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.
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.
Tokyo Rent by Neighborhood 2026: Expat Price Guide
Complete breakdown of Tokyo apartment rents by neighborhood in 2026. Average costs for 1K, 1LDK and 2LDK across 15 key districts for expats budgeting their move.
Renting in Tokyo as an Entrepreneur: What You Need to Know
Freelancers and startup founders face specific barriers renting in Tokyo. Here is how to overcome them: guarantors, income proof alternatives and the right channels.
Corporate Relocation to Tokyo: Housing Guide for HR Teams
Managing a Tokyo relocation for an employee? Complete guide for HR and mobility managers: timelines, housing types, costs and what to plan to ensure a smooth arrival.
Ebisu, Daikanyama and Nakameguro: Expat Living Guide
Ebisu, Daikanyama and Nakameguro offer Tokyo expat life without the embassy-district price tag. Full guide to rents, atmosphere, commute links and daily life.
Rental Application Rejected in Japan: What to Do Next
Your apartment application was rejected by a Japanese landlord. Here are the real reasons why and concrete steps to find housing fast as a foreigner in Tokyo.
Real Estate Hunter Tokyo: Cost and Is It Worth It
How much does a real estate hunter cost in Tokyo? Full breakdown of fees, what is included in the service and honest return on investment analysis for expats.
Real Estate Hunter vs Agency in Tokyo: Which Is Faster
Real estate hunter or traditional agency to find an apartment in Tokyo? Full comparison of timelines, costs, rejection rates and key differences for expats.
How a Real Estate Hunter Works in Tokyo: Step by Step
A real estate hunter in Tokyo handles your apartment search from brief to keys. Full walkthrough of the process, timeline and what you need to do at each stage.
Hiroo and Minami-Azabu: Tokyo Top Expat Neighborhoods
Hiroo and Minami-Azabu have the highest expat density in Tokyo. Full guide to rents, atmosphere, transport links, international schools and daily life for foreigners.
Gaijin House Tokyo: Complete Guide for Foreigners (2026)
Cheap furnished gaijin house rooms in Tokyo from around 40,000 JPY a month, no guarantor and no key money. Real 2026 costs and how to book one fast.
Living in Shibuya: Rent, Neighbourhood Profile and Tips (2026)
How much housing costs in Shibuya, what the neighbourhood is like, and how to move in without blowing your budget in 2026.
Living in Nakano: Great Value One Stop from Shinjuku (2026)
Rent, neighbourhood profile and tips for living in Nakano in 2026: Shinjuku-level access without the central price tag.
Living in Ikebukuro: Big Hub, Affordable Rent (2026)
Rent, neighbourhood profile and tips for living in Ikebukuro in 2026: the power of a major hub at a gentler price than Shibuya.
Living in Koenji: Tokyo's Bohemian, Affordable District (2026)
Rent, neighbourhood profile and tips for living in Koenji in 2026: Tokyo's creative hideout at a small price.
Living in Asagaya: Quiet Residential Calm on the Chuo Line (2026)
Rent, neighbourhood profile and tips for living in Asagaya in 2026: residential calm with Chuo line access.
Living in Kichijoji: Tokyoites' Favourite Neighbourhood (2026)
Rent, neighbourhood profile and tips for living in Kichijoji in 2026: park, shopping and quality of life fifteen minutes from the centre.
Living in Sangenjaya: Shibuya Within Reach, For Less (2026)
Rent, neighbourhood profile and tips for living in Sangenjaya in 2026: four minutes from Shibuya, full of character and more affordable.
Social Apartments in Tokyo: Next-Generation Shared Living (2026)
The social apartment, a premium take on the share house: designed common spaces, an active community, no guarantor. Costs, how to apply and who it suits in 2026.
How to Make a Bank Transfer in Japan (Furikomi): Step by Step
Furikomi explained: transfer money at an ATM or online, the details you need, fees and timing. Paying rent and bills in Japan.
Unpaid Health Insurance Could Threaten Your Visa in Japan (2027 Rule)
From 2027, unpaid national health insurance or pension could complicate visa renewals in Japan. How to stay compliant.
Find Housing in Tokyo in 2 Weeks: a Relocation Plan
Relocating to Tokyo with only two weeks? A day-by-day plan to secure housing fast: no-guarantor options, real budgets, and the mistakes that cost you days.
Moving to Tokyo in Summer: Timing, Heat and Costs
Moving to Tokyo in July or August? The rental market is quieter and often cheaper than spring. Timing, heat, Obon logistics and budget, all explained.
Typhoon Season in Tokyo: Choosing Safe Housing
Tokyo typhoon season runs August to October. Floor choice, flood zones, hazard maps: how to pick safe housing and what to check before you sign a lease.
Tokyo Rent Report 2026: Median Rent by Ward
What does rent really cost in Tokyo in 2026? Median rent by ward and layout, from 528,660 real listings: the cheapest and priciest wards, with the data.
Why Japanese Landlords Reject Foreign Tenants (Insider View)
A Tokyo rental insider explains the real reasons Japanese landlords reject foreign tenants, and the concrete steps that get your application approved.
Cheapest and Priciest Tokyo Neighbourhoods (2026 Rent Data)
A data-backed ranking of the cheapest and most expensive Tokyo wards and stations to rent in 2026, from 528,660 real active listings.
How Tokyo Condo Prices Changed, 2021 to 2025 (Real Transaction Data)
Tokyo used-condo prices rose +29.6% per square metre from 2021 to 2025, from 103,933 real recorded sale transactions. Ward-by-ward, which areas rose most.
Tokyo Rent vs Other World Cities (2026): Why It's So Cheap
How Tokyo rent compares to New York, London, Sydney and Hong Kong in 2026. A central Tokyo studio is often under $800, from 528,660 real listings.
1K, 1LDK, 2LDK: Japanese Apartment Layouts Explained (2026)
What 1R, 1K, 1DK, 1LDK and 2LDK actually mean in Japan, with typical sizes and rents. The simple guide to reading Tokyo apartment listings.
Does Newer Construction Cost More to Rent in Tokyo? (2026)
How building age affects Tokyo rent: new builds command a premium, older ones are cheaper but come with trade-offs. What to check before you sign.
Tokyo's Most Exclusive Neighbourhoods to Rent (2026)
Where Tokyo's real top end sits: Azabu, Hiroo, Daikanyama, Nakameguro and the priciest stations. What luxury rent actually costs in the capital.
Furnished Apartments in Tokyo: The Complete Guide for Foreigners (2026)
How to rent a furnished apartment in Tokyo as a foreigner in 2026: costs, long-term options, no guarantor, and how the process really works.
Expat Apartments in Tokyo: How to Find One in 2026
Expat apartments in Tokyo explained: what "gaijin apartments" really are, real 2026 costs, no guarantor needed, and exactly where to find one.
Do Foreigners Really Pay More Rent in Tokyo? (Insider View, 2026)
The honest answer from inside the market: the monthly rent on a given unit is the same, but foreigners often pay more in fees and get pushed toward pricier stock. Here is why.
Which Tokyo Train Line Is Cheapest to Rent On? (2026 Data)
From 528,660 listings: the Seibu lines are the cheapest to rent on in Tokyo (around 80,000 JPY for a studio), the Ginza and Yamanote lines the priciest. The full 2026 ranking.
The Cheapest Tokyo Stations to Rent Near (2026 Rent Data)
From 528,660 listings: the cheapest Tokyo stations to rent a studio near are Kasai and Shin-Koiwa (under 80,000 JPY), the priciest Jimbocho and Ebisu. The full 2026 ranking.
How Much It Costs to Move Into a Tokyo Apartment (2026)
Reikin, shikikin, agency fee, guarantor, renewal: the full move-in cost of a Tokyo apartment in 2026, why it runs to four to six months of rent, and how to cut it.
UR Housing in Tokyo: No Key Money, No Guarantor (2026 Guide)
UR rental housing in Tokyo charges no key money, no agency fee, no renewal fee and no guarantor. How the four zeros work, who qualifies as a foreigner, and the trade-offs.
Renting a Pet-Friendly Apartment in Tokyo as a Foreigner (2026)
Pet-friendly (peto-ka) rentals are a small slice of the Tokyo market and cost more. Here is how foreigners find one, what landlords ask, and the real extra costs.
The Best Tokyo Wards to Rent For a Couple (1LDK, 2026)
For a couple, the cheapest Tokyo ward is not the same as for a single. Here are the best-value wards for a 1LDK, from real rent data, and how to choose.