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Mobal Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan

Making Your Move to Japan Feel Like Home

5 Great Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan

Becoming a homeowner in Japan is exciting but brings unfamiliar challenges for newer expats. Accessing the right services for expats is crucial for a smooth transition. Settling as a new homeowner in Japan has its hurdles, but it can be fulfilling... More

Area Guides

Shinjuku Area GuideShinjuku Area Guide

Shinjuku is the name of a ward, neighborhood, and not just one but numerous train stations in Tokyo. In this guide, we focus on Shinjuku's main residential neighborhoods from Okubo's Korea Town to street-wise Kabukicho north of the station to gentrified Shinjuku San-Chome east, then south to the high-end but relaxed areas near Shinjuku National Garden and Yoyogi, and west to Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo's Skyscraper District.

Saitama Prefecture GuideSaitama Prefecture Guide

The prefecture just north of Tokyo. Saitama itself is large, covering a massive area of Eastern Tokyo. The areas closest to Tokyo are popular as bedroom communities for those commuting into Tokyo for work. These areas tend to have rent... More

Akihabara Area GuideAkihabara Area Guide

This famous neighborhood is jam-packed with stores displaying anime and video game goods, but you don't have to be an anime fan to live in Akihabara. Located on the northeastern edge of Chiyoda Ward, Akihabara Station is a transportation hub that offers great access to the rest of Tokyo through a variety of train and subway lines. Those who enjoy a lively Tokyo city life experience will likely feel at home in this neighborhood.

Akabane Area GuideAkabane Area Guide

Akabane is a neighborhood in Kita Ward, towards the northern edge of the 23 wards of Tokyo. Bordered by Saitama Prefecture to the north, the station is traversed by many commuters coming in from Saitama Prefecture. Until recently, Akabane was infamous for its narrow alleys, late-night izakayas, and general seediness. Redevelopment and modernization in the area has transformed most of it to a livable, convenient neighborhood.

Okubo Area GuideOkubo Area Guide

Okubo is a neighborhood just north of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. It provides residents with very quick direct access to Shinjuku, while also being just far enough away from the excitement of downtown. This balance between convenience and residential livability is a great feature of the neighborhood. In addition, for those who enjoy authentic ethnic cuisine, the international population in Okubo own and operate different restaurants and shops in the area. It's a unique, charming neighborhood for those seeking something close to Shinjuku!

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Kameari Area GuideKameari Area Guide

Kameari is a residential neighborhood in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. What it lacks in name recognition it makes up for in charm and convenience. This traditionally working-class area of Tokyo retains much of the old-school look and feel of bygone Tokyo, and new modern shopping malls have injected style and fashion back into the area.

Tokyo Station Area GuideTokyo Station Area Guide

Contents Location Key Stats Orientation Around the Station Livability Useful Info at a Glance Tokyo Station Apartments Location Tokyo Station is found just east of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. There’s almost no comparison to this centrally located,... More

Shin-Okubo Area GuideShin-Okubo Area Guide

Shin-Okubo is renowned as Tokyo's Koreatown. This popular and trendy area offers an international vibe close to Shinjuku. An added benefit of this diverse environment is the selection of import supermarkets! While the streets around the station tend to be quite lively, even well into the night, it is possible to find calmer parts of the neighborhood.

Toranomon Hills Area GuideToranomon Hills Area Guide

Contents Location Key Stats Orientation Around the Station Livability Useful Info at a Glance Toranomon Hills Apartments Location Toranomon Hills Station can be found in the northern section of central Minato Ward. The Toranomon district is a primarily business district,... More

Jujo Area GuideJujo Area Guide

Jujo is a neighborhood in Kita Ward, Tokyo. It's located just north of the major transportation hub of Ikebukuro, making it a convenient area for commuters seeking options for quick and easy transportation into downtown Tokyo. Ease of transportation isn't the only convenience provided by this neighborhood, nearby Jujo Ginza is a local shopping street with a variety of shops, making picking up daily necessities easy.

Kachidoki Area GuideKachidoki Area Guide

Kachidoki is a newer addition to Tokyo's list of residential neighborhoods. Located in Tokyo Bay, residents enjoy a mix of modern conveniences (shopping malls, high-rise apartment complexes, beautiful waterfront parks) close to Tokyo's commercial districts. As the area becomes more developed, an increasing number of families are moving to the area because of the calm and family-friendly environment!

Hatagaya Area GuideHatagaya Area Guide

Hatagaya is a calm and livable neighborhood located on the Keio New Line just west of downtown Shinjuku. This convenient location makes it a great option for commuters, and the distance away from the crowds of downtown Shinjuku gives the area a more relaxed feeling.

Yutenji Area GuideYutenji Area Guide

Yutenji is a residential neighborhood found close to central Meguro Ward, Tokyo. It has a reputation as a very livable neighborhood that has easy access to some of Tokyo's most famous and stylish areas like Daikanyama and downtown Shibuya. What Yutenji might lack in terms of nightlife it more than makes up for in providing a calm and quiet environment.

Sangubashi Area GuideSangubashi Area Guide

Sangubashi is a quiet residential neighborhood located on the outskirts of Yoyogi Park. This gives residents a huge backyard of sorts for picnics, gatherings, and exercise. On top of this, Sangubashi Station is connected to Shinjuku via the Odakyu Line, making commutes into downtown Tokyo very easy and quick. Apartment seekers looking for a convenient residential neighborhood close to Shinjuku should definitely give Sangubashi consideration!

Kodaira Area GuideKodaira Area Guide

Kodaira City is a residential neighborhood located in west Tokyo on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Its location in the suburbs of Tokyo offers a very quiet and calm environment which is very popular with families. Plenty of space and few crowds make living more comfortable, and with only a roughly 30 minute train ride to Shinjuku, this might be a great balance for those looking for a local vibe in Tokyo.

Ikejiriohashi Area GuideIkejiriohashi Area Guide

Ikejiriohashi resides where three different neighborhoods collide: Ikejiri, Ohashi, and Higashiyama. It straddles the border of Setagaya Ward and Meguro Ward, creating an area that has a very livable urban feel. Plenty of restaurants and bars in the area for exploring a vibrant nightlife, while wide sidewalks along the main roads and plenty of supermarkets for daily necessities make it easy to live in.

Nogizaka Area GuideNogizaka Area Guide

Nogizaka is a high-class residential neighborhood located in central Minato Ward, Tokyo. Within walking distance from Nogizaka you can get to Aoyama, Omotesando, Akasaka, or Roppongi. This is a terrific convenience for those who love the idea of having a wide variety of destinations close to home! Great for being able to explore different neighborhoods of Tokyo on your feet!

Mita Area GuideMita Area Guide

Contents Location Key Stats Livability Mita Apartments Location You’ll find the neighborhood of Mita located quite centrally in Minato Ward, Tokyo. Thanks to this geographical position, it actually offers a nice mid-point between a few different business/commercial districts around Tokyo... More

Nakai Area GuideNakai Area Guide

Nakai is a cozy and quiet residential neighborhood in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. This little gem of a neighborhood gives residents fantastic transportation access to business districts. It's also much more relaxed compared to the downtown glitz and glamor of Shinjuku.

Sendagi Area GuideSendagi Area Guide

Sendagi is a residential neighborhood found in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. A great choice for those looking for a little quiet tucked away in the dense Tokyo cityscape. In fact, Sendagi and its surrounding neighborhoods are a popular destination for those who want to take a leisurely stroll through the calmer, traditional side of Tokyo. Thanks to its nearby shrines and old-school, local shopping streets, there is a lot of nostalgic appeal in this neighborhood that also translates to a unique livability that could be your cup of tea.

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Mobal Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan

Making Your Move to Japan Feel Like Home

5 Great Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan5 Great Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan

Buy

Tips for Choosing an Earthquake Resistant Property in Japan: Video Guide by Plaza HomesTips for Choosing an Earthquake Resistant Property in Japan: Video Guide by Plaza Homes

[SPONSORED CONTENT] In this video presentation, Ms. Yasuko Suzuki , a bilingual real estate agent from the Purchase and Sales division of Plaza Homes, gives an overview of the advantages that foreigners can enjoy by purchasing properties in Japan and... More

View of Sagami Bay and Kamakura

Featured For Sale Property

Classic mansion for sale in Kamakura, JapanClassic mansion for sale in Kamakura, Japan

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Imagine waking up to a gorgeous view from a spacious hilltop home in one of Japan’s most historic cities.  Dream homes come in many shapes and sizes but it’s not easy to find a pre-existing home for sale... More

Buy

5 Reasons to Invest in Wooden Apartment Buildings in Japan5 Reasons to Invest in Wooden Apartment Buildings in Japan

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Wooden apartment buildings in Japan are considered one of the best options for students, young workers starting out in life, and generally, anyone looking for a rental bargain. Investors new to the Japanese residential real estate market, however,... More

Rent

Tips for Renting an Apartment or House in Tokyo: Video Guide for Expats by Plaza HomesTips for Renting an Apartment or House in Tokyo: Video Guide for Expats by Plaza Homes

[SPONSORED CONTENT] In this video presentation, Sumie Nakamura, a bilingual real estate agent from Plaza Homes, goes over the important points you need to know about renting an apartment or house in Tokyo. If you are not prepared in advance,... More

Renovated Traditional House for Sale in Kyoto - Exterior View

Featured For Sale Property

Renovated Thatched-Roof House for Sale in the Kyoto CountrysideRenovated Thatched-Roof House for Sale in the Kyoto Countryside

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Nestled in a town just north of Kyoto is a rare property – a gorgeously renovated thatched-roof house built in the Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park area. This region is famous for its traditional farmhouses but only once... More

Japanese money and rent

Rent

How is Rent Determined in Japan?How is Rent Determined in Japan?

Several factors influence the cost of rent in Japan, some more apparent than others. Rent will change depending on location, distance from the train station, size and layout, age of the property and even the role of real estate agents.... More

Video

How to Get a Housing Loan in Japan: A guide for home buyers by Plaza HomesHow to Get a Housing Loan in Japan: A guide for home buyers by Plaza Homes

[SPONSORED CONTENT] In this video presentation, Kenji Kubo and Haruka Haze, bilingual real estate agents from Plaza Homes, discuss in detail the important points you need to know to get a housing loan in Japan. How to get a housing... More

Living

Buying a Home in Japan? Don’t Forget to Think About Resale ValueBuying a Home in Japan? Don’t Forget to Think About Resale Value

Reselling your property involves a different set of considerations than your initial search for living space.  Nice, newer condos within a ten-minute walk of the nearest station have consistently proven to hold or grow in value in Tokyo. Currently, the... More

Buy

Important Questions to Ask When Buying a House in JapanImportant Questions to Ask When Buying a House in Japan

Whether you are looking to buy a freestanding house or a condominium in a high-rise building in Japan, the first question to ask is always the same: what is the purpose of your purchase? Is the property going to serve... More