​【Office Closure Notice for New Year’s Holidays】

Thank you for your support as always.
Our office will be closed for the New Year’s holidays during the following period:

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2024 Dec. 28th (Sat) ~ to 2025 Jan 3rd (Fri)

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We will resume working from 2025 Jan 4th(Sat).
Apologies for any inconvenience it may cause,
thank you very much for your cooperation!
※​In case of emergency, please contact the following number.
 0120-24​-8094

Four Truly Delicious and Popular Ramen Shops at Gakugei Daigaku Station!

Four Truly Delicious and Popular Ramen Shops at Gakugei Daigaku Station!

Gakugei Daigaku Station is where our Balleggs headquarters is located. We've tried almost all the lunch spots around this station, and there are truly many great places to eat. In this article, we've selected four truly delicious ramen shops around Gakugei Daigaku Station, chosen based on reviews and surveys! These are places we have personally visited many times. Although we wanted to present a list of five, the survey results favored these four, so we're sticking with four this time!

 

No. 1: Michelin-Selected Mendokoro Bigiya


Image: Official Homepage of Mendokoro Bigiya

 

(1) Mendokoro Bigiya's "Yuzu Flavored White Soy Sauce Ramen" + "Shirasu Rice"

Ranked first is Mendokoro Bigiya. Being right in front of Balleggs headquarters certainly helps, but 23 out of 50 people chose Bigiya.

The most popular dish is the Yuzu Flavored White Soy Sauce Ramen for 900 yen paired with the Shirasu Rice for 300 yen. You purchase the regular soy sauce ramen for 700 yen at the vending machine, then say "White Yuzu!" or "White!" and hand 100 yen to the staff, who will serve it to you. It's already a major item, but it still has that secret menu vibe, which is nice.

The Shirasu Rice, which pairs perfectly with the Yuzu Flavored White Soy Sauce Ramen, is a mini rice bowl topped with fluffy shirasu fish, and the mildly sweet and umami-rich soy sauce, possibly tamari, is very delicious! The white soy sauce ramen has a fairly light taste, so adding the shirasu rice makes it just the right amount.

 

(2) Mendokoro Bigiya: Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Selection!

Mendokoro Bigiya has been selected for six consecutive years as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment. The Bib Gourmand recognizes not only "luxury restaurants" but also local eateries offering exceptional value for money. Having such a place right in front of our office is a blessing. It's also a regular in the Tabelog Top 100 Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo, chosen in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. No wonder it's delicious.

 

(3) Mendokoro Bigiya Videos

 

(4) Mendokoro Bigiya Reviews

"Always delicious whenever I come! Everything in the bowl is tasty!" (Woman in her 20s)
"Delicious soy sauce ramen after a long time. Always good!" (Woman in her 20s)
"Light yet punchy and truly delicious!" (Man in his 20s)

 

Mendokoro Bigiya

2-4-9 Takaban, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
4-minute walk from Gakugei Daigaku Station

 

Business Hours
11:30 am – 2:45 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

 

Links:
Official Website
Official Social Media
Tabelog
Gurunavi
Hot Pepper Gourmet

No. 2: Stylish and Hearty Tsukemen Susuru


Image: Official Homepage of Menya Susuru

 

(1) Menya Susuru's Popular "Spicy rich broth dipping noodles"

Ranked second is Menya Susuru. It's located in Gakugei Daigaku East Exit Shopping Street, making it convenient from Balleggs, and 13 out of 50 people chose Susuru. Susuru is known for its seafood-based tsukemen, with the Special rich broth dipping noodles priced at 1,680 yen being popular.

 
The highlight of Susuru is its stylish presentation and ambiance. At night, the subdued lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere, and many women dine alone.

 

(2) Menya Susuru Videos

 

(3) Menya Susuru Reviews

"My favorite seafood tsukemen! The spacious interior, which doesn't feel like a typical ramen shop, is great whether alone or with friends." (Woman in her 20s)
"Beautiful presentation, noodles with good texture, and tasty broth based on seafood and pork bones—not overly rich but still delicious. The char siu is slightly grilled, enhancing its aroma." (Woman in her 20s)
"Rich seafood soup tsukemen! Beautiful presentation with yuzu on the noodles!" (Man in his 20s)

 

Tsukemen Susuru

2-15-14 Takaban, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
2-minute walk from Gakugei Daigaku Station

 

Business Hours
11:30 am – 11:00 pm

 

Links:
Official Website
Official Social Media
Tabelog
Gurunavi
Hot Pepper Gourmet

No. 3: Amazing Flavored Vinegar: Koki Sichuan Noodles Gakugei Daigaku


Image: Koki Sichuan Noodles Gakugei Daigaku Homepage

 

(1) Koki Sichuan Noodles Gakugei Daigaku's "Black Sesame Rekka Tantanmen"

Ranked third is Koki Sichuan Noodles Gakugei Daigaku. It's located right outside the Gakugei Daigaku East Exit Shopping Street, making it convenient from Balleggs, and 8 out of 50 people chose this shop. Koki is known for its tantanmen and tantan tsukemen, which are very popular.

 
The recommended point of Koki is the condiments on the table: "flavored vinegar, Sichuan pepper (hua jiao), and green Sichuan pepper." The tantanmen already comes with delicious spices, but it's nice to be able to customize the flavor to your liking. Adding even a little Sichuan pepper or green Sichuan pepper can significantly change the taste. The specially recommended flavored vinegar is made by soaking dried mandarin orange peel (known as chenpi) and Sichuan chili (chaotian jiao) for several days. This original vinegar has a mild acidity and sweetness, dramatically enhancing the taste of the tantanmen! The Tsingtao beer for 390 yen is also a great menu option!

 

(2) Koki Sichuan Noodles Gakugei Daigaku Videos

 

(3) Koki Sichuan Noodles Gakugei Daigaku Reviews

"Thank you to the staff for always being delicious whenever I go. I already want to visit again." (Woman in her 20s)
"My favorite tantanmen shop. The soup is delicious and pairs well with the curly noodles! Even those who don't like spicy food can enjoy the normal tantanmen. I recommend adding plenty of Sichuan pepper and green Sichuan pepper from the table and adding the flavored vinegar halfway through your meal!" (Woman in her 20s)
"Whenever I'm hungry, I can't stop thinking about this shop's tantanmen." (Man in his 20s)

 

Koki Sichuan Noodles Gakugei Daigaku

1-17-12 Chuomachi, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
5-minute walk from Gakugei Daigaku Station

 

Business Hours
11:00 am – 4:00 am the next day

 

Links:
Official Website
Official Social Media
Tabelog
Gurunavi

No. 4: Authentic Iekei: Nidaime Toraibu


Image: Tabelog Nidaime Toraibu

 

(1) Nidaime Toraibu's Negi Ramen (Regular Size)!

Ranked fourth is Nidaime Toraibu. It's located right outside the Gakugei Daigaku East Exit Ticket Gate, making it convenient for Balleggs employees to visit after work, and 7 out of 50 people chose Nidaime Toraibu. Nidaime Toraibu is an authentic Iekei ramen shop. The popular menu item is the regular-sized Negi Ramen for 850 yen!

 
Nidaime Toraibu is a simple menu restaurant with free rice (pickles and seaweed are also free). You can enjoy authentic Iekei ramen here. My personal preference is to add a lot of shredded ginger as a garnish, which makes it wonderfully warming!

 

(2) Nidaime Toraibu Reviews

"Ramen filled with plenty of leeks seasoned with chili oil is delicious!" (Man in his 20s)
"The broth is rich but not too heavy. Gakudai has so many great ramen shops, it's addictive." (Man in his 20s)
"Nidaime Toraibu! My favorite taste." (Woman in her 20s)

 

Nidaime Toraibu

3-1-9 Takaban, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
1-minute walk from Gakugei Daigaku Station

 

Business Hours
11:00 am – 12:00 am

 
Links:
Official Social Media
Tabelog

Finally...

This article introduced four truly delicious and popular ramen shops at Gakugei Daigaku Station.

 
Gakugei Daigaku indeed has many great places to eat! There are also many stylish ramen shops, perhaps because it is a city with a lot of women. Recently, stylish izakayas have been increasing at Gakugei Daigaku, and having many ramen shops to go to after drinks is also a nice thing!

 
If you like the city of Gakugei Daigaku, feel free to contact Balleggs. We'll be waiting in front of Bigiya! Thank you for reading until the end.

Can you terminate a two-year lease for a rental property? Will there be a penalty?

Can you terminate a two-year lease for a rental property? Will there be a penalty?

The typical duration of a residential lease contract is two years. But do you really have to commit to the full two years? And what happens if you need to terminate the contract early? This article will thoroughly explain the process of terminating a lease contract midway. Whether you're considering termination or planning to lease a property in the future, this information will be helpful. Please read on.

 

1. Can you terminate a rental property lease midway?

Let's start by addressing whether you can terminate a rental property lease midway.

 

(1) A 2-year contract doesn't mean you have to stay for 2 years.

When you hear "2-year contract," it's easy to assume that you must stay for the entire duration. However, think of it as having the right to stay for two years rather than an obligation. While it's typical to continue renting throughout the contract period and renew or terminate the contract at the renewal date, rental contracts usually include a termination clause. Therefore, you can generally terminate the contract by giving notice within the specified period.

 

(2) Rental properties can generally be terminated midway.

In other words, it's possible to terminate a rental property lease midway. There are two common types of rental contracts: ordinary lease contracts and fixed-term lease contracts. Both types typically allow for mid-term termination.

 
In the case of an ordinary lease contract, if you want to continue living in the property for more than two years, you can do so by "renewing" the contract for another two years. However, the tenant must pay renewal fees, administrative fees, and insurance premiums. On the other hand, with a fixed-term lease contract, renewal is generally not possible.

 
Since landlords earn income by renting out properties, offering a two-year contract ensures stable rental income for that period, while tenants are guaranteed the right to live in the property for the agreed-upon duration by paying the contract fee. However, if a tenant requests termination, the landlord cannot refuse it.

 
This is only the tenant's perspective; termination by the landlord is not recognized without just cause. Just cause may include instances where the tenant repeatedly fails to pay rent, violating the terms of the contract, etc.

2. Points to note when terminating a lease midway

Now, let's discuss what to consider when terminating a lease midway.

 

(1) How many months' notice is required for termination?

Rental contracts specify a notice period for termination. In most cases, it's either two months or one month. This means that you must notify your intention to terminate the contract two or one month before the desired termination date. Be sure to check the details in the contract, as it will be explicitly stated.

 

(2) Are there any penalties for early termination?

Some rental contracts include penalties for early termination as a special provision. Important terms such as "If the tenant terminates the contract in less than a year, the tenant shall pay a penalty equivalent to one month's rent" may be stated in the explanatory documents or notes of the contract. Since this is crucial information in the event of mid-term termination, be sure to check it.

 

(3) Is it okay to notify termination by phone?

Since the termination notice period is typically one or two months before the end of the contract period, oral communication may not leave evidence, potentially leading to disputes. When signing the contract, a termination notice form should be included. If it's missing, contact the management company to have it mailed to you or download it from their website. The method of termination notice is detailed in the contract, so be sure to confirm it.

3. Can you terminate immediately?

In cases of sudden job transfers or emergencies, you may need to vacate and move out immediately. Is immediate termination possible?

 

(1) What is immediate termination?

Immediate termination refers to terminating the contract right away. The requirements for immediate termination include the landlord's consent, payment of penalties, including breach fees, and vacating the property, including moving out belongings. It's not possible to unilaterally terminate the contract, nor is it possible to terminate the contract while leaving belongings behind.

 

(2) What are the costs associated with immediate termination?

The costs associated with immediate termination include rent and management fees for the notice period. If the notice period is two months, you'll need to pay two months' rent and management fees, and if it's one month, you'll need to pay one month's rent and management fees. Additionally, if the property has a penalty for short-term termination and it falls within the specified period, you'll need to pay the penalty separately. By paying the rent and management fees for the notice period, if the period expires, the payment of the penalty for short-term termination may be waived. In such cases, consult with the management company.

4. What happens to the rent if you terminate halfway through the month?

When terminating the lease halfway through the month, what happens to the rent? Do you have to pay until the end of the month?

 

(1) Payment for the prorated period until the termination date

Rental contracts often start in the middle of the month. Rent and management fees are typically prorated, so you'll need to pay the prorated rent and management fees until the termination date. The calculation method for prorated fees varies depending on the management company or landlord, with some dividing by the number of days in the month and others using a fixed "30-day" calculation. Be sure to check the details in the contract.

 

(2) How are rent payments and settlements handled?

Regarding the final month's rent, you may be asked to pay only the prorated amount or the full monthly rent, depending on the situation. Even if the full monthly rent is requested, rent and management fees are still prorated. Therefore, any excess payment will be refunded during the settlement at the time of vacating. Security deposit settlement refers to the return of the remaining amount from the security deposit deposited at the time of signing the contract, after deducting expenses for restoration to the original condition (such as room cleaning fees, etc.). Depending on the contract, the refund may be made within one month after termination or within 45 days. This information is also stated in the contract, so be sure to check it carefully.

5. What to consider when choosing a property! Which properties are more likely to incur penalties?

The most significant concern when terminating a rental property lease midway is the penalty for early termination. So, what types of properties are more likely to incur penalties?

 

(1)Zero Key Money Properties

There is a tendency for properties with zero key money or reduced initial costs to have penalties for early termination. Landlords often want to recoup the reduced initial costs through rent. If the lease is terminated early, there is no way to make up for it. Therefore, landlords hedge this risk with penalties for early termination. Be sure to check if there are any penalties set for properties with zero key money. For properties without security deposits or key money, we explain in a related article, so please take a look.
[Related Article]
What are the disadvantages of no security deposits or key money? We've verified if it's really advantageous!

 

(2)Properties with Free Rent Periods

A free rent period is a period during which rent is free from the contract date. If it's one month of free rent, you don't pay rent for one month, and if it's two months, you don't pay rent for two months. Free rent periods are sometimes set by management companies as campaigns to prevent vacancies. This trend is particularly common in high-end rental properties, but many properties with free rent periods also have penalties for early termination. Be sure to check when contracting for properties with free rent periods.

 

(3)High-Grade Properties

High-grade properties are often operated by major corporations or real estate funds, and their performance is evaluated based on monthly vacancy rates and rental income. Therefore, they tend to dislike early termination. It's common for penalties to be set as a means to prevent early termination, so it's essential to check the contract terms.

Finally...

This article discussed whether you can terminate a two-year lease for a rental property midway and whether there are penalties. Just because it's a two-year contract doesn't mean you have to stay for two years; it's surprising how little-known this fact is. When terminating mid-term, be mindful of the notice period and early termination penalties. Also, consider the restoration of the property upon leaving. Even if you need to terminate the lease due to sudden circumstances, don't rush; first, check the contract documents and proceed with the procedures. Thank you for reading until the end.