Although the name "mansion" is affixed to my address, don't get the illusion that I'm living in a classy place. "Mansion" in Japan simply translates as "apartment." However, my four room apartment is comfortable and considering an entire Japanese family lives in an equivalent apartment, I am very lucky to have such a big pad!

This is the entrance to my apartment known as a "genkan" where I take off my shoes before stepping up onto the tatami mats.

My six mat tatami mat living room. Rooms are classified according to the number of tatami mats, which are all hand made and cost about $100.00 each to replace.

My comfy bedroom where I have opted to sleep on an air mattress topped with two futons! Although I have a tiny heater, Japanese houses are not insulated and the windows are single pane, so the best spot to relax is tucked under my kotatsu.

You're probably wondering what the heck a "kotatsu" is? Well, it is a heated table draped with a plush comforter- a necessity in chilly Japan, and quite luxurious.

Yes, everything is tiny in Japan, even the bathtub! I stand on the wooden floor boards while I shower, and the bonus is that the whole room can get soaked!

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