How many guest rooms are there in the house?
Ebisu's has 8 guest rooms.
Can I stay less than one month?
Unfortunately, we do not take bookings for less than one month.
How much will it cost me to move in?
You will need to pay:
- security deposit (JPY50,000)
- one month's rent in advance (JPY43,000)
- fire insurance (the cheapest, most appropriate contract we have found is JPY7290 per year)
N.B. Many guests have had difficulty withdrawing this amount from their bank accounts upon arrival in Japan. It may, in fact, take a couple of weeks to withdraw enough money to complete payment of this amount with the limits placed on your card.
Please ensure that you bring at least this amount in yen traveller's cheques to smooth the moving-in process and your first days in Japan. Please change your traveller's cheques at the airport before arriving in Kyoto. We do not accept payments via traveller's cheques.
How much do I have to pay for utilities?
Electricity costs are the only utilities not covered by the rent. If the electricity bill for the house for the month is under 40,000 yen, your electricity is free. If it exceeds that amount, you will be charged for the electricity that you use in your room. Each room has an electricity meter.
Why do I have to pay fire insurance?
If a fire starts in the room that you are renting, you are responsible under the law. This means that you will have to pay compensation to the other tenants, the neighbours, as well as the value of the house to the landlord. Fire insurance covers these costs. We would not relish taking legal action against a tenant after a fire, and so insist on all tenants having fire insurance.
Why can't I pay fire insurance for just the (for example) three months that I stay?
Fire insurance is not sold on a pro rata basis in Japan. A fire insurance contract is for a one year period. If this situation changes in the future, we will change the contract that we can organise for you.
What is in each room?
There is a hot carpet, electric heater, and electric fan. If you need to borrow a basic futon set, we have some available. We also have some bed linens available. Please ask. We can lend them to you at no additional cost, however, if you need extra blankets, you will need to purchase them yourself.
Why is there no desk or a small refrigerator in the room?
There is plenty of desk space in the computer room. Some people like to work in the TV room or the kitchen when they are not being used.
There is enough space in the shared refridgerator for most people's needs.
Do you have wireless access to the Internet?
Yes, but wireless is unsupported, so if you have a wireless card that doesn't work, you will need to figure out why it isn't working.
Can I just use my security deposit to cover the cost of my last month's stay?
No. It is impossible under the terms of the contract. Please do not ask, as refusal may cause offense.
Do you take credit card or Pay Pal?
No. We prefer that you make a bank transfer. Details will be made available when you move in. We do not accept payments made from foreign accounts due to the extremely high charges.
Can I have a guest to stay?
Yes, but we would like you to respect the other tenants' rights to quiet between midnight and 8am. If your guest stays for more than 2 nights, we ask that you pay JPY1000 per night to help cover utility costs.
Why do you not have photographs of guests with their testimonials on the website?
We respect the privacy of our guests and do not solicit testimonials.
