Finding an Apartment in Japan
Complete guide to searching, viewing, and renting your first apartment
Finding an apartment in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially for foreigners. The process involves unique fees, strict requirements, and terminology you won't find elsewhere. But with the right preparation, you can navigate the system confidently. This guide covers everything from searching online to signing your contract.
4-6x
rent upfront
2-4
weeks to find
2yr
typical lease
Japanese rental listings use specific terms. Learn these before you start searching:
1K / 1DK / 1LDK
Room layouts: 1K = 1 room + kitchen, 1DK = + dining, 1LDK = + living room
Shikikin (Deposit)
Security deposit, usually 1-2 months rent. Partially refundable when you move out.
Reikin (Key Money)
"Gift" to the landlord. Non-refundable. 0-2 months rent. Trend: less than 50% of renters now pay this — negotiate or look for 礼金なし listings.
Kanrihi (Management Fee)
Monthly building maintenance fee. Usually ¥3,000-15,000. Added to your rent.
Koushinryo (Renewal Fee)
Fee to renew your lease after 2 years. Usually 1 month rent.
Chukai Tesuryo (Agency Fee)
Real estate agent commission. Maximum 1 month rent + tax by law.
Hoshougaisha (Guarantor Co.)
Guarantor company fee since foreigners rarely have Japanese guarantors. 30-100% of 1 month + ~¥10,000-20,000/year renewal.
Most apartment hunting in Japan happens online. Here are the best resources:
Major Websites
Search Tips
Set your budget to 1/3 of your monthly income or less
Add 10-15 min to your commute estimate (transfers take time)
Check "礼金なし" filter for no key money properties
Look at multiple agencies — the same apartment may have different fees
UR Housing has no fees but limited locations and long waitlists
Once you find listings you like, contact the agency to schedule viewings. Here's what to check:
Sunlight & Ventilation
Check which direction windows face. South-facing is best. Open windows to check for noise and air flow.
Water Pressure
Turn on taps and flush the toilet. Old buildings may have weak water pressure.
Phone Signal
Check your mobile signal inside the apartment. Some concrete buildings block signals.
Storage Space
Japanese apartments are small. Check closet space carefully. Many lack Western-style closets.
Nearby Facilities
Note the nearest convenience store, supermarket, station, and clinic. Walk the route to the station.
Neighbors & Noise
Visit at different times if possible. Evening/weekend noise levels may differ from daytime.
Found your apartment? Here's what happens next:
Required Documents
Important
Read the entire contract carefully. Ask about: early termination fees, what repairs you're responsible for, rules about guests and pets, and the exact move-out inspection process.
- •Negotiate! Key money and agency fees can sometimes be reduced, especially for long-vacant units
- •Avoid March-April (moving season) — prices are higher and competition is fierce
- •Consider slightly older buildings (築10-20年) — much cheaper with same functionality
- •Ask about "フリーレント" (free rent) — some landlords offer 1-2 months free
- •Take photos of everything during move-in inspection to protect your deposit
- •Join Japan apartment Facebook/Reddit groups for shared experiences and agent recommendations