Different parts of Tokyo, pros, cons?

[Sangetsu]

The most important factor to consider about these different areas is cost of living. If you are coming to Japan to teach, your income will be about 250k yen per month. In Saitama you can get a nice apartment for 60/70k yen per month, but in metro Tokyo you'll have to settle for something much smaller or older for the same price.

There are also other things to consider, such as the are where the apartment is located. You don't want to live next to a train line, or on a busy street. Japanese homes and apartments are not well insulated, so you'll hear everything which goes on outside.

Older buildings use an older plumbing system, which is not well vented, and the smell of sewage finds its way through the pipes and into your apartment.

Parking is at a premium, and this even includes bicycle parking. A bicycle is nearly essential in Japan, especially in the more residential areas where shops and convenience stores are not close. If your bike is impounded it'll cost you 5000 yen to bail it out. If there is no parking outside outside, you'll have to put your bike in your apartment.

You will probably be commuting by train, and many lines have local or rapid train service. Try to find an apartment near a station where rapid-service trains stop, this will shorten your commute by at least several minutes.

Keep in mind that many apartments require up to several month's rent worth of deposits to move in. When I moved last year I had to pay 2 months deposit, 2 months key money, and 1 month agency fees, altogether adding up to nearly one million yen ($10,000). For a decent entry-level apartment, try to have about $2000 to cover all the expenses.