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: ...

How Much Money Should You Save Before Moving to Japan? One of the most common questions people ask before moving to Japan is simple, but stressful: how much money do I actually need? Online answers range from wildly optimistic to unnecessarily alarming. The reality depends on your situation — but there are realistic minimums, and there are common mistakes that leave people financially exposed in their first months. This article explains how much money you should save before moving to Japan, based on real costs, timing gaps, and what newcomers consistently underestimate. Why Your First Months in Japan Cost More Than You Expect Even if you already have a job lined up, Japan has a timing problem that affects cash flow. Common reasons: Your first salary is often paid 4–6 weeks after you start working Initial housing costs are front-loaded Administrative costs arrive early Nothing feels “monthly” at the beginning This means you need a buffer — not just eno...

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...

Renewal Fees (更新料) in Japan — Why They Exist, When You Must Pay Them, and How to Avoid Them If you rent an apartment in Japan, you may eventually encounter a charge called 更新料 (kōshinryō) , meaning “renewal fee.” This fee surprises many foreigners because it is rare outside Japan, and it is not well explained by most resources. So what is this fee, why does it exist, and do you really have to pay it? What Renewal Fees (更新料) Are 更新料 is a payment tenants make to continue using the rental property after their initial contract period (usually two years). Most commonly: The renewal fee applies every 2 years The fee amount is typically 1 month of rent It is paid directly to the landlord or property owner It is not refunded It does not cover maintenance, repairs, insurance, or cleaning — it is simply a continuation fee to renew the contract. Why Japan Has Renewal Fees (And Why They Surprise Foreigners) In many countries, rental contracts are either mon...

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...

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 to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo Without a Guarantor (2025 Guide) Housing in Tokyo can be challenging for newcomers, especially when you don't speak Japanese. Even with a stable job and a valid visa, many real estate agencies request a Japanese guarantor, a local emergency contact, and Japanese paperwork. For foreign professionals without local connections or experience, this becomes a real hurdle. This guide explains practical, legitimate ways to rent an apartment in Tokyo without a personal guarantor. We'll explain how the system works, the alternatives landlords might accept, what it costs, which documents to prepare, and how to avoid common issues. Use this as your step-by-step reference for a smooth rental experience. 1) How the Tokyo Rental System Works Most Tokyo rentals are handled through real estate agencies that mediate between you and the landlord. Standard move-in costs can be higher than in many countries because of a mixture of very u...

Cost of Living in Japan 2025 Japan remains one of Asia’s most desirable countries for expats, but living comfortably—especially in Tokyo or Osaka—comes with a significant price tag. This 2025 guide breaks down typical monthly costs for housing, utilities, food, and transportation, plus practical tips for managing expenses as a foreign resident. 1) Housing Costs Rent is the biggest expense for most residents. Prices vary by location, building age, and size. City 1LDK (Approx.) 2LDK (Approx.) Notes Tokyo (Central) ¥180,000–¥280,000 ¥250,000–¥400,000 Modern 10–15yo buildings preferred for safety Osaka ¥120,000–¥200,000 ¥180,000–¥280,000 Cheaper than Tokyo with spacious layouts Fukuoka ¥80,000–¥150,000 ¥130,000–¥200,000 Lower rent and utilities; growing expat sc...