Living in a foreign country brings not only excitement but also anxiety, doesn’t it?

This page carefully selects only truly useful information about housing, healthcare, and visa procedures to support your life in Japan.

Finding a place to live in Japan can be challenging due to language barriers and cultural differences. 

But don’t worry—there are more and more services tailored to help foreigners find housing. 

This section will show you how to find foreigner-friendly apartments and save on initial moving costs.

To ensure a smooth housing search, utilize real estate websites that offer multilingual information and specialize in supporting foreigners. 

These sites allow you to search for properties and understand contract details with confidence, even if you are not fluent in Japanese.

🌐 Look for properties that mention “foreigner-friendly” and have multilingual assistance for a smoother process.

When renting a property in Japan, it's common to incur initial costs beyond just the monthly rent. 

These typically include a "security deposit" (敷金 - shikikin), "key money" (礼金 - reikin), and a "brokerage fee" (仲介手数料 - chukai tesuryō).

Since these expenses can easily amount to several months' worth of rent, it's understandable that most people would want to keep them as low as possible.

🔍 When searching, use keywords such as "no initial costs" (初期費用なし), "foreigners welcome" (外国人可), or "free rent" (フリーレント) to find suitable properties.

Always review your contract with either a translation or English support. And don't forget to check the living environment and surrounding facilities before you move in!

✅ What You Need When Signing a Lease

🔑 Guarantor vs. Guarantor Company

In Japan, when renting an apartment, you often need a guarantor or a guarantor company to cover rent or repair costs in case of trouble.

• Guarantor: A person (often a relative in Japan) who is legally responsible for unpaid rent or damages.
  
  

• Guarantor Company: A paid service that acts as your guarantor. Most foreigners use this option.
  📌 Typical cost: 50–100% of one month’s rent, paid once at the beginning.
  
  

✅ For foreigners, using a guarantor company is usually easier and more reliable.

🌐 Support When You Don’t Speak Japanese

If you are not fluent in Japanese, there are several support options:

• Choose a real estate agency with multilingual support, especially in major cities.
  
  

• Many local governments and international associations offer interpreter volunteers or consultation windows for foreigners, even for housing matters.
  
  

🧭 Examples:

• Tokyo Multilingual Guide
  
  

• Multilingual Living Information (CLAIR)

What's Needed for Contracts: Understanding Guarantors vs. Guarantee Companies, and Japanese Language Support

When renting a property in Japan, several procedures and preparations are required for the contract. For foreigners, in particular, the system of guarantors and guarantee companies, as well as communication in Japanese, can often be a significant hurdle. This section aims to resolve these concerns and provide information to support a smooth contract process.

Differences Between Guarantors and Guarantee Companies

In Japanese rental contracts, a "guarantee" is typically required to prepare for cases of rent delinquency or damages caused by the tenant's negligence. This guarantee role is fulfilled by either a "guarantor" or a "guarantee company."

• Guarantor (Joint Guarantor - 連帯保証人):

  • This is a person who bears responsibility equivalent to the tenant in case of rent arrears or damages, incurring a payment obligation.

  • Generally, a relative or acquaintance residing in Japan with stable income is asked to be a guarantor, but it can be difficult for foreigners to find one.

  • Guarantors are often required to have an income equal to or greater than the tenant's.

• Guarantee Company (保証会社):

  • This service allows you to use a guarantee company as a substitute for a personal guarantor by paying a guarantee fee.

  • In the event of rent delinquency, the guarantee company temporarily covers the rent for the landlord and then bills the tenant.

  • For foreigners, it is common to use a guarantee company, as finding a personal guarantor can be challenging.

  • Guarantee fees typically range from 0.5 to 1 month's rent at the time of moving in, or several tens of thousands of yen annually.

Recently, an increasing number of properties require the use of a guarantee company and do not require a personal guarantor. Before signing a contract, be sure to confirm whether a guarantor, a guarantee company, or both are required or acceptable.

Support When You Don't Understand Japanese (Multilingual Real Estate Agencies, Interpreter Services)

Even if you are not confident in your Japanese communication skills, utilize the following services to proceed with your contract with peace of mind.

• Multilingual Real Estate Agencies:

  • Real estate companies specializing in services for foreign residents often have staff who can speak multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean.

  • They provide careful support in your native language or in easy-to-understand terms when explaining contract details and important matters, allowing you to proceed without misunderstandings.

  • Companies like GTN (GLOBAL TRUST NETWORKS) and Sakura House, previously mentioned as foreign-friendly property websites, often offer multilingual support.

• Interpreter Services:

  • If the real estate agency does not offer multilingual support, you can utilize paid interpreter services.

  • Some local governments or international exchange centers may offer free interpretation services, so it's worth checking.

  • If asking a friend or acquaintance to interpret, ensure they have knowledge of contract terminology to avoid misinterpretations, or at least secure a way to confirm the final content yourself.

• Reviewing Contracts:

  • Whenever possible, in addition to the Japanese contract, ask for explanations or translations of the content in a language you understand (or arrange them yourself).

  • It is crucial to ask questions on the spot about anything you don't understand and insist on explanations until you fully comprehend the terms.

Things to Note When Starting Your Life: Garbage Rules, Restoring Property, Noise, and Etiquette

To ensure a smooth start to your new life in Japan, it's important to understand local rules and Japanese living customs. In particular, rules for garbage disposal, property restoration upon moving out, and etiquette with neighbors are crucial for avoiding trouble.

Garbage Disposal Rules (Region-Specific / Link to Local Government Websites)

Japan's garbage disposal rules are very detailed, and sorting methods and collection days vary by region (city, town, or ward). If you don't sort correctly, your garbage might not be collected, or it could cause problems with neighbors.

• Check Local Government Websites: Visit your local city/ward/town office website to check information on garbage sorting methods, collection days, and disposal locations. Many local governments provide multilingual guides and brochures for foreign residents.

• Common Sorting Examples: Generally, garbage is separated into categories such as "burnable garbage," "non-burnable garbage," "plastics," "bottles/cans," "PET bottles," and "old paper." For bulky waste (粗大ゴミ - sodai gomi), advance application and a fee are often required by the local government.

• Disposal Days and Times: You must dispose of garbage at the designated location on the specified day and time. It is bad manners to put out garbage the night before, after collection, or outside the designated area.

• Local Guidance: After moving in, landlords or management companies often provide guidance on garbage disposal, so be sure to check thoroughly and ask questions if anything is unclear.

(The JapaNEO website plans to include links to garbage disposal rules for major cities.)

What is "Genjō Kaifuku" (Restoring Property)? Basic Knowledge to Prevent Move-Out Troubles

"Genjō Kaifuku" (原状回復 - restoring property to its original condition) refers to the obligation to return a rented property to its original state when moving out. This does not include deterioration over time or wear and tear from normal use but rather means repairing any dirt, damage, or breakage caused intentionally or through negligence by the tenant.

• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Guidelines: The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism publishes "Guidelines for Disputes over Restoration to Original Condition," which provides clear standards on what constitutes "genjō kaifuku." It is recommended to review these beforehand.

• To Prevent Troubles:

  • Move-in Check: Before moving into the property, take photos to document any existing scratches or dirt.

  • Daily Maintenance: Keep the room clean and tidy.

  • Smoking/Pets: Damage from smoking (e.g., yellowed walls) or pets (e.g., scratches, odors) often results in high restoration costs. Carefully check your contract regarding these.

  • Move-out Inspection: When moving out, attend the inspection with the landlord or management company to confirm what will be subject to restoration.

Noise Troubles and Etiquette

In apartment living, consideration for neighbors is essential. Noise and etiquette issues are common worldwide, but in Japan, there's a strong preference for quiet living.

• Consideration for Living Sounds:

  • During nighttime (especially after 10 PM) and early morning, refrain from loud conversations, high TV/music volume, and using washing machines or vacuum cleaners.

  • Be mindful of footsteps and sounds from above/below. Wearing slippers and using soundproof mats can be effective.

• Manners in Common Spaces:

  • Common areas like hallways, stairs, and entrances should be used with consideration for other residents: don't leave personal belongings, keep them clean, and avoid loud conversations.

  • Pay attention to small details, such as not leaving flyers in communal mailboxes and using bicycle parking according to the rules.

• Greetings:

  • After moving in, a simple greeting to your immediate neighbors (next door, above, and below) can help foster good relationships.

• Garbage Disposal Area Etiquette:

  • Beyond sorting, ensure you dispose of garbage on the morning of the designated collection day and keep the area clean according to the rules.
    
    

✅ Tips for Starting Daily Life in Japan

🗑️ Garbage Disposal Rules (Vary by Region)

Japan has strict garbage separation rules, and each area has its own system:

• Sort into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables (PET bottles, cans, etc.)
  
  

• Some areas require municipality-approved garbage bags (you must buy them).
  
  

• If rules aren’t followed, you may receive warning notices from the building.
  
  

🔗 Check your local city office’s website for garbage schedules and separation rules.
Example: Shinjuku Ward Garbage Information

🏠 What is "Restoration to Original Condition"?

In Japan, when you move out, you’re required to return the room to its original state—this is called “genjō kaifuku.”

• You may be charged for damage like holes in walls or scratched floors.
  
  

• Take photos when moving in to avoid disputes.
  
  

• Natural wear and tear (aging) is not your responsibility.
  
  

📝 Official guide from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (in Japanese):
https://www.mlit.go.jp/jutakukentiku/house/jutakukentiku_house_tk_000043.html

🔊 Noise and Neighbor Etiquette

Japan values a quiet and peaceful living environment. Keep in mind:

• Avoid loud music, vacuuming, or shouting at night (especially after 10 p.m.)
  
  

• Don’t leave personal items in shared spaces like hallways.
  
  

• Smoking on balconies or entrances may bother others.
  
  

👂 Noise complaints often go to the management company. Being aware of these cultural norms helps you avoid problems.

✅ What You Need When Signing a Lease

• Explain guarantors and guarantee companies
  
  

• Options for non-Japanese speakers: multilingual agents & interpretation services
  
  

✅ Things to Know When You Start Living

• Garbage disposal rules (vary by area; link to local government pages)
  
  

• What is “restoration to original condition”? Avoiding disputes when moving out
  
  

• Noise etiquette and neighbor relations
  
  

🏥 Section 2: Medical Care

✅ What to Do When You Need a Doctor

• What to do depending on how serious your symptoms are
  
  

• Always bring your insurance card; use medical interpreters if needed
  
  

• Link to Ministry of Health’s multilingual hospital list
  
  

✅ How to Reduce Medical Costs

• Explain National Health Insurance (mandatory & 30% co-pay benefit)
  
  

• Mention cases where insurance can’t be used (e.g., tourist visa)
  
  

✅ Mental Health Support

• Difference between psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine in Japan
  
  

• Anonymous counseling via chat or phone (introduce multiple services)
  
  

🛂 Section 3: Visas and Residency Procedures

✅ Types of Visas and Choosing the Right One

• Clearly state the difference in work/study/family visas
  
  

• Emphasize: “Preparation before coming to Japan is critical!”
  
  

✅ How to Renew or Change Your Status

• Use official term “Immigration Services Agency” (not the outdated ‘Immigration Bureau’)
  
  

• List documents required, and encourage checking the latest info online
  
  

🤝 Section 4: Where to Get Help When in Trouble

• Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire), disaster hotlines in various languages
  
  

• Introduce both public & nonprofit support services (with info on anonymity and language support)
  
  

• Highlight local International Exchange Associations & Multicultural Centers
  
  

📄 Section 5: FAQs

• Q: How can I learn Japanese?
  
  

• Q: What if I don’t understand a contract?
  
  

• Q: Can I rent without a guarantor?
  (Each answer links to related sections or articles for deeper info)
  
  

🎨 Design Tips (applied throughout)

• Add a “What to read next” suggestion to guide users to related content (e.g., job hunting or interview prep)