CHAPTER 01 — finding my pl[A]ce

Settling In

Summary

This first chapter runs from October 19 to December 15, 2027, beginning with the journey from Strasbourg to Tokyo and arrival in Japan on October 20. Tokyo will serve as the base for settling into Japanese life, completing arrival formalities, establishing everyday routines, and adapting working arrangements while beginning to explore the city.

By the end of the chapter, the aim is to feel comfortable living and working in Tokyo before beginning the journey north through Ibaraki, Tohoku, and Hokkaido.

Duration: 57 calendar days, including the start date and excluding the end date; 56 days in Japan from October 20.

Part of the travel plan.

Copyright and licence

Copyright © 2026 Akane SHIMOKA. This document is released under the MIT License. See the root LICENCE.

Expected stay

Hotel Paul House

The first three nights in Tokyo are planned at Hotel Paul House near Ueno, from October 20 to October 23, 2027. This stay provides a comfortable base for resting after the journey and settling in.

Oakhouse sharehouse

From October 23 to December 15, 2027 (53 nights), the plan is to stay in a private room in an Oakhouse sharehouse in Tokyo. A desk in the room is not required.

Transportation

Arrival

The inbound journey is planned with Emirates in Premium Economy on both flights. EK044 departs Frankfurt Airport (FRA) at 11:00 on October 19, 2027, arriving in Dubai (DXB) at 19:15 the same day.

After a 7-hour 25-minute layover and a change of aircraft in Dubai, EK318 departs at 02:40 on October 20, 2027, arriving at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) at 17:35 the same day.

The total journey time from Frankfurt to Narita is 23 hours 35 minutes. All times are local to the relevant airport.

The Premium Economy baggage allowance is 35 kg of checked baggage in total, with a maximum of 32 kg per bag, plus 10 kg of carry-on baggage.

Local movement

TBD.

Departure and connection

TBD.

Activities

TBD city

Sightseeing

TBD.

Work

TBD.

Other activities

TBD.

Budget

Expected stay

The Hotel Paul House price for the initial three nights is TBD.

The Oakhouse recurring housing allowance is ¥80,000–¥100,000 per month (about €500–€625), targeting room rent and recurring charges together. For 53 nights, a provisional calculation of 53 ÷ 30 × the monthly allowance gives ¥141,333–¥176,667 (about €883–€1,100).

A separate ¥50,000 (about €310) allowance covers the single-room contract fee currently listed by Oakhouse. The resulting partial Oakhouse estimate is ¥191,333–¥226,667 (about €1,200–€1,420).

Transportation

The quoted total fare for the inbound flights is €1,171.40 (¥187,424).

Activities

TBD.

Food and other expenses

TBD.

Contingency

TBD.

Chapter recap

TBD.

Preparation and open decisions

• Book EK044 from Frankfurt on October 19, 2027, followed by EK318 arriving at Narita on October 20. Booking date: before November 7.
• Obtain the three-night hotel price and reserve Hotel Paul House for October 20–23, 2027. Booking date: TBD.
• Select an Oakhouse property and reserve a private room for October 23–December 15, 2027. Property selection: August or September 2027; booking date: TBD.
• Obtain the full Oakhouse quote, including recurring charges, the contract fee, and any bedding or other fees; confirm partial-month billing and move-out notice terms before booking. Exact date: TBD.

Sources and assumptions

Revisions