Home
Menu
Be it language courses, culture studies, or field trips to historic landmarks, The University of Tokyo provides its international students with plenty of opportunities to learn about Japan. One of the most underrated aspects of these efforts is accommodation and the exposure to a culture that international students gain through residence life. Indeed, what better way is there to learn about Japanese society than to actually live in it?
The University of Tokyo’s residence support system is very impressive, as seen in its Mejirodai International Village accommodation complex that offers English-speaking concierge service and fully equipped residences for international students. In addition to these international dormitories, the residence system offers various options for proximal apartments that are often overlooked by prospective students. Of course, the extensive support provided by the student dormitories is helpful, especially for first-year international students. But there are benefits and experiences that renting a private apartment has to offer that may not exist in these securely facilitated dormitories.
Perks of Apartments Over Dormitories
Before we discuss the various apartments most suitable for international students at The University of Tokyo, here are some benefits of living in an apartment that should encourage you to start searching for one!
Personal Space
Spending time with university students is fun, especially during the first year when it is easy for international students to feel homesick. But give it a couple of years, or maybe even months, and the excitement can start to wear off. Sometimes, having that boundary between school-life and private-life gives students the time and space for personal attention and care.
For such reasons, an apartment that is not filled with university classmates may be a refreshing option for some international students. Having that personal space will provide a better studying environment as well, which can be hard to find when surrounded by friends.
Independence
With independence comes responsibility, which is an important aspect of what many refer to as “adulting”.
Some responsibilities are universal, and they must be learned by young adults in any part of the world. Making your own meals, planning your chores, and managing your own financial costs are only a few of the universally recognized responsibilities that all adolescents should understand upon transitioning into adulthood.
The independence offered by apartments, in contrast to highly regulated dormitories, will instill common sense and knowledge as a global citizen.
Cultural Exposure
Yes, it will initially be difficult. There are many policies that are specific to Japan that may be overwhelming, such as the garbage disposal system, utility fee payments, and mannerisms when conversing with the landlord. But when considering the cultural awareness and Japanese language skills that you can gain from such challenging experiences, the independence of apartment residences offers more benefits in the long run!
Apartments Near The University of Tokyo
While The University of Tokyo does not have its own private accommodation management facilities, it has various partner companies that provide property management services for its students. One such partner company is the House Mate Partners Co. located in Higashi Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Below are several apartments offered by this company.
Urbia Monzennakacho
The Urbia Monzennakacho is recommended for students commuting to the Hongo Campus. The estimated commute time is 15 minutes by train with no transfers, and the 1-month train pass costs 4,660 JPY. For students studying at the Komaba Campus, the commute is approximately 35 minutes plus walking.
| Address: | 2-2-2, Monzen-nakacho, Koutou-ku, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Nearest Station: | 1 min walk to Monzen-nakacho station on Tokyo Metro, Tozai Line. 1 min walk to Monzen-nakacho station on Toei, Oedo Line. 6 mins walk to Ecchuujima station on JR Keiyo Line. |
| Room: | 1K , 23.12～24.31 meter-squared. |
| Building Facilities: | elevator, lockable building entrance door, home delivery box, bicycle parking lot |
| Onsite Facilities: | air-conditioner, water boiling system, gas stove, washlet type toilet, separate bath and toilet room, shower, wash basin with shower function, washing machine area, intercom with TV monitor screen, balcony |
| Room Equipment: | bed, bedclothes, table, chair, TV, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, rice cooker, kitchen goods, kitchen equipment, toilet equipment, bathroom equipment, hairdryer, curtain |
| Structure: | 12 stories |
| Constructed: | constructed in February 2003 |
For further information and photographs of the rooms, visit the official website:https://www.housemate-navi.jp/ut/monthly/m-monnaka_e.html
Roppongi Sunny Heights
While this apartment is slightly older and smaller than the other options, it is located in Roppongi, a popular tourist area for foodies and shoppers! It has an estimated 15-minute commute to the Hongo Campus, a 23-minute commute to Komaba Campus I, and a 18-minute commute to Komaba Campus II.
| Address: | 3-5-8, Ropponngi, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Nearest Station: | 6 min walk to Roppongi station on Tokyo Metro, Hibiya Line 4 min walk to Roppongi-itchome station on Tokyo Metro, Namboku Line |
| Room: | 1R 16.22 meter-squared |
| Building Facilities: | automatically lockable building entrance door. |
| Onsite Facilities: | air-conditioner, water boiling system, gas stove, separate bath and toilet room, shower, washing machine area, balcony |
| Room Equipment: | bed, bedclothes etc, desk, chair, TV, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, rice cooker, kitchen goods, kitchen equipment, toilet equipment, bathroom equipment, hairdryer, curtain |
| Structure: | 5 stories |
| Constructed: | January 1978 |
For further information and photographs of the rooms, visit the official website: https://www.housemate-navi.jp/ut/monthly/m-ropponngi1r_e.html
Avanzare Bunkyo Honkomagome
With larger rooms and newer facilities, this apartment is suitable for those students willing to pay slightly higher rent. With a 4-minute train ride and a 1-minute walk, the Avanzare Bunkyo Honkomagome is extremely close to the Hongo Campus!
| Address: | 6-24-4, Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Nearest Station: | 1 min walk to Komagome station on Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. 2 min walk to Komagome station on JR Yamanote Line. |
| Room: | 1K , 28.83~31.27 meter-squared. |
| Building Facilities: | elevator, automatically lockable building entrance door |
| Onsite Facilities: | air-conditioner, water boiling system, gas stove, washlet type toilet, separate bath and toilet room, shower, drying system in bathroom, wash basin with shower function, washing machine area, intercom with TV monitor screen, balcony |
| Room Equipment: | bed, bedclothes, desk, chair, TV, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, rice cooker, kitchen goods, kitchen equipment, toilet equipment, bathroom equipment, hairdryer, curtain |
| Structure: | 13 stories |
| Constructed: | constructed in April 2002 |
For further information and photographs of the rooms, visit the official website: https://www.housemate-navi.jp/ut/monthly/m-komagome_e.html
Diamond Residence Nishinippori
This apartment is especially convenient for a student taking classes at the Hongo Campus and looking for a smaller living space. The estimated commutes are 4 minutes, 25 minutes, and, 36 minutes by train to the Hongo Campus, the Kashiwa Campus, and the Komaba Campus respectively. The Diamond Residence Nishinippori also has direct access to Narita Airport with the Keisei Skyliner, which is convenient for international students!
| Address: | 5 Nishinippori, Arakawaku, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Nearest Station: | 5 min walk to Nishinippori station on the JR Yamanote Line |
| Room: | 1R (8.76～16.20㎡) |
| Onsite Facilities: | security system, air conditioner, boiler, shower. |
| Room Equipment: | One futon set, refrigerator, dining table, curtain |
| Structure: | 4 floors with 17 rooms |
| Constructed: | February 1985 |
For further information and photographs of the rooms, visit the official website: https://www.housemate-navi.jp/ut/contents04_e.html
Higashi-Hatsuishi Apartment
This apartment is suitable for students commuting to the Kashiwa Campus, which takes approximately 10 minutes to commute by train. While there is also an 28-minute walking distance from the Kashiwanoha Campus Station to the Kashiwa Campus, students can take a shuttle bus that runs between the two locations. Equipped with a dining room, a Japanese-style tatami room, a bedroom, and a bathroom, the Higashi-Hatsuishi Apartment is a comfortable option for students of the Kashiwa Campus!
| Address: | 5, Higashi hatuishi, Nagareyama-shi, Chiba |
|---|---|
| Nearest Station: | 16 mins walk to Tobu, Tsukuba Express Line, Nagareyama-Otakanomori station |
| Room: | 1R , 28.05 meter-squared |
| Building Facilities: | elevator |
| Onsite Facilities: | air-conditioner, water boiling system, gas stove, washlet type toilet, separate bath and toilet room, shower, washing machine placement area |
| Room Equipment: | One futon set, refrigerator, dining table, curtain |
For further information and photographs of the rooms, visit the official website: https://www.housemate-navi.jp/ut/contents08_e.html
Finding Your Dream Apartment
It is easy to feel intimidated by the level of independence that comes with renting an apartment. The University of Tokyo does not directly manage the initial apartment hunting and contracting processes, and the students must learn the basic procedures of renting and living in a Japanese apartment. However, the university does provide various support systems for students residing in apartments. A detailed guidebook on renting apartments in Japan is provided on the Housing Office website, and the Head of the International Support Group offers a ‘Joint Guarantor Assistance System’ to act as a guarantor for international students.
Why not take this transitioning phase of your life to rent an apartment and start adulthood? For more information on the House Mate Group, as well as the University of Tokyo’s Housing Office, you can follow the links provided in the Reference section below! Happy readings!
References
“Housemate Group, Collaborating with the University of Tokyo.” International Student Housing, www.housemate-navi.jp/ut/index_e.html.
“Housing Office: Housing Information: Private Accommodations.” Housing Office | Housing Information | Private Accommodations, www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/adm/housing-office/en/housing/minkan/index.html.