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Renting an apartment in Japan
Where people in Japan look for flats, what to expect from deposits and leases, and every site you can search, from nightly stays to long-term lets.
City guides
Local rental portals in Japan
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Local portal · you'll deal with Real Estate Japan and its advertisers
Real Estate Japan
What to know before you rent
- Deposits
- Expect to pay several items up front when signing: a security deposit, key money (a non-refundable payment to the landlord), an agency fee, damage insurance, the first rent and a common-service fee. Amounts vary by property, so ask before applying. (source, 2026)
- Renting as a foreigner
- Landlords commonly ask for a personal guarantor or for the tenant to use a rental guarantee company. The government lists rentals that accept foreign tenants through its safety-net housing search. (source, 2026)
Short-term rental rules
- Japan (minpaku): Homes registered under the 2017 Private Lodging Business Act may host paying guests for up to 180 days a year; operating beyond that needs a hotel/inn licence or a special-zone permit. Local ordinances can restrict days further. (source, 2026)
Short stays in Japan
These international sites search any city in Japan by name.
Offer from Booking.com · you'll book on their site
Booking.com
Huge choice of serviced and private apartments, filtered to apartments only. Many rates allow free cancellation.
Booked and paid on Booking.com: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Booking.com's terms
Offer from Vrbo · you'll book on their site
Vrbo
Whole homes and apartments only, never shared rooms. A good pick for families and groups.
Booked and paid on Vrbo: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Vrbo's terms
Offer from Expedia · you'll book on their site
Expedia
Apartments, aparthotels and hotels in one place, with loyalty rewards if you already book flights there.
Booked and paid on Expedia: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Expedia's terms
Offer from Airbnb · you'll book on their site
Airbnb
Private homes and apartments from individual hosts, with weekly and monthly discounts on many listings.
Booked and paid on Airbnb: their prices, terms and guest protection apply. Airbnb's terms
Facts on this page come from the linked official or reputable sources on the dates shown. Rules change: check with the authority or provider before you sign or book.