Hiroshima

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Furnished Residences

Sections

1. Types of Furnished Housing in Hiroshima

Furnished residences in Hiroshima cater to a variety of needs, from short-term stays to long-term living. Here are the main types of housing available:

a. Serviced Apartments

  • Description: Fully furnished apartments designed for short- to medium-term stays. These are ideal for business travelers, expatriates, or visitors who want a hassle-free experience.
  • Features: Modern furniture, kitchen appliances, utilities included, cleaning services, and sometimes concierge services.
  • Target Audience: Professionals, families, or individuals seeking convenience.

b. Monthly Mansions (Monthly Apartments)

  • Description: Short-term rental apartments that come fully furnished. These are popular among students, tourists, and temporary workers.
  • Features: Basic furniture (bed, table, chairs), kitchenware, and appliances like a washing machine, microwave, and refrigerator. Utilities are often included in the rent.
  • Target Audience: Budget-conscious individuals or those staying for a few months.

c. Share Houses

  • Description: Shared living spaces where tenants have private bedrooms but share common areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
  • Features: Furnished private rooms, shared amenities, and a communal atmosphere. Utilities are usually included in the rent.
  • Target Audience: Young professionals, students, or those looking to save money and meet new people.

d. Guesthouses

  • Description: Similar to share houses but often more casual and geared toward short-term stays. These are common among backpackers or tourists.
  • Features: Basic furnishings, shared facilities, and a social environment.
  • Target Audience: Travelers or those on a tight budget.

e. Traditional Japanese Houses (Machiya)

  • Description: Furnished traditional homes with tatami flooring, sliding doors, and a Japanese aesthetic. These are less common but available for those seeking a cultural experience.
  • Features: Traditional furnishings, futons, and sometimes a small garden.
  • Target Audience: Those interested in Japanese culture or long-term residents.

2. Typical Costs of Furnished Residences in Hiroshima

The cost of furnished housing in Hiroshima varies depending on the type of accommodation, location, and amenities provided. Below are approximate price ranges:

  • Serviced Apartments: ยฅ120,000โ€“ยฅ300,000 per month (depending on size and location).
  • Monthly Mansions: ยฅ50,000โ€“ยฅ120,000 per month (utilities often included).
  • Share Houses: ยฅ30,000โ€“ยฅ70,000 per month (utilities included).
  • Guesthouses: ยฅ20,000โ€“ยฅ50,000 per month (utilities included).
  • Traditional Japanese Houses: ยฅ80,000โ€“ยฅ200,000 per month (depending on size and location).

Note: Central areas like Hiroshima Station or Hondori Shopping Street tend to be more expensive, while suburban areas like Saeki-ku or Asaminami-ku are more affordable.

3. Leasing Procedures

Leasing a furnished residence in Hiroshima involves several steps. Hereโ€™s what you need to know:

a. Documentation

  • Required Documents:
    • Passport
    • Residence card (if applicable)
    • Proof of income or employment (for long-term leases)
    • Guarantor information (if required)
  • Tip: Some landlords may waive the guarantor requirement for short-term leases or if you use a rental agency.

b. Key Money and Deposits

  • Key Money (็คผ้‡‘, Reikin): A non-refundable "gift" to the landlord, typically 1โ€“2 months' rent. This is less common for short-term rentals.
  • Deposit (ๆ•ท้‡‘, Shikikin): Refundable, usually 1โ€“2 months' rent.
  • Agency Fees: If you use a real estate agency, expect to pay a fee equivalent to 1 monthโ€™s rent.

c. Lease Terms

  • Short-Term Rentals: Monthly contracts are common for furnished apartments, with flexible terms.
  • Long-Term Rentals: Standard leases are for 1โ€“2 years, but furnished options may offer shorter terms.

d. Payment

  • Rent is typically paid monthly via bank transfer or credit card. Some landlords may accept cash.

e. Rental Agencies

  • Consider using agencies like Sakura House, Leopalace21, or local Hiroshima real estate agencies that specialize in furnished housing.

4. Amenities Typically Provided

Furnished residences in Hiroshima generally include the following amenities:

  • Furniture: Bed, sofa, dining table, chairs, and storage units.
  • Appliances: Refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, air conditioner, and sometimes a TV.
  • Kitchenware: Basic utensils, pots, pans, and dishes.
  • Utilities: Electricity, water, and gas are often included in short-term rentals.
  • Internet: Wi-Fi is usually provided in serviced apartments and share houses but may require separate setup in other rentals.

5. Local and Cultural Considerations

When renting a furnished residence in Hiroshima, keep the following cultural and practical tips in mind:

a. Shoes Off Policy

  • Always remove your shoes before entering a residence. This is a deeply ingrained custom in Japan.

b. Noise Levels

  • Japanese housing tends to have thin walls, so be mindful of noise, especially in apartments and share houses.

c. Garbage Disposal

  • Garbage is meticulously sorted into categories (burnable, non-burnable, recyclables). Familiarize yourself with the local schedule and rules.

d. Language Barrier

  • Many landlords and agencies may not speak English. Consider hiring a bilingual real estate agent or using translation apps.

e. Community Etiquette

  • In share houses or guesthouses, respect communal spaces and clean up after yourself.

f. Earthquake Preparedness

  • Hiroshima is not as earthquake-prone as other parts of Japan, but itโ€™s still wise to familiarize yourself with safety procedures.

6. Useful Tips for Finding Furnished Housing

  • Start Early: Begin your search at least 1โ€“2 months before your intended move-in date.
  • Use Online Platforms: Websites like GaijinPot, Suumo, and Airbnb are great for finding furnished options.
  • Visit in Person: If possible, inspect the property before signing a lease to ensure it meets your expectations.
  • Negotiate: For long-term stays, you may be able to negotiate rent or fees.
  • Ask About Utilities: Confirm whether utilities and internet are included in the rent.

By understanding the types of housing, costs, leasing procedures, and cultural nuances, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to find a comfortable and convenient furnished residence in Hiroshima. If you need further assistance or recommendations, feel free to ask!