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Housing

Housing in Japan

In Japan, apartment layouts are commonly described using a combination of numbers and letters. For example, in a 2LDK apartment, L stands for Living Room, D for Dining Room, and K for Kitchen. The number (2) indicates the number of additional rooms besides the living, dining, and kitchen area.

Bathrooms in Japan are often designed with separate bathtub and toilet areas. However, some properties feature a unit bath, where the bathtub, toilet, and sink are combined into a single room.

Room sizes are typically measured in jo (tatami mats), a traditional Japanese unit of area. One tatami mat is approximately 1.62 square meters (1.8 m × 0.9 m). For example, a room described as 6 jo is roughly equivalent to the area of six tatami mats, or about 9.7 square meters.

Types of Rental Housing

Private Housing

Private rental properties are widely available throughout Japan and can be found through real estate agencies. These agencies provide housing search and rental support services, and typically display property information such as floor plans, rent, and location in their offices and on their websites.

If you visit a real estate agency in the area where you would like to live, a staff member can help you find properties that match your preferences and budget. If you are not comfortable communicating in Japanese, it may be helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or acquaintance. Some real estate agencies also offer support in English and other foreign languages.

In addition to visiting real estate agencies, you can search for rental properties through real estate websites, mobile apps, and housing magazines, which are commonly available at bookstores and convenience stores. Searching online is one of the most popular ways to find housing in Japan today.

 

Real Estate Agencies with Foreign Language Services

Contract and Miscellaneous Expenses

In Japan, most rental contracts require a guarantor (someone who agrees to take responsibility if the tenant is unable to fulfill their contractual obligations). International students may wish to check with their university to see whether housing support or guarantor programs are available. Alternatively, guarantor companies can often provide this service for a fee.

Before signing a rental agreement, be sure to read the contract carefully and make sure you understand all terms and conditions. As many rental contracts are written only in Japanese, it is advisable to have a Japanese-speaking friend, colleague, or support person review the contract with you if needed.

In addition to monthly rent, tenants are typically required to pay several one-time fees when moving into a private rental property. These initial costs often amount to approximately five to seven months’ rent, depending on the property and contract conditions. Some of these fees may be partially refundable when you move out, while others are non-refundable.

* Some places may charge key money or a common service fee.

 

Consultation services for troubles regarding a rental housing contract

Rent

Rent varies depending on factors such as the size of the property, number of rooms, age of the building, and location. In general, larger, newer, and more conveniently located properties tend to have higher rents.

Rental prices can differ even among similar properties, so it is important to compare your options and review the details carefully before making a decision.

Renewal and Termination of Contract

Generally, a contract is renewed every 2 years, and rent can be increased upon renewal. When terminating a contract, you must inform your landlord at least one month in advance (or as written in your contract). For old houses or apartments, the landlord may request a termination of your contract for demolition or renovation purposes.

Public Housing

In addition to private rental housing, Japan also offers public housing options, including city and prefectural housing managed by local governments, as well as rental housing provided by the Urban Renaissance Agency (UR Housing).

City and prefectural housing generally offers lower rent and fewer initial move-in costs compared with private rentals. However, there are usually income limits, applications are only accepted during specific periods (often four times a year), and applicants are selected through a lottery system.

UR Housing offers several advantages, including no need for a guarantor, lower initial move-in costs, and availability for single residents. If a suitable unit is available, applications are generally accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, UR Housing is not always cheaper than private rentals, and applicants may need to meet certain requirements, such as a minimum income level.

For more information, please contact the management office responsible for each type of housing.

 

Inquiries

Moving in to your home

Please note

Furnishings

In general, rental houses and apartments in Japan do not come with furniture, electrical appliances, or landline phones. Tenants are usually responsible for providing their own items.

Before moving in, it is recommended that you inspect the property in advance and confirm what is included with the rental.

Air Conditioners/Heaters

Most rental homes in Japan do not include air conditioners or heaters, so you may need to buy your own.

Air conditioners are useful during Japan’s summer months, when temperatures and humidity levels can be high. Many air conditioners also have fan and dehumidifier functions, which help maintain a comfortable indoor environment during the rainy season.

In winter, common heating options include kerosene heaters, kotatsu (a heated table with a blanket), and electric carpets. Kerosene can usually be purchased at gas stations.