LivingGuide

APJ Service
Struggling to Find an Apartment in Japan? Don’t Give Up Yet

Struggling to Find an Apartment in Japan? Don’t Give Up Yet Renting a home in Japan as an international resident can be challenging. Here is what makes the process difficult—and how Apartment Japan can help you overcome some of the most common barriers. 1 Why Is Renting in Japan So Difficult for International Residents? Many people are surprised by how different the Japanese rental process can be. Some landlords do not accept foreign tenants. A Japanese guarantor may be required. A Japanese bank account or local phone number may be requested. Applications and contracts may be available only in Japanese. Initial costs and rental conditions can be difficult to understand. […]

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LivingGuide
Practical Video Guides for Living in Japan | Apartment Japan

Popular Video Guides We’ve created practical how-to videos to help international residents manage everyday life in Japan. Based on more than 10 years of experience supporting foreign tenants, these guides cover Japanese home appliances, household tasks, banking services, and other common challenges. Watch our step-by-step videos to make your life in Japan easier, safer, and more comfortable. Please note that some of these videos were created more than 10 years ago and may look dated, but the information they provide is still useful. How to Use a Japanese Washing Machine Learn how to use a Japanese washing machine step by step. This video explains the basic controls and washing process, […]

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APJ Service
How to rent a home easily in Japan?

Complicated General Rental Procedures in Japan Renting a property in Japan can be a challenging experience for foreigners. Japan’s rental process involves unique customs and practices that differ significantly from global standards, making it difficult to understand and navigate. In this article, we’ll explore the complexities of renting in Japan and introduce a solution that simplifies the process for foreigners. 1.  What required when Generally Renting in Japan Japan’s rental process includes several unique aspects that can be difficult for foreigners to manage. Below are some of the most common challenges: Key Money and Deposit Tenants are often required to pay a refundable deposit (“shikikin”) and non-refundable key money (“reikin”) […]

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English
Glossary & Customs - Japanese Rental Housing -

    Word Description Lease Agreement The document which is written the agreement covenants in between the Lessor (lender) and the Lessee (borrower) regarding to the rental properties. Written the details of the subject property and conditions in clearly, and clarify the lease term (lease period), the process for cancellation, and the prohibited matters. In Japan, three types of lease agreements based on various laws are commonly used for rental housing contracts; ・Fixed-term Residential Lease Agreement, ・Ordinary Residential Lease Agreement (usually renewable), ・Temporary-use Residential Lease agreement Contract The action to start the lease agreement and make the terms effective. as of sign on the lease agreement, and the settlement of […]

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English
How to Read Japanese Floor Plans?

Japanese apartment floor plans use unique abbreviations such as 1R, 1K, 1DK, 1LDK, 2LDK and 3LDK. Understanding these terms makes it much easier to compare rental properties and choose a layout that fits your needs. This guide explains the most common Japanese floor plan terms, symbols and room-size indications used in property listings. 1. Layout (Floor Plan) In Japan, housing layouts (Floor Plans) are described using a combination of numbers and letters, such as "1R," "1K," "2DK," or "3LDK." Here's how to interpret them: 1)  Numbers The number represents the count of bedrooms or multipurpose rooms, excluding the kitchen, dining, and living areas. For example, "2" means there are two […]

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