Hey all, I'm headed to Yokosuka (Navy) in a few weeks here, and I had a few questions.  I'm single, coming out with no dependents.  

I can't speak at all about the furnished apartment scene at all; I came to Japan with most of my furnature, but if you decide to get an un-furnished place, IKEA is pretty close and has good "starter" furnature.

The train system here is amazing. I commute to the Yokosuka base daily from my place about half way between there and Yokohama via the train. Yokohama would be better for a young single person that can afford it, but your looking at about a half hour to 45 minute commute by the train every day. Living in Yokohama will also be much more expensive than places closer to base.

Thanks for the advice.  I guess it wouldn't be a terrible idea to live closer to the base and then ride the train into Yokohama or Tokyo on the weekends.  

Posted By FTC Huebner on 04-13-2011 10:13 AM
your looking at about a half hour to 45 minute commute by the train every day.

The 30-45 minutes is just the train ride. Add in the walk to the train station, plus walking to the base in Yokosuka.  You're probably looking at 1:15 time total each way.  I agree it would be wiser to live near the base & ride into Yokohama when you want. You will probably go less often than you think. Also, rents go up significantly the closer you are to the train station since so many Japanese do commute by train & walk to the station.

Bring your cookware/kitchen stuff and not much else. Bedsheets are all different sizes, and big American furniture doesn't really work in Japanese homes. You may well have a tatami floor; consider "going native" and sleeping on a futon. In Japan, that does NOT mean a wooden frame with mattress; a "real" futon is a thick mat on the floor covered with quilts. Very comfortable & warm in the winter!

Also, don't count on "adequate" closet space. They don't really do closets in Japan. The larger closets have no rods for hanging; they have a single large shelf intended to fold & stow your futon during the day so the tatami can breathe. Hanging closets are quite small. Just be flexible!

Very helpful.  I definitely need to cut down on the clothes I'm bringing then.  

Here are some links of what they call serviced apartment. I stayed in Yokohama for a few months at the first location listed below. Very nice area, great location, lots to do close by, but yes it's more expensive in Yokohama. Total commute to the base including the walks was almost exactly 1 hour. A little less than 15 minutes to the train from apartment, approx. 30 minutes if you take the limited express train, and a little less than 15 minutes to the base. There aren't many furnished options in Yokosuka, most places don't even have appliances, since military can usually borrow from base. However, since I'm not military that wasn't an option for me.

I also looked at a couple of places at the second link below. Less expensive than the first option. They are nice, clean, and includes everything including kitchen supplies. Plus all locations are close to train stations.

Your best option in Yokosuka area if you want furnished are the RPP (Sakura Residence), the 3rd link, where I currently live. Not as close to train, but 10 min. bus ride to stations or 18 minute walk. But there's a shuttle bus to the base in morning and evenings.

Or you can check out some agents around base. Sometimes landlords will negotiate including items like appliances with increased monthly rent. I found a few that were willing to do this, also I looked at a few that had appliances already.

1) http://www.daiwamonthly.jp/english/minatomirai
2) http://www.yokohama-apartment.com/en

Although you'll pay more for a serviced apartment, you won't have to come up with the 4 months rent move in money. The first 2 options are security deposit and the first month's rent. RPP is just first month's rent.

Good luck and welcome to Japan!

I would say RPP would be the way to go. Check with housing they can tell you the wait.

Also, does anyone have any experience using a US 110V 60Hz TV on Japan's 100V 50Hz power?

Have one in my living room right now. I haven't had any issues.

( Now, the clock on you dvd player will be an issue without a transformer.)

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/index.htm

Check this website for Yokusuka base housing section and check RPP program.  They offer fully furnished housing off base including bedding, tableware, kitchenware and etc.  You don't need to bring anything except your seabag and you're good to go...

Posted By Mike on 04-21-2011 12:38 PM
Very helpful.  I definitely need to cut down on the clothes I'm bringing then.  

Also, does anyone have any experience using a US 110V 60Hz TV on Japan's 100V 50Hz power?

If you bring any appliance that gets hot (toaster, iron, blow dryer) it won't get as hot in Japan. I have to run my bagels through 2 toaster cycles to get lightly toasted.