Finding the right real estate agent makes apartment hunting in Japan dramatically easier. This guide covers how Japan’s agency system works, how to use the major listing portals effectively, and how to find agencies that welcome foreign tenants.
How Japanese Real Estate Agencies Work
In Japan, almost all rental transactions happen through licensed real estate agencies (不動産会社). You browse listings on portals like SUUMO or Homes, then contact the listing agency directly — not the landlord. The agency handles all communication, paperwork, and contract signing.
Key points about Japanese agencies:
- You pay an agency fee (仲介手数料) equivalent to approximately 1 month’s rent (legally capped at 1.1 months including tax)
- Agency fees are non-negotiable in most cases, though some discount agencies (ゼロ仲介) charge 0
- The same listing may appear on multiple portals through different agencies — always confirm current availability
- Agencies are licensed by prefecture and bound by the Real Estate Brokerage Act (宅地建物取引業法)
SUUMO — Japan’s Largest Rental Portal
SUUMO (suumo.jp) is the go-to portal for rental searches in Japan. Key features for apartment hunters:
- Map-based search — draw search areas around specific stations or neighborhoods
- Filter by: rent range, floor plan (間取り), building age, floor, conditions (ペット可, 楽器相談, etc.)
- Filter for 礼金なし (no key money), 敷金なし (no deposit), 仲介手数料不要 (no agency fee)
- English interface available at global.suumo.jp (limited listings)
- The main Japanese site (suumo.jp) has far more listings — Google Translate works well on it
SUUMO listings show each property’s agency. You contact the agency (via the site form or phone) to schedule viewings.
Homes and AtHome — Secondary Portals
Homes (homes.co.jp): Second-largest portal. Good map interface and detailed building information. Often shows the same properties as SUUMO, sometimes at different agencies. Worth cross-checking.
AtHome (athome.co.jp): Third major portal. Useful for regional cities outside Tokyo and Osaka where SUUMO coverage is thinner.
Checking 2–3 portals for the same search area ensures you see the full market. The same unit may have slightly different information or conditions listed on different portals.
Foreigner-Friendly Agencies and Services
Several agencies and services specifically serve foreign residents:
- GaijinPot Apartments (apartments.gaijinpot.com): English-language platform connecting foreigners with foreigner-friendly landlords and agencies. Reduced documentation hurdles.
- Sakura House (sakura-house.com): Share houses and furnished apartments throughout Japan, entirely English-language process. Low barrier to entry.
- Fontana (fontana.jp): Tokyo-focused agency specializing in foreign clients. English support.
- UR Housing (ur-net.co.jp/chintai/en/): Government-owned properties with English support. No key money, no agency fee, no guarantor. Available in many major cities.
- Leopalace21 (leopalace21.com/en/): Furnished economy apartments near workplaces. English website and support. Popular with new arrivals on short-term contracts.
Tips for Working with Japanese Agencies
Practical strategies to improve your rental search experience:
- Visit in person: Japanese agencies strongly prefer in-person visits. Walk-in to agencies near your target neighborhood for local market knowledge.
- Prepare a self-introduction: Some agents ask about your occupation, reason for moving, and lifestyle (do you work late? play instruments?). A brief, clear explanation helps.
- Bring all documents to the first visit: Having residence card, passport, and employment proof ready shows seriousness.
- Ask explicitly about foreign tenant acceptance: Not all landlords accept foreign tenants. Ask the agency to filter for foreigner-OK (外国人可) properties from the start.
- Confirm pet and instrument policies: Many buildings prohibit pets (ペット不可) and musical instruments (楽器不可). Confirm before falling in love with a listing.
Zero Agency Fee Options
A newer segment of discount agencies charges no agency fee (ゼロ仲介 / 仲介手数料無料):
- ieie (イエイエ): Online-first agency, zero agency fee on select properties
- Chintai (chintai.net): Portal with zero-fee listings
- Direct from management company: Some large building management companies list direct; no agency involved
Zero-fee options can save ¥100,000+ on move-in costs. The trade-off is typically less personalized service and a narrower property selection.
After You Find Your Apartment
Once you’ve chosen a property, the agency handles:
- Application submission to landlord
- Background check coordination with guarantor company
- Contract preparation (usually in Japanese — request an English summary if needed)
- Key handover and move-in inspection
The agency is your primary point of contact throughout the tenancy for maintenance requests and move-out coordination.
Portal features, agency services, and market conditions evolve. Verify availability and services directly with agencies at time of search. This guide provides orientation, not real estate advice.