Tokyo is a popular city with a population of 14 million people. We decided to move here for an year to explore places and do something different. Tokyo offers many places to stay, with rental prices varing based on location, size, and the age of the property. Typically, in a one-bedroom apartment, you would need to pay utility bills separately. As foreigners in Japan, we chose one-bedroom apartment with all bills included.
We booked 'Blueground', which, although slightly above our initial budget, turned out to be an ideal choice given several factors. This is a long-term stay place for over a month. When we arrived to the apartment, it was pretty everything we needed.
I'm sharing some photos and personal thoughts below.
We have arrived at Blueground in Shinjuku city with 5 travel cases.
The newly built apartment gave me a nice and fresh feeling after long-haul flight.
When I first saw this place, it was really impressive. Everything was well-maintained and very modern.
On the gound floor, you can see a community room.
There was a vending machine with refreshing drinks.
A plenty of seatings are there and it has a kind of WeWork place vibe. - It's quite and modern.
This apartment is more like for business travellers, overseas students, or young couples.
It has a lot of seating areas, giving you comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
And, you also see this study room on the ground floor.
I only saw few people using this space.
It has a booth with big screen. I guess it's meant for meetings.
This is 1st floor with a beautiful big window you can see outside.
Some more vending machines are here. I haven't seen these kinds of food machines before.
You can get from ice cream to quick microwavable snacks.
Let's go to the room. The lift on the ground floor actually has a screen where you can see inside, which gives you peace of mind. - You never know who might be in there, and you could end up bumping into someone!
The lift is pretty big and fast. it's quite large apartment building but, you don't see many people :)
This is a living / lounge area. It's small and compact but, pretty much has everything you need.
The dining table is good size just for two people.
It's outside balcony where you can get some fresh air and feel the weather. It's not the biggest balcony but it does the job :)
I quite like the kitchen since everything is brand new. However, there's not much space on the countertop.
I didn't have to run to Ikea to buy any kitchen supplies.
Here is the bedroom. It's more like air b&b offering everything you need.
The bed is firm and one side is completely attached to the wall. So only one person can use the table lamp.
This is a little closet / storage in the room next to the standing mirror. It's pretty small but, they have extra linen, power converter etc which are very helpful.
This is the shower room. As Japanese people do bath alot, there is a specific controller on a wall to adjust temperature, water level etc. We were provided with a manual for English translation for Japanese writing buttons. Otherwise, we would be super confused!
The toilet is Japanese style toilet and has lots of space to put things.
It's seprated from bathroom and equipped with a basin you can wash your hands. I thought this is really Japanese style.
It's quite well designed compact one bedroom flat (appx. 40㎡).
I think it is definately not cheap for small apartment but, it is in Tokyo and apartment itself is very modern.
Summer in Japan is very humid with high temperatures. This apartment has two air conditioner(one in the lounge and the other in the room) and they help alot.
The apartment is right next to Takadanobaba area with lots of restaurants and supermarkets.
It's quite busy but, very convenient for travellers for quick shopping.
And, about 10 minutes away by walk, there's a two-story supermarket.
They do various fresh foods at reasonable prices. I think most of the customers there are Japanese :)
Blueground apartment is not cheap but, quite decent.
The location is good. It's all furnished with all bills included.
I think these are absolutely key things for travelers.
This posting is based on my own thoughts and not sponsored at all !
Hope it helps other people choose a long-term place to stay.
Below is a link if you would like to have a look of this place.
https://www.theblueground.com/furnished-apartments-tokyo
Enjoy your Tokyo trip.