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Essential Items for Moving into Your First Apartment in Japan

Essential Items for Moving into Your First Apartment in Japan

Japanese apartments, especially located in central Tokyo and large cities, usually reward simplicity and smart choices. If you’re setting up your first place, you don’t need a full household on day one. Start with the three items that immediately improve comfort, save some space, and fit local living patterns: a futon, a rice cooker, and a microwave/oven combo.

1) Futon (Modern, Space-Saving Bedding)

Futons are present in almost every Japanese household and make sense because they combine comfort with flexibility. You sleep well at night, then fold and store during the day—freeing up floor space for work or guests. They dry faster than mattresses, are easier to air out (mold prevention matters in Japan), and moving apartments with a futon is far less hassle.

Recommended set: A complete futon set keeps it simple and is often used for hosting guests or visiting family: Futon Set (affiliate link).

  • Comfort: Pick a mid-thickness shikibuton (bottom) with a supportive kakebuton (top).
  • Care: Air in sunlight or near a window; use a dehumidifier during rainy season.
  • Storage: Fold daily and store in a closet to keep floors clear and reduce dust.

2) Rice Cooker (Daily Convenience, Reliable Meal Base)

Rice is the backbone of easy, affordable meals in Japan. A good rice cooker gives you consistent results, is easily programmable, keeps rice warm safely, and supports busy weekday routines. Many models handle quick cook, porridge, brown rice, and timer functions—so dinner can be ready when you walk in the door.

Starter pick: Rice Cooker (affiliate link) with keep-warm and a detachable inner pot for easy cleaning.

  • Time savings: Set a timer in the morning; dinner starch is ready automatically.
  • Versatility: Batch-cook and refrigerate portions for quick weekday meals.
  • Cleanup: Look for non-stick, removable inner lids/pots.

3) Microwave/Oven Combo (One Appliance, Many Functions)

Counter space is very limited in most urban apartments. A high-quality microwave/oven combo handles reheating, baking, roasting, and steam-assisted cooking in a single unit. That means fewer appliances, less clutter, and more capability in the same footprint. Those are becoming increasingly popular and progressively replacing traditional microwaves

Space-saving example: Sharp Healsio series (affiliate link) — popular for combining microwave, oven, and steam functions efficiently.

  • Functionality: One appliance covers most cooking needs.
  • Footprint: Measure cabinets and outlets before ordering; allow ventilation space.
  • Routine: Plan simple rotations—rice cooker + Healsio + salad = fast, balanced meals.

Related Reading

Still choosing where to live? Read our neighborhood overview for international residents: Best Places to Live in Tokyo for Expats (2025).

Disclosure: Some links marked as “affiliate link” may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This article is for general information only. Always confirm dimensions, power specifications, and building guidelines before purchasing appliances or furniture.

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