Manners Cross culture

Rules and Manners for Living in Japanese Apartments

To live comfortably in Japan, especially in a rental apartment, it is crucial to understand Japanese cultural manners and rules. By following the guidelines below, you can more easily build harmonious relationships with those around you, so please refer to them.

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 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

Public Utility Prices in Japan (Electricity, Gas, Water)

The prices of electricity, gas, and water bills in Japan and how to pay for them. Here we explain in easy to understand terms, the rate structure, payment methods, and a rough average cost per month depending on household size. We hope that this information will help you to effectively budget your finances.

Registrations

Registering or Changing Your Address in Japan

In this article you can learn how to register your new address in Japan when you move in from abroad or change your address when you move within Japan. You need to register within 14 days at your local municipal office.

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.

Renting an Apartment in Japan: A Guide for Foreigners

If you are a foreigner in Japan, we recommend that you understand the following unique business practices of renting a property before you start your house hunting.

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

Tokyo Monthly Apartments Short term from 1 month

Tokyo Apartments for Rent Long-term (1 year or more)

Rental guide

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

Rules and Manners for Living in Japanese Apartments

Manners Cross culture

To live comfortably in Japan, especially in a…

Renting an Apartment in Japan: A Guide for Foreigners

By PLAZA HOMES

If you are a foreigner in Japan, we recommend that you understand the following unique business practices of renting a property before you start your house hunting.

Renting a Pet-friendly apartment in Japan

By PLAZA HOMES

If you would like to have a pet in a rental property or already have a pet that you would like to live with, starting your search with properties that allow pets is recommended.

Short term rentals

Comprehensive articles on short-term rentals in Japan

How to Choose the Perfect Digital Nomad Accommodation in Tokyo

Stay options Tokyo

For digital nomads considering short-term or l…

Housing tips

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

English-Speaking Maid and Housekeeping Services Guide in Tokyo

Cleaning tips

This page contains affiliate links. Between ov…

Furniture for Expats in Japan – bringing, leasing or buying

By PLAZA HOMES

Furniture

When you renting a residence in Japan, typically, rental properties with long-term contracts do not come fully furnished with furniture and appliances. Here is a short guide to inform foreign expats of the different options available in Japan in when it comes to furnishing a home. The options we will cover include furnishing a home by purchasing, leasing, or bringing of furniture from one’s home country as well as what the benefits of each are based on one’s length of stay in Japan.

Personalize Your Home: A Tokyo Furniture Buying Guide

By PLAZA HOMES

Furniture

If you’ve arrived in Tokyo without any furniture, no need to worry. Not only is it easy to find what you need, you’ll also be surprised by some of the design solutions available here. Whether you want purely functional items at a low price, or you’re hoping to discover something uniquely Japanese, Tokyo furniture stores have plenty to offer. Keep reading to find out the latest trends and best places to furnish your new place.

General

Essential information on buying and selling real estate in Japan

English-Speaking Real Estate Agents in Japan

By PLAZA HOMES

Real estate agents