Apartments in Japan

Japan’s system for renting apartments is outdated and frustrating, especially for foreigners. In fact, 90% of the apartment agencies won’t even rent to foreigners, but don’t despair! There are many foreigner-friendly housing options, and this video will explain pros & cons of each.

How to Rent an Apartment

You have found the ultimate roadmap to Japan’s insane apartment rental system. This video will help you get your dream apartment in Japan. If you want to live in the cheapest / craziest apartments in Japan, you’ll need to follow the steps in my video.

Living in an Apartment

Congratulations, you rented an apartment in Japan. Did you know that most Japanese apartments don’t come with a stove or refrigerator? This video will show you how to set up your apartment. I’ll also explain how to get your electricity, gas, and water turned on, and how to pay the utility bills. Last, but not least, I’ll explain Japan’s ridiculous procedures for sorting trash & recycling.

  • Buy your stove, refrigerator, and furniture at a thrift shop, or used appliance shop. Ask if they offer delivery. Also, some buildings have “city gas” and others have propane, so make sure the stove you buy is compatible with your building.

  • Electricity and water can be turned on automatically. The phone numbers will be on your rental documents. Ask the school to call them for you.

  • The gas company also needs to be called, but you must make an appointment. The gas company will send a guy to turn on the gas, and you need to be home

  • You will get the utility bills in the mail. Bring them to any convenience store, and pay them. Super easy.

  • The trash collection system is ridiculous, but you must obey the rules, or they won’t collect it. Watch the video for details.

Move Out of the Apartment

When you’re ready to move out, you need to let your real estate company know at least 30 days ahead of time. Ask them if there will be an apartment inspection. If there is, try to have someone who speaks Japanese be there with you. Some real estate companies require you to cancel / end your lease using their app. This is one of the most complicated things you will ever do in your life. You will need the school to help you.

NOTE: They will charge you a “cleaning fee,” so don’t bother cleaning the apartment too much. They will probably keep most of your deposit… because you’re gaijin. Also, because you’ll be leaving before the 2-year lease ends, expect to pay a penalty fee. The fee is normally a month’s rent. After you officially cancel the lease, the real estate company will send you a letter. The letter will explain that part of your deposit may be refunded, and it will be deposited into your Japanese bank account. The letter will also contain a return-envelope, so you can mail the key to them.

Super important! You need to cancel your utilities right before you move out. Ask someone at the school to call the Gas, Electric, and water company, and cancel the services. The gas and water companies will send a guy to your apartment. You need to be there, and have cash. They will show up, shut off the gas / water, and you will pay them the final bill in cash. The electric company will shut off your power remotely, and mail you the final bill. NOTE: You need set up a mail forward (go to the post office in person) a week before you shut off the utilities. Set your forward address to a friend’s house, and leave them some money to pay the final electric bill. They will pay the final bill at the convenience store.

Foreigner Friendly Apartment Agencies