We are a brokerage company based in Tokyo that specializes in finding real estate properties for foreigners. We offer properties for both renting as well as for buying in Tokyo and the surrounding areas.
Think about what kind of apartment and layout (1K, 2LDK, etc.) you want, the areas you want to live in/where you will be working, the max distance from the nearest station, the budget for rent and any other preferences you think we should know.
Then, contact us with your request and we will start introducing properties to you based on your preferences.
After that, you can select the properties you are interested in and we can schedule a viewing.
The first number is the number of bedrooms, 1-2-3-4 etc., L is living area, D is dining area, and K is kitchen. Thus, 1LDK means 1 bedroom with a living area, dining area, and kitchen. Not all properties have a LDK though, some may say 1K or 1DK, especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. 1K being 1 bedroom with a kitchen and 1DK being one bedroom with a kitchen and dining area. There are also a few properties that are 1R, this means that there is only one large room that will serve as your bedroom and kitchen (like a studio apartment). The kitchens in these apartments are usually quite small, so if you love cooking, this type of apartment will limit you. And finally, there are some apartments that may have “S” in them, like 1SLDK. This “S” stands for service room (some may refer to it as a storage room), though it could be used as a free room as they can vary widely in size. These types of rooms could be a small walk-in closet, to the size of a small bedroom. In the latter case, a 1SLDK could also be viewed as a 2LDK.
Absolutely! Contact us before coming to Japan and we can shorten the process it will take to get an apartment upon your arrival.
It depends, certain properties allow for overseas contracts, which usually allows you to move in when you arrive, though this can vary somewhat depending on the management company. Do note though that options can be more limiting if you would like an overseas contract.
From the time of applying to moving in takes about two weeks. Occasionally it can be sooner (especially if a client needs a place as soon as possible), though it can also take longer (starting an application before a long holiday such as Obon or New Year’s).
In general, your residence card, passport, a Japanese bank account, and a Japanese phone number will be needed. You will also need to provide evidence of your salary in Japan and/or your bank statements to show you have sufficient funds to rent the property. Furthermore, you usually will be required to have two emergency contacts, with at least one located in Japan, though this will vary greatly by management company.
This is dependent on the landlord, but in most cases yes. However, in cases where you do need a guarantor, you will very likely be assigned a guarantor company. For foreigners, expect the price to be about 100% of the monthly rent for the first year, then ¥10,000 from the second year and beyond. However, this varies by company and we will let you know more depending on the apartment you pick.
Unfortunately, we only handle long term properties where the tenant plans on staying for at least 1 year. Please note that many properties have a cancellation fee if you leave before 2 years, though some only have a cancellation fee after 1 year. Let us know if you are only planning on staying for one year, so we can find properties that will allow you to cancel with no cancellation fee after the first year.
Depends on the apartment. We can show you furnished or unfurnished apartments depending on your need. But do keep in mind that furnished properties tend to run a higher price, as you are paying for the convenience of not having to furnish the place yourself.
Like the previous question, it depends on the apartment. We can find you pet friendly apartments if you are interested, though keep in mind that they usually require an extra deposit.
Yes, we can help with setting up a Japanese bank account and phone number and with setting up utilities. Reach out to us if you have questions or need help!
We currently support Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Most of our clients communicate with us in English, but you are free to communicate in those other languages too if you prefer.