My apartment

Besides the tax free income, every JET participant is guaranteed recommended housing by their contract organization. While that could be anything from a roach-infested shared dormitory to an entire house, I am lucky to have been given an apartment in the upper middle part of the spectrum. While my building, named Faburu house/Tsukamoto house, is not the greatest location in terms of nightlife/things to do, it is 5 minutes away from my Board of Education/one of my schools and is newer than any of the apartments that other JETS in this area have gotten. Perhaps 10-15 years old, the Tsukamoto building stands a pround 2 stories high tucked away in a residential neighborhood known as Shojima-machi (Shojima town). It is surrounded by middle class houses on all sides. Luckily, Popular convinience store is a mere 150 meters away which makes it easy to get to for any drink/food/bill paying needs I might have. In terms of annoyances, the closest grocery store is a 10 minute bike ride away, but next month that all will change when the 24 hour grocery store that is being built across the street opens up.

In terms of the apartment itself, for 450 dollars a month (half of which is covered by my contracting organization), I get a 2, 6 tatami room apartment (1 tatami is around 4x3 so its like 10x7 or so), plus a kitchen/bathroom. While not the biggest in terms of size, it definitely is more than enough for one person. I spend most of my time in my living/bed room as it is the only air conditioned room. The seasons are changing however so its not as hot as it was before. Pics to follow.