Apartment selection

On Tuesday May 25, I received an e-mail with the apartment listings the vendor that my company had hired to aid me with the apartment process had selected. Struggling with my options, i called my uncle in Tokyo, spoke extensively with my mother, and set-up a meeting with a colleague who had just returned from living in Tokyo himself. That was all good until I learned from Yumi, my go-between for these apartments that she needed a final answer to my choice by Monday, May 31st as the locations had been 'tentatively secured' and she could proceed with the contract. Adding to the difficulty was that it was Memorial Weekend, and did she mean by Monday my time, or Monday her time?

There were many pros and cons to my top 2.

Somerset Azabu East- washer/dryer, dishwasher in the room. A lovely corner balcony, rave reviews and close proximity to Tokyo Tower. A swimming pool, large queen bed, and adjacent to a grocery store. A subway trip that wouldn't require a transfer, 10 minutes on it until my destination. Cleaning services 1 a week, and breakfast included in the rent. (43.32 sqm)

Ark Hills- swimming pool, spa facilities, a location that is central for young professionals. Close proximity to 5 subway lines, laundry facilities on the floor to be shared with all. Grocery stores 2-3 blocks away.A large balcony that ran the width of the studio apartment, and provides great light into the apartment. A subway commute to my office that would take 10 minutes with a transfer at Yotsuya. Cleaning services 2x a week and breakfast Monday-Friday downstairs, included in the rent. (46.05 sqm)
Ark Towers Services and Facilities

Ultimately, after much struggling and 3 solid hours surfing the internet for as much information as I could get,I went with Ark Hills. The floor plan layout was more attractive, because as both choices were studios, Ark Hills had the bookcase between the bedroom and living area that allowed a bit more separation. Also it sounded like quite an experience to live in the lovely Ark Hills complex for a year.



P.S. My Mom was pushing for this option because it was better reinforced for earthquakes. She had done research and found a prediction of greater number of earthquakes projected for the area in the next couple of years.