For AIMR Members

Accommodation

(Accessible from outside)

In Sendai where Tohoku University locates, Faculty/Staff Housing and University House Katahira are available for foreign researchers. However, most researchers find private apartments. Thus, Tohoku University provides useful information about good residences and housing available for foreign researchers.

• 1. Faculty/Staff Housing
• 2. International House Sanjo 1
• 3. University House Katahira
• 4. Private Flat
• 5. Katahira Hall
• 6. Student Dormitories

1. Faculty/Staff Housing

Qualification

Full time researchers at Tohoku University (except for short-term employees or temporary employees).
As there are some additional exceptions, please ask Property Management Section (ext.: 5924, E-mail: aimr-yodo@grp.tohoku.ac.jp) if you are qualified.

Application Period

The application will be always accepted. However, you need to apply by one month before the date you would like to move into. If you want to apply, please contact Property Management Section.

Residence Period

There is no restriction unless you lose the qualification to move into.

Features

• Faculty/Staff Housing has much cheaper rent than private properties, but it is somewhat far from the campuses.
• Selections are made based on the “Record of Intending to Move-into/Change Tohoku University Faculty/Staff Housing” submitted from each department. As such, you cannot choose your accommodation or room yourself.
• There are two types of rooms: a Single room and a Family room.
• No furniture is provided.
• Deposits, key money, commission and other such costs, as applied for private properties, are not required.
• Depending on the accommodation, money may be collected for weeding and common areas.
• Applying to connect utility services such as electricity, gas, and water is required.

• Ref: Tohoku University Faculty/Staff Handbook

2. International House Sanjo 1

Qualification

Foreign Researchers
(Except for full-time employee and Business Travelers)

Application Period

Reservations are accepted from 6 months prior to the planned move-in date, please contact the International Affairs Center at ext. 5971 or email iac@grp.tohoku.ac.jp to apply.

Residence Period

From 14 days to 1 year.

Features

• Furnished and more affordable than private properties.
• There are two types of rooms: Couple and Family.
• Security Deposits, key money, commission, and similar costs are not required, but a deposit of 30,000 yen applies for stays of three months or more.
• Japanese proficiency is not required as this residence is for international guests.
• A notice board at this residence is actively used to share information on moving sales, events, and other updates.

• Ref: International House Sanjo 1 (Tohoku University International Support Center website)

3. University House Katahira

Qualification

Foreign Researchers
(Except for full-time employee and Business Travelers)

Application Period

Reservations are accepted from 6 months prior to the planned move-in date, please contact the International Affairs Center at ext. 5971 or email iac@grp.tohoku.ac.jp to apply.

Residence Period

From 1 month to 2 years.

Features

• Furnished and more affordable than private properties.
• There are four types of rooms: Unit-type Single, Single, Couple, and Family.
• Security Deposits, key money, commission, and similar costs are not required; however, a 30,000 yen deposit is charged for stays of three months or more.
• Japanese proficiency is not required as this residence is for international guests.
• As the closest accommodation to AIMR and relatively newly constructed, it is common to be placed on a waiting list.

• Ref: University House Katahira (Tohoku University International Support Center website)

4. Private Flat

For the good residences for foreign researchers, please refer to the website "Apartment List for foreigners." Rent and other charges vary according to location and type of accommodation. The following are rough estimates.

• Residence fee/rent(monthly) : Furnished Single room: 65,000 yen– | Family room: 120,000 yen–.
• Electricity, gas, and water : Paid by resident; varies by usage.
• Shikikin, Reikin required.

To rent an apartment or house in Japan, you need to find a joint surety for a lease in most cases. But it is sometimes difficult for foreign researchers to find a joint surety.
If you can’t find a joint surety, please consult with landed properties and find the apartment which is available to the private servicer of a joint surety.

Shikikin (Deposit)	When renting a room or apartment, it is customary for the tenant to pay an amount equal to two to three months' rent in addition to the regular monthly rent. This is to guarantee on-time payment of rent and cover possible repair expenses when moving out. A portion of this guarantee may be refunded when moving out.
Reikin (Key money)	When renting a room or apartment, the tenant may also be asked to pay Reikin or Nyukan-hi, a kind of premium customarily paid in appreciation for the use of the room or apartment. The usual amount is equal to one or two months' rent. This is not refundable.
Rentaihoshonin (Joint guarartor)	A guarantor is someone who is willing to accept the obligation of paying on the lessor’s behalf in case the lessor is unable to pay. The landlord reserves the right to seek payment from the guarantor if the lessor does not pay the rent by the time the lease period expires, or to pay for any uncompensated damage to the room. A joint guarantor must be an "adult who makes an independent living", and therefore must have a stable income. Japanese may ask a parent or relative to be their guarantor, but foreign researchers must find their own guarantor in Japan.

The Tohoku University International Support Center assists in finding accommodation, which includes property searches, arranging viewings, handling contract procedures, and managing public utility services such as electricity, gas, and water. If you want to apply, please contact International Affairs Center (ext.5971, E-mail: iac@grp.tohoku.ac.jp).

• Ref: Post-Arrival Support (Tohoku University International Support Center (ISC) website)

5. Katahira Hall

Qualification

Faculty and staff members of Tohoku University, and other individuals whose use is deemed necessary for the advancement of the university’s education and research.

Application Period

From 1 month to 3 days prior to your intended stay, please check availability on the Faculty and Staff Groupware and submit the application form directly to Property Management Section II of the Property Management Division in the Finance Department. For more details, please refer to their website.

• Information on Katahira Hall (in Japanese)

Usage Period

• Domestic Residents: Generally, up to 1 month.
• Overseas Residents (those visiting for joint research with our university): Generally, up to 2 months.
  *For inquiries regarding the maximum number of accommodation days, please contact Property Management Section II of the Property Management Division in the Finance Department directly.

Features

• A budget-friendly accommodation, located on the Katahira Campus.
• It does not have an elevator, dining facilities, or kitchen equipment.

6. Student Dormitories

Qualification

Short-term visiting trainees

Application Period

From 1 to 6 months prior to the planned move-in date, please submit the application form to the International Affairs Center at ext. 5971 or via email at iac@grp.tohoku.ac.jp. For more information, please refer to the links below.

• Application Guide and Application Form
• Ref）Finding Accommodation (Student Dormitories) (ISC website)

Residence Period

From 1 month to 1 year (up to 2 years in some dormitories)