[2026 Edition] Top 5 Furniture & Appliance Rental Services for Foreigners! No Screening or Credit Card Needed?

Starting a new life in Japan comes with a major hurdle, especially if you are staying for only 1 to 2 years: getting furniture and appliances.

"Buying is expensive, and getting rid of it costs money," "I can't pay in installments because I don't have a Japanese credit card" — these are common headaches. The solution? Furniture and appliance rental (subscription) services.

In this article, we thoroughly compare 5 major services that are easy for foreign residents and short-term visitors to use. We focus specifically on "ease of screening," "payment methods," and "cost performance" to help you find the best fit.

Why "Rental" instead of "Buying"?

If you try to buy a "New Life Set" at a Japanese electronics store, the initial cost alone will be around ¥70,000 to ¥80,000. Even more troublesome is the "Sodai Gomi" (Oversized Garbage) problem when you leave.

• Disadvantages of Buying: Disposal costs about ¥10,000 for recycling fees and collection. The procedures are complex and often in Japanese only.
• Advantages of Renting: ¥0 disposal fees. Just one phone call and they come to collect everything.

The break-even point is "2 years". If your stay is within 2 years, renting is overwhelmingly better in terms of both money and time.

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1. Kasite! Dotcom (Kasite! That's it!)

【Overall Rating: ★★★★★】 The definitive choice for life infrastructure. When in doubt, pick this.

Operated by Sunclan Co., Ltd., this is the industry's largest and most established service. If you prioritize "practicality" and "low price" over style, this is your best bet.

Why it's amazing

• Overwhelmingly Cheap: A 4-piece used appliance set (TV, Fridge, Washing Machine, Microwave) costs ¥57,750 for one year. That's about ¥158 per day.
• No Credit Card Needed (Important): While many services require a credit card, they accept "Cash on Delivery." This means even foreigners who just arrived and don't have a Japanese bank account or card can use it.
• Free Consumables: Batteries for remotes, vacuum cleaner bags, light bulbs, etc., are provided for free.

User Review★★★★★5/5

2. Rentio

【Overall Rating: ★★★★☆】 Perfect for latest gadgets and 'Trial' use

If you want to rent a "Roomba," the latest hair dryer, or a high-end camera, Rentio is the place. Rather than basic life infrastructure, it's great for items that raise your QOL (Quality of Life).

Features and Cautions

• Generous Coverage: Even if you accidentally break an item, the repair cost burden is capped at ¥2,000. This creates peace of mind if you are worried about language barriers causing trouble during disputes.
• Flexible Payment: Officially, a credit card is required, but they support Amazon Pay. This means if you have an Amazon account, you may be able to pay using a foreign-issued card linked to it.

3. Cosmo SubscRental

【Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆】 Interior design focused

Provided by Cosmo Life, famous for water dispensers. You can subscribe to stylish furniture similar to Nitori or IKEA designs.

• Pros: You can create a stylish room. Item exchange is possible.
• Cautions: SMS authentication (Japanese phone number) is mandatory. Users with data-only SIM cards cannot register. Also, the service area is centered around Kanto (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba).

4. GEO Arekore Rental

【Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆】 Beware of stricter screening starting 2025

This used to be an easy-to-use service, but identity verification rules changed in December 2025.

• Caution: "Foreign Passports" and "Alien Registration Certificates" are no longer accepted as ID. A Residence Card (Zairyu Card) is now mandatory. Also, foreign-issued credit cards cannot be used.
• Short-term travelers or those who have just arrived and haven't received their Residence Card yet likely cannot use this service, so please be careful.

5. RaCLEaaS

【Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆】 If you insist on 'Brand New' items

The feature here is that all items delivered are "Brand New," but you must be careful with the contract type.

• Risk: It is practically a "Lease Contract (installment payment)." If you cancel halfway, you risk being billed for the remaining period's fees in a lump sum. We do not recommend this for those who say "I don't know when I will return to my home country."

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Conclusion: Which is the "Right Answer" for you?

Finally, here is a summary of recommended services based on your situation.

1. "I want to get set up cheaply without hassle or screening." 👉 [Kasite! Dotcom] is the only choice. It is the only place that allows cash payment on delivery. The free consumables are also a nice hidden benefit.

2. "I want to try the latest cameras or beauty appliances." 👉 [Rentio] is recommended. The compensation system is solid, so you can use it with peace of mind.

3. "I want stylish furniture (and I have a phone number)." 👉 Consider [Cosmo SubscRental].

Let's use rental services wisely so you don't waste time and money setting up your life. In particular, "Kasite! Dotcom" completely eliminates the hassle of Oversized Garbage disposal (reservations, buying stickers, carrying out) when you move out, making your return home significantly less stressful.