CJGuide : Apartment Icons

--Pithy Epigraph Goes Here--

These are examples of the kinds of symbols an apartment hunter will find on Japanese language advertisements posted in real estate shop windows or published in free bulletins left in and around train stations. (Your humble editor knows one agency that leaves its bulletins on a milk crate in the middle of a busy side walk.)

Do note that not every agency uses icons like these. In most cases, however, the features will be listed with the same kanji.

No "Key Money" (non-refundable deposit) required.

The front door comes equipped with an auto locking mechanism.

Pets Allowed. It's also possible to see Piano Allowed.

Apartment includes a private garden.

Apartment includes a camera-equipped intercom system to monitor front door.

Apartment includes a loft space.

The building has an elevator.

Apartment comes equipped with an air conditioner.

Apartment comes equipped with light fixtures.

Apartment has a Unit Bath. (Toilet and bath are in the same room, as in a hotel.)

Apartment's bath and toilet are in separate rooms.

Apartment has a shower rather than a bath.

Apartment's bathtub equipped with a mechanism to reheat bath water without using more water.

Apartment has a space inside for a washing machine. In many places, the washing machine goes outside.

Apartment has a central water heater. In older places, only one faucet and the shower are heated.

Apartment building has a place for parking bicycles.

Apartment comes equipped with cable television access.

Apartment comes equipped with access to Japan's Broadcast Satellite channels.

Apartment has a balcony. (As do most apartments. This "feature" may actually hide a lack of features.)

One or more rooms are covered with linoleum or other flooring rather than tatami straw mats.

Apartment has at least one closet. (Again, this "feature" may indicate a lack of real features.)

Something in the kitchen or bathroom is tiled.

Apartment is equipped with a bay window.

Checklist | Issues to Ponder | Where to Apply | Things to Bring | Where to Live | Things to Read | Links | Your Humble Editor