺️

[@cleanslate5313]

Of these 3 I'd choose #1.

[@rickyt3961]

the first apt was the nicest and cleanest looking.

[@itsjamlife]

Yeah! It was definitely our favourite out of all the places we viewed. Looooove the kitchen! 😄

[@moriboto1]

Maybe I'm an odd one out but I actually REALLY like apartment number 2. Like the only downside is like not much ACTIVE sunlight but there will be overall DAYLIGHT. And. I like the burners. Personally I don't mind the residential vibes since it's similar to my apartment now. Can try to build community and connections. Plus it appears to be the easiest to move into. 🤔

[@itsjamlife]

What you said makes sense! #2 was honestly not bad. We were just picky with wanting direct sunlight (we are much less productive without it) and an open layout floor plan 😅 Is your current apartment also in Tokyo?

[@moriboto1]

@@itsjamlife ahhh no. Still stuck in California over here. Just doing research for the time I do move. 😫

[@richardbarba2736]

Awesome vlog! Apartment #4 was the best one! By far or was it Apartment D? Hmmm

[@itsjamlife]

Hahaha, thanks! 🤣 You’ll see apartment #4 in the next video- so stay tuned for that!

[@asemomar4169]

Thank you

[@itsjamlife]

Thank YOU for watching! 😁

[@CloudAshmore]

Apartment #1

[@proudilonggaann2xvlog882]

Watching

[@sonyclaystation]

you looked like you really loved the sunlight and balcony in the first apartment so ill choose that one, easily! it also felt quite airy despite its size. plus the washing machine curtains haha

[@sonyclaystation]

just checked the vid is 3 months old so im sure you bought it by now 😭

[@itsjamlife]

Woohoo! Even after 3 months we feel happy whenever someone validates our decision 😂 We indeed chose apartment #1 and it was definitely the right choice like you said. The layout makes it feel more spacious than it really is!

[@kennedygolfhead4356]

The toilet seat at the first apartment has a seat heater. It is shown in the remote control panel. It is right in the middle of the panel at the bottom. :) Good luck with your apartment hunting.

[@itsjamlife]

Ahhhh yes thank you very much! We realised it a bit later after we moved in but… better late than never. It’s been so nice using it this winter 🤭

[@johnforde7735]

Apartment 1 seems best, but it's just a bit small. I used to prefer gas, but when I rented an apartment with IH, I was pleasantly surprised that it is really good for quickly getting hot and much cleaner and safer than gas. One thing to consider with apartment 3 is getting furniture in and out. It would be a nightmare.

[@itsjamlife]

Agreed! We’re using IH now and it’s been solid- very responsive and easy to clean. And haha, apartment 3 was a nightmare in more ways than one. 🤣

[@_universe_in_a_ball_]

Personally, I would probably go for the second apartment, even if the first one is also really cool. It's a really tough choice. We all know you'll choose the first one tho, there's noooo way you'll get that open kitchen out of your head ;)

[@itsjamlife]

Hahaha, you are SO right. I couldn’t stop thinking about it… and now I’m literally sitting in that first apartment as I type this reply. 😂 New video coming out soon to show the moving-in process!

[@_universe_in_a_ball_]

Ahahahah I knew it! Looking forward to the new video then!@@itsjamlife

[@Kokonokasnagy]

The rent is expensive!!! cause is close to Shibuya. Ours the rent is approx. 55 sqm. (2LDK). we pay 190K and 5 mins. walking distance to the station. Shinagawa. We got the great view of Haneda airport and Odaiba :)

[@itsjamlife]

Oooh! 55 sqm is a good size. A nice view makes a big difference too! Happy to hear that you're living in a space that you enjoy :)

[@eeuunniiccee]

1st apartment is the best among the 3

[@itsjamlife]

We fully agree!!! And guess what? It’s the one we ultimately chose! 😁

[@Virenss4]

Would choose apartment #1, and also I want some of what the 3rd apartment's landlords are smoking

[@itsjamlife]

😂 your comment cracked us up! we were more or less wondering the same thing about apt #3 tbh

[@PhoenixBlaze123]

First apartment looks nice, but damn these apartments are tiny! I guess that's the price you pay to be close to all the good stuff.

[@itsjamlife]

Yep, so true. 😣It's really nice to be close to work, friends, and our favourite hangout spots! We're able to be more spontaneous with our plans compared to if we lived further out.

[@unknownyoutubechannel6196]

wow i didn't expect to see zack's wife!

[@itsjamlife]

Oh wow! This is cool. Small world! 😄

[@KaReNTheTeRRiBleTriBBLe]

First apt for sure

[@itsjamlife]

Yes! 100% agreed. We're living in it now, and have 0 regrets 😄

[@DavidCruickshank]

I'm curious why you prefer Gas over Induction. Induction heats up faster than gas, has finer control over heat then gas and doesn't pollute the air inside your home like gas. Induction beats gas in every single area.

[@itsjamlife]

It’s because we wanted the option of cooking using donabe and wok, which work best on gas. Wok is out of the question now, but I figured I could just get a portable gas stove for donabe! We used induction back in North America and definitely enjoyed the benefits, so we’re very okay with it here too. :)

[@tanyamassey9438]

Number 1

[@abbitelford6814]

Are burners what is also known as hobs? Why do they usually only have 1/2, most in the UK have 4 (unless there are specific smaller rented places that have 2), when you have multiple things coming at once etc. does it not become difficult to use? 🧐 I guess it’s different of course because it’s a very different country, I’m just curious! 😊 This was such a nice video though 😊

[@itsjamlife]

Yes, same meaning as hobs! And you’re right, it’s not very user-friendly when there’s just 1-2 small hobs. Actually some of our Japanese friends feel the same way, and they said lots of smaller apartments don’t prioritise the kitchen for space reasons and/or designers just assume people won’t cook much. We got really lucky that apartment 1 had such a splendid kitchen (especially by Japan standards)!

[@AJShiningThreads]

❤#1

[@jakejapan8694]

I would choose the 1st place only if it were cheaper than 100,000¥/month. For the budget of 150,000¥ I expect more from it

[@itsjamlife]

Oh man, that would be so ideal! Although we did expect prices to be a bit higher for what we get considering that the area pretty centrally located.

[@TheBillaro]

oh jeff my friend. RUN!

[@paintbrush6035]

5k to move in is insane with the last apartment. And I thought a 1,500 deposit was crazy

[@itsjamlife]

Yeah… that 3rd apartment shocked us in more ways than one lol! The fees really add up when renting in Japan 😭

[@kvrmd25]

Are you staying longer in Japan now? If I remember I thought you were only in Japan for a few months.

[@itsjamlife]

We planned to stay for a couple years actually, but now it looks like it'll be longer than that! Our current apartment was always meant to be a short-term lease though (which might've given the impression that we weren't staying for long). But actually it was to give us time to settle into the city and decide what we want in a longer-term apartment- which is what we're doing now! :)

[@sundown343]

How did you find Mika? Do you think its possible for a realtor to help secure an apt before arriving in Japan? Or do you think its better to find a place once you're in the country?

[@itsjamlife]

We met Mika through a mutual friend! If you want to secure an apartment before arriving to Japan, perhaps you can consider what we did- which was to arrange a short-term apartment rental first. That way, you'll have a place to stay upon arrival, and have time to explore various neighbourhoods and go for proper viewings before committing to a place. We did our short-term rental for 6 months through Hmlet, but there are other companies to choose from as well. Hopefully this info is useful for you! ☺

[@sundown343]

@@itsjamlife yes! this is super helpful. keep up the good work. it helps seeing people go thru a realistic move and adjusting to life in japan. thank you so much!

[@achambers945]

#1

[@Kokonokasnagy]

The apartment that you show USD1000 approx . 150,000 Yen rent

[@Seiyakou]

Can she also help look for apartments in different parts of Tokyo/wards?

[@itsjamlife]

Yes, Mika can absolutely help with that! We actually viewed apartments in different wards before finally deciding on one. 😊

[@Seiyakou]

@@itsjamlife Thank you very much for your response. Helped me a lot. I’m struggling to communicate with realtors in Japanese.🤣😅

[@itsjamlife]

It’s our pleasure to help! We hope you’re able to find a good apartment and that the process goes smoothly! ☺️

[@Seiyakou]

@@itsjamlife Thank you. I hope too. Most apartments are just to expensive and theres all this extra payments. It’s just to much.

[@inggermanydeutschland3808]

Seems all are kind of far to the station, i have heard 10-15 minutes walking is maximum to walk in Japan. Otherwise to choose other suburbs with shorter walking+ train+ much cheaper rent

[@itsjamlife]

Yeah, it is sort of far to the station. But luckily, there’s a bus right outside that can get us to Shibuya in like 10 minutes. So we just use that on most days! 😄

[@MrKitchenChaos]

The first place looks beautiful, but it's also really small. For me personally it would be too small for two people but I think that really depends :)

[@itsjamlife]

Yes, it would be great if #1 was a little larger! Although luckily, we like to sleep on a foldable tatami bed that can be stored away in the daytime to free up space. So I think we can make this work! 😁

[@walimohammad3131]

Hey Jeff, really nice video! I was wondering if I can help you in edit and optimze your videos which will skyrocket your channel, and also making engaging shorts out of them. I can send you the sample video edits to show you my proficiency.

[@Dailyspendinginjapan]

I think for 1000usd..you can find decent options aside from these apartments

[@itsjamlife]

Definitely possible in areas that are further out. We really wanted something that was centrally located though!

[@Dailyspendinginjapan]

@@itsjamlifei pay 160k..near ikejiri We had to observe the available listings for a while before getting one..just need to be patient

[@TheOriginalKhamari]

The bathrooms throwing me off foreal

[@itsjamlife]

🤣 Like which aspect of them?

[@katharinamarschall5662]

They are all bad - I wouldn’t want to live in any of these apartments.

[@asemomar4169]

This guy is boring. He must be more serious

[@sohaibmemorizesurahkhan9295]

Hmmmm, this girl is already having a FIT with her husband or boyfriend. Just don't like her mood on her relationship with poor Jeff. Another one of those types!