Housing

Finding a rental in Japan can be tricky as a foreigner, but it is definitely possible! We summarized the essential information for you below and are happy to answer questions or give advice!

Basic requirements: 

  • A residence card to prove your VISA
  • Bank account (not necessarily a Japanese one, but it is recommended)
  • Phone number (ideally a Japanese one)
  • Emergency contact (anyone who has residency in Japan)

Apartment hunting: Most rentals go through real estate agencies (不動産屋). Standard contracts last 2 years with the option of renewal in most cases.

  • English-friendly agencies: Some agencies offer English speaking services (e.g. Minimini), while other specialize in finding apartments specifically for foreigners (e.g. E-Housing).
  • Initial costs: Expect 3–6 months’ rent upfront:
    • Deposit: 1 month (refundable, cleaning fees will be deducted).
    • Key money (“Thank you” money to the landlord): 1 month (non-refundable).
    • Agency fee: 0.5–1 month.
    • Guarantor company fee: 0.5–1 month (if you don’t have a Japanese guarantor).
  • Unfurnished: Most apartments come unfurnished. IKEA and Nitori are popular for furniture, while BicCamera or Nojima sell electric appliances. For household appliances, Nitori or 100-yen stores like Daiso are a great option.
  • Furnished/short-term: Sharehouses (e.g., Oakhouse, Sakura House) are great for newcomers — furnished, low initial fees, flexible contracts, move-in with just your luggage. They are generally a bit on the smaller and pricier side though.
  • Utilities: You will have to setup your own utilities. Sometimes, your real estate agency will help you with that.

🏙️ Housing Example: Where to Live in Tokyo

Depending on where you live, commute times and convenience definitely differ, but those places usually come with a higher price point. There are many quit and budget-friendly options to explore!

🟢 Cheaper Wards Examples (Outer Tokyo)

  • Adachi (足立区): From ~¥50,000; suburban feel.
  • Katsushika (葛飾区): From ~¥50,000; local, community-oriented.
  • Edogawa (江戸川区): From ~¥55,000; family-friendly, parks, near Chiba.
  • Nerima (練馬区): From ~¥55,000; suburban, popular with families.
  • Itabashi (板橋区): From ~¥60,000; decent access to central areas.

⏱️ Commute:

Lower rent but expect 30–60 min commutes to central areas.

🟠 Middle-Range Wards Examples

  • Nakano (中野区): From ~¥90,000; youthful, affordable.
  • Suginami (杉並区): From ~¥90,000; calm, family-friendly.
  • Toshima (豊島区): From ~¥90,000; lively, Ikebukuro area.
  • Setagaya (世田谷区): From ~¥90,000; leafy, family-oriented.
  • Koto (江東区): From ~¥100,000; redeveloped bay area.

⏱️ Commute:

Averages at about 20min to central areas.

🔴 Expensive Wards Examples (Central Tokyo)

  • Minato (港区): From ~¥120,000; expat hub, embassies, luxury apartments.
  • Shibuya (渋谷区): From ~¥110,000; trendy, vibrant.
  • Chiyoda (千代田区): From ~¥130,000; political/financial core.
  • Chuo (中央区): From ~¥120,000; Ginza, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji area.

⏱️ Commute:

Very short (5-10min) commutes if any, but rents are among the highest in Japan.