Welcome to Aila House!
This guide is intended to help may your stay safe and enjoyable, as well as let you know the rules and how to contact us for help if needed.
1. Trash and recycling
In Japan, it is required to separate trash and recycling as follows:
a. Metal cans – should be rinsed with water and collected separately. These will be put out twice per week in a recycling bin for collection in the BLUE bin.
b. Glass bottles and jars – should be rinsed with water and collected separately. These will be put out twice per week in a recycling bin for collection in the YELLOW bin.
c. Plastic bottles (“PET Bottles”) – The labels should be removed and they should be rinsed with water. These need to be put in a plastic bag and put out once per week for collection.
d. Metals, batteries, etc. – These non-burnable need to be collected separately and put out once per week. (Normally guests do not have this type of trash).
e. Sodai Gomi – Anything large such as furniture must be handled specially (Normally guests do not have this type of trash).
f. Paper, Cardboard boxes, etc. – These must be collected separately, bound with string, and put out once per week on Friday night.
Note: Mixing any of the above items with normal trash will lead to complaints and fines.
g. Normal kitchen trash – Things like vegetable clippings and other small miscellaneous trash that don’t fall into the categories above should be collected and put out twice per week.
Note: If you are only staying for less than a week, you don’t need to worry about putting trash or recycling outside, just separate it, rinse it (if applicable) and leave it in the house.
2. Closest Stations
The closest stations to Aila House are as follows:
Honancho Station – This is a subway station on the Marunouchi line operated by Tokyo Metro, and is 4-6 minutes walk. You can easily take this subway to Shinjuku and transfer to other subway lines and Japan Rail lines from there.
Eifukucho Station – This is a train station on the Inokashira line operated by Keio Rail, and is roughly a 15 minute walk. Taking this train is faster if you want to go to Shibuya, Kitchijyoji, etc. You can also take the bus to this station if you can’t walk that far for some reason.
3. Futons, pillows, towels, sheets, etc. – Please use these items with the covers on, as the covers should be washed for the next guest, but it is not possible to wash the futons, pillows, etc. If you need additional sheets or towels, please contact us.
4. Washing Machine, Hair Dryer, Clothes Iron, etc. – If you need help with any of these items, please ask. Note that the electricity in Tokyo is 100v 50Hz – some foreign appliances will not work.
5. Air Conditioner, Heating, etc. – You are welcome to use the air conditioners for heating and cooling. Please contact us if you need assistance. Please only use the air conditioners when you are in the room, and make sure to turn them off when leaving the house to conserve energy.
6. Cooking, etc. – Note that the stove is works by induction heating, and requires there be a compatible pan or pot on top before it will work. There is also a microwave oven, toaster oven and coffee machine available for your use. Please let us know if you need help with any of these. Note that fires are not permitted.
7. Neighborhood Manners – Izumi is a quiet residential neighborhood with almost entirely local Japanese residents. Please be careful not to speak loudly outside or make other loud noises at night or otherwise disturb the peace.
8. Emergencies – In the event of an emergency, please dial 119 on your phone to contact the authorities.
9. Local stores & Restaurants
1. Johnathon’s Diner – Near Honancho Station
2. Matsumoto Kyoshi (Drug Store) – Near Honancho Station
3. Kakuyasu Liquor Store – Near this house on the main road.
4. Saizeria Italian Diner – On the other side of Honancho Station on this main road.
5. Sushiro Sushi Shop – On the other side of Honancho Station on this main road.
6. Ramen Shop – Near this house on the main road.
7. Don Quixote – This is a discount store which is good for buying snacks and souvenirs. Walk to the large intersection near Honancho station, then turn right (South) and walk 10 minutes.
8. Convenience Stores – There are multiple convenience stores such as 7-11 and Family mart within walking distance.
9. Summit supermarket – Mid-market supermarket between the house and Honancho train station. Open until midnight every night.
10. Other Attractions
a. There is a small river about 2 minutes south which has a jogging/walking path.
b. There are numerous small parks, etc. nearby. You can find them on a map typically marked as green areas.