Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011

These days, staying at a guesthouse is a lifestyle choice—not only for students and travelers on working holidays, but also foreign business people and even local Japanese. And when it comes to shared accommodations, no one beats Japan’s No. 1 guesthouse agency, Oakhouse! Residents at Oakhouse properties can enjoy interacting with people from over 40 countries, with a full schedule of parties and other social events.

Introducing Oakhouse’s Newest Guesthouse

Ryotei Fukui opened on December 4, 2010 in the shitamachi area. It’s an extremely convenient location—just 8 minutes away from Hibiya line Iriya station, and 9 minutes from Uguisudani on the JR Yamanote line. The house’s exterior is reminiscent of a traditional Kyoto restaurant, while the interior’s simple monochrome color scheme and classic design elements combine to create a relaxed, old-school feel. Naturally, all of the mod cons you’ll need are there, too: every room comes with an air conditioner, fridge, furniture and bedding.

Rotei Fukui is a safe, comfortable guesthouse for women with 10 rooms. The rent fee is ¥63,000 per month (screening required—ask for details), and applications are being taken now. Email: info@oakhouse.jp For more info about Ryotei Fukui see the Oakhouse website.

About Oakhouse

Founded in 1992 to serve both foreign and Japanese clients, Oakhouse specializes in guesthouses and apartments, and has over 120 locations 2,000 rooms throughout Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama. Customers choose the location and room type that suit their needs, and there’s no deposit, key money or guarantor necessary. All that’s required is a small application fee (between ¥5,000-¥20,000) and one month’s rent (including utility fees), with a minimum stay of one month. Overseas applications and payment by credit card are accepted.

The company’s multilingual information center in Akihabara is open seven days a week, and its website features seasonal campaigns, event information and residents’ weblogs containing useful tips on guesthouse life and living in Tokyo.

Akihabara Guesthouse Information Desk: 5F Akihabara Square Bldg, 5-3-2 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku. Tel: 03-3861-2411. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun & hols noon-6pm. Nearest stn: Asakusabashi or Akihabara. www.oakhouse.jp/eng