Finding a house in Japan is quite different from other countries. The initial cost structure can be unfamiliar, and there are many required documents. Here is a summary of the steps and preparations that international students and working holiday visa (WHV) holders should know when looking for a home.
Initial Cost Structure for Housing in Japan
When you sign a lease in Japan, you will face significant upfront costs in addition to the monthly rent. Typical items include:
- Shikikin (敷金) — Security deposit. Partially or fully refunded upon moving out.
- Reikikin (礼金) — Key money paid to the landlord. Non-refundable.
- Brokerage Fee (중개수수료) — Fee paid to the real estate agency.
- First month's rent, fire insurance, guarantor company fees, etc.
Therefore, your initial contract will require upfront capital equivalent to several months' rent. If you arrive without knowing this structure, it can throw off your budget, so it is best to understand it in advance.
How to Find a House
Share Houses
- Low upfront costs and relatively simple contracts.
- Often fully furnished with internet, making them ideal for your initial arrival.
- A popular first-home choice for international students and WHV holders.
Standard Rentals (Apartments/Mansions)
- High upfront costs and strict documentation requirements.
- Often require a guarantor or a guarantor company.
- Best if you prioritize privacy and personal space.
School/Organization Affiliated Dormitories
- For students, it is highly recommended to check if your school offers or partners with any dormitories.
What You Need for the Contract
To sign a housing contract, you generally need the following:
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card) — To verify your identity and status of residence.
- Japanese Phone Number — To communicate with the agency/landlord and fill out the contract.
- Japanese Bank Account — For rent bank transfers.
- Guarantor or Guarantor Company — Required by most rentals.
Here, the phone number often becomes a major obstacle. The entire process—inquiring with real estate agencies, scheduling viewings (naiken), and receiving contract updates—assumes you have a reachable Japanese phone number. Without one, even the initial search phase will not go smoothly.
Step-by-Step Process
- Secure a Japanese Phone Number — The starting point for real estate inquiries and contact (can be prepared before departure).
- Search & Viewings (Naiken) — Choose between a share house, standard rental, or dormitory.
- Contract & Registering Your Address on Your Residence Card
- Bank Account & Utility Setup — For rent transfers and gas, water, and electricity.
If you do not have a place to live immediately upon arrival, registering your address on your Residence Card will be delayed, which in turn delays all other administrative procedures. That is why finding a house is one of the highest priorities after arrival, and preparing your phone number in advance will speed up the entire timeline.
How KEICALL Can Help
- Get a Japanese Phone Number Before Departure — You can start making real estate inquiries and scheduling viewings the moment you land.
- No-Installation Internet — Secure home Wi-Fi from your very first day in your new home.
- Support in Your Language — We guide you through the house-hunting process and necessary preparations in your language.
Finding a house is the biggest hurdle when settling down for study abroad or a working holiday. By understanding the initial cost structure and steps in advance, and preparing your phone number first, you can make the process much smoother.
If you have questions about finding a house in Japan and the steps after arrival, please contact us via KakaoTalk. We will guide you in your language.