You should keep an open mind about your living situation. Your predecessor is the best person to advise you on what to expect, so don’t be afraid to ask them plenty of questions. They can also provide you with photos or video to give you a better understanding of you future accommodation.

Types of Housing

The dreaded “ask your Contracting Organization” and “Every Situation Is Different” unfortunately apply to housing too.  Depending on your placement there are some considerable variations in terms of size, type, condition, furnishings, and location.  JET housing can range in size from a small studio apartment to a large 3 tatami-room house large enough for a family of four!

Prefectural ALTs can have apartments that range from one-room Leopalaces, standard public servant housing, or larger properties. Municipal ALTs are often provided with a house/unit or an apartment that is either owned by the town or city they work for or is rented from a private landlord via the Board of Education. The Saga City and Arita CIRs live in apartments arranged by their COs.
**Some COs in recent years have asked new JETs to find entirely new housing instead of inheriting from their predecessor. In this case, hopefully your supervisor will help you out with the process, and you can certainly ask your predecessor/other JETs in the area for neighborhood recommendations.

Key Money and Rent

Rent for Ken JETs is usually heavily subsidized and will account for a fraction of your paycheck. You will be expected to pay a 50,000円 security deposit on arrivla that will be used to pay for any damages/cleaning upon your departure (the remainder will be given back to you). If you are privately renting, or a Municipal JET, please check details with your contracting organisation.

Some JETs have their rent automatically deducted from their paychecks, while other get an invoice from their supervisors and are required to physically pay their rent (and sometimes other bills) each month.

**While it is currently possible to pay your rent via Pay Easy / Saga Bank Online Service, this is being suspended in September of 2025. As of May 2025 you can still download the Saga Bank App to view your balance and transfer money. After September you will need to either go to the bank to pay your rent, or find a Pay Easy ATM.**

Utilities

Most utilities like electricity, gas, water, and a phone line will already be switched over to your name and functional by the time you arrive, or you will do this in the days following your arrival. The exception is your internet access which can take a few weeks to have arranged (see below).

You might want to request to have payment of your utilities to be done via direct debit from your bank account. Alternatively, you can pay your electric and water bills at the convenience store with cash. Gas will likely be switched on the day you arrive, and you can choose direct debit or credit card. Ask your predecessor what their situation was like to get an idea of what might be in store for you as far as about how much your monthly utilities will cost. If your bills do not automatically deduct you should be diligent about checking and deciphering your mail–bills come in many shapes and sizes and you don’t want to let them go unpaid!

Internet

Internet setup usually takes weeks depending on where you live, so get the process started as soon as possible.

In some situations your contracting organization may be able to start the process of getting internet service in your residence even before you have arrived, but you will need to let them know. There are many options and providers. Depending on your housing situation, you may only be able to use a plug-in mobile unit (essentially a sim card in a box) which are servicable but slower than ground connections. But you likely won’t be able to have a technician rip through walls/floors to install a fibre connection!

This site gives a pretty clear overview of your options and things to consider.You can also find representatives at major electronics stores. If you are completely lost, your supervisor, DRs, and PA will certainly be able to assist you.

Most schools also have internet access either via a communal computer or a line to your desk, and there are a few internet cafes in the larger cities. At the very least, a kind local JET might also be willing to let you use their computer/internet for emergencies while you’re waiting.

Upon arrival

When you are taken to your apartment or house for the first time by your supervisor, try to find out the following:

• How to turn on/set the temperature of the water heater if applicable
• The location of the fuse box
• How to use the air conditioning and shower
• Where you can park your car/scooter/bicycle
• How to turn on the gas stove

Your predecessor will have hopefully left you instructions on how things in your apartment work. For tips about surviving the extremes of winter and summer click here.