# Finding your Tokyo apartment

**Language:** Japanese  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Join 美桜 and 颯真 to master navigating the complex Japanese rental market, one short conversation at a time. Each lesson trains your ear until you can follow every word and answer back.

**Setting:** At Soma's izakaya in Osaka during the quiet afternoon prep hours, Mio stops by to help him look at Tokyo apartment listings on his tablet. They compare properties and discuss the renting process because Soma's daughter is preparing to move to the capital for a new job.

## Lessons

### 1. Discussing apartment hunting

Mio offers to help Soma look through the overwhelming number of Tokyo apartment listings for his daughter.

### 2. Sharing past living experiences

Mio shares her experience of living in Tokyo, and Soma asks for her opinion on a convenient but expensive apartment.

### 3. Discussing commute preferences

Mio explains why convenient apartments are expensive, while Soma expresses concern about his daughter's crowded morning commute.

### 4. Talking about where you have lived

Mio reassures Soma about Tokyo's crowded trains, leading Soma to reveal that he has rarely lived outside of Osaka.

### 5. Discussing walking distance to places

Soma shares his concerns about a cheap apartment that is far from the station, and Mio points out that a twenty-minute walk might be dark at night.

### 6. Discussing neighborhood safety

Soma worries about his daughter's safety at night, leading Mio to suggest that they should visit the area together to check the neighborhood in person.

### 7. Explaining reasons to visit in person

Mio explains that photos cannot convey noises like trains or neighbors, prompting Soma to agree that a physical visit is necessary.

### 8. Evaluating a potential apartment

Mio shows Soma a promising apartment listing that is close to the station, and Soma asks for her opinion on the bright and spacious room.

### 9. Warning against making hasty decisions

Mio and Soma agree on the importance of seeing an apartment in person. Mio mentions she once made a mistake by rushing, prompting Soma to ask for details.

### 10. Describing a bad housing experience

Mio explains how she once rented a noisy apartment next to a pub based only on photos, and Soma realizes he needs to be careful too.

### 11. Proposing a joint trip

After Mio compliments the warm atmosphere of Soma's shop, Soma steers the conversation back to his daughter's apartment search, and Mio suggests they travel to Tokyo together.

### 12. Accepting an offer of help

Soma gratefully accepts Mio's offer to accompany him to Tokyo despite her busy schedule, and Mio asks when his daughter's new job begins.

### 13. Expressing urgency about moving tasks

Sōma explains that he is short on time to pack and find an apartment, while Miō reassures him that they will find a great place together.

### 14. Scheduling an upcoming trip

Sōma thanks Miō for her support, and the two decide to set their schedule for their upcoming trip to Tokyo.