The day I had been dreaming about had finally arrived -- it was time to go house hunting in Japan! After watching about 3 seasons of House Hunters International (HHI) on HGTV, I had all my lingo down (e.g., Oh, this is a nice space. Oh, nice on-suite, eh (for all the Canadian shows).) Our plans were almost foiled by the damn overpriced (with the discounts, $31/hour!) Japanese baby-sitting service that suddenly told us that no one was coming to watch the boys that day. THERE ARE NO CHILDREN ON HHI. For a reason. Max and Zac on a househunting trip...hahahahahahahaha. Right. But, all was saved by my powers of international bitchiness, and we got a sitter...just a little later than expected. So, we were off with Takai-san and Endo-san, who spoke great English. We saw about 8 places that day I think, and it was a wide variety in several different neighborhoods. In true HHI style, we had narrowed it down to three completely different places OF COURSE. Will Jenny and Greg choose the high rise tower with amazing city views and modern amenities, but in a more commercial location? Will they choose the swanky updated apartment, but a far walk from the grocery store and parks? Or, will they choose the older apartment with not as many updates, but in the desired, family friendly neighborhood with an outdoor play area and pool?
And....dramatic pause and commercial break for paint and the fourth series given to The Property Brothers....The Lamberts chose Apartment #3!
We put in an "application" at Apartment #3, Hiroo Towers, which is in Minami-Azabu/Hiroo area, which is in my favorite area of Tokyo -- so many cool shops and restaurants, and it has lots of stuff for kids like a big park and even a Gymboree. That pool is gonna be awesome -- it has a kiddie pool, so the boys will love it. It's also home to many expats, so it has a large (i.e., for Tokyo, the size of a QT) international grocery store, etc. Yes -- we're in a foreign country, but a few creature comforts from home won't hurt, right? Here's a link:
http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/rentalapartment/B0000157/hiroo-towers/
Not sure when we can move in yet, but we should find out soon I hope.
Well! Good luck to both of ya on this house hunting international situation! It sounds like it is WAY MORE difficult in Tokyo, Japan to find a decent place to live in, than it does in NYC!!!! And if Tokyo is filled with as many lying, money hungry, back stabbing, two faced real estate bastard agents as NYC is...then we cant wait for the announcent in three months that you've found a place to "settle" in until your next door neighbors die!
ReplyDeleteI love HHI! How awesome is that, great job narrowing from 8 to 3 and then 1! That place looks lovely, I like the kitchen a lot and very spacious. What a great experience! Can't wait for the Fullers to take Japan and come see ya one day soon.
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