The Japan Navigator

Guarantor vs Guarantor Company in Japan: What’s the Difference? If you have ever searched for an apartment in Japan, you have almost certainly encountered the word guarantor . For many foreign residents, this requirement is confusing and often becomes the biggest obstacle to renting — especially in cities like Tokyo. This article explains the difference between a personal guarantor and a guarantor company , how each works in practice, what they cost, and why most landlords now prefer guarantor companies. What Is a Guarantor in Japan? In Japan, a guarantor (連帯保証人) is someone who legally agrees to take responsibility if the tenant fails to pay rent or causes damage. This is not a symbolic role. A guarantor is: Legally responsible for unpaid rent Potentially liable for damages Contacted directly if problems arise Because of this liability, being a guarantor is a serious commitment. Personal Guarantor: How It Works A personal guarantor is usually: ...

Why a Kotatsu Can Save You Money in Japan (Especially in Your First Winter) When people ask how much money they should save before moving to Japan, heating costs are rarely part of the discussion. Yet for many newcomers, winter electricity bills are one of the first unexpected expenses. Japanese apartments are often poorly insulated, and heating an entire room can become expensive very quickly. This is why many households rely on a uniquely Japanese solution: the kotatsu . A kotatsu is not just a cultural item. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm in Japan — especially during your first winter. Why Heating Costs Surprise Newcomers in Japan Many people moving to Japan assume winter heating will be manageable. In practice, several factors make it harder than expected: Thin walls and weak insulation in many apartments High ceilings that trap cold air Electric heaters and air conditioners consuming significant power Long evenings spent at home ...

Practical New Year Tips in Japan (Plus the Traditions You’ll See Everywhere) New Year (お正月 / Oshōgatsu) is the most important holiday period in Japan. While Christmas passes quickly, New Year affects daily life in very real, practical ways — especially if you are not expecting it. This article covers what to prepare for New Year in Japan , what typically closes, and the main traditions you will see Japanese people observing between December 31 and January 3 — including why some shrines become extremely crowded, even overnight. Many Things Close — More Than You Expect Unlike Christmas, New Year in Japan comes with real shutdowns. Common closures include: Banks and government offices Clinics and small medical practices Real estate agencies and moving services Smaller restaurants and local shops Large convenience stores remain open, but overall activity slows down significantly. Prepare Cash in Advance ATMs at convenience stores usually work, but bank ...

Christmas in Japan: What It’s Really Like (And What Surprises Foreigners) Christmas in Japan looks familiar at first glance — lights, trees, music, cakes — but the meaning behind it is very different from what most foreigners expect. This article explains what Christmas in Japan is actually about, what usually surprises newcomers, and how locals really experience it. Christmas Is Not a Public Holiday The first surprise for many foreign residents is simple: December 25 is a normal working day . Schools, offices, banks, and government services all operate as usual. There is no nationwide holiday, and no expectation that people take time off. In Japan, Christmas is treated as an event , not a holiday. Christmas Is for Couples, Not Families Unlike in many Western countries, Christmas in Japan is primarily seen as a romantic occasion . It is commonly associated with: Dinner dates Exchanging gifts between couples Hotel stays or special restaurant reservatio...

Key Money (礼金) in Japan: How It Really Works For many foreigners, key money (礼金 / reikin) is one of the most confusing parts of renting in Japan. It is a large upfront payment to the landlord, and unlike a deposit, it is usually never returned. This guide explains why key money exists, how it works in practice, and when you can avoid it, with a focus on the current rental market in Tokyo. What Key Money Is – And What It Is Not When you look at Japanese rental listings, you will often see 礼金 listed together with other initial costs. Key money (礼金) is: A one-time payment to the landlord at the start of the lease Non-refundable in almost all cases A custom and market practice , not a legal requirement Typically equivalent to 1–2 months of rent Key money is not: A deposit (that is 敷金 / shikikin ) A broker fee (that is 仲介手数料 ) A cleaning or restoration charge It is important not to confuse 礼金 with 敷金. A deposit (敷金) may be partially returne...

How Redelivery Works for Large Items in Japan (Furniture, Appliances, Oversized Parcels) – 2025 Guide Large deliveries in Japan—like refrigerators, washing machines, furniture, or big home electronics—use a different system from normal parcels. This often surprises newcomers, because the usual 不在票 (fuzaihyo) process doesn’t always apply, and many carriers require special scheduling or phone confirmation. If you’ve ever missed a large-item delivery or weren’t sure how to arrange redelivery, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to rebook it smoothly. If you’re still setting up your apartment, our guide on renting an apartment in Japan may also help with the early steps of getting settled. Why Large Items Use a Different Redelivery System Large items in Japan require more coordination because they often involve: Two delivery staff instead of one Special equipment (dollies, straps, lifts) Time-specific building access rules Installation work (washin...

Best Internet Providers in Japan (2025 Comparison: SoftBank Hikari, NURO, AU Hikari) Choosing the right home internet provider in Japan can be confusing, especially when every company advertises “the fastest speeds” or “the best value.” In practice, most households end up choosing between three major fibre-optic networks: SoftBank Hikari, NURO Hikari, and AU Hikari. Each differs in speed, real-world performance, installation time, and availability depending on your apartment type. If you are still arranging your move or setting up your first home, it may help to read our step-by-step guide on getting a mobile phone and internet in Japan , which explains the documents, contracts, and basic terminology you will see when applying. SoftBank Hikari – Best for Most People (Wide Coverage & Simple Setup) SoftBank Hikari is one of the most widely available fibre-optic options in Japan because it uses the NTT FLET’S Hikari network. This makes installation faster and compatible wit...

How to Dispose of Garbage & Recycling in Japan Japan’s waste-separation rules are famously strict—and for good reason. They reflect a national commitment to resource efficiency, limited landfill space, and local community cleanliness. For foreign residents this system can seem baffling at first. Once you understand the fundamentals and the local quirks, disposing of garbage becomes simple and stress-free. This guide walks you through the categories, schedules, fees, and common pitfalls in 2025. 1) Waste Categories and Why They Matter Municipalities divide waste into multiple categories to maximise recycling and minimise landfill. Although each city has its own list, most follow the pattern below: Burnable Garbage (燃やせるごみ / 可燃ごみ) Food scraps Paper waste (soiled) Small leather or rubber items Small amounts of dirty plastic Collected typically 1–3 times a week. Missing the slot often means your waste will be left behind until next collection. Non-Burnable Ga...

How to Rent an Apartment in Japan Renting an apartment in Japan can feel complicated, especially for foreign residents. Multiple fees, guarantor requirements, strict screening, and detailed contracts make the process very different from many other countries. This guide explains the main steps, typical costs, and practical tips to protect your money when moving in and moving out. 1) Overview of the Renting Process The general flow when renting in Japan looks like this: Search for properties (online portals, agencies, corporate contacts). Property viewings (内見 / naiken). Application and screening (申込・審査). Contract signing (契約). Move-in inspection and key handover. At each stage, you may be asked for documents and payments, so it helps to understand the full cost picture upfront. 2) Typical Upfront Costs (Example: ¥100,000 Monthly Rent) For an apartment with ¥100,000 monthly rent, a typical initial cost breakdown might look like this: Deposit (敷金) : usual...

How the Japanese Pension System Works for Foreign Residents (2025 Guide) Japan’s public pension is part of the national social security system alongside health insurance and employment insurance. If you live and work in Japan, you will be required to enroll and contribute. 1) Different types of Pension Plans National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) : For the self-employed, freelancers, part-timers, and students (ages 20–59). Employees’ Pension (Kosei Nenkin) : For company employees; premiums are shared by employee and employer and deducted from salary. Private/Optional Plans : e.g., corporate DC plans or iDeCo for additional retirement savings. 2) How Contributions Work (2025) National Pension : Flat monthly premium (FY2025) of ¥17,510 . Employees’ Pension : Income-based premium at a total rate of 18.3% of standard monthly remuneration, split roughly 50/50 between employer and employee. Deducted automatically from payroll. 3) How Benefits Are Calculated Bene...

Utilities & Monthly Bills in Japan (2025 Guide for New Residents) Understanding how utilities work in Japan can help you planning realistic monthly budgets and avoid bad surprises after moving in. Electricity, gas, and water are often billed separately, and each has its own providers, payment methods, and seasonal patterns. This guide breaks down average costs, how to set this up properly, and smart ways to reduce expenses for single residents and small households. 1) Electricity Electricity is usually contracted through a regional company—such as TEPCO (Tokyo Electric), Kansai Electric , or Kyushu Electric . You’ll sign up during your move-in process or through your landlord. Power is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and bills vary by usage and season. Average cost (single person): ¥5,000–¥9,000/month Summer/Winter usage: Higher due to air conditioning and heating. Setup: Call or apply online; activation often happens within 1–2 busines...

How to Get a SIM Card and Internet in Japan Staying connected in Japan is essential, but navigating phone and internet options can be confusing for newcomers and fairly different from other countries. Unlike prepaid tourist plans, long-term residents must go through a formal registration process, often in Japanese. This guide explains the easiest ways to get a SIM card, eSIM, or home internet plan in Japan—especially for professionals, families, and students staying over one year. 1) Understanding the SIM Card System To use a mobile plan in Japan, you’ll need a Japanese phone number registered under your name. Most carriers require proof of residence and a valid visa with at least three months’ remaining validity. Foreign residents can choose between two main options: Major carriers: SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au by KDDI. Reliable but contracts are often 2 years and in Japanese. MVNOs (low-cost carriers): Services like Sakura Mobile, Mobal, and IIJm...

Best Jobs in Japan for Getting a Working Visa Getting a working visa in Japan depends less on luck and more on finding the right kind of job based on your experience and background. Some industries actively hire foreigners and offer visa sponsorship as part of their process. This guide breaks down some of the best jobs in Japan for foreigners seeking a work visa in 2025 — along with practical advice to help you understand requirements and navigate a competitive market. 1) Key Requirements for a Japanese Working Visa Japan’s working visas are tied to your job type. You must first have a sponsoring employer willing to apply on your behalf. The most common categories include: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services – quite broad and covers IT, engineering, translation, consulting, design, teaching in some cases and marketing roles. Instructor – typically for teaching English or other subjects at schools. Skilled Labor – Mainly for trades such as cookin...

Moving Apartments in Japan : Renewal versus Relocation Costs Usually your two-year lease comes up in Japan, you’ll face a familiar question: renew or move? Renewal fees can feel expensive, but relocating often costs even more once you add deposits, key money, agency fees, and the move itself. This guide lays out some of the numbers and logic behind it so you can choose confidently what is best for you. 1) Lease Renewal - Basics Standard term: Most contracts are two years. The renewal fee ( koshin-ryo ) is commonly 1 month’s rent . Other renewal costs: Admin fee (varies), fire insurance renewal (~¥15,000–¥20,000 / 1–2 years), potential small rent increase. Pros: No moving logistics, no new key money, minimal downtime. Cons: You keep the same unit (older fit-out, insulation, noise). Limited leverage if the area’s rents have risen. 2) Relocation Costs Deposit (敷金): 0–1 month (refundable minus potential additional cleaning or re...