Updated August 12, 2026

Finding apartments in Japan for foreigners

Manami Turner

Designer

Renting an apartment in Japan can be stressful — especially if you're a foreigner.

If you're lucky enough to have an offer from an established international company, it might not be too hard. But most companies don't have enough resources to offer much support when it comes to finding a place to live.

For those who have to search on their own, it can be one of the most stressful parts of moving to Japan. Thankfully, you can avoid having a negative experiences by doing some research.

That's why we've collected all the resources we could find to help you find an apartment in Japan. We hope they'll help you find a great place to live and start your journey in Japan off on the right foot!

Here's a list of what we'll cover in this post:

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Japan?
Unique Japanese rules for renting
Initial fees when renting a home in Japan
The review process for tenants
What's my rent limit?
Are there furnished apartments available?
What do I need to rent a home in Japan?
Collection of resources to help foreigners find housing in Japan

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Japan?

Japanese apartments have a reputation for being small and expensive... but is that really the case?

Let's compare the average rent for a one bedroom apartment using stats from NUMBEO.

First let's look at San Francisco, a city that's known worldwide for being as expensive as it gets. The average price for a 1-bedroom apartment is ¥343,419 ($3,157). Not cheap!

How about Tokyo? The average is a lot lower: ¥146,666 ($1,348). So going purely on numbers, it seems to be a lot cheaper.

Of course San Francisco is an extreme example, but major cities like New York, London, and Singapore are all higher. The data suggests that you can live in Tokyo for a lot less than you'd pay in these cities.

But having said that... there are some other factors you need to consider here. For one thing, Japan has some extra up-front costs you likely won't need to pay in places like the US:

Key money
Guarantor company fees
Rental agency fees
Contract renewal fees

These add up, so you should take them into account (scroll down for more details on these fees).

There's one more problem with this simplistic method of comparison: apartment size.

The average size for a "1-bedroom" apartment can vary a ton by location. The average 1-bedroom in New York is 70 square meters. San Francisco's average is 66.5 square meters according to the data for the top 50 US cities.

...whereas Tokyo's is only 40 square meters. So if you look at the price per square foot, the difference in price is a lot smaller. Amenities like ovens and washing machines are also rare in Japan. Plus high ceilings and loft-style apartments are pretty much non-existent.

So it comes down to this: are you willing to live in a smaller apartment?

If so, you can save a ton of money. If you're unwilling to make that sacrifice, you're going to end up paying a premium akin to what you would in New York or San Francisco. And even then you may need to make some compromises.

Living outside the city

Having said that, there are other ways to save money on housing in Japan. The above costs are for Tokyo's 23 wards (essentially within the city limits).

Prices drop fast when you expand your search to the surrounding areas. It's common for people to move out of Tokyo proper once they have kids and need more space. And even young, single people can afford a 1-bedroom apartment that way. No need to live with roommates.

Distance from the nearest train station will also have a major impact on price, as will age of the building.

Here's a list of prices for 1-bedroom apartments around the world: (all data from NUMBEO)

San Francisco, CA, United States

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥343,419 （$3,157.05)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥276,688 （$2,543.59）

New York

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥338,309 ($3,110.08)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥219,826 ($2,020.86)

London, United Kingdom

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥261,350 （$2,402.58)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥194,950 ($1,792.17)

Singapore

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥235,138 ($2,161.62)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥155,147($1,426.27)

Tokyo

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥146,666 ($1,348.30)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥77,436 ($711.87)

Yokohama (International harbor city in Kanagawa)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥117,500 ($1,080.18)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥81,875 ($752.68)

Osaka (Japan's most populous city after Tokyo, the largest city in the Kansai region)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥93,375 ($858.40)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥54,444 ($500.51)

Fukuoka (Japan's one of the most innovative cities. Fast growing urban centre wants to become Japan’s Silicon Valley!)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre : ¥64,593 ($593.81)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre : ¥48,500 ($445.86)

Unique Japanese rules for renting

In addition to rent, fees like a security deposit and down payment are typical worldwide, but there are other fees particular to Japan not often seen in other countries.

Key money (礼金)
A fee payed to the landlord at the time of contracting that cannot be refunded. Typically between 1-2 month’s rent.

Renewal fee (更新料)
A fee payed to the landlord two years after the start of a contract at the time of contract renewal that cannot be refunded. Typically between 0-1 month’s rent.

Brokerage fee (仲介手数料)
A fee payed to the real estate company. Generally equal to one month’s rent plus a 10% consumption tax. Usually the renter pays the brokerage fee to the real estate company.

Guarantor commission fee (保証委託料)
A fee payed by the renter to a guarantor company. Typically between 50%-100% of a month’s rent. Then, either 1 or 2 years later, the guarantor company will require a fee of 10,000 yen at the time of contract renewal.

*A guarantor company is a company that cosigns the rent agreement, and, if by some chance the renter does not pay their rent, will pay the landlord in their stead.

Security deposit (敷金)
Fee used to restore the residence at the time of departure (repair damages to the room that were incurred during residence) If at the time of departure nothing has been damaged, whether intentionally or by accident, it will mostly be returned, but cleaning fees are often deducted from the security deposit.

Initial fees when renting a home in Japan

houses for rent in japan It will depend on the area, but you will need the equivalent of about 4-6 month’s rent for the initial payment to cover the security deposit, key money, brokerage fee, etc. For example, if your rent is 100,000 yen, the initial payment will be 400,000-600,000 yen.

*They may be difficult to find from overseas, but there are also real estate companies whose properties do not require security deposits and key money or that have reduced brokerage fees, making it possible to negotiate a lower initial payment.

To touch on security deposits again, a 2020 revision to the Civil Code of Rental Contracts has established that “in principal, excluding cases of rent delinquency or where otherwise specified in the rental guidelines, security deposits can be returned”. (This is the first revision in about 120 years!) This new law defines that the renter is not responsible for loss due to normal aging of the property between moving in and moving out, with the idea that it is already included in the rent.

With this new amendment, it is basically no longer possible for the landlord to make claims based on ambiguous standards as before. If you do not know this point (especially as a foreigner), it is possible you will be presented with a disadvantageous contract, so it is recommended that you carefully check the contents of your contract before signing.

The review process for tenants

In order to enter a rental agreement, your information will be reviewed regardless of individual or company contract. This move in review will confirm your identity and ability to pay.

• That you can prove your identity
• That you have a stable source of income
• That rent is about one third of your income

Again, if you use a real estate company specializing in foreign tenants, they will have English support, allowing you to rent a home without speaking Japanese. However, an ability to speak Japanese will be advantageous in your review, and multiply the number of properties you can choose from.

What's my rent limit?

For real estate companies with strict occupancy screening, the upper limit of rent is considered to be about 30% of your annual income divided by 12 months. Depending on the company, rent limit may be calculated as 1/3 of your annual income divided by 12 months.

Are there furnished apartments available?

In Japan, most rooms do not include appliances or furniture, and rent will be slightly higher in cases where they are provided. Therefore, if you are staying long term, it is recommended that you look for a vacant room and purchase your own furniture.

What do I need to rent a home in Japan?

1: Passport and residence card
To rent an apartment in Japan long term, a work or student visa will be necessary. To apply for a regular apartment in Japan, you will be required to have two types of identification: a passport and either a certificate of residence or residence card.

2: Employment contract or official offer letter
You will be asked for an employment contract or official offer letter. If you have not yet signed an employment contract and have not been issued a visa, you will need to present a document (certificate of eligibility) that documents your purpose of staying in Japan. This is a document issued by the Immigration Bureau and proves that your desired activities meet the qualifications for residency in Japan. Obtaining this credential will make it easier for you to obtain a visa.

3: Certificate of Income
You must provide proof of income to prove that you can pay the rent. This includes a copy of your salary statement for the last few months or a withholding slip (a document that shows the total amount of salary paid by your company over the course of a year). If you haven’t worked for a Japanese company yet, this can be substituted for an offer letter (with your annual salary listed) from your new employer.

Note: you may also need documents to prove your relationship to someone you're living with (e.g your spouse). In some cases you might be asked to provide an original marriage certificate, so make sure you bring this with you.

The above are the materials generally required, but what is needed may vary on a case-by-case basis, so please check with your real estate agent for details.

Collection of resources to help foreigners find housing in Japan

BEST-ESTATE.JP

A Tokyo-based apartment search service for foreign residents looking for homes in Japan. They offer nationwide listings and an online process via Zoom that covers consultation, property viewings, and contract signing, so renters can handle each step from their phone or computer.

They also offer virtual tours, options that don’t require a guarantor, and support after move-in. Support is available in seven languages: Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, English, Vietnamese, and Portuguese.

SUUMO

A large real estate portal based in Tokyo that covers property searches across Japan. You can search for apartments, rental houses, new and used condominiums, new and used detached houses, land, and real estate companies by station, town, and area.

In terms of language support, SUUMO has a directory for foreigner-friendly agencies you can search for that can help in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.

METRORESIDENCES

A tech-based rental and property management company founded in Singapore with offices in Tokyo. It lists thousands of serviced apartments (fully furnished with internet and utilities included), co-living spaces, and hotels for mid- to long-term rentals, mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

The company offers several ways to view and book a place, from online reservations to in-person viewings and virtual tours with 360-degree walk-throughs. Language support is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Real Estate Japan

An online real estate search site based in Tokyo that publishes listings from across Japan. It covers rentals, homes for sale, and short-term options, and also includes filters that are useful for foreign residents, such as no key money and bilingual agents.

You can create an account to save favorite properties, set up email alerts, and store contact details for faster inquiries. Language support is available in English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

ARTS

A real estate agency in Tokyo that helps foreign residents rent or buy homes, including apartments, condominiums, houses, tenant spaces, office rentals, and parking spaces, in Meguro, Shibuya, and Setagaya. It offers local knowledge with lifestyle-based suggestions and continued help after move-in.

Foreigners can expect bilingual support, transparent pricing with no extra fees, plain explanations of contracts and translated documents, and help with guarantor company requirements and screening.

Since their site is only available in Japanese, you should use your browser’s built-in translation feature to read the content in your preferred language.

Leopalace21

A nationwide rental provider based in Tokyo that offers a large number of apartments and condominiums, many with furniture and home appliances already installed.

You can search for long-term or monthly options by station, city, map, required travel time, school name, or keyword, as well as filters such as loft, Wi-Fi support, smart lock compatibility, wallpaper choices, and whether the room comes furnished. Language support is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.

Ehousing

A Tokyo-based digital real estate agency and property search platform with over 20,000 listings mainly in central Tokyo, specifically in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato, Chiyoda, Chuo, and Meguro.

You can search for long-term rentals or fully furnished short-term apartments for quick move-in using search filters for details such as rooftop balconies or pet-friendly homes. Language support is available in English and Japanese.

Aikagi

A Tokyo-based rental support service that helps non-Japanese speakers find apartments in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba. They’ll help you to review listings, visit the properties you like the most, understand the paperwork, and complete the contract process. Language support is available in English.

Apartment Japan

An online rental platform based in Tokyo that helps people rent homes in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya / Aichi, Fukuoka, and other cities, with a process designed to work well from overseas.

You can compare quotes, check lease conditions and upfront costs, apply through the site, sign digitally, and pay by credit card, without having a guarantor or Japanese bank account. You can also search for rentals with high-speed internet, coworking or rental office access, and gym or fitness access. The process is in English from start to finish.

apts.jp

A foreign-resident-focused real estate service that combines a property search platform with agent support for renting and buying properties in Tokyo and Osaka. You can search by location, type (houses, apartments, pet-friendly rentals, long-term or furnished monthly rentals, etc.), and size (studio apartments, as well as 1- to 4-bed apartments).

They can also help you with the application process, legal documents, contract renewals, support after you move in, and more Language support is available in English, German, Japanese, Suomi, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French.

B-mate

A real estate service in Japan that helps clients rent, buy, or invest in property. They offer English-language support with choosing homes and completing contracts, plus provide extra help with moving arrangements, furniture setup, and utility activation. The listings are already screened for foreign residents, and any special conditions, such as guarantor or visa requirements, are shown clearly.

BRIDGEHEAD JAPAN

A Tokyo real estate company that works with foreign residents who need help dealing with the local housing market. It offers personalized multilingual support, a broad network of property managers, foreign-resident-ready listings, flexible lease options, and a lower rejection rate than many renters expect when they first start searching.

It also provides a guided four-step process that covers search, listing selection, paperwork, and final contract signing. Language support is available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and French.

Find Hokkaido Agents

Based in Hokkaido, this is not a real estate agency but a referral service that connects foreigners with local real estate professionals. The company introduces clients to pre-screened English-speaking agents who can help with renting, buying, selling, and commercial property, as well as related support through its network of bankers, lawyers, tax specialists, and other professionals. This is a 100% free service that works for you, not the real estate companies.

Fontana Tokyo City Apartments

A Tokyo-based rental company that focuses on furnished apartments and guesthouses for international residents. Some perks you can expect: same-day move-in and clear contracts, plus no key money, no maintenance fees, no contract renewal fees, and no guarantor needed.

Apartments usually have a minimum stay of two months, while guesthouses can start from one month. Language support is available in English, Japanese, Spanish, Tagalog, Swedish, French, and Italian.

Hmlet

A rental platform for fully furnished apartments in Tokyo and Osaka. Apartments are available for a minimum of one month, and come with furniture, appliances, bedding, kitchenware, Wi-Fi, and utility setup in the monthly rent.

You don’t need to pay a traditional deposit, key money, brokerage fee, or provide a guarantor. The whole contract can be completed online, including signing from abroad, and rent can be paid by credit card. Language support is available in English.

Rental companies aimed at foreigners

AtHearth
A real estate company based in Tokyo, and strong in terms of properties within Tokyo. Support available in English and Japanese. You can complete the preview, payment, and contract before coming to Japan. They provide all the support related to life in Japan including utility bills, WIFI contracts, and opening a bank account so that you can start your life in Japan with peace of mind.

GaijinPot Apartments
A real estate company based in Tokyo, and strong in terms of properties within Kanto (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama etc) and Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto etc) regions, but they deal with properties all over the country. Support available in English. They also run a real estate website for foreigners, where you can search for Japanese rental properties in English.

Asumirai
A real estate company based in Fukuoka prefecture, and strong in terms of properties within Fukuoka. Support available in Japanese, English, Chinese, or Korean. Provides total support for your life in Japan, from searching for a property, to contracting, garbage disposal, opening a bank account, setting up gas, water, and electricity, all the way until your departure.

BEST-ESTATE.JP
Offers service in 7 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Traditional Chinese)

Multilingual real estate websites for foreigners

YOLO HOME
A real estate website for foreigners, where you can search for Japanese rental properties in multiple languages. It’s a platform that mainly lists properties that will rent to foreigners and connects them with multilingual intermediary companies. (You can search in English, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese)

Wagaya japan
A real estate company based in Aichi Prefecture. They run a real estate information website (renting and purchasing) aimed at foreigners. You can search from a wide array of properties that don’t require a guarantor or key money in multiple languages. (You can search in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Japanese)

Public housing support services for foreigners

UR
Looking for a cheap apartment in Japan? UR might be a good option. This organization operates under the guidance of the Japanese government so, the rental fees are very reasonable. There are 740,000 units throughout Japan, and the contract is basically the same across all of them.

The biggest advantage of UR is that you can avoid most of the fees associated with renting in Japan. There's no key money, agency fees, or renewal fees. Plus, if you are under 35 years old or have children under 18 years old, you can even get a discount. They're also committed to accepting foreigners working in Japan.

Note
Some popular properties are difficult to rent because of high competition. Also, some properties are in inconvenient locations or older buildings. If you're in the center of Tokyo, there are some highrise apartments with more than 50 floors, so if you can find a good property, you can rent a house at a very reasonable price. UR helps you save money by reducing initial costs, but most of the rental properties are for middle to high income. There aren't many properties for those with lower income.

Eligibility for Foreign Nationals to Apply

Those whose status of residence is permanent resident, diplomatic, or official.
Special Permanent Residents
Medium to long-term residents

This real estate company, WHITESTONE helps foreigners rent UR apartments in Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Saitama, and Chiba.

WHITESTONE

NPO Kanagawa foreign resident support center
If you’re looking to find a cheap apartment in Kanagawa prefecture, it might be a good option to contact NPO Kanagawa foreign resident support center. It’s a public service limited to foreigners who reside or wish to reside in Kanagawa prefecture. They support you in finding a place to live with support in multiple languages. Since its founding in 2001, they've supported around 1600 cases per year, including not just finding residences, but also interpretation and translation in housing related matters.

They offer free consultations and introduce you to properties and real estate companies that meet your needs. Whether or not there is an agency fee depends on the real estate company you are introduced to. If you want to reduce the initial cost and find a cheap apartment, you can tell them your preferences and they’ll introduce you to a real estate company or an apartment that can reduce the cost. You can contact them only via phone or by physically going to their office. English support is only available on Tuesdays and Fridays (10:00-17:00 JST).

Sharehouses in Japan for foreigners

If you're unsure of where to live in Japan, living in a share house for a while might be a good option.

You don't need to pay any extra up-front costs, and you don't need to buy furniture or find a guarantor.

Here are some popular sharehouses for foreigners. All of them provide furnished apartments with support in English.

Social Apartment is a good fit if you want a more local living setup without giving up your own space. Every resident has a fully private room, and shared spaces like the lounges, work area, theater room, kitchen, and others are open at any time.

Around 80% of residents are Japanese, which gives the place a more local feel, and there’s a Social Apartment app for talking with neighbors and management. Furniture and appliances are already provided, and there’s no broker fee, which keeps the initial cost lower. These spaces are available in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo.

DK House

DK House is built for student life, especially for those who want housing that’s social and international. Many residents are Western exchange students from over 50 countries.

Rooms are furnished, monthly costs are lower than a regular rental, and there’s no deposit, key money, or broker’s commission. Women-only floors are available, and bilingual permanent residents provide support inside the house, which can make the first few weeks feel much easier. There are four locations across Japan: two in Tokyo, one in Hokkaido, and another in Saitama.

Interwhao

Interwhao offers both international exchange share houses and furnished studio apartments, so you can choose based on how much privacy you want. Inside the shared houses, every room is completely private and comes furnished with a bed, desk, chair, closet, and Wi-Fi, and the shared living room is where daily socializing and events happen.

Women-only housing is available as well, and staff members can all speak English. Rooms are used by students, workers, interns, and even companies are using them as dorm-style housing. Interwhao has around 40 properties spread across Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Chiba, to name a few.

ShareHouse

ShareHouse is a little different from the other names on this list because it’s a portal site where you can find different share houses, mainly around Tokyo. Their team visits share houses in person and speaks directly with the operators before a listing goes live, which makes it a great place to compare several options while you’re browsing.

XROSS HOUSE

XROSS HOUSE offers short-term stays from one month, so you can try it out before committing to a longer period. There’s no requirement for a deposit, key money, or a brokerage fee, and the rooms are already furnished.

There’s also no need to visit the property before signing, which helps if you want to lock in a place before coming to Japan, since the lease can be signed online. And the best part? If your school or job location changes, you can move to another XROSS HOUSE property for free.

OAKHOUSE

Oakhouse offers share houses and apartments in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Okinawa. You can use their portal to check vacancies, look for deals, and compare different types of homes. The houses are fully furnished with furniture, appliances, curtains, beds, and Wi Fi.

Single rooms come with a bed, refrigerator, and air conditioner, while kitchens, toilets, and showers are shared. You pay only rent and maintenance fee, plus a one-time contract fee, as there’s no key money or guarantor requirements, and you can stay for one month or longer. Support is available in Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese, and French through the 24/7 help desk.

Arden Share House offers shared living without giving up on privacy. You get your own room while still having a kitchen and living room where you can socialize. They market their shared spaces as luxurious but still affordable, so you can expect a large living room, a kitchen with all the amenities you might need, and designer furniture.

There’s no key money or guarantor fees required, and they estimate that residents can save about three months of rent compared with a traditional studio apartment while still getting a comfortable private room and a social home in Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa.

Chateau Life Eze

Chateau Life Eze’s design is inspired by a medieval castle in Eze in the south of France, so you get something a little different from the usual Tokyo setup. Around 75% of residents are Japanese, and many are interested in international exchange and English, which makes it easier for foreign residents to make Japanese friends.

There are private rooms on all 4 floors, while shared facilities include a lounge, music room, rooftop terrace, and a large bathtub for women only. A bilingual house manager is also there to help support residents as they settle in.

International Share House 634 gives residents a way to cut housing costs all the way down to zero, but only if they’re in need of help. If you volunteer for three hours a day, five days a week, you can stay there for free!

You can choose between furnished private rooms, semi-private dorms, and female-only dorms, and you also get shared spaces like a kitchen and a common room, along with all facilities included in the price. For residents who are trying to improve their Japanese while living here, there’s also a free Japanese lesson at least once a week, along with other language activities.

Ladies Only Sharehouse

Ladies Only Sharehouse, as the name suggests, is for women only, and that doesn’t just mean the residents. Only women can enter the house, so the staff are also all female. The house is in a safe and private area, protected by ALSOK security, so help can arrive quickly if something goes wrong. The entrance uses a Sherlock card key system.

Each private room has its own key as well, and shared spaces include the living, dining, and kitchen area, bathroom, shoe rack area, and rooftop.

Osaka

J&F PLAZA

J&F stands for “Japanese and Foreigners”, so this share house is perfect for those who are interested in international exchange. This is a big part of the appeal, but the low costs also draw people in since key money, agency fees, guarantor fees, and renewal fees are not required. The homes are fully furnished, and you get free Wi-Fi and other amenities.

Kitchens, showers, and toilets are usually shared, though some rooms have private ones. The main shared space is the lounge, which is really where the house life comes together.

Fukuoka

Discovery Meinohama South

Discovery Meinohama South’s share houses are designed around shared interests: entrepreneur, English, French, international, and cats.

English houses hold practical conversation lessons with foreign teachers twice a week, in French houses you live with French students, cat houses are for those who have cats (plus cat lovers), entrepreneur houses are ideal for business owners and wannabe entrepreneurs, and international houses are for Japanese and foreign residents.

Shared spaces include a lounge, kitchen, dining room, bathroom with bathtub, theater room, and yoga room.

Final Words on Finding Apartments in Japan for Foreigners

Renting in Japan comes with its own set of rules and habits that surprise many foreigners.

There are all kinds of fees you should know, the review process can feel more thorough than usual, the average 1-bedroom apartment being only 40 square meters takes some getting used to, and finding a place that’s already furnished is not as easy as it seems. If you’re willing to live in a smaller place, you can save on costs, or you can get a bigger place but live outside the city.

Luckily, there are plenty of resources and housing support services that can help you find your next apartment in Japan. There are also fully-furnished share houses, many of which offer private rooms and shared spaces at a low cost.

Take your time comparing options, keep the budget realistic, read carefully what you sign, and if you don’t understand something, ask for help before putting down your signature. The right place for you is out there, and now you’re one step closer to finding it.