Rental market conditions, fees, and practices vary by city and change over time. Figures in this guide are approximate. Always verify with local real estate agents and current listings. Last reviewed: 2026.
Finding an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner
Japan’s rental market can be challenging for foreigners — language barriers, guarantor requirements, and landlord hesitancy toward foreign tenants are real obstacles. However, the landscape has improved significantly, and with the right approach, finding a good apartment is very achievable. This guide walks you through the process.
Understanding Japanese Apartment Types
Japanese apartments are described using a shorthand that combines number of rooms with living space type:
- 1K — One room + kitchen (kitchen is separate from the main room). Common and affordable for singles.
- 1DK — One room + dining/kitchen area. Slightly more space than 1K.
- 1LDK — One room + living/dining/kitchen. More spacious; popular with couples or those who work from home.
- 2LDK, 3LDK — Two or three bedrooms + LDK. For families or shared living.
- Manshon (マンション) — Reinforced concrete apartment building. Generally better soundproofing and more durable.
- Apāto (アパート) — Typically wood or light steel construction; older style, usually cheaper.
Challenges for Foreign Renters
- Guarantor requirement: Traditionally, a Japanese guarantor (hoshōnin) — often a family member or employer — was required. Today, most landlords accept a guarantor company (hoshō gaisha) instead, which is accessible to foreigners who can pay the fee.
- Japanese-only lease agreements: Contracts are in Japanese. If you can’t read Japanese, use a bilingual agent or have a Japanese-speaking friend review the contract.
- Landlord reluctance: Some landlords prefer Japanese nationals or require a Japanese guarantor. Foreigner-friendly properties (外国人可, gaikokujin ka) are explicitly marked on some listings.
- Upfront costs: See our Cost of Moving to Japan guide for the full breakdown of initial apartment fees.
Where to Search for Apartments
- SUUMO (スーモ) — Japan’s largest real estate portal. Japanese-only interface but comprehensive listings.
- LIFULL HOME’S — Another major portal with extensive listings and search filters.
- Gaijin Pot Housing — Specifically targeted at foreigners; English-language support, foreigner-friendly properties.
- UR Housing (UR賃貸住宅) — Government-owned housing corporation. No key money, no guarantor required, no agent fee. Available in many cities. English information available on their website. Excellent option for foreigners.
- Leo Palace 21 — Furnished monthly apartments with shorter minimum stays; popular with expats on assignment.
- Monthly mansion / weekly mansion — Short-term furnished rentals for 1–6 months. Useful while apartment hunting after arrival.
- Real estate agents (不動産屋, fudōsan-ya) — Visiting local real estate offices in the neighborhood you want to live in is still a common and effective approach in Japan.
The Apartment Application Process
- Search and shortlist online or with an agent’s help.
- Visit the property (内見, naiken). In Japan you typically view properties with the agent, not on your own.
- Submit an application (申込書, mōshikomisho). You’ll need your identification, residence card (if already in Japan), employment information, and income details.
- Background and guarantor check. The landlord and guarantor company review your application. This typically takes 1–3 business days.
- Sign the lease. Contracts are in Japanese. Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use a bilingual agent if needed.
- Pay initial costs. Deposit, key money, first month’s rent, agency fee, insurance, and guarantor fee are typically due at contract signing.
- Key handover and move-in. The agent walks you through the apartment condition at move-in.
Tips for Foreign Renters
- Use a foreigner-friendly or bilingual agent. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka have real estate agencies that specialize in helping foreign residents.
- Look for “外国人可” (foreigner-friendly) listings when searching online portals.
- UR Housing is the easiest option for foreigners — no guarantor, no key money, English support available.
- Have a Japanese bank account set up before signing — many landlords require rent to be paid via bank transfer.
- Budget for a temporary stay after arrival while you search. Short-term accommodation (guesthouses, monthly mansions) is widely available.
- Document the apartment’s condition at move-in with photos to protect your deposit at move-out.
- Understand the noise/rules culture: Japanese apartment buildings typically have strict quiet hours and rules about garbage disposal, which vary by building and municipality.
Finding an apartment in Japan as a foreigner requires patience and preparation, but it is absolutely achievable. Many foreigners successfully rent privately owned apartments in Japan’s major cities every year.