Finding Housing in Japan
Housing in Japan presents unique challenges for foreigners, but understanding the system and using the right resources makes it manageable.
Key Challenges for Foreigners
- Discrimination: Many landlords refuse foreign tenants (legal in Japan)
- Guarantor requirement: Most apartments require a Japanese guarantor
- Language: Contracts and communication often in Japanese only
- High upfront costs: 4-6 months rent required at signing
Upfront Costs Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit (shikikin) | 1-2 months | Yes, minus repairs |
| Key money (reikin) | 0-2 months | No |
| Agency fee | 0.5-1 month | No |
| First month rent | 1 month | No |
| Guarantor company | 0.5-1 month | No |
| Fire insurance | ¥15,000-20,000/year | No |
| Lock change | ¥15,000-20,000 | No |
Total: Typically 4-6 months rent upfront
Foreigner-Friendly Options
Agencies specializing in foreign tenants:
- GaijinPot Apartments
- Real Estate Japan
- Apartment Japan
- Village House (budget option, no key money)
Share houses (Gaijin houses):
- Lower upfront costs (often just 1-2 months)
- Furnished, utilities included
- ¥40,000-100,000/month for private room
- Good for short-term or first-time arrivals
UR Apartments:
- Government-managed, no key money or guarantor
- Requires income verification
- Limited availability in popular areas
Apartment Types
| Type | Description | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1R (One Room) | Studio, no separate kitchen | 15-20 sqm |
| 1K | Studio with separate kitchen | 18-25 sqm |
| 1DK | 1 room + dining kitchen | 25-35 sqm |
| 1LDK | 1 room + living/dining/kitchen | 35-50 sqm |
| 2LDK | 2 rooms + LDK | 50-70 sqm |
Location Considerations
Tokyo areas by budget:
- Expensive: Minato, Shibuya, Meguro, Setagaya
- Mid-range: Nakano, Suginami, Koto, Shinagawa
- Affordable: Adachi, Katsushika, Edogawa, Saitama/Chiba borders
Tips for Success
- Start early - good apartments go fast
- Use foreigner-friendly agencies - they know which landlords accept foreigners
- Consider share houses for your first 6-12 months
- Negotiate key money - many landlords now waive it
- Get employment letter from your company if possible
- Learn basic Japanese for viewings and contracts
Pro Tips
- •Use foreigner-friendly agencies like GaijinPot or Real Estate Japan
- •Start with a share house to avoid high upfront costs and guarantor issues
- •UR apartments require no guarantor or key money but have limited availability
- •Many landlords now waive key money - always ask!
- •Village House offers foreigner-friendly apartments with no broker fees
Have questions about housing in Japan?