सर्च से कॉन्ट्रैक्ट तक पूरी गाइड
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:
Room layouts: 1K = 1 room + kitchen, 1DK = + dining, 1LDK = + living room
Security deposit, usually 1-2 months rent. Partially refundable when you move out.
"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.
Monthly building maintenance fee. Usually ¥3,000-15,000. Added to your rent.
Fee to renew your lease after 2 years. Usually 1 month rent.
Real estate agent commission. Maximum 1 month rent + tax by law.
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:
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:
Check which direction windows face. South-facing is best. Open windows to check for noise and air flow.
Turn on taps and flush the toilet. Old buildings may have weak water pressure.
Check your mobile signal inside the apartment. Some concrete buildings block signals.
Japanese apartments are small. Check closet space carefully. Many lack Western-style closets.
Note the nearest convenience store, supermarket, station, and clinic. Walk the route to the station.
Visit at different times if possible. Evening/weekend noise levels may differ from daytime.
Found your apartment? Here's what happens next:
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.
Expect to pay 4-6 months of rent upfront. Here's a typical breakdown for ¥80,000/month rent:
| Item | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| First month rent | ¥80,000 | No |
| Deposit (Shikikin) | ¥80,000 | Yes |
| Key Money (Reikin) | ¥80,000 | No |
| Agency Fee | ¥88,000 | No |
| Guarantor Company | ¥40,000-80,000 | No |
| Fire Insurance | ¥15,000 | No |
| Lock Change | ¥15,000 | No |
