Putting down a deposit for a place is usually part and parcel of renting an apartment or house. The deposit, also known as a security deposit, acts as a sort of insurance for real estate agencies and landlords in case the tenant does something unsavory like skip out on rent, inflict damage on the property beyond the normal wear and tear, or even abandon the place. However, if one …

What do Tokyo, New York City, and London have in common? Apartments. Correction: tiny apartments, some the size of a closet in the countryside. It’s the price one pays if you’re looking to be in the middle of a city with access to all the conveniences money can buy. However, if tired after a few years of living the small apartment life or not wanting to experience living in …

What is Kobe Port Island? It took 15 years from 1963 when the plan was conceived to 1966 when construction began and 1981 when it was completed. The project was designed to effectively utilize the port area of Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, for commercial revitalization, residential land development, and increased acceptance of cargo vessels for the shipping industry. It is an artificial island created in the port district of …

Moving to Japan or moving homes in Japan can be an expensive affair because more often than not, rental properties come unfurnished. Normally, there’s no furniture in sight, and there might not even be an A/C unit, stovetop, or light fixtures. Now, if you’re planning on moving to Japan and are thinking, ‘this doesn’t apply to me; I can just ship all my furniture and appliances over!’, hold on! …