Guides
Japan Rent & Housing Guides
Practical information for foreigners living in or moving to Japan.
Average House Prices in Japan by City: Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka & More (2026)
Average house prices in Japan range from ¥25M in regional cities to ¥70M+ for new condos in central Tokyo. Compare prices by city and property type to understand what your budget gets you.
Key Money in Japan Explained: What It Is, Why It Exists & How Much to Pay
Key money (礼金, reikin) is a non-refundable payment made to the landlord when signing a rental lease in Japan — typically 1–2 months' rent. Learn what it is, why it still exists, and how to avoid or negotiate it.
Japan Property Tax Guide 2026: Fixed Asset Tax, Rates & How to Pay
Japan's property tax (固定資産税) is 1.4% of the assessed value annually, with city planning tax (都市計画税) up to 0.3%. New homes get reductions for 3–5 years. Complete guide for homeowners and foreign buyers.
How to Get a Mortgage in Japan as a Foreigner (2026 Complete Guide)
Foreigners can get a mortgage in Japan with permanent residency or a long-term visa. Learn the requirements, interest rates, required documents, and step-by-step process for getting a home loan in Japan in 2026.
Can I Afford to Buy a House in Japan? Salary & Affordability Guide 2026
Can you afford to buy a house in Japan on your salary? Use the 5x rule: annual income × 5 = safe price range. Tokyo flats from ¥40M, regional cities from ¥20M. Mortgage costs, affordability calculator, and what foreigners need to know.
Average Rent in Fukuoka (2026): Monthly Prices by Neighborhood
Fukuoka rent averages ¥45,000–¥70,000/month for a 1K — one of Japan's most affordable major cities. Full 2026 breakdown by neighborhood, apartment type, and tips for expats.
Average Rent in Nagoya (2026): Monthly Prices by Neighborhood
Nagoya rent averages ¥50,000–¥75,000/month for a 1K — about 40% cheaper than Tokyo. Full 2026 breakdown by neighborhood, apartment type, and tips for expats.
Average Rent in Kyoto (2026): Monthly Prices by Neighborhood
Kyoto rent averages ¥55,000–¥90,000/month for a 1K. Prices range from ¥100,000+ near Nakagyo-ku to under ¥55,000 in outer wards. Full 2026 breakdown by neighborhood.
Japan Mortgage Rates 2026: Current Rates, Types & How to Compare
Variable mortgage rates in Japan sit around 0.3–0.7% in early 2026, while Flat 35 fixed rates are around 1.8–2.0%. This guide covers current rates, types, and how to choose the right mortgage in Japan.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan? (2026 Complete Guide)
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Japan with no restrictions on ownership. This guide covers the full process, costs, mortgage eligibility, and key risks for non-Japanese buyers in 2026.
Buying vs Renting in Japan 2026: Break-Even Is 10–15 Years in Tokyo
Buy or rent in Japan? Break-even point: ~10–15 years in Tokyo, ~7–10 years in regional cities. Total cost comparison, mortgage vs. rent trade-offs, pros/cons for foreigners — and how to decide based on your timeline and budget.
Average Rent in Japan by City 2026: Ranked Comparison Table
Compare average apartment rents across Japan's major cities in 2026. Full ranked table by city, apartment type, and price range — from Tokyo to Fukuoka.
How Much Is a 1K Apartment in Osaka? 2026 — ¥55K Average, Namba vs. Umeda vs. Suburbs
Average rent in Osaka by area: Namba/Shinsaibashi 1K ¥70K–¥90K, cheaper suburbs from ¥40K. Full 2026 breakdown by neighborhood and room type. Osaka vs Tokyo rent comparison — how much you actually save by choosing Osaka.
Sendai Rent Prices 2026: ¥35K–¥70K/Month — Japan's Best Value Major City
Average rent in Sendai: 1K apartments ¥35K–¥55K/month — about half of Tokyo prices. See 2026 prices by neighborhood (Aoba, Miyagino, Izumi), room type comparison, and why Sendai is the top pick for foreigners who want city life at a fraction of Tokyo cost.
How Much Is Rent in Tokyo? 2026 Averages by Ward — 1K From ¥65K/Month
Average rent in Tokyo: ¥70K–¥110K/month for a 1K studio. Cheapest wards: Adachi (¥60K), Edogawa (¥65K). Most expensive: Minato (¥150K+), Shibuya (¥130K+). Full 2026 breakdown by ward, room type (1R/1K/1LDK/2LDK), and tips for finding cheaper areas.
Cost of Living in Osaka 2026: ¥120K–¥180K/Month — 20–30% Cheaper Than Tokyo
Monthly cost of living in Osaka: ¥120K–¥180K for a single person — about 20–30% cheaper than Tokyo. Rent for a 1K: ¥55K–¥80K. Real 2026 breakdown of food, transport, utilities, and entertainment. See if Osaka fits your budget.
Cost of Living in Tokyo 2026: ¥150K–¥250K/Month — Real Budget Breakdown
Monthly cost of living in Tokyo: ¥150K–¥250K for a single person. Rent (1K): ¥80K–¥130K, food: ¥30K–¥50K, transport: ¥10K–¥15K. Full 2026 breakdown by category — and how to keep costs under ¥150K if you plan carefully.
Guarantor for Renting in Japan: What Foreigners Need to Know (2026)
Almost every Japanese landlord requires a guarantor (保証人) or guarantor company. Guarantor company fee: 0.5–1 month's rent upfront + annual renewal. How foreigners without family in Japan can satisfy this requirement — and what happens if you can't.
Renting in Japan: How Much to Budget Upfront — Initial Costs Breakdown 2026
Moving into a Japanese apartment costs 3–6 months' rent upfront. A ¥80,000/month apartment = ¥240K–¥480K initial costs. This guide breaks down every fee: shikikin, reikin, agency fee, guarantor fee, fire insurance — and shows exactly how to reduce them.
Key Money in Japan (礼金 Reikin) 2026: What It Is, How Much It Costs & How to Avoid It
Key money (礼金) = non-refundable gift to the landlord. Typically 1–2 months' rent (¥80K–¥200K+ in Tokyo). Still common despite declining. Why it exists, when you must pay it, and how to find apartments with zero key money.
Recommended Rent-to-Income Ratio in Japan: The 30% Rule Explained (2026)
The recommended rent-to-income ratio in Japan is 30% of take-home pay — lower than many Western countries. Salary ¥250K/month → ideal rent ¥75K max. Includes income-to-rent ratio tables by salary level, Tokyo vs regional comparisons, and a free calculator.
Japan Rent Prices 2026: Tokyo ¥85K, Osaka ¥65K, Fukuoka ¥50K — Which City Fits Your Budget?
Japan average rent: Tokyo 1K ¥80K–¥110K/month, Osaka ¥55K–¥75K, Fukuoka ¥45K–¥60K. Full 2026 comparison across 10+ cities sorted by price. Find which Japanese city fits your budget — and how much cheaper regional cities are than Tokyo.
Cost of Living in Japan 2026: Tokyo ¥200K, Osaka ¥160K, Fukuoka ¥130K/Month
How much does it cost to live in Japan? Monthly budget in Tokyo: ¥150K–¥250K. Osaka: ¥120K–¥180K. Regional cities: ¥100K–¥150K. Full breakdown of rent, food, transport, utilities, and healthcare — plus how to live well in Japan on a tight budget.
How to Rent an Apartment in Japan (2026): Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners
Step-by-step guide to renting in Japan: search → view → apply → sign (2–4 weeks total). Initial costs: 3–6 months' rent upfront. What documents foreigners need, how to pass the guarantor check, and what to watch out for — explained in plain English.