Empty Apartment

Just a tour around my new apartment. This is pre-furniture. This is a VERY big apartment compared to many JETs. I pay 82000 a month. It is a little bit lofty compared to some people, but I get housing allowance of 29000 each month so I am paying more like 53000. It is amazing for the price, especially so close to Tokyo. Some of the other JETs that were at orientation are paying comparable prices for a studio. Just depends on your situation. I hope you enjoyed a look into my place. I will do another video in a couple weeks once I get the rest of my furniture and stuff. Thanks!!

--Jessika

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People & Blogs

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• JET
• Program
• Programme
• apartment
• rent
• Japan
• empty

[LuckyStar10120]

ECO POTTY! how come they dnt have thoses in american arparmnets?

[mostawesomestjes]

That will definitely be one of my top missed things about Japan. When I wake up on winter mornings and go to the bathroom my tooshy doesn't have to suffer from frozen seat issues! ^_^

[Nonosequitor]

Hi Jessika,

I have just had my interview a few days ago..glad that that's over:) Quick question; did you have to buy all of your furniture or did you get some kind of financial assistance with it? Thanks.

[mostawesomestjes]

That's great! I hope you get good results soon!

As for your question, every situation is different so all I can tell you is in my experience, I was given start up reimbursement, but this was basically only to cover my key money and housing contract fees (not everyone has to pay this; many do not, but I had to.) So The furniture I paid for myself. I got it all at second hand shops so it was relatively cheap. Most JETs come to an apartment from their predecessor, in which case they (cont.)

[mostawesomestjes]

usually have furnishing (and no key money to pay). Your predecessor might ask for a small fee because s/he spent some money for stuff for the apartment. If you are smart about it, it wont cost you much. Money for me tight for the first few months because of all the fees and furnishings, but it didn't take long to make up for it, as JETs do get a competitive salary. Keep in mind, this all depends on placement and your board of education, so until you get a contract you can't know for sure.

[Tnakamura11]

Japanese don't wash hands with soap in rest room after flushing because the water with soap goes in the tank. So, you don't wanna do it either.

Japanese furniture is easier to assemble and quality.

[mostawesomestjes]

I've actually noticed that even in public restrooms Japanese tend not to use soap but simply water. This isn't all Japanese of course but I have noticed a number of people just rinse.

I was actually thinking about that the other day (the suds in the toilet!) I would have tried it and ended up with a bubbly loo. ^-^ Thanks for commenting!

[1animechick]

Omg she makes me become even more excited about japan yay ;)

[Nonosequitor]

Thanks Jessika, appreciate your time in answering. And now I guess that wonderful waiting period is all that's left :( BTW your apartment is very cool, you can see from your Vlogs that you take pride in it. Good on you:)

[Japantics]

Hey thanks for your kind comments on my videos. Your place looks pretty great. So far I love my little town, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little jealous of your placement. Take it easy friend.

[TiramisuHappy]

See, you're already doing well! ; )

I once lived in Kamakura when I was in the third grade (for a little less than a year.) I absolutely LOVED IT!! I hear the cityscape (especially the downtown area) has dramatically changed since then (30+ years ago!) But it's an ancient town with tons of most beautiful Buddhist temples around. You should definitely explore some more secluded back alleys of Kamakura. There are a lot of great finds hidden away from the "main street."

I SO envy you right now!!

[mostawesomestjes]

I love getting new furniture! It is loads of fun!! It was a little weird without internet, but I did have my laptop so I was able to watch the plethora of videos I brought with me. That helped! Thanks for the comments!

[mostawesomestjes]

I actually did a lot exploring my area while I didn't have internet or phone. It was very good. I was able to find a lot of cool stuff and I also visited big areas in Kamakura and Yokohama. I got to know my neighbors. I gave them all snack packs that I made with stuff from my state (traditionally you give a kitchen towel, but I thought this would be nice). I''ve found a couple of great conbinis not to mention an awesome hyaku en store (video about it soon!) Thanks for watching!

[mostawesomestjes]

It is in Fujisawa City. I live about 5 stops from the first place that is considered Tokyo and about the same from Yokohama. It is close to the city, beach and is somewhat smaller. It is very large. I was able to chose this or a studio for a few hundred yen less, but not enough to make it worth it. So I love my place! I will love it more when I have more furniture thought! ^-^

[TiramisuHappy]

>>> The feeling of (initial) isolation can be quite devastating. But don't let it get the better of you. Go outside, walk around and get to know your area. Get to know your neighbors (not necessarily by taking to them, but by immersing yourself in the environment.) And accept the fact that this will be your HOME for a good while and tell yourself about all the good things about the place and you'll be settled in (emotionally) pretty quickly.

Go find your favorite "conbini", too!

[TiramisuHappy]

Which neighborhood would this be in? Obviously, outside of Tokyo as you said...

Your place looks quite spacious for one person (of course, by Japanese standards.) You should be feeling pretty fortunate. I know moving and settling in takes a lot of energy and time. (I've done it countless times in the US and across the Pacific Ocean.) I don't know you, but I can tell you have a LOT on your mind from watching you talk in this video. I've been there so many times so I know! (cont'd)>>>

[crimsonmai]

Wow your apartment is really nice :D It's always fun starting out and getting furniture for a new place, but I can see how it would be frustrating without the internet or tv to watch.