May 27, 2016
Bicycling in Japan – Know the Laws
The time has come again for commuters to abandon the stress and discomfort of the public transport system in favor of their trusty bicycle. Before you saddle up and join them, it is important to know the “rules of the road,” or the laws governing riding a bicycle on the streets of Japan.
1. Ignoring traffic signals (red light, orange light, etc)
2. Ignoring traffic signs (driving the wrong way up a one way street, or in other “no riding” zones.)
3. Riding in pedestrian only areas
4. Riding in the incorrect traffic lane
5. Interfering with pedestrians on side of road / pavements
6. Entry into the railroad crossing when the barrier is down
7. Interference with the flow of priority (right-of-way) vehicles at intersections
8. Interference at intersections with right turning traffic
9. Interference at large artery intersections that causes a breach of safety
10. Ignoring stop signs (where a full stop, by placing your feet on the ground while standing still, is required)
11. Blocking or interfering with pedestrians on sidewalks
12. Operating a bicycle operation without brakes
13. Riding a bicycle after having consumed alcohol
14. Reckless bicycling
If you have spent much time here already, that last sentence may have come as a surprise, as it looks for all the world like cycling in Japan is a lawless endeavor, with riders beholden to no law but their own. However, there are many rules and regulations pertaining to cyclists, and while many of these laws are frequently ignored and rarely enforced, at this time of year traffic police will be out in numbers, looking to clamp down on infractions.
Before we begin, you can find more information provided by the Japan Traffic Safety Organization in English here, it is a PDF file. This pamphlet goes into more depth than this article.
Bicycle Traffic Safety in Japan Pamphlet
No riding on pedestrian sidewalks!
For a start, unless otherwise designated, cyclists are not permitted to ride on pedestrian sidewalks unless they are under 13 years of age, over 70, or disabled. If you must ride on the sidewalk, you must ride less than 10km per hour.
If there is a designated bike lane on the sidewalk it is actually illegal to ride on the street. Anyone that has spent more than five minutes on a Japanese street can tell that this law keeping bikes to the street or designated bike lanes is barely enforced, if at all, but it remains a fact that bicycles are classified as light vehicles, the same as motor scooters, and are bound by the law. In practice, however, for sake of convenience, most cyclists prefer to travel on the pavements.
Keep left!
When on the road, stick to the left hand side. You will have seen many cyclists riding into traffic and the wrong way down one-way streets, but due to rise in bicycle related accidents, a revision to the Road Traffic Law came into effect in December of 2013, with cyclists facing up to 30 days in prison or a ¥20,000 fine for cycling against the flow of traffic.
Hands on the handlebars!
Again, despite all evidence to the contrary it is also illegal to cycle while holding an umbrella, using a cell phone or carrying a passenger (although a child in a passenger seat under the age of six is permitted). Like riding on pedestrian sidewalks, you may have seen countless riders – from school children to grandparents – flouting these laws, despite the potential ¥500,000 fine. Despite being illegal, these types of practices are extremely unsafe, and should be avoided.
Turn on the lights!
If riding at night, cyclists must have both a headlamp and a bell. This is an example of a fully enforced law. In no uncertain terms, riding at night without a light (turned on) will get you stopped by the police. A bike lacking a bell may be stopped, but I have heard others say that officers routinely look the other way regarding that infraction, but again, it is the law and the law should be obeyed!
Show me your papers!
Bicycle theft is a particular concern in Japan, and with good reason. It sometimes seems like drunken salary-men will take the first bike they find on their way home, and rates of theft seem a contradiction to the widely held “safe and honest” image of Japan. Even worse, the recovery rates for stolen bikes are quite low, meaning if you lose it you are likely not getting it back. As a result of this cyclists are required to register their bicycles. If store bought, your bike will have been registered by the shop at the time of purchase, but if your bike is second hand (or from Amazon.co.jp) you should take it to a bicycle store or police station where they will register it for a small fee.
As mentioned, stolen bicycles are rarely found, yet police enforce this rule assiduously. It should be noted that the police are anecdotally said to use their right to ask riders to prove registration is used to check foreigners “visa status,” as a way of combating over-stayers. They are not supposed to do this, and it remains an open question whether they actually are stopping foreigners more frequently or not, but if stopped it is best to give them the information they ask for and be polite. Arguing will do little more than make both of you angry, and it is important to note that Japanese police can detain you for up to 2 weeks without charging you with a crime. In short, they can make your life miserable if you mess with them, so don’t.
Don’t drink and ride!
Another law put into practice is the rule that bans cycling under the influence of alcohol. You have possibly seen many a salaryman swerving down the street, fresh from an izakaya, but like driving, riding after consuming even 1 single drink is forbidden, and while most drunk riders will simply be locked up for the night to sober up, you could also face a sentence of up to five years in prison, a ¥1,000,000 fine, and even deportation for riding under the influence.
Cycling is perhaps the best way for getting around Japan, particularly if you live and work in one of its bustling metropolises. If you stick to the laws and keep out of trouble, it is the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful season, for what is better than traversing the streets and parks under the resplendent beauty of the cherry blossom trees?
Photo: Icd at English Wikipedia [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons
May 26, 2016
Enjoy Akashi’s Okura Beach
Though there really isn’t a bad time to visit the Seto Inland Sea’s coastline alongside Akashi, the summer season is particularly incredible. With more people venturing outside and gathering to enjoy the mild temperatures and sunshine, Okura Beach provides the perfect setting to experience the best that summer has to offer.
A 5-minute walk from JR Asagiri station will take you right to this gorgeous beach park. There you can enjoy a nice stroll along the sand or walking paths spread out among the grassy parks. With the wide and open beach stretching east to west across the length of Akashi, many runners and cyclists also enjoy making use of the paths. When the beach is crowded, you can see people engaging in all sorts of activities that are open for anyone interested! Whether you’re up for an intense game of shogi (Japanese chess) in the park, swimming in the water, fishing, tasting some of Akashi’s famous seafood from a nearby stand, having a picnic, or simply relaxing on the sand, Okura Beach is truly a hub for summertime fun!
A popular summer pastime throughout Japan is to have barbeque gatherings and enjoy the beautiful natural views of the season. Okura Beach offers many different park plots for you and your friends or family to join together and enjoy a barbeque picnic by the seaside. In the busy season when the weather is the best, make sure to get to the beach early to reserve your grill and picnic area for the day!
One of the highlights of this beach in particular is the scenery at sunset. Looking across the water at Awaji Island in the evening will give you a beautiful view of the colorful sky, as well as the romantic illumination of the Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge which is lit up at night. If you’ve spent the whole day on the beach or just drop by for the nighttime sights, checking out the views over the water is definitely worth your while.
Since the beach is close in proximity to a lot of the best area restaurants, shopping, and the popular fish market Uontana, it is the perfect resting point for your day of exploring the beautiful port city of Akashi.
Okura Kaigan
Location: Okura Kaigandori, Akashi 673-0879, Hyogo Prefecture
Admission: Free
By halfrain (Flickr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
May 24, 2016
Nagoya, Nishin and Toyota City Apartment Rental Information
Downtown (Naka-ku, Higashi-ku)
Sakae is one of the Nagoya’s major business districts and you will find all you want here from nightlife and shopping to dining, arts and entertainment. The area boasts many trendy shops, restaurants and department stores. Nagoya Station is surrounded by the modern Midland Square and Central Towers which contains a wide range of international shops, and restaurants.
Nagoya Station has good access to other cities and the Chubu International Airport. Apart from Sakae and Nagoya Station, Fushimi is popular among singles and couples as it is located within walking distance from Nagoya and Sakae Stations and there are many attractive places for nightlife. There are quite a few executive housing options in the downtown areas of the city.
Station number: H8, H9, H10, H11, M04, M05, M06, M07, S02, S03, S04, S05, T06, T07
Chikusa-ku
Chikusa is conveniently located just a 15-minute subway ride from the central business district in Nagoya City and is a popular place for dining after hours among young professionals. Commuting to Toyota City by car is also easy and fast. HALLO 2 International supermarket in Higashiyama Koen and Seijyo Ishi in Ikeshita stock extensive ranges of imported foods for when you crave a taste of home.
The area is surrounded by greenery and is a popular choice of neighborhood for families. Western style housing is limited; however Japanese style apartments that are modern and well-designed are available.
Station number: H13, H14, H15, H16, H17, H18, M17, S08
More information on Chikusa Ku
Meito-ku
Issha and Hongo in Meito-ku are the most popular areas for expat families in Nagoya as they are located on one of the Nagoya International School bus routes and provide easy access to Toyota City. The entrance to the Tomei Expressway is located by Hongo Station and provides excellent vehicle access to Toyota City and Okazaki City. Public Transportation is convenient and only takes 20 minutes to downtown Sakae and 25 minutes to Nagoya Station without any transfers.
There is a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes, as well as several English-speaking physicians and pediatricians located in Meito-ku. Sporting facilities are plentiful and there are a number of nice parks equipped with jungle gyms to keep the kids busy for hours. There are also several shopping centers and good international supermarkets located in the area.
Meito-ku hosts many western style houses with gardens and proves to be the most popular area with expats due to the convenient location and facilities available.
Station number: H19, H20, H21, H22, L01
Yagoto
Yagoto is located at the border of Showa-ku, Mizuho-ku, and Tenpaku-ku. It is slightly further away to the Nagoya International School than the Meito-ku area, but the convenience of the train commute to Toyota City makes it also popular among expats. Frante and Yagoto AEON, the main shopping center in Yagoto stock everything you require for daily life.
There are several universities and a range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. For the health conscious, there are a number of private gyms and health centers as well. Yagoto is especially popular with Japanese executives, and although housing is mostly Japanese in style, the properties are gorgeous and relatively spacious in comparison to standard Japanese housing.
Station number: M18, M19, M20, M21, M22, T13, T14, T15
Tenpaku-ku
Located halfway between downtown Nagoya and Toyota City, this ward has good access to both locations by train. From Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya IC and Meinikan Expressway is quite convenient, as is access to the Aichi Driving Test Center which is located at Hirabari. Number of expat housing is limited in this area as large houses and apartment with more than five bedrooms are hard to find, but some international preschools are located here.
Station number: T17, T18, T19
Nisshin City
Nisshin City is situated between Nagoya and Toyota City. It borders the eastern part of Nagoya, west of Toyota and Miyoshi City. To the south is Togo Town and to the north is Nagakute Town which will be a city in January, 2012. Nisshin City provides easy access to Toyota and Nagoya City by the Meitetsu train and subway line. Many expats live in the heart of the city around the Meitetsu Nisshin Station. Nisshin is a very green and peaceful residential area.
Toyota City
Toyota City is an increasingly growing, prosperous city thanks mostly to the worldwide success of Toyota Motor Corporation. Western properties are few and far between, and the Japanese equivalents, even though smaller, are in very high demand. The city center is now well equipped to cope with the needs of both residents and visitors: there are libraries, sports and recreational facilities, variety of shops and restaurants, and a growing number of hotels. However, the majority of transferees with school age children live in Nagoya City as there are no international schools in Toyota City.
Toyota is accessible by regular public roads, but the best way to access Toyota is by utilizing the Tomei Expressway from Nagoya. Depending on traffic, rush hour in the morning and evening can be very packed, but it is still possible to get from Nagoya to Toyota in an hour. It is of course possible to drive this expressway further afield, to Tokyo or Kyoto. Another option for commuting to and from Toyota is by train. The Meitetsu Toyota Line connects directly to the Nagoya Tsurumai Subway Line, and it is possible to travel all the way to downtown Nagoya without changing trains.
Nagoya City Rental Information
1 Bedroom
| Location | Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naka | Fushimi (H09, T07) | 126.00 | ¥189,400 | ¥160,000 | Incl. | ¥29,400 | Apt | 1993 |
| Naka | Hisaya-Odori (M06, S06) | 57.82 | ¥207,000 | ¥197,000 | ¥10,000 | N/A | Apt | 2007 |
| Naka | Higashi-Betsuin (M2) | 86.80 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | N/A | Apt | 2003 |
| Naka | Fushimi (H09, T07) | 107.47 | ¥372,500 | ¥320,000 | ¥21,000 | ¥31,500 | Apt | 2006 |
| Chikusa | Kakuozan (H15) | 45.16 | ¥138,000 | ¥118,000 | Incl. | ¥20,000 | Apt | 2005 |
| Chikusa | Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 76.88 | ¥145,000 | ¥130,000 | Incl. | ¥15,000 | Apt | 1991 |
| Chikusa | Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 59.36 | ¥154,000 | ¥145,000 | ¥9,000 | N/A | Apt | 2008 |
| Chikusa | Chikusa (H12, S07) | 68.61 | ¥197,275 | ¥170,000 | ¥11,000 | ¥16,275 | Apt | 2007 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 70.71 | ¥215,500 | ¥200,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥10,500 | Apt | 2004 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 95.79 | ¥266,250 | ¥240,000 | Incl. | ¥26,250 | Apt | 2005 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 53.00 | ¥125,750 | ¥110,000 | ¥0 | ¥15,750 | Apt | 1992 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 55.69 | ¥140,500 | ¥125,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥10,500 | Apt | 2011 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 70.51 | ¥177,000 | ¥157,000 | ¥8,000 | ¥12,000 | Apt | 2004 |
| Yagoto | Yagoto (M20, T15) | 43.69 | ¥146,850 | ¥124,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥17,850 | Apt | 2005 |
| Yagoto | Yagoto (M20, T15) | 90.07 | ¥203,900 | ¥170,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥18,900 | Apt | 1997 |
| Yagoto | Kawana (T13) | 52.00 | ¥120,000 | ¥115,000 | ¥5,000 | N/A | Apt | 1991 |
| Yagoto | Yagoto (M20, T15) | 74.00 | ¥145,000 | ¥130,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥10,000 | Apt | 1994 |
| Yagoto | Sogo Rehabiri Center (M21) | 115.92 | ¥198,000 | ¥198,000 | ¥0 | Incl. | House | 1999 |
| Tenpaku | Ueda (T17) | 62.44 | ¥114,000 | ¥90,000 | ¥4,000 | ¥20,000 | Apt | 2007 |
| Ueda (T17) | 62.44 | ¥143,000 | ¥118,000 | ¥4,000 | ¥21,000 | Apt | 2007 | |
| 1BR Average | 73.72 | ¥187,446 | ¥168,350 | ¥7,133 | ¥18,328 | |||
2 Bedrooms
| Location | Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naka | Shin Sakae (H11) | 81.74 | ¥233,250 | ¥197,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥26,250 | Apt | 2007 |
| Naka | Fushimi (H09, T07) | 126.00 | ¥259,400 | ¥230,000 | ¥0 | ¥29,400 | Apt | 1993 |
| Naka | Fushimi (H09, T07) | 86.34 | ¥269,400 | ¥225,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥29,400 | Apt | 2008 |
| Naka | Marunouchi (S04, T06) | 99.50 | ¥272,400 | ¥233,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥29,400 | Apt | 2005 |
| Naka | Marunouchi (S04, T06) | 105.52 | ¥280,000 | ¥270,000 | 10000 | N/A | Apt | 2008 |
| Naka | Fushimi (H09, T07) | 140.22 | ¥371,500 | ¥320,000 | ¥20,000 | ¥31,500 | Apt | 2006 |
| Chikusa | Chayagasaka (M15) | 74.79 | ¥192,000 | ¥161,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥21,000 | Apt | 2008 |
| Chikusa | Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 87.33 | ¥208,000 | ¥198,000 | ¥10,000 | N/A | Apt | 2007 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 92.58 | ¥250,000 | ¥227,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥13,000 | Apt | 2006 |
| Chikusa | Kakuozan (H15) | 91.46 | ¥300,750 | ¥270,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥15,750 | Apt | 2007 |
| Mizuho | Sogo Rehabiri Center (M21) | 87.87 | ¥213,750 | ¥182,000 | ¥16,000 | 15750 | Apt | 2005 |
| Mizuho | Mizuhoundojo Higashi (M22) | 109.91 | ¥299,000 | ¥280,000 | ¥0 | ¥19,000 | Apt | 2008 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 80.00 | ¥165,000 | ¥165,000 | ¥0 | N/A | Apt | 2008 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 103.24 | ¥190,000 | ¥180,000 | Incl. | ¥10,000 | Apt | 2006 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 82.00 | ¥220,000 | ¥220,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2008 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 90.00 | ¥250,000 | ¥250,000 | ¥0 | Incl. | House | 2007 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 110.45 | ¥286,000 | ¥286,000 | ¥0 | Incl. | House | 2006 |
| Yagoto | Sakurayama (S11) | 72.39 | ¥170,000 | ¥170,000 | ¥0 | N/A | Apt | 2009 |
| Showa | Gokiso (S10, T12) | 71.00 | ¥197,900 | ¥169,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥18,900 | Apt | 2008 |
| Chikusa | Nagoya Daigaku (M18) | 108.30 | ¥224,000 | ¥203,000 | ¥9,000 | ¥12,000 | Apt | 2005 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 124.13 | ¥309,000 | ¥289,000 | ¥20,000 | Incl. | Apt | 1990 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 142.14 | ¥445,000 | ¥400,000 | ¥25,000 | ¥20,000 | Apt | 2006 |
| Tenpaku | Ueda (T17) | 65.28 | ¥95,000 | ¥87,000 | ¥3,000 | ¥5,000 | Apt | 1992 |
| Tenpaku | Hirabari (T19) | 52.53 | ¥109,600 | ¥88,000 | ¥9,000 | ¥12,600 | Apt | 2000 |
| 2BR Average | 95.20 | ¥242,123 | ¥220,833 | ¥9,182 | ¥19,309 | |||
3 Bedrooms
| Location | Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naka | Fushimi (H09, T07) | 84.29 | ¥234,400 | ¥193,000 | ¥12,000 | ¥29,400 | Apt | 2005 |
| Naka | Kanayama (E01, M01) | 152.58 | ¥346,250 | ¥300,000 | ¥20,000 | ¥26,250 | Apt | 2005 |
| Naka | Yabacho (M04) | 92.18 | ¥446,000 | ¥446,000 | Incl. | N/A | Apt | 2005 |
| Naka | Higashi Betsuin (M02) | 125.33 | ¥515,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | ¥15,000 | Apt | 2003 |
| Chikusa | Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 80.30 | ¥215,000 | ¥170,000 | ¥20,000 | ¥25,000 | Apt | 2007 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 89.93 | ¥262,800 | ¥250,000 | ¥12,800 | Incl. | Apt | 2000 |
| Chikusa | Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 126.50 | ¥307,000 | ¥297,000 | ¥10,000 | Incl. | Apt | 2006 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 103.76 | ¥319,962 | ¥290,000 | ¥16,462 | ¥13,500 | Apt | 2007 |
| Chikusa | Kakuozan (H15) | 89.72 | ¥350,750 | ¥320,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥15,750 | Apt | 2005 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 135.46 | ¥430,000 | ¥430,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 2006 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 96.02 | ¥228,000 | ¥220,000 | ¥8,000 | N/A | Apt | 1991 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 126.60 | ¥275,000 | ¥275,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2003 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 160.00 | ¥370,000 | ¥370,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1999 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 135.75 | ¥400,000 | ¥400,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2009 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 222.11 | ¥550,000 | ¥550,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1997 |
| Yagoto | Yagoto Nisseki (M19) | 76.34 | ¥194,700 | ¥170,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥14,700 | Apt | 2005 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 95.26 | ¥232,800 | ¥200,000 | ¥16,000 | ¥16,800 | Apt | 2007 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 187.12 | ¥300,000 | ¥280,000 | ¥20,000 | Incl. | House | 1995 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 134.30 | ¥418,000 | ¥398,000 | ¥20,000 | Incl. | House | 2006 |
| Yagoto | Yagoto (M20, T15) | 182.52 | ¥500,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1991 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 213.33 | ¥650,000 | ¥650,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1989 |
| Yagoto | Sakurayama (S11) | 97.75 | ¥235,000 | ¥220,000 | Incl. | ¥15,000 | Apt | 2008 |
| Yagoto | Sogo Rehabiri Center (M21) | 115.00 | ¥377,000 | ¥350,000 | ¥12,000 | ¥15,000 | Apt | 1993 |
| Yagoto | Sogo Rehabiri Center (M21) | 145.74 | ¥400,000 | ¥400,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2005 |
| Yagoto | Mizuhoundojo Higashi (M22) | 213.36 | ¥450,000 | ¥450,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2001 |
| Yagoto | Sogo Rehabiri Center (M21) | 224.59 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1996 |
| Tenpaku | Hirabari (T19) | 83.63 | ¥143,500 | ¥125,000 | 8000 | 10500 | Apt | 2010 |
| Hara (T18) | 107.00 | ¥180,000 | ¥180,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2005 | |
| 3BR Average | 133.78 | ¥354,684 | ¥340,500 | ¥14,304 | ¥17,900 | |||
4 Bedrooms
| Location | Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naka | Kamimaezu (M03, T09) | 88.88 | ¥234,000 | ¥198,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥21,000 | Apt | 2006 |
| Naka | Shin Sakae (H11) | 144.00 | ¥250,000 | ¥250,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1996 |
| Naka | Marunouchi (S04, T06) | 87.86 | ¥259,650 | ¥210,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥34,650 | Apt | 2005 |
| Naka | Hisaya-Odori (M06, S06) | 127.67 | ¥361,400 | ¥320,000 | ¥12,000 | ¥29,400 | Apt | 2005 |
| Chikusa | Hisaya-Odori (M06, S06) | 181.00 | ¥290,000 | ¥290,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1992 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 112.57 | ¥368,362 | ¥320,000 | ¥30,362 | ¥18,000 | Apt | 2008 |
| Chikusa | Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 168.95 | ¥370,000 | ¥370,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1987 |
| Chikusa | Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 179.71 | ¥395,000 | ¥375,000 | Incl. | ¥20,000 | House | 1999 |
| Chikusa | Kakuozan (H15) | 176.98 | ¥420,000 | ¥420,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1999 |
| Chikusa | Motoyama (H16, M17) | 198.72 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2004 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 132.22 | ¥230,000 | ¥230,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1992 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 154.00 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1988 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 183.00 | ¥500,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2000 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 183.00 | ¥550,000 | ¥550,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2000 |
| Meito | Kamiyashiro (H20) | 190.00 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1997 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 275.00 | ¥700,000 | ¥700,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1998 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 120.07 | ¥240,000 | ¥230,000 | Incl. | ¥10,000 | Apt | 1988 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 102.48 | ¥292,000 | ¥270,000 | Incl. | ¥22,000 | Apt | 2002 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 134.68 | ¥300,000 | ¥300,000 | Incl. | N/A | Apt | 1988 |
| Yagoto | Kawana | 178.00 | ¥450,000 | ¥450,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1995 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 194.58 | ¥500,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1991 |
| Yagoto | Yagoto (M20, T15) | 102.00 | ¥265,000 | ¥250,000 | ¥15,000 | Incl. | Apt | 2006 |
| Yagoto | Sakurayama (S11) | 199.38 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2002 |
| Yagoto | Mizuhoundojo Higashi (M22) | 200.69 | ¥550,000 | ¥550,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2001 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 213.85 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1991 |
| Tenpaku | Shiogamaguchi | 120.00 | ¥220,000 | ¥220,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2004 |
| Tenpaku | Hirabari (T19) | 131.70 | ¥227,000 | ¥200,000 | ¥12,000 | ¥15,000 | Apt | 2010 |
| 4BR Average | 158.56 | ¥387,867 | ¥377,889 | ¥16,560 | ¥21,256 | |||
5 Bedrooms
| Location | Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naka | Higashi Betsuin (M02) | 340.00 | ¥550,000 | ¥550,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1995 |
| Chikusa | Ikeshita (H14) | 181.00 | ¥290,000 | ¥290,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1992 |
| Chikusa | Issha (H19) | 280.47 | ¥500,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2008 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 236.00 | ¥450,000 | ¥450,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1980 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 180.00 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2007 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 216.23 | ¥400,000 | ¥400,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1984 |
| Yagoto | Sakurayama (S11) | 274.24 | ¥450,000 | ¥450,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1990 |
| Yagoto | Sakurayama (S11) | 199.38 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2002 |
| Yagoto | Sogo Rehabiri Center (M21) | 210.00 | ¥400,000 | ¥400,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1977 |
| 5BR Average | 227.87 | ¥443,333 | ¥443,333 | – | – | |||
6 Bedrooms
| Location | Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikusa | Imaike (H13, S08) | 201.61 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1996 |
| Meito | Fujigaoka (H22) | 186.12 | ¥500,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1996 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 229.03 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1993 |
| 6BR Average | 207.58 | ¥483,333 | ¥483,333 | – | – | |||
More than 7 Bedrooms
| Loocation | Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikusa | Issha (H19) | 276.18 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1981 |
| Meito | Hongo (H21) | 228.74 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1993 |
| Yagoto | Irinaka (T14) | 382.94 | ¥350,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1984 |
| Meito | Issha (H19) | 400.56 | ¥700,000 | ¥700,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1989 |
| 7BR+ Average | 337.41 | ¥537,500 | ¥537,500 | – | – | |||
Nisshin City Rental Information
1 Bedroom
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nisshin | 53.76 | ¥84,300 | ¥73,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥6,300 | Apt | 1995 |
| Akaike | 56.93 | ¥98,000 | ¥85,000 | ¥3,000 | ¥10,000 | Apt | 1995 |
| Akaike | 65.06 | ¥100,350 | ¥88,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥7,350 | Apt | 1994 |
| Nisshin | 55.81 | ¥90,000 | ¥90,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1994 |
| 1BR Average | 57.89 | ¥93,163 | ¥84,000 | – | – |
2 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nisshin | 57.33 | ¥84,500 | ¥75,000 | ¥3,200 | ¥6,300 | Apt | 1997 |
| Nisshin | 65.07 | ¥94,000 | ¥81,000 | ¥7,000 | ¥6,000 | Apt | 1995 |
| Nisshin | 71.48 | ¥110,000 | ¥110,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1995 |
| Nisshin | 116.15 | ¥160,000 | ¥160,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2001 |
| 2BR Average | 77.51 | ¥112,125 | ¥106,500 | – | – |
3 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nisshin | 64.60 | ¥88,000 | ¥79,000 | ¥3,000 | ¥6,000 | Apt | 2003 |
| Akaike | 62.52 | ¥87,000 | ¥87,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1987 |
| Nisshin | 86.21 | ¥115,000 | ¥102,000 | ¥3,000 | ¥10,000 | Apt | 2001 |
| Nisshin | 88.48 | ¥128,250 | ¥118,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥5,250 | Apt | 2006 |
| Nisshin | 129.00 | ¥145,000 | ¥140,000 | ¥5,000 | Incl. | House | 1986 |
| Nisshin | 94.10 | ¥167,000 | ¥160,000 | Incl. | ¥7,000 | Apt | 2003 |
| Nisshin | 101.08 | ¥180,000 | ¥180,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 2007 |
| Nisshin | 162.30 | ¥270,000 | ¥270,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2006 |
| 3BR Average | 98.54 | ¥147,531 | ¥142,000 | – | – |
More than 4 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nisshin | 85.25 | ¥110,400 | ¥95,000 | ¥7,000 | ¥8,400 | Apt | 1991 |
| Nisshin | 109.00 | ¥125,000 | ¥120,000 | ¥5,000 | Incl. | House | 1998 |
| Nisshin | 144.00 | ¥155,000 | ¥155,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1988 |
| Nisshin | 164.66 | ¥200,000 | ¥200,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1987 |
| Nisshin | 271.00 | ¥370,000 | ¥370,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1991 |
| 4BR+ Average | 154.78 | ¥192,080 | ¥188,000 | – | – |
Toyota City Rental Information
1 Bedroom
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyotashi | 28.37 | ¥64,300 | ¥53,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥6,300 | Apt | 2004 |
| Toyotashi | 35.88 | ¥68,000 | ¥53,000 | ¥6,600 | ¥8,400 | Apt | 2004 |
| Josui | 47.52 | ¥90,300 | ¥76,000 | ¥8,000 | ¥6,300 | Apt | 2010 |
| Toyotashi | 78.88 | ¥149,500 | ¥130,000 | ¥8,000 | ¥11,500 | Apt | 2008 |
| 1BR Average | 47.66 | ¥93,025 | ¥78,000 | – | – |
2 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyotashi | 52.38 | ¥74,400 | ¥59,000 | ¥7,000 | ¥8,400 | Apt | 1986 |
| Umetsubo | 58.99 | ¥82,250 | ¥73,000 | ¥4,000 | ¥5,250 | Apt | 1998 |
| Mikawa Toyota | 66.62 | ¥95,200 | ¥85,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥4,200 | Apt | 2008 |
| Tsuchihashi | 76.18 | ¥137,000 | ¥119,000 | ¥9,000 | ¥9,000 | Apt | 2010 |
| Toyotashi | 86.63 | ¥191,500 | ¥170,000 | ¥9,500 | ¥12,000 | Apt | 2010 |
| 2BR Average | 68.16 | ¥116,070 | ¥101,200 | – | – |
3 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyotashi | 56.93 | ¥71,350 | ¥59,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥7,350 | Apt | 1988 |
| Toyotashi | 67.46 | ¥87,300 | ¥76,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥6,300 | Apt | 1993 |
| Toyotashi | 71.96 | ¥96,000 | ¥82,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥8,000 | Apt | 1997 |
| Toyotashi | 70.58 | ¥110,000 | ¥110,000 | Incl. | N/A | Apt | 1991 |
| Umetsubo | 70.43 | ¥133,400 | ¥125,000 | Incl. | ¥8,400 | Apt | 1998 |
| Homi | 120.12 | ¥130,000 | ¥130,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1999 |
| Toyotashi | 99.00 | ¥200,000 | ¥240,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2004 |
| 3BR Average | 79.50 | ¥118,293 | ¥117,429 | – | – |
More than 4 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tsuchihashi | 70.40 | ¥88,000 | ¥75,000 | ¥8,000 | ¥5,000 | Apt | 1991 |
| Toyotashi | 81.85 | ¥107,710 | ¥87,000 | ¥11,260 | ¥9,450 | Apt | 1992 |
| Toyotashi | 88.02 | ¥150,710 | ¥130,000 | ¥11,260 | ¥9,450 | Apt | 1992 |
| Uwagoromo | 126.00 | ¥200,000 | ¥200,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 2009 |
| 4BR+ Average | 91.57 | ¥136,605 | ¥123,000 | – | – |
May 23, 2016
Kyoto and Nara – The One-Time Capital Cities are Storehouses of Japanese Heritage
It is quite possible that you may detect some good-natured, chest-puffing sparring between the denizens of Nara and Kyoto over their respective heritage as one-time capitals of Japan. Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan but the government was uprooted after less than one century. When the capital moved to Kyoto it stayed for more than one thousand years. Primacy or longevity? Let’s examine both sides of this history smackdown.
The First Capital – Nara
Traditionally the capital of Japan was set up in the hometown of the emperor and when he died the ancients believed that the place of death was stricken with eternal bad karma. Hence, the capital was moved from place to place. By the eighth century, however, the government was becoming larger and more bureaucratic therefore a permanent base was required. Nara, the country’s first true urban center, got the call in 710.
The first capital was modeled after the government center in China’s Tang Dynasty. Japan was adopting many ways of Chinese life including a writing system and the Buddhist religion. Emperor Shomu was a leader who believed devoutly in the power of Buddha to protect Japan from natural disasters. In 743 he directed Buddha temples be constructed around the country.
In the capital of Nara more than 2,600,000 people were put to work building Tōdai-ji, a temple complex that would include shrines for worship, two pagodas soaring 100 meters high, and the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. Castings were also begun for what would be the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha – about 15 meters high. The creation of the Daibutsu of Tōdai-ji used just about every scrap of bronze in Japan. The entire project nearly sunk the country’s economy but when the Great Hall officially opened in 752 there were 10,000 monks and 4,000 dancers on hand for the ceremony.
The Buddhist monasteries grew so powerful that subsequent emperors feared for the rule of the central government and in 784 the capital was moved to Nagaoka. The capital had left Nara briefly before but this time it did not return. In 794 Emperor Kammu moved the government to a new city called Heian-kyō (translated as “tranquility and peace capital”). It would eventually be named Kyoto.
Nara shriveled in national importance after the departure of the government. The Great Buddha Hall burned twice and was rebuilt each time. The current building dates to 1709 and remained the largest wooden building on the planet until it was surpassed in 1998. Tōdai-ji today houses seven Japanese national treasures and the Tōdai-ji Culture Center that opened in 2011 functions as a museum devoted to Japan’s first capital.
Japan’s Longest Tenured Capital – Kyoto
Kyoto was the Japanese capital until the Imperial Restoration in 1868. One thousand years is a lot of time to build shrines and palaces and Kyoto boasts 26 national treasures, more than any other city aside from Nara, which has 29 in total. The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since the government had relocated to Tokyo by the time of World War II, Kyoto was spared much of the destruction from Allied fire-bombing. Kyoto was actually the original number one target for the dropping of the first atomic bomb but Secretary of War Henry Stimson intervened and removed it from the target list to spare the cultural treasures which he had admired on his honeymoon years earlier. The result is that the city contains the largest concentration of designated Cultural Properties in Japan, with the oldest dating back to the 10th century.
So there you have it. Age versus longevity. Does being first trump 1,000 years? There are no winners or losers in this debate – both are must-see Japan destinations.
By 663highland [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
May 22, 2016
Aichi Beach Events, 2016
Its getting to that time of year again when the thermostat starts to rise and thoughts of beaches spring to minds.
Although Aichi isn’t necessarily famed for its beaches, there are plenty of nice places at which you and the family can play in the sea and catch a few rays. Also, some of the beaches have events, parties and theme days for you and the family to enjoy.
Aichi Beach Events Calendar 2016
Below is a calendar outlining just some of the events occuring on beaches in the Aichi area.
June 4 -Ise Ebi Matsuri
- Starting at 10:00 with a fair and concluding at 21:00 with a fireworks display, the Ise Ebi Matsuri (lobster festival) is actually on Mie prefecture’s Oyahama Beach and thus falls outside our remit, but it is such a spectacle, it would be a shame to leave it off of this list. Website.
June 5 – Beach Volleyball and Athletic Meet
- Shinmaiko Beach holds a Beach Volleyball and Athletic Meet for children. The final date for registration to take part in the volleyball contest is May 25. However if you miss that cut off, you can still come by and watch, or join in with the beach sandal flicking contest, the beach yoga, or enjoy food and drink from local stalls. Website.
June 11 -Mihama-cho
- Opening day for Mihama-cho beaches of Onoura, Noma, Wakamatsu and Okuda.
June 12 – Ironman 70.3 Japan
- Ironman 70.3 Japan event kicks off at 7:30 am from Shinmaiko Beach. The swimming portion of the course takes place from Shinmaiko Marine Park. The Iron Kids event takes place the previous day between 13:30 and 16:30. Website.
June 19 – Utsumi Beach
- Utsumi Beach opening day.
June 26 – MinamiChita -Cho
- Opening of MinamiChita -Cho’s beaches: Yamami Kaisui Yokujo, Shinojima and Himakajima.
July 26-28 – Treasure Hunt & Movies!
- Watch movies and take part in a mass treasure hunt competition at Utsumi Beach
August 2-4 – Treasure Hunt & Movies!
- Watch movies and take part in a mass treasure hunt competition at Utsumi Beach
August 12 – Fireworks
- Rokkasai fireworks festival takes place on Utsumi Beach. Gather with family and friends on the beach to watch some 70,000 fireworks go off.
Aichi Beach information
Shinmaiko Marine Park
The nearest beach to Nagoya, Shinmaiko Marine Park, is perhaps the most conveniently located for city dwellers. While it is a man made artificial beach it is no less lovely for it. There is a sizable barbeque area that you can rent out, and charcoal can be supplied at a small additional cost. However if barbecue isn’t your thing there are food stands selling refreshments of all kinds. For those who don’t like the feeling of sand between the toes, there is a large grassy area on which to lounge, and for the more energetic of you, you can take advantage of the extensive beach volleyball courts.
Getting there: Get off at Shinmaiko Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname Line and walk 10 minutes across Fine Bridge.
Contact: 0562-56-3980
Ono Beach
One never feels such an affinity with society’s upper echelons than when lounging on the beach. Wherever we are, we never feel far from George Clooney on Lake Como, or families royal in St Tropez. Well, at Ono beach you can feel like a Shogun. Said to be the world’s oldest sea bathing spot, this 500×100 metre beach was visited by the ruling Owari and Tokugawa clans. While its historical importance may be of interest to some, it is the magnificent sunset that turns the ocean a glorious red that is perhaps the greatest draw of this location.
Getting there: Get off at Onomachi Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname line and walk for 5 minutes
Contact:0569-42-1816
Utsumi Beach
The biggest in the Tokai area, Utsumi Beach is arguably the most popular. Visited by approximately 500,000 people each year it was chosen as one of the top 100 beaches in Japan, and it is not hard to see why. The coast stretches for 2km along Chidorigahama and Higashiyama areas with over 30 seaside clubhouses and hotels. In recent years it has gained a reputation for being dirty, however this year has seen a major clean up initiative bringing the sparkle back to the sea. A word of warning: September is jellyfish season, so be careful!
Getting there: Get off at Utsumi station on the Meitetsu Chitashinsen Line. Walk 15 minutes or take a bus and get off at Utsumi-kaigan stop. From there it is a three minute walk.
Contact: 0569-62-0403
Nisaki Beach
Should you be sceptical of the effectiveness of Utsumi’s claimed clean-up, perhaps Nisaki beach is the place for you. With consistently high marks in the annual water quality surveys and dazzling white sands, Nisaki is popular with families for its calm waves and the lifeguards that patrol them. There is even a small camping site nearby.
Getting there: Get off at Mikawa Tahara Station on the Toyohashi Tetsudo Atsumi Line from where you can take a 15 minute taxi ride.
Contact: 0531-23-3516
Shiroya Beach
Shiroya beach has a 600m shoreline, within which there is a 60m manmade sandy area. Newly developed in 1997, the surrounding palm trees give a real feeling of being in an upscale resort. There is a seaside park play area for children and the water is particularly clean. The sand is, however, a coarse grained sand so more sensitive children may require footwear at all times.
Getting there: Get off at Mikawa Tahara Station on the Toyohashi Tetsudo Atsumi Line. Take a taxi for about 10 minutes
Contact: 0531-23-3516
Coconuts beach Irago (Irako)
On the north side of the Irago cape lighthouse, Coconuts Beach Irago is considered to be the best beach in the Atsumi peninsula. With 350m of white sand and clean water it is popular with visitors of all ages, particularly for the beautiful sunset and the large grassy area that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Getting there: Get off at Toyohashi Station on the JR or Meitetsu Lines. Take a Toyotetsu bus and get off at Irago eaPark-mae stop. The beach is a 2 minute walk from there.
Contact: 0531-23-3516
Most beaches close some of their services from September. For further details contact the relevant tourist information centres on the above numbers.
By Mark Guthrie
Image – http://www.blaineanderin.com/utsumi-beach/– modified
Image: flickr.com “IMG_0416.JPG“ by fisshaasan (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) – Modified
May 20, 2016
Introducing the Chikusa Ku Area of Nagoya
Chikusa is conveniently located just a 15-minute subway ride from the central business district in Nagoya City and is a popular place for dining after hours among young professionals. Commuting to Toyota City by car is also easy and fast.
The HALLO 2 International supermarket in Higashiyama Koen and Seijyo Ishi in Ikeshita stock extensive ranges of imported foods for when you crave a taste of home. The area is surrounded by greenery and is a popular choice of neighborhood for families. Western style housing is limited; however Japanese style apartments that are modern and well-designed are available.
Notable for its 10 to 15 minute subway ride into the city center, Chikusa is far enough away from downtown that the urban feel begins to wear off a bit and green areas attempt to retake the pavement. Such proximity, however, means that the housing options tend towards apartments rather than free-standing homes. Fortunately the closeness to the vast Higashiyama Park, which includes the Nagoya Zoo and Botanical Gardens, gives residents a decent respite from the clang and bang of downtown. The Aichi International School is also located here as are branches of the popular the Matsuzakaya and Mitsukoshi department stores.
.
Housing in Chikusa Ku
See listings for properties available now for rent in Chikusa Ku on JapanHomeSearch.com by clicking this link (it will return only Chikusa Ku results), or browse the Nagoya Housing Cost Survey data below, which will give you a snap shot of what sort of expat housing is available in the area.
Conversion Tools
Convert square meters to square feet
Convert yen ¥ to your currency
1 Bedroom
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kakuozan (H15) | 45.16 | ¥138,000 | ¥118,000 | Incl. | ¥20,000 | Apt | 2005 |
| Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 76.88 | ¥145,000 | ¥130,000 | Incl. | ¥15,000 | Apt | 1991 |
| Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 59.36 | ¥154,000 | ¥145,000 | ¥9,000 | N/A | Apt | 2008 |
| Chikusa (H12, S07) | 68.61 | ¥197,275 | ¥170,000 | ¥11,000 | ¥16,275 | Apt | 2007 |
| Ikeshita (H14) | 70.71 | ¥215,500 | ¥200,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥10,500 | Apt | 2004 |
| Ikeshita (H14) | 95.79 | ¥266,250 | ¥240,000 | Incl. | ¥26,250 | Apt | 2005 |
| Average | 69.41 | ¥186,004 | ¥167,000 | — | — | — | — |
2 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chayagasaka (M15) | 74.79 | ¥192,000 | ¥161,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥21,000 | Apt | 2008 |
| Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 87.33 | ¥208,000 | ¥198,000 | ¥10,000 | N/A | Apt | 2007 |
| Ikeshita (H14) | 92.58 | ¥250,000 | ¥227,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥13,000 | Apt | 2006 |
| Kakuozan (H15) | 91.46 | ¥300,750 | ¥270,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥15,750 | Apt | 2007 |
| Average | 86.54 | ¥237,687 | ¥177,000 | — | — | — | — |
3 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 80.30 | ¥215,000 | ¥170,000 | ¥20,000 | ¥25,000 | Apt | 2007 |
| Ikeshita (H14) | 89.93 | ¥262,800 | ¥250,000 | ¥12,800 | Incl. | Apt | 2000 |
| Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 126.50 | ¥307,000 | ¥297,000 | ¥10,000 | Incl. | Apt | 2006 |
| Ikeshita (H14) | 103.76 | ¥319,962 | ¥290,000 | ¥16,462 | ¥13,500 | Apt | 2007 |
| Kakuozan (H15) | 89.72 | ¥350,750 | ¥320,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥15,750 | Apt | 2005 |
| Ikeshita (H14) | 135.46 | ¥430,000 | ¥430,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 2006 |
| Average | 104.27 | ¥314,252 | ¥293,000 | — | — | — | — |
4 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hisaya-Odori (M06, S06) | 181.00 | ¥290,000 | ¥290,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1992 |
| Ikeshita (H14) | 112.57 | ¥368,362 | ¥320,000 | ¥30,362 | ¥18,000 | Apt | 2008 |
| Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 168.95 | ¥370,000 | ¥370,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1987 |
| Higashiyama Koen (H17) | 179.71 | ¥395,000 | ¥375,000 | Incl. | ¥20,000 | House | 1999 |
| Kakuozan (H15) | 176.98 | ¥420,000 | ¥420,000 | Incl. | Incl. | Apt | 1999 |
| Motoyama (H16, M17) | 198.72 | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2004 |
| Average | 169.65 | ¥407,227 | ¥395,833 | — | — | — | — |
5 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikeshita (H14) | 181.00 | ¥290,000 | ¥290,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1992 |
| Issha (H19) | 280.47 | ¥500,000 | ¥500,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 2008 |
| Average | 230.73 | ¥395,000 | ¥395,000 | — | — | — | — |
6 Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imaike (H13, S08) | 201.61 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1996 |
| Average | 201.61 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | — | — | — | — |
7+ Bedrooms
| Station | ㎡ | Monthly cost | Rent | Maintenance fee | Parking | Type | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issha (H19) | 276.18 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | Incl. | Incl. | House | 1981 |
| Average | 276.18 | ¥350,000 | ¥350,000 | — | — | — | — |
Transportation
The predominate subway line serving the area is the Higashiyama Subway line, which traverses the city from Nagoya Station all the way east to Fujigaoka. It is intersected at Motoyama by the Meijo line which loops around the city and connects to most of the city’s subway lines at some point. Once you hit Imaike Station, which connects to the Sakura-dori line, you are, for all intents and purposes, back in the city.
At Chikusa station, the Higashiyama line connects to the JR rail line which serves Nagoya Station, Kanayama and Tsurumai as well as points farther from town.
Train Access
- Chikusa Station on the JR Chūō Main Line
- Imaike, Ikeshita, Kakuōzan, Motoyama, Higashiyama Kōen, and Hoshigaoka Stations on the Higashiyama Subway Line
- Imaike and Fukiage Stations the Sakuradori Subway Line
- Chayagasaka, Jiyūgaoka, Motoyama, and Nagoya Daigaku Stations the Meijio Subway Line
Highway Access
- Route 2 of the Nagoya Expressway
- Japan National Route 153
Photo by Hustvedt (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons
May 19, 2016
Osaka is the Tenka no Daidokoro (the Nation’s Kitchen) – Not What You Think
Before the world bought into the abstract concept of money – whereby a piece of metal or paper can stand in for something of real value – trade was conducted in commodities that had actual value. In the Mediterranean, one of those commodities was salt, and we still have remnants of that trade with words like “salary.”
In Japan, one of the earliest valuable trade items was rice. Members of the samurai class centuries ago were paid in rice, not money. Landlords accepted rent in rice. Rice was the medium of exchange in Japan and the biggest and busiest rice brokers operated out of the Dōjima area in Osaka. And in 1697 a license from the shogunate established the official Dōjima Rice Exchange.
A Misnomer
Thanks to the Dōjima Rice Exchange, Osaka has earned the sobriquet “the tenka no daidokoro” (the nation’s kitchen). But it was not recipes the Osaka rice brokers were cooking up – it was money. The rice trade was ridiculously profitable and Japan’s early economy revolved around the harvests.
Gradually the rice brokers evolved into moneychangers as paper money was introduced to represent rice. Over time the lion’s share of economic transactions was handled by the brokers at the Dōjima Rice Exchange who were independent contractors. They would hold rice in “accounts,” make loans and dispense withdrawals. The exchange became the forerunner of Japan’s banking system, first in the city and then the prefecture and eventually across the entire Tokugawa shogunate which ruled until 1868 and the restoration of imperial rule.
The Kitchen Grows
The merchants of Osaka did not restrict their activities to rice. The city was the traditional port of call for trading ships and feudal lords from the far reaches of Japan built private warehouses on Osaka docks to handle their own trading activities.
Since a Japanese kitchen was the storage area of the house, Osaka was commonly known as “the tenka no daidokoro” (the nation’s kitchen). So it was this function as a giant pantry and not the abundance of fine cooking that linked Osaka with the kitchen in the national consciousness.
The Merchant City Goes Gourmet
Osaka’s nickname grew from its fame as a merchant city but it has picked up a few signature dishes along the way. Okonomiyaki is a delectable confection somewhere between an omelette and a pancake that is stuffed with meat or seafood and baked with noodles. Kitsune udon takes fried tofu and layers it on top of a thick noodle soup.
A sushi unique to the Osaka region is Hakozushi, which cooks or cures the ingredients in a bamboo box. The Osaka style sushi is then cut into small squares and sold – often six to a box. Popular choices are mackerel sushi, poached shrimp, sea eel, and red snapper. For snacking on the streets of Osaka pick up a boat of round balls of Takoyaki, a snack of wheat batter filled with minced octopus, pickled ginger, green onion, and tempura.
More globefish is consumed in Osaka than anywhere else in Japan. Since globefish contains a deadly poison it is necessary for chefs to earn a special license to prepare it for human consumption, a test first administered in Osaka and now mandatory throughout the country. A special knife is required to filet the globefish for the hot-pot dish known affectionately as “techiri” among devotees, a shorthand for foodies for tessa sashimi.
By No machine-readable author provided. [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
May 17, 2016
The Tunnels of Mount Ikoma Bridge the Cultures of Osaka and Nara
The city of Osaka is sheltered on the shores of Osaka Bay to the south and east by the Ikoma Mountains. This is great for defense, especially in olden days but in modern times the natural barrier caused more isolation than was desirable for the growing seaside population.
Enter the Osaka Electric Railway Company in 1910. The company was formed with the express intent to link Osaka to the Japanese inland city of Nara and markets beyond. The plan called for constructing a railway tunnel through Mount Ikoma, the highest of the Ikoma Mountain peaks at 642 meters.
A Sacred Place
Looming over the city, Mount Ikoma was a place of worship for the people of Osaka as far back as the 5th century when a shrine was built at the foot of the mountain. Buddhist monks lived and trained on its slopes a millennium ago and the popular Hozan-ji temple was erected in the 17th century.
The sacred mountain did not take kindly to having its innards clawed out by the hordes of workers required to dig a tunnel over 3,000 meters long. On January 26, 1913 the tunnel collapsed, burying 152 workers in the rubble. Nonetheless the tunnel, one of the longest in the world, was completed in 1914.
Osaka Transformed
With the opening of the passageway through the Ikoma Mountains, Osaka and Mount Ikoma entered a new era. With the ease of public transportation, religious pilgrims flocked to the mountainside – there are now said to be over 300 religious institutions practicing on Mount Ikoma.
For others, Mount Ikoma became a recreation destination, a favorite for picnickers and sightseers. Inns sprouted below the ridgeline to accommodate the pleasure seekers and in 1918 cable cars began running to the summit. The Ikoma Cable Railway is the oldest in Japan. The Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park opened to cater to the many families who came to Mount Ikoma. Most dramatically, Nara developed into a bedroom community for downtown Osaka workers.
More tunnels
All was not fun and games on Mount Ikoma, however. As the Osaka Electric Railway Company bought up other lines to evolve into the Kinetsu Corporation and become the largest Japanese rail concern outside of Japan Railways, there were still incidents with its tunnel. One train fire deep under Mount Ikoma claimed 98 casualties, including the loss of 23 passengers. Another fire injured 40 people.
The worst disaster occurred on March 31, 1948 when a brake failure sent one train barreling into the rear of another. Forty-nine people were killed and another 282 injured. The original tunnel was closed in 1964 when a new Nara Line was built out of Osaka. The new tunnel sports dual lines to better avoid those early disasters.
Even newer tunnels and lines have been constructed through the Ikoma Mountains in the past half-century but one fact cannot be altered even by the increased connectivity – the mountains still serve as a cultural wall between the traditions of the Nara Prefecture and the Osaka Prefecture.
Mass Ave 975 at the Wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
May 11, 2016
The Great Japan Beer Festival Tokyo – Beer Fest 2017
When I first arrived in Japan, I was somewhat disappointed by my perception of limited decent beer selections. It seemed that no matter where I went I could find nothing more on draft than the near identical brews of the ‘big 3’: Sapporo, Kirin and Asahi.
While these can be refreshing and are fine for cooling you down on the hot summer evenings, I still craved more. However, I soon found a burgeoning microbrewery movement that, in the last six months in particular, has exploded with a new craft beer place opening seemingly every week.
The Great Japan Beer Festival
Yes, craft beer (typically beer that is made by small or ‘micro’ breweries independent of the large brewing chains) has taken off in Japan in a big way, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Great Japan Beer Festival. Hosted by the Japan Craft Beer Association (JCBA), the Great Japan Beer Festival (also known as Beerfes) is Japan’s largest beer festival and has been going strong since its inaugural hosting in 1998.
The festival consists of three sessions of three and a half hours each over two days, essentially working on a nomihoudai, or ‘all-you-can-drink’, basis. You will be given a tasting glass on entry along with a list of the available beers. You take this glass to one of the stands with a beer you want to try, and you will be poured a small measure to taste, after which you can move on to as many stalls as you wish to sample.
Being indoors, the Great Japan Beer Festival is a little more formal than the many Oktoberfests and beer festivals that frequent the city. However, whether you are new to craft beers, or are a long-time enthusiast, it is a great introduction to some of the best beers of Japan as well as around the world.
Beerfes Tokyo tips:
- Do choose your time to suit your needs – There is invariably a long queue for entry, so if you are serious about your beer, it is advisable to get there early, as some of the more popular brews can vanish quickly. However, if you just want to enjoy the day at your own pace, after the first hour queues for the beer thin dramatically meaning you can go at your own pace.
- Don’t lose your glass – Your glass is your admission ticket, and with no glass you get no beer. Also, it is a nice little memento to take home with you.
- Do drink water and eat – Take plenty of water breaks, and have a bite to eat now and then, particularly if you are not a strong drinker. This helps you not only cleanse the palette so you can enjoy the next beer, but also to keep you upright.
- Don’t go overboard – The tasting glass may be small, and some breweries may only serve the tiniest of amounts, but it all adds up. If you are there from the beginning, you can be there for more than three hours of drinking, and some of these beers fall into the double figures alcohol by volume percentage-wise. Pace yourself if you want to enjoy the full day.
- Do rinse you glass – Using the rinsing stations regularly is important to ensure that the beer you are tasting isn’t being affected by the previous brew.
- Don’t forget to rank – Many enthusiasts will rank or keep notes on each beer. While this is not imperative, it really helps you remember which ones you enjoyed for future consumption, as after three hours the memory can get a little hazy.
- Do repeat things you like – Just because there are 200 beers to try, it doesn’t mean you can’t go back to something you have enjoyed, and the attendant staff are more than happy to refill your glass.
- Don’t drive – Both venues are easily accessible by public transport, so there is no need to bring your car. However, if you do drive, appoint a designated non-drinking driver. Stay safe, don’t drink and drive.
Great Japan Beer Festival 2017
BeerFes Tokyo
Where: The Garden Hall at Yebisu Garden Place in Tokyo
When: June 3 and 4, 2017
6/3(Sat)
Afternoon session 11:30 – 15:00 (Last call 14:45)
Evening session 16:00 – 19:30 (Last call 19:15)
6/4(Sun)
Sunday session 13:00 – 16:30 (Last call 16:15)
Price: Advance 4,800 JPY, at door 5,200 JPY
Website: www.beerfes.jp/index_beerfes_tyo_e.html
By Mark Guthrie
Photo: flickr.com “BeerFes 東京 2014 – 13” by cyberwonk (CC BY-SA 2.0)
May 10, 2016
Vietnam Festival and Vietnamese Restaurants in Tokyo
Some years ago, as those with youth and a seeming abundance of time on their hands tend to do, I went backpacking around South East Asia. Whilst there I fell deeply in love with Vietnam. Its scenery was staggering, its people were on the whole cheerful, and the food… My gosh the food!
If you’ve not had the pleasure, you can make up for it by popping over to the Vietnam Festival.
Yoyogi Park’s annual Vietnam Festival began in 2008 as a way of celebrating 35 years of international relations between Japan and Vietnam, and is a bright and exciting glimpse into the life of the South East Asian country. Created to promote cross-cultural understanding between the two countries it has grown exponentially, with nearly 200,000 visitors expected this year, and features music performances and other attractions that capture the nation’s charm.
Tokyo Vietnam Festival
The park in Shibuya will be awash with vendors in their Vietnam flag t-shirts and with nón lá conical hats upon their heads operating over 100 booths selling clothes, keepsakes, and of course food… Lord help me, the food! Whether you are slurping on a steaming bowl of pho, munching on a pork-filled Bánh xèo rice cake, or chewing on my favourite, a prawn stuffed Bánh mì sandwhich (I know Asia isn’t known for its bread, but when the French who colonised the area finally returned to Europe, they left behind them a love for baguettes and cheese) you can wash it all down with a cool refreshing 333 or Saigon Beer.
But it’s not just the cuisine that gets the festival treatment. The wide range of performances to enjoy including traditional Water Puppet shows and other acts. If you want to look the part you can find vendors selling jewelry and traditional attire, such as the elegant ao dai (a Vietnamese dress) and the less elegant, but by no means less traditional nón lá (straw hat).
The festival promises to be a vibrant, enjoyable glimpse into Vietnamese culture with so much great food. Ooooooh, the food!
Vietnam Festival 2017
-
- When: 10:00 – 20:00 on 2016.6.10 and 2016.6.11
- Website: www.vietnamfes.net
- Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya
Vietnamese Restaurants in Tokyo
If you can’t make it to the festival, or you simply can’t wait, why not try one of these Vietnamese restaurants in the capital?
My-Le – Kamata
My-Le (pronounced Mee Lay) is not your fanciest of restaurants. Tucked away on a back street among love hotels and izakayas, it is a little rough around the edges. However, you shouldn’t let that put you off. Having been in business for some 20 plus years under various owners, its most recent incarnation is frequently considered to be amongst the best Vietnamese food in the city and has a bright and contemporary feel. Reservations are imperative.
- Where: 5, 5 Chome-1-4 Kamata, Ota
- Tel: 03-3732-3185
Vietnam Alice – Shinjuku
A little closer to the center of the city, Vietnam Alice is a little more accessible than My-Le and is decidedly more upmarket (though still pretty affordable). Part of TV celebrity chef Yutaka Ishinabe’s Queen Alice chain, it serves fresh food including a wide array of pho noodle dishes. If you are unsure of what to go for, a good starter package is the Vietnam Alice Dinner Course, which includes a selection of spring rolls. Conveniently, the menu has the names of the dishes written in English.
- Where: Level 6 Lumine 1 Shopping Mall, Nishi-Shinjuku
- Website: www.vietnam-alice.com
- Tel: 03-5339-2033
Vietnamese Cyclo – Roppongi
Okay, Vietnamese Cyclo may not be the most authentic of Vietnamese restaurants, but it is well reviewed and is ideal if you are dining with people who have more mild palettes. It’s a stylish place just a couple minutes walk from Exit 3 of Roppongi Station, and the pho is pretty decent while the spring rolls are considered very good. The menu has English as well as photos, so it is easy to make selections and order.
- Where: B1F, 6-1-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku
- Website: www.tabelog.com
- Tel: 03-3478-4964
Nha Vietnam – Ebisu
Nha Vietnam was recommended by one of our staff in the Tokyo office! The spring rolls are reportedly very good, as is its atmosphere and ambiance. Come spend an evening in Ebisu, starting with some delicious Vietnamese food!
- Where: Tokyo, Shibuya, Ebisuminami, 1 Chome−93
- Website: www.nha-vietnam.info
- Tel: 03-3716-8088
Mark Guthrie
Image: flickr.com “GYO_1467“ by Nguyen Hung Vu (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) – Modified
