The Japan Navigator

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)...