Manners Cross culture

Japanese Apartment Etiquette: Essential Rules for Expats

Looking for an apartment to rent in Japan? Learn and master apartment etiquette with these cultural tips, to avoid common mistakes, and enjoy your stay.

Furnished Apartments in Tokyo: A Guide to Short-Term Rentals

Monthly apartment rentals in Tokyo are gaining popularity due to more foreign visitors and flexible work styles. Fully furnished and move-in ready, these short-term rentals suit business travelers, digital nomads, students, and tourists. With growing English support, they offer comfort and convenience for living in Japan. Discover why monthly apartments are a smart choice for your Tokyo stay.

Stay options

Where to Stay in Japan: Hotels vs Apartments

Planning a trip to Japan? Your choice of accommodation can greatly impact your experience, whether it's a short business trip, tourism, or a long-term stay. In this guide, we'll help you choose between hotels and apartments based on your stay length, highlighting key features of each option.

Stay options Digital nomads Tokyo

How to Choose the Perfect Digital Nomad Accommodation in Tokyo

For digital nomads considering short-term or long-term stays in Tokyo, this article compares the differences between hotels and rental apartments, exploring their respective advantages and features. We provide specific ideas and lifestyle tips to ensure a comfortable stay and enhance your experience in Tokyo.

Moving Tokyo Osaka

English-Speaking Moving Companies in Japan

Thinking of moving within Japan? Even if you do not speak Japanese, there are several moving companies that offer services in English. Please refer to the list of movers below who can help you without language barriers.

Manners Cross culture

Etiquette Guide: Why Do You Take Off Your Shoes in Japan?

Removing your shoes indoors is a deeply rooted custom of Japanese culture. Find out why and when you need to take off your shoes in Japan.

Money guide

Average Public Utility Prices in Japan – Electricity, Gas, and Water Costs

Learn about utility costs in Japan, including electricity, gas, water, and sewage. Understand rate structures, average monthly bills by household size, payment methods, and contact details to help manage your living expenses.

Real estate agents

English-Speaking Real Estate Agents in Japan

Local agents offer invaluable region-specific services and insights, making them indispensable for a smooth transaction process. That's why we've compiled a list of English-speaking real estate agents operating outside Tokyo's 23 wards and Yokohama.

Buying

Can a foreigner purchase property in Japan?

Against the backdrop of a weakened yen, an increase in foreign tourists, and a rise in the number of foreign residents, there is a growing trend of real estate purchases in Japan by foreigners.

Cleaning tips

Transform Your Home: How to Remove Floor Clutter for Ultimate Tranquility

In this article, we will explore the negative effects of floor clutter, highlight the benefits of maintaining a tidy home, and provide practical tips for reducing housekeeping-related stress, ultimately helping you achieve a more fulfilling and tranquil life.

Apartments for Rent in Japan

When searching for a home in Japan, foreigners have various options to choose from. If your stay is less than a year, such as for a short-term assignment, we recommend serviced apartments or monthly rental apartments that come fully furnished with appliances. For long-term stays, such as expatriate assignments or studying abroad, it’s common to rent an unfurnished property and either purchase or rent furniture separately.

On this page, you’ll find a wealth of helpful information for foreigners, including rental property listings, tips on living in Japanese apartments, rules and etiquette, English-speaking real estate agencies, moving services, and more.

Whether you're new to Japan or just looking for your next home, the information provided ensures a smoother search process and a more comfortable stay.

Rental Apartments in Tokyo

Serviced Apartments
Short-term / 1 month+

Monthly Apartments
Short-term / 1 month+

Furnished Apartments
Long-term / 1 year+

Apartments for Rent
Long-term / 1 year+

Rental guide

Comprehensive guide to renting apartments in Japan, offering valuable insights and essential information

Average Public Utility Prices in Japan – Electricity, Gas, and Water Costs

Public utilities such as electricity, gas, and water supply are basic necessities for everyday life. Here, we explain the rate structure, payment methods, and approximate average monthly costs by household size to help you budget for life in Japan.

Guide to Japanese apartment layout terms

By PLAZA HOMES

When renting a property in Japan, floor plans often include English words or abbreviations due to space limitations, which can be confusing. Here, we explain the meanings of these terms as well as the differences between Japanese and Western (European/American) floor plans. An English version of this explanation is also available on our website.

Lost Your Rental Keys in Japan? Here's What to Do

By PLAZA HOMES

Lost your rental property key in Japan? Learn essential steps: check with the nearest police box, file a lost property report, and contact your management company or lessor. Understand who pays for unlocking and lock replacement, typical costs, and legal rules. Protect your security—handle keys carefully, especially for auto-lock buildings.

Putting Holes in Rented Apartment Walls in Japan

By PLAZA HOMES

Is drilling holes in rented apartment walls in Japan allowed? Find out what hole sizes are permitted and who pays for repairs. Learn safe ways to decorate your walls and what to do if you make large holes.

Short term rentals

Comprehensive articles on short-term rentals in Japan

Monthly Furnished Apartments for Rent in Japan

Discover move-in ready apartments available across Japan. Each unit is fully furnished with essential furniture, home appliances, and high-speed internet, offering the convenience of immediate occupancy.

Luxury Serviced Apartments in Tokyo

By PLAZA HOMES

Tokyo

A serviced apartment is fully furnished with all essentials, including furniture, appliances, kitchen, and internet. It’s perfect for short or long stays. Hotel-like services are available, with spacious living areas offering comfort and luxury. English-speaking front desk staff ensure a smooth stay for international guests.

Where to Stay in Japan: Hotels vs Apartments

When staying in Japan, choosing between a hotel, a monthly apartment, or a rental apartment depends on factors such as the length of stay, location, and whether you have any roommates. This article will introduce the characteristics of each option based on the duration of your stay.

Housing tips

Essential tips on cleaning, home appliances, moving, and trash disposal in daily life

Japanese Mosquito Repellents and Medicine to Stop Itching

Life hacks & fixes

This page contains affiliate links. In Japan, you may encounter mosquitoes (Ka in Japanese) from Spring to Autumn. While the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease such as Japanese encephalitis…

How to Use a Japanese Washing Machine

Home appliances Housekeeping Troubleshooting Translation

This page contains affiliate links. Japan’s future-tech society has created many solutions to keep a nation looking its best, but when you’re living in a foreign country, sometimes even the simplest t…

Storage Solutions: Simple Tips to Maximize Space in Small Japanese Apartments

Housekeeping Life hacks & fixes

This article is contributed by Kurashinity In Japan, many people live in compact apartments where space is limited. But with a few clever storage techniques, even the smallest rooms can feel spacious,…

How to Pay Utility Bills in Japan

By PLAZA HOMES

Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. In Japan there are many convenient ways in which you can pay your utility bills. Here's some info on the rate structure and the payment methods available to those living in Japan.