[seaghyn]

Yeah, Sakura-House is key for us foreigners. By the way, just for the record, try not to refer to yourself too much as a 'gaijin' as it's the less formal = more derogatory way of saying gaikokujin which stands for a more polite way of saing foreigner. 外国人　ＶＳ　外人。 Otherwise it's like your talking down about yourself....^_^.

As for the move-in costs, you really don't get any of them back. The deposit is the only one, so if there are no broken or torn anything at the end of the year, you should get it back.

eHeya and Holmes are also good sites to search for apartments, and they tell you if you have key money, guarantor etc fees, and what they are in relation to the rent. You could try to find one with minimal move-in fees, decent rent and location, (it'll be harder, cuz they are already all picked over) and usually Japanese get first dibs, as they are usually hesitant about renting to foreigners. If the school is an accredited institution, and they are the go-between, it usually helps calm the fears of the agencies and landlord/lady.

PS even if your in a GH, it doesn't mean your japanese is limited. It's more limiting you exposure to culture styles, as the others may want to try to speak just Japanese with you and have competitions, etc. The language can be okay, but it's the culture you'd miss out on.

Good luck on the apartment search!

Hope this helps.

Seaghyn