Guides & Advice
Everything you need to know to find housing in Tokyo.
How to Find an Apartment in Tokyo as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
Guarantors, language barriers, key money: the Tokyo rental market is notoriously difficult for foreigners. Here is exactly how to navigate it.
Moving to Tokyo in 2026: Complete Expat Checklist
Visa, housing, bank account, residence card, health insurance: the complete step-by-step checklist for relocating to Tokyo as a foreigner.
Cost of Living in Tokyo for Expats in 2026: Real Numbers
Rent, food, transport, healthcare: the real monthly budget for an expat in Tokyo, broken down by lifestyle and neighbourhood.
Share House in Tokyo: Complete Guide for Foreigners (2026)
How share houses work in Tokyo, what they cost, how to apply from abroad, and which neighbourhoods have the best options for expats.
Furnished Apartments in Tokyo With No Guarantor Required (2026)
How to find a furnished apartment in Tokyo without a Japanese guarantor: which operators accept foreigners, what conditions apply, and how to apply remotely.
How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
Japan Post Bank, Sony Bank, Rakuten: which Japanese bank is easiest for foreigners to open, step by step, without speaking Japanese.
How to Find an Apartment in Tokyo from Abroad (Remote Hunting Guide)
The step-by-step process to secure Tokyo housing before you arrive: video tours, remote signing, what to watch out for, and common mistakes.
Japan Residence Card (Zairyu Card): Complete Guide for Foreigners
How to get your Japan Residence Card, what it lets you do, and the mandatory steps within 14 days of arrival. Everything foreigners need to know.
Health Insurance in Japan for Expats: Complete Guide 2026
Shakai hoken or kokumin kenko hoken: how Japanese health insurance works for foreigners, what it covers, and how to enrol within 14 days of arrival.
Family Expat Life in Tokyo: International Schools and Neighbourhoods (2026)
International schools in Tokyo, family-friendly neighbourhoods, housing costs for families: the complete guide for expats relocating to Tokyo with children.
Negotiating Rent in Tokyo: Is It Possible and How to Do It?
Tokyo's rental market has a reputation for being rigid, but negotiation is possible in specific situations. Here is when and how to negotiate your rent or move-in costs.
Gaijin House vs Share House in Tokyo: What's the Difference?
Gaijin house and share house are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Here is the real difference and which one suits your situation.
Best Tokyo Neighbourhoods for Expats: Complete Guide 2026
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato, Koenji, Ikebukuro: which Tokyo neighbourhood to choose based on your budget, lifestyle, and workplace.
Japan Work Visa for Foreigners: Which Type to Choose in 2026?
Engineer visa, Highly Skilled Professional, working holiday: Japan work visa options explained for English and French speakers, with real conditions and timelines.
7 Rental Traps to Avoid When Renting in Tokyo as a Foreigner
Hidden key money, exit cost surprises, lease clauses you cannot read: the most expensive mistakes expats make in the Tokyo rental market, and how to avoid them.
Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto: Which City Should You Live in as an Expat?
Rent, job market, quality of life, expat community: an honest comparison of Japan's three main cities for foreigners deciding where to settle.
Guarantor for Japan Rental: Complete Guide for Foreigners
Getting a guarantor in Japan as a foreigner is often the biggest obstacle to renting. Here's everything you need to know to solve it in 2026.
Renter's Insurance Japan: What Every Expat Tenant Must Know
Renter's insurance (kasai hoken) is mandatory in almost every Japanese lease. Here's how to choose the right policy as a foreigner and what it costs.
Student Housing Tokyo 2026: Complete Guide for International Students
Finding student housing in Tokyo as an international student: university dorms, share houses, furnished apartments, and financial aid options explained for 2026.
Tokyo Rental Contract: 12 Things to Check Before Signing
Before signing your Tokyo rental contract, verify these 12 essential points to avoid surprises: total move-in cost, hidden clauses, and the move-in inspection.
Student Housing in Tokyo: Share House vs University Dorm (2026 Guide)
Real costs, best neighbourhoods, and how to apply from abroad for student housing in Tokyo. Share house vs dorm vs furnished apartment compared.
Jiko Bukken: Tokyo's Cheapest Legal Apartments Explained (2026)
Jiko bukken are stigmatised properties in Japan where a serious incident occurred. Legal to rent, up to 30% below market rate: how to find them in Tokyo.
Finding an Apartment in Tokyo in September: What Changes vs Spring
The Tokyo rental market in September works very differently from March-April. Less competition but less stock: how to use the autumn season to your advantage.
Furnished Apartment in Tokyo for Expats: 5 Quick Options (2026)
Relocating to Tokyo for Q4? Compare share houses, monthly mansions and serviced apartments with 2026 price ranges and availability tips for expats arriving fast.
Tokyo Public Transport for Expats: Complete Guide 2026
Subway, JR lines, IC cards and travel apps: everything expats need to know to get around Tokyo and pick the right neighbourhood for their daily commute.
Best Japan SIM Card for Foreigners 2026: Full Guide
IIJmio, ahamo or povo2.0: compare Japan's best SIM cards and phone plans for foreigners arriving in 2026, with setup steps and provider recommendations.
Japan Income Tax for Foreigners: Complete Guide 2026
Tax brackets, filing deadlines and deductions for expats in Japan. How the 15 March deadline, MyPortal online filing, and foreign income rules work in 2026.
How to Set Up Utilities in Your Tokyo Apartment (2026)
Electricity, gas, water and internet: step-by-step guide to setting up all utilities in a Tokyo apartment as an expat, with provider names and lead times.
Working in Tokyo as an Expat: Practical Guide 2026
Work visas, Japanese business culture, average salaries and employee rights for expats in Tokyo. What to expect when starting work at a Japanese company in 2026.
How to Send Money to Japan from Abroad (2026)
Wise, Revolut or bank transfer: compare the best ways to transfer money to Japan in 2026. Honest fee comparison, transfer limits and tips for expats receiving income abroad.
Best Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo (2026 Guide)
Coto Academy, ISI, Berlitz or online lessons: compare Japanese language schools in Tokyo by price, teaching method and schedule to find the right fit for your level and goals.
How to Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence in Japan
Step-by-step guide to converting a EU, US, UK, Canadian or Australian driving licence to a Japanese licence in 2026: required documents, test centres and costs explained.
Best International Moving Companies to Japan (2026)
Crown Relocations, Asian Tigers or Nippon Express: compare international movers to Japan on price, service and container options. Practical guide for expats shipping belongings.
Bringing Pets to Japan: Import Guide for Cats and Dogs
How to bring your cat or dog to Japan without a 180-day quarantine: rabies titre test, microchip, health certificate and the exact timeline to follow in 2026.
Best Tokyo Neighbourhoods for Expat Families (2026)
Setagaya, Meguro, Minato or Yokohama: guide to the best Tokyo areas for families with children, covering international schools, safety, housing costs and commute options.
Tokyo vs Osaka for Expats: Which City to Choose? (2026)
Cost of living, job market, housing and lifestyle: honest comparison between Tokyo and Osaka to help expats choose the right Japanese city for relocation in 2026.
Japan Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Complete Guide for Remote Workers
Japan launched a digital nomad visa in March 2024. Eligibility, income requirements, application steps and housing guide for Tokyo remote workers.
Japan Working Holiday Visa 2026: Complete Guide (Eligibility & Housing)
Japan Working Holiday Visa requirements, eligible countries, age limits, quotas, application steps and housing guide for Tokyo arrivals.
Student Housing in Tokyo for October Intake: Share House vs University Dorm
Starting university in Tokyo in October? Full comparison of share houses vs university dormitories with real 2026 costs and timelines for international students.
Furnished Apartment Tokyo: 5 Best Options for Expats in 2026
Looking for a furnished apartment in Tokyo in 2026? Honest comparison of the 5 best options for expats: real costs, minimum stay, no Japanese guarantor needed.
Oak House Alternative: Find Tokyo Housing Faster (2026)
Looking for an Oak House alternative in Tokyo? Discover private apartments, no-waiting-list share houses, and bilingual support tailored for expats.
Sakura House Review: Honest 2026 Guide for Tokyo Expats
An honest Sakura House review for expats moving to Tokyo in 2026. Prices, wait times, room quality, and when a private apartment makes more sense.
GaijinPot Housing Alternative for Expats in Tokyo (2026)
GaijinPot Housing lists thousands of Tokyo apartments but leaves expats to handle fees, guarantors, and Japanese paperwork alone. Better options exist.
Remoters Alternative: Dedicated Tokyo Apartment Hunting
Remoters connects you with local agents but adds 20-30% fees and limited control. A dedicated Tokyo apartment hunter delivers more for less.
Best Share Houses Tokyo 2026: Oak House vs Sakura vs More
Complete comparison of Tokyo's top share houses in 2026: Oak House, Sakura House, Gaijin House. Prices, locations, pros and cons for expats.