How to Rent in Japan: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Options
Welcome to Japan! Whether you’re visiting for a short period or planning to stay long-term, finding the right place to live can be an exciting adventure. I’m here to share two simple ways to rent in Japan, whether you’re staying for a little while or a longer duration.
Short-term versus Long-term, and what are some of the benefits you can tap into:
- Short-Term Rentals
When you first touchdown in Japan, finding a temporary spot to settle in is a great idea. If you want to explore different neighbourhoods or get a feel for the area, consider staying in a hostel, hotel, or guesthouse. But if you think you might stay longer, why not save some cash from the start? Here are some friendly tips:
- Search Online: Websites like Sakura House or Airbnb can be great sources for short-term rentals.
- Check Out Sharehouses: These are super popular among newcomers! They offer a community atmosphere and usually come fully furnished with utilities included. Look into places like Oakhouse, Sharehouse180, and Sakura House for some fun options.
- Furnished Flats: Renting a furnished flat means you can move in hassle-free—no need to worry about buying furniture right away!
- Long-Term Rentals
Ready to call Japan home? You’ll be pleased to know there are lots of options for long-term rentals, both fully furnished and semi-furnished. Many newcomers lean toward fully furnished apartments to avoid the headaches of shopping for furniture. But if you’re looking to save a few yen, semi-furnished places let you pick up what you need gradually—plus, hunting for bargains at second-hand shops can be quite the treasure hunt!
Renting a flat is a popular choice, and many cities have neighbourhoods and agencies that welcome foreigners with open arms. Just a heads-up: due to some past issues, a few landlords might have stricter rules for foreigners, but don’t worry; some agencies specialize in helping newcomers find their perfect home! Here are some to consider:
- Mini-mini https://minimini-house.com/en/english
- Nishiyo https://www.nishio-rent.co.jp/
- Summo https://suumo.jp/tokushu/foreigner/english/
- Be-mate https://bmatehouse.com/#/home
- GaijinPot Apartments https://apartments.gaijinpot.com/en/rent
- Able https://www.able.co.jp/international/en.html
When you visit an agency, be sure to ask if they have English-speaking staff. Share your budget, preferred area, and your top three must-haves, and let the search begin! Just keep in mind that there is a fixed list of required documents which I will be sharing in my upcoming post, so to get more information, don’t miss out on checking out (Leasing in Japan and Much More), this post shares it in detail.
I will share all the details and information on my next post, so please check out Leasing in Japan and Much More to get all the pointers you need.
Happy house hunting 🙂
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