Prepare before renting an apartment Many people search for a room share apartment in Japan to reduce housing costs. Moving in with a friend sounds like a practical idea. However, renting in Japan carries significant responsibilities. These expenses can shape your daily life for years. While many students and young renters want to split the rent, the process remains difficult. Finding a landlord who...

Buying a house in Japan is a big decision. Most people start by renting an apartment when they first move here. However, many eventually decide to settle for the long term. At that point, you must ask: is it better to rent or is buying a house in Japan the better choice? Understanding the True Cost of Your Purchase The first concern for most buyers is the budget. When you search for a property, you...

When renting an apartment in Japan, you will quickly hear the term guarantor company (保証会社 / hoshō gaisha). In the past, you needed a personal "Joint Guarantor." This was usually a Japanese family member. Today, professional companies have replaced that system. This change makes renting faster and more secure for everyone. What is a Guarantor Company? Think of the guarantor company as a...

Finding a place to live in a new country is a challenge, but renting an apartment in Japan as a foreigner comes with its own unique set of rules. From understanding "Key Money" to navigating the moving day itself, there is a lot to prepare for. Whether you are moving across Kobe or relocating from overseas, this guide will help you navigate the process with ease and less stress. 1. Understanding the...

Moving to Japan — Choosing an Apartment New to Japan and figuring out where to live? This intro points you to what actually matters when picking a place—how to weigh commute, layout, fees, and building quality—so the detailed guide that follows can help you balance budget, comfort, and peace of mind without the overwhelm. It’s not easy, but we hope this gives you a solid starting...

Renting in Japan — As a foreigner, expect compact units, strong emphasis on train access, and higher upfront costs (often 3–5 months’ rent covering deposit shikikin, possible key money reikin, agent and guarantor fees, and the first month). To save, target older or edge-of-center buildings a few minutes from major stations (or along frequent bus lines), avoid peak moving season (Feb–Apr), and...

Real Estate Transactions: Key Professionals in Japan — Renting as a foreigner typically involves a licensed real estate agent/broker who mediates with the landlord and the building’s management company, plus a guarantor company that underwrites the lease. For paperwork beyond a standard lease (e.g., registration or complex clauses), you may also encounter a judicial scrivener (shiho-shoshi), an...

Renting in Japan as a foreigner is manageable once you know the basics: neighborhoods are priced largely by train-station access, units tend to be compact, and most apartments are unfurnished. Upfront costs are higher than many countries—often 3–5 months’ rent—covering deposit (shikikin), sometimes key money (reikin), an agent fee, a guarantor-company fee, and the first month. In this edition,...