FAQ about accommodation and travel to Japan

How is the housing standard in Japan?

Japanese houses are smaller than what we are used to in the Western world. The walls are thinner and the insulation is poor, which means that it is less sound proof and the temperature will be cooler indoors during the winter months since there are no radiators in most of Japan. Instead dependent on the Air Condition to provide heat in the winter and keep you cool in the summer.

Student accommodation in Japan often have simple standard. On this site we work with companies that provide good quality by Japanese standards but you should not expect too much of your student accommodation in apartments and Share Houses. You get the best standard of living when you stay with a host family or in a hotel.

How is the climate in Japan?

Japan is more humid than Europe and climate is quite mild. The best time to visit Japan is in the spring from the cherry blossom season in the beginning of April until the end of May and in the fall during October and November. During this period, nature is at its best and the weather is usually pleasant. June and July is hot, humid and rainy in Japan. August, it is almost unbearably hot. In September, it is typhoon season where nice days are mixed with rain storms. December to March is cooler, rarely below freezing but the humidity can make the air a bit chilly and it is often cold indoors.

In Hokkaido in northern Japan, the climate is cooler with drier air and northern winters. Okinawa in the south has a subtropical climate with warm weather all year.

Which accommodation is best if you visit Japan as a tourist?

We highly recommend host family accommodation for those who are genuinely interested in Japan. With breakfast and dinner included, the daily cost is usually lower than if you would live in a hotel and you get to experience so much more.

However, hotel is the most flexible option. On our hotel page we recommend a number of different hotels. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, we recommend that you try a capsule hotel for a night or why not a Japanese Ryokan?

Which accommodation is best for students?

Host family is recommended for those who quickly want to learn and improve their Japanese. If you do not want to live in a host family your entire stay, you can start by booking a month in family and then change to another kind of accommodation.

Share House is a great place to meet other students and long-term visitors in Japan. Sometimes, Japanese students also live in Share House.

If you like to manage your own business then your own studio apartment is the best option. Then you have your own bathroom and kitchen area and do not care about someone else when you come home.

What should I do if I don’t know how long I want to stay?

Start by booking the time that you are sure you can stay. Then you can extend your stay once you are in Japan, just don’t wait until the last minute, then someone else might already have booked your room. In Share House you can often decide month by month if you want to stay or move out.

The basic rule is that it is easier to extend than to shorten your contract. If you move out early, you might not get a full refund.

What should you consider if you live with a family in Japan?

In Japan, it is important to show respect and be courteous. Tell the family in advance if you can’t come home for dinner so they don’t cook for you unnecessarily. Do not be loud when the family has gone to bed. If you have special requests for food or anything else, it is important that you write this on your accommodation application so the family can decide if this is something they can cater for before they accept you. In Japan food allergies are unusual and people do not have as many different diets as we have in the West. If you live in a host family, you should be prepared to eat Japanese food, it is honestly both better and healthier than what most of us eat at home.

It is usually appreciated to bring a small gift to the family. Preferably something from your home country like foods, drinks or some handiwork. Make sure to wrap it nicely since this is almost more important than the gift in Japan.

What should I do if I don’t like my accommodation?

Contact the accommodation company and explain the situation. Then they can help you to solve any problem. In exceptional cases they might be able to move you to another place, but then there must usually be some serious shortcomings at your current accommodation.

Problems addressed after returning home are impossible to fix, so contact the accommodation company right away if you experience any problems.

What are the booking conditions?

For family, Share House and studio apartment you do the initial booking on our website. This is not binding until you sign an agreement with the accommodation company or make a payment to them. Please note that you do not enter any agreement with YourHomeInJapan.com By filling in the booking forms on our site you are entitled to a discount from the accommodation companies, but you do not enter into any agreement with us. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

As a tourist, you do not need a visa to visit Japan if you are a citizen of one of the 68 visa exempt countries to Japan. Then you can travel on Visa Waiver and usually you can stay in Japan for 90 days from arrival but the exact length of stay depends on your nationality.

If you are studying on a long term program in Japan, you will need to apply for student visa. The you should apply to your school 6 months before your course starts.

Can you recommend some good schools in Japan?

Yes we know many schools in Japan. On our site, DreamStudiesAbroad.com you will find recommended schools in Japan.

Accommodations:     Host family     Share House     Apartment in Tokyo     Housing in Japan     Hotel