The single biggest factor in how smoothly your apartment search goes in Japan is often which real estate agency you work with. A genuinely foreign-friendly agent doesn’t just speak English — they know which landlords are actually open to foreign tenants, saving you from wasting time on applications likely to be rejected before you even […]
How to Find a Foreign-Friendly Real Estate Agent in Japan Read More »
For many international students, a university dormitory (学生寮) is the simplest way to arrive in Japan with housing already sorted out before you even land. Short answer: dormitories are generally arranged directly through your university’s international student office, often require no personal guarantor, and come with either shared or private rooms depending on the facility
University Dormitories in Japan: What to Expect and How to Apply Read More »
Your first month in Japan involves a specific set of administrative tasks that go well beyond just settling into your housing — and a few of them have real deadlines attached. Short answer: address registration, health insurance, and your bank account/phone setup are the core priorities, generally in that rough order, alongside the more obvious
The First 30 Days in Japan: An International Student Checklist Read More »
A Japanese rental contract (賃貸借契約書) is a dense document, often several pages of formal Japanese, and it’s common for foreign tenants to sign without fully understanding every clause. While you’re not expected to become a legal expert before renting, knowing which sections actually matter most can help you ask the right questions before you commit.
How to Read a Japanese Rental Contract Before You Sign Read More »
Getting rejected after a rental application in Japan is genuinely common, and it happens to Japanese and foreign applicants alike — though survey data shows foreign applicants report it at a noticeably higher rate. If it’s happened to you, here’s the practical reality: it’s rarely worth taking personally or trying to appeal, but there’s a
What to Do If Your Rental Application Is Rejected in Japan Read More »
Whether it’s a repair that isn’t being addressed, a noise complaint you don’t think is fair, or a dispute over something else entirely, having a problem with your landlord in Japan can feel especially stressful when you’re not confident navigating it in Japanese. Short answer: most disputes have an established, structured path to resolution —
What to Do If You Have a Problem With Your Landlord in Japan Read More »
Share houses (シェアハウス) have become one of the most popular housing options for international students in Japan, largely because they tend to sidestep many of the paperwork hurdles of a standard private apartment lease. Short answer: a share house gives you a private bedroom with shared common spaces, generally requires little to no guarantor, and
Share Houses for International Students in Japan: How They Work and How to Find One Read More »
Since 2026, roughly 90% or more of private rental listings in Tokyo generally require the use of a guarantor company (保証会社), whether or not you also have a personal guarantor. Since this fee is now essentially unavoidable for most renters, it’s worth understanding what you’re actually comparing when an agent hands you a guarantor company’s
Rent Guarantor Companies in Japan Compared: What to Look For Read More »
Confused by shiki-kin, rei-kin, and guarantor fees on a Japanese lease? Here’s what’s refundable, what isn’t, and what the guidelines actually say.
Understanding Initial Costs: Shiki-kin, Rei-kin & Guarantors Read More »
Confused by “1K,” “徒歩5分,” or “築15年” on a Japanese listing? Learn what every code, unit, and abbreviation actually means before you sign.
How to Read a Japanese Apartment Listing (1K, 1DK, 1LDK Explained) Read More »
A realistic guide for foreign residents renting an apartment in Japan. Learn about rejection rates, guarantor fees, hidden costs, and copy-paste templates.
Renting an Apartment in Japan: What Foreign Residents Should Know Read More »
