Hello everyone! I am new to this forum, so please let me know if this post would be more suitable in another subreddit.
I currently live in the U.S. and recently accepted an offer from a company in Tokyo. I am making plans for my relocation. Here are some of my questions/concerns:
- My COE application was submitted on June 30th. After checking other reddit posts and Tokyo immigration agency website, it seems that recent COE processing time can be quite long ( over 2 months for Tokyo office). This uncertainty in COE processing time causes some trouble searching for a temporary, fully furnished monthly apartment, as I cannot settle on a move-in date. I have been checking the website of Hmlet every day for the past two weeks, and it seems that their properties are booked up quite quickly for an approximate move-in date around mid-September. So my question is, should I (1) just go ahead and sign a lease starting from mid-September to "lock in" a satisfactory property, but at the risk that my COE might not be approved at that time, or (2) just keep waiting until I get my COE and then sign a lease, but at the risk that my prefered property might be booked up at that time? Or, equivalently, how often does Hmlet add new available properties, and usually, how long before my actual move-in date should I start signing a lease with them?
- Although I have not started looking for long-term apartments, I am considering whether I should bring my U.S. queen-size mattress ( 60" x 80"). I have heard that it can be hard to fit into typical apartments in Tokyo. Although the company is paying for the shipping, I would need to pay any temporary storage fees in Japan, and if it could not fit into a long-term apartment, I would need to ditch it in Tokyo, which I am not sure if it is an easy thing to do.
Thank you very much for any advice or suggestions!
by BuildingFlashy1843
2 comments
1. I would wait until your COE is approved. It might take two months, it might take three months, or more.
2. I wouldn’t bring a mattress, seems more of a hassle than anything. You can buy a mattress or futon here.
COE processing times vary depending on several factors. Things such as the type of visa you’ll be applying for, and the notoriety of your employer can also impact the timeline.
Since it appears you’re getting some sort of relocation package, have you confirmed with your employer that they won’t be providing a short term apartment for your first month in Japan? If not, then do you have a start date for your employment in Japan? If not, then I’d wait until you have confirmation of that before booking anything.
With regards to your question about bringing a queen sized mattress, there are a couple points to consider. The main concern is what type of place will you be renting? Even if you’re looking at apartments with an elevator, there’s the possibility that the elevator isn’t large enough for your mattress. Companies will charge you extra if they have to walk it up the stairs, and if you’re on too high of a floor, they’ll flat out refuse it.
If you’re looking specifically at rentals for expats, you’ll likely have space for the mattress. If you’re looking at typical Japanese apartments, then it’s very much a “maybe”. Case in point – I moved into a brand new 2LDK last year, and my queen size mattress takes up most of the bedroom (to the point where there’s less than a foot of room on either side of the bed). In my previous expat focused rental, there was plenty of room for the bed and two dressers. Whether or not you’ll have space for a queen size mattress will depend heavily on the size and layout of your unit, both of which come with a premium in Tokyo.
Lastly, mattress sizing differs between the US and Japan. While they may both be labeled “queen”, a Japanese queen mattress is smaller than its US counterpart. This can be problematic when trying to purchase sheets or bedding, so it’s also something to be aware of.
On the topic of disposing of things in Japan, it’s definitely an option. You can try to sell it via Facebook Marketplace on the so-called Sayonara Sales, but failing that, you will have to pay to dispose of it. The shipping company will likely have a service for this on the Japan side, and can provide more information if/when it comes to that.