September 2025

How to Reduce Costs When Renting in Japan: Tips from a Licensed Real Estate Agent

This time we asked questions to Ayano Ishikura-san. She is a licensed real estate broker (宅地建物取引士 “Takken-shi”). There’s technical and practical information here that we believe will help you save money on your next move. How can I reduce apartment costs? The monthly rent is usually the hardest thing to negotiate; the biggest room for savings is in the initial costs. You can...