When looking for housing, what matters most to you? In addition to what is important to you personally, Housing Support has identified three key factors to keep in mind during your search: (1) convenience, (2) safety, and (3) disaster preparedness.
When Looking for Housing
1. Convenience
To ensure a convenient lifestyle, be sure to first check things such as the building’s facilities and the neighborhood.
Surrounding Area
- How far away is the nearest train station or bus stop?
- Is it easy to commute to and from campus?
- Is there a shopping area, supermarket, or convenience store nearby?
Building Facilities
- Is the apartment equipped with what you need (such as Internet access and adequate storage space)?
2. Safety
When looking for housing, rent and commuting time tend to receive the most attention, but safety is also essential.
Check the location of the room/apartment within the building and the area surrounding the building.
You can look up information about the surrounding area online. If you have the time, it’s also a good idea to walk around the neighborhood both during the day and after dark, which will help you see whether it suits your lifestyle.
- Are the streets safe? (Are there people passing through the area at night? Are there questionable-looking and/or secluded places along the way?)
- Where is the closest police station?
- Inspect the inside and outside of the building.
Check the facilities and equipment in and around the apartment and building.
It’s a good idea to check what safety features are available.
- Does the building have durable locks and a reliable security system? Are the windows secure?
3. Preparing for Disaster
While Japan’s scenery is beautiful throughout all four seasons, the country also faces natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rain, floods, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis. To protect yourself, make sure you understand the disaster risks in your area, stay alert and prepared, and think in advance about what actions you should take when a disaster strikes.
Please note that in many cases, the local government or resident association posts disaster prevention information on their websites. We recommend that you check this information before deciding to live in a particular area.