We would like to inform that our website
http://www.realestate-tokyo.com
has been renewed with new features.

Now you can search rental properties in Tokyo
by combining condition of train line, station,
pet availability, musical instrument permission,
or 'furnished lease'.
　

Click >> http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/residence/search/

Plaza Homes is located in Minato-ku, close to
the Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958.
The design of the tower is based on the Eiffel Tower in Paris,
the hight of the tower is 333 meters and it's actually 
taller than the Eiffel Tower (320 m).

The tower is painted in white and orange-red 
according to air safety regulations.

The main observatory is 150 meters above ground
and you can enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view.
Mt. Fuji can be seen when the weather is clear.

The Special Observatory is on the top floor,
where you can go up using a special elevator from
the main observatory floor with extra entrance fee. 
It's 250 meters above ground.


Fees are as follows:

Main Observatory 
820 yen/adult 
460 yen/child (7 y.o. - 15 y.o.)
310 yen/child (4 y.o. - 6 y.o.)

Special Observatory (Main Observatory fee +)
600 yen/adult
400 yen/child (7 y.o. - 15 y.o.)
350 yen/child (4 y.o. - 6 y.o.)

Hours: 9:00am - 10pm (last admission 9:30pm)

If you are renting a house or apartment now in Tokyo,
you probably heard these words.

For most expatriate-grade properties the lease agreement
will be drafted in Japanese and English, with the Japanese
version controlling.  You should familiarize yourself with the
following lease terms.

                               

RENT
Paid monthly in advance to the owner.  A late fee may be
exacted if rent is overdue.  Payment of first and next month's
rent is generally required upon initiation of the lease.


SHIKIKIN = DEPOSIT
Most of the properties
(except some short term & monthly apartments)
in Japan require a deposit. 
The size of the deposit may vary from two months rent to
four to six months for expatriate grade properties.
The deposit is technically refundable.  In most cases,
a portion of the deposit is deducted to pay for restoration of
property when the tenant leaves.  Restoration costs can be
greatly minimized by careful maintenance of the property.


REIKIN = KEY MONEY
Sometimes called "thank you" money.  A sum generally
equivalent to two months' rent and paid to the owner at the
initiation of the lease.  It is not refundable.


MANAGEMENT FEE
A monthly fee for general building maintenance and, possibly
to defer the cost of an on-site building manager.


AGENT FEE
Industry standard provides for one month's rent to be paid to the
real estate agent as commission.


Thinking about moving in Tokyo?   Visit our web-site
http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/

 




Pets are like your family. 
I know that very well because
I have 2 dogs and 2 cats at home myself.

If you are thinking about bringing your pets to Japan,
you may, but there are many things you need to know.
And you really should start preparing for it at least
6 months before your arrival date.

If it's only a short period of time you are living in Tokyo or
anywhere in Japan, I'd say leave your pets at home
get someone you can rely on to look after your pets 
while you are away. 
 
Stress to the pets during two flights,
trips to and from the airport, and being caged 
for a long fight hours plus more hours for the quarantine,
would be too much, poor things!








If you really want to bring them with you, then please
visit Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and fisheries of Japan
Animal Quarantine Service web-site:  
http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/index.htm

Rules are different between the regions, countries
with a history of Rabies and Rabies-free countries.

I hope all of you and your pets are happy in Japan

CHARITY MARATHON - 'RUN FOR HOPE'

(Posted by Mr. Keiichiro Kobayashi, Plaza Homes agent)

Participated in the annual charity marathon,
RUN FOR HOPE on 11th November
in Kodomono-kuni (Kanagawa prefecture)
with the team members consist of my clients.

Though it was rainy day, we had a lot of fun out of it.
For the information of this annual event, see
http://www.run4hope.net/index.html.

 'THE TEAM'   (right: Mr. Kobayashi)

Thank you Kobayashi san!

We are proud to introduce our new property search system

"Property Search by MAP"

Hybrid property-search application combines
English-based map and Google satellite imagery
for the first time in Japan.


To check this new service please visit Plaza Homes
Web-site http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/ 

and click Property Search by MAP sign
on the left

and find out how easy it is to search properties
in the area you are interested to live in.