Starting your apartment hunt in Japan but feeling overwhelmed by Japanese real estate websites? You're not alone. Finding a suitable apartment in Japan can be challenging for foreigners due to language barriers and unfamiliar rental systems. Fortunately, several websites and apps now cater specifically to the foreign community. This guide will help you navigate the best platforms for your property search in Japan.
Comprehensive English-Language Property Sites
GaijinPot Housing Service
English Support Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (詳細)
Foreigner-Friendly Properties: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (詳細)
Fee Transparency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (詳細)
GaijinPot Housing Service specializes in providing rental assistance to foreigners in Japan. Their platform features
- ✅ 100% foreigner-friendly listings (no "Japanese only" properties)
- ✅ No guarantor (保証人 / hoshōnin) required for most properties
- ✅ Full English support throughout the rental-process
- ✅ Clear explanation of all fees involved
- ✅ Assistance with utility setup
Cultural Note: The traditional Japanese rental system often requires a Japanese guarantor (保証人 / hoshōnin) who takes financial responsibility if you fail to pay rent. This custom stems from Japan's relationship-based business culture where personal connections provide security. Services like GaijinPot have recognized this barrier for foreigners and created alternatives, either by providing guarantor company services or finding properties that don't require this traditional arrangement.
GaijinPot acts as an intermediary between you and Japanese real estate agencies, making the process much smoother. The tradeoff is a slightly smaller selection of properties and potentially higher fees than going directly through Japanese agencies.
SUUMO International
English Support Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Foreigner-Friendly Properties: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Fee Transparency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
SUUMO (スーモ / sūmo) is one of Japan's largest property websites and now offers an international version with
- 🇬🇧 English, Chinese, and Korean language support
- 🏠 Wide selection of properties across Japan
- 🔍 Detailed search filters
- 🗺️ Map-based search functionality
- 🎥 Virtual tours for some properties
While SUUMO has extensive listings, not all properties accept foreign tenants, so always confirm before getting too invested in a particular listing.
OAKHOUSE
English Support Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Foreigner-Friendly Properties: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fee Transparency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OAKHOUSE (オークハウス / ōku hausu) specializes in share houses (シェアハウス / shea hausu) but also offers apartments
- 🛋 Fully furnished options
- 💰 Utilities often included in rent
- 👤 No guarantor required
- 📝 Simple application process
- 📆 short-term rental options
- 🌎 Strong international community
Cultural Insight: Share houses have become increasingly popular in Japan, particularly among young professionals and foreigners. This housing style originated as a practical solution to tokyo's high housing costs but has evolved into a unique social phenomenon. Many Japanese join share houses not just for affordability but to expand their international connections and practice languages. For foreigners, these communal living spaces provide an immediate social network and cultural immersion that traditional apartments can't offer.
OAKHOUSE is particularly good for newcomers to Japan who want a hassle-free move-in experience and opportunities to connect with others.
Japanese Sites with English Support
HOMES
English Support Level: ★★★☆☆ (詳細)
Foreigner-Friendly Properties: ★★★☆☆
Fee Transparency: ★★★★☆ (詳細) (詳細) (実装) (詳細)
HOMES offers an English interface with
- Extensive property listings across Japan
- Detailed search filters
- Clear photos and floor plans
- Map-based searching
- Mobile-friendly interface
The English version has fewer features than the Japanese version, but it's still quite comprehensive.
APTS.JP
English Support Level: ★★★★★ (詳細)
Foreigner-Friendly Properties: ★★★★☆
Fee Transparency: ★★★★☆
APTS.JP focuses on tokyo apartments with
- Bilingual agents
- No guarantor options
- Transparent fee structure
- Assistance throughout the entire process
- Negotiation with landlords on your behalf
Their service comes with agency fees, but many foreigners find the personalized support worth the cost.
Mobile Apps for Property Hunting
LIFULL HOME'S
English Support Level: ★★★☆☆
User-Friendliness: ★★★★☆ (詳細)
This app offers
- Intuitive interface
- Location-based searching
- Push notifications for new listings
- Saved search preferences
- Direct contact with listing agents
The app has some English support but works best for those with basic Japanese reading ability.
LINE Real Estate
English Support Level: ★★☆☆☆
User-Friendliness: ★★★★☆
If you already use LINE, this app integrates with your account and offers
- Personalized recommendations
- Easy sharing of listings with friends
- Built-in chat function with agents
- Virtual tours for some properties
The app is primarily in Japanese but has an intuitive interface that works with translation apps.
Short-Term and Furnished Options
LeoPalace21
English Support Level: ★★★★☆
Foreigner-Friendly Properties: ★★★★★ (詳細)
Fee Transparency: ★★★★☆
LeoPalace21 specializes in fully furnished apartments with
- Simple application process
- No guarantor required in many cases
- Furniture and appliances included
- Internet ready
- short-term contracts available
- English customer support
Monthly rates are higher than traditional rentals, but initial costs are much lower.
Sakura House
English Support Level: ★★★★★
Foreigner-Friendly Properties: ★★★★★
Fee Transparency: ★★★★★
Sakura House offers short-term accommodations with
- No guarantor or Japanese language ability required
- Fully furnished rooms
- All utilities included
- Flexible contract lengths (from 1 month)
- Simple online booking system
- English, Chinese, and Korean support
Ideal for those who need immediate housing upon arrival or aren't ready for a long-term commitment.
Search Strategies for Foreigners
What You'll Need: Effective Property Search Tools
- 📱 Smartphone or computer with internet access
- 💳 Payment method (credit card or bank account) for application fees
- 🔍 Translation app like Google Translate for Japanese websites
- 📁 Document folder containing
- Residence card (在留カード / zairyū kādo)
- Passport
- Proof of income (収入証明書 / shūnyū shōmeisho)
- Certificate of employment (在職証明書 / zaishoku shōmeisho)
- 📅 Schedule availability for property viewings
- 📝 Property requirements list (budget, location, size, etc.)
Using Multiple Platforms
- 🔎 Don't limit yourself to one website. Different platforms list different properties, so using multiple sites increases your chances of finding the perfect place.
Set Up Alerts
- 🔔 Most property sites allow you to save search criteria and receive notifications when new properties matching your requirements become available. The market moves quickly, so this feature is invaluable.
Use Google Maps Integration
- 🗺️ When you find a property, check the neighborhood using Google Maps and Street View to get a better sense of the area before scheduling a viewing.
Filtering Tips
When searching, look for these keywords for foreigner-friendly options
- 🌎 "Foreign-friendly" (外国人可 / gaikokujin ka)
- 🔓 "No guarantor needed" (保証人不要 / hoshōnin fuyō)
- 🇬🇧 "English support available" (英語対応 / eigo taiou)
Reach Out Directly
- 💬 Even if a listing doesn't explicitly state "foreigners welcome," it's worth inquiring. Many landlords who haven't considered foreign tenants may still be open to the idea.
Cultural Note: The term 外国人可 (gaikokujin ka / foreigners accepted) in property listings reflects Japan's unique housing history. Unlike many countries where landlords cannot legally discriminate based on nationality, Japanese property owners can decline tenants based on their non-Japanese status. This practice stems from concerns about language barriers, cultural differences, and perceived flight risk. While changing gradually, especially in major cities, this is why explicitly foreigner-friendly listings are valuable resources for international residents.
Avoiding Scams and Issues
What to Watch Out For
- ⚠️ Too-good-to-be-true pricing: Be wary of listings with prices significantly below market rate
- 💰 Advance payment requests: Never transfer money before viewing a property and signing a contract
- 🔍 Unverified agencies: Verify the real estate agency's credentials (宅建業免許 / takken gyō menkyo)
- 📃 Hidden fees: Ask for detailed explanations of all fees (費用明細 / hiyō meisai) before proceeding
- 🗣️ Language barriers: If possible, bring a Japanese-speaking friend to viewings and meetings
Cultural Note: The Japanese rental market is highly regulated and generally safe, but foreigners can be targeted by unscrupulous operators who take advantage of their unfamiliarity with the system. Legitimate real estate agencies must display their license number (宅建業免許番号 / takken gyō menkyo bangō) on their websites and in their offices. If you can't find this information, consider it a red flag.
Working with Real Estate Agents
Recommended Foreigner-Friendly Agencies
For the best results, consider contacting these foreigner-friendly real estate agencies directly
- 🏡 Real Estate Japan (リアルエステートジャパン / riaru esutēto japan)
- 🏘️ tokyo Apartment Inc. (東京アパートメント / tōkyō apātomento)
- 👤 Ken Corporation (ケンコーポレーション / ken kōporēshon)
- 🏬 Plaza Homes (プラザホームズ / puraza hōmuzu)
- 🌎 Fontana (フォンタナ / fontana)
Cultural Insight: Japanese real estate agents (不動産屋 / fudosan-ya) typically operate differently than in Western countries. In Japan, each agency has exclusive access to certain properties, meaning you may need to visit multiple agencies to see all available options. Agents don't typically take you to multiple properties in one viewing trip; instead, you'll often be shown one property at a time. Agencies specializing in foreign clients have adapted their practices to offer more Western-style service, making the process less confusing for newcomers.
These companies have experience working with foreigners and often have staff who speak English and other languages.
Finding an apartment in Japan as a foreigner has become much easier in recent years thanks to these specialized services. With patience and persistence, you'll find a comfortable place to call home during your time in Japan.
Have you had success with any particular property website or app? Share your experience in the comments!