Housing & Daily Life
Updated against official, partner, and reviewed site evidence where available.
Last updated: June 11, 2026
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"I inquired about 10 apartments on GaijinPot, but only got one reply. And even that one said, 'Sorry, that room is already taken'..."
This is a rite of passage for almost every foreigner looking for housing in Japan. It's called "Ghosting."
Why does this happen on sites that claim to be "Foreigner Friendly"? The answer is simple: Portal sites are just "catalogs."
Most real estate agents listing properties there only call the management company after they receive your inquiry to ask, "Is a foreigner okay?" When the answer is "No" (which is often), they don't even bother to reply to you to save time.
But you don't have to give up. If you choose "Foreigner Specialists" or "Innovative Tech Companies," you will never be ignored.
Based on the latest reviews and data from 2025, we have selected the Top 5 Services where you are guaranteed to get a reply and pass the screening.
To avoid failure, you need to understand the structure of the industry.
💡 Pro Tip Use GaijinPot only as a "catalog to know the market price." If you find a property you like, don't inquire there. Instead, ask one of the "Selected Agents" below: "Can you handle this property (or something similar)?" This is the winning strategy.
Choose the best service according to your specific situation.
~ Best for Pre-Arrival & Peace of Mind ~
Operated by "GTN," the largest guarantor company specializing in foreigners.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended For: People who speak zero Japanese or want to secure a home before arriving in Japan.
👉 Visit Best-Estate Official Site
~ Best for Long-Term & Cost Performance ~
Public housing operated by the Japanese government agency (Urban Renaissance Agency).
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended For: People who want to save money and plan to stay for 2+ years.
👉 Visit UR Housing Official Site
~ Best for Professionals in Tokyo ~
A real estate agency in Tokyo run by foreigners, for foreigners.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended For: Professionals working in Tokyo who want high-quality service. Note: Blackship Realty is also highly recommended for luxury properties.
~ Best for Nomads & Flexibility ~
A modern housing service with an innovative "Rent-back" system where rent decreases on days you don't stay.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended For: Frequent travelers, digital nomads, or those looking for temporary housing.
~ Best for Budget & Easy Screening ~
Low-cost apartments (renovated public housing) with 0 upfront fees.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended For: People who want to minimize initial costs or have been rejected by other agencies.
👉 Check Vacancies at Village House
| Service | Initial Cost | English | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best-Estate | Average | ◎ Native | Easy | Pre-arrival / No Japanese |
| UR Housing | Low | △ Japanese | Medium | Long-term / Budget |
| Apts.jp | Average | ◎ Native | Medium | Tokyo Professionals |
| unito | Low | ○ App | Instant | Nomads / Short-term |
| Village House | Very Low | ◎ | Very Easy | Budget / Emergency |
Services with poor reputations or that are too difficult for beginners.
If you are unsure, use this flowchart and list to decide.
Are you "Pre-arrival" (Outside Japan)? 👉 YES: Contract online with Best-Estate.jp.
Do you want to "Pass Screening Easily & Cheaply"? 👉 YES: Search for Village House.
Do you want to find a "Nice Apartment in Tokyo" efficiently? 👉 YES: Consult with Apts.jp.
Do you want to move "Flexibly and Lightly"? 👉 YES: Move in today with unito.
Good luck finding your perfect home in Japan!
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A: The two biggest barriers are (1) the guarantor requirement — most landlords require a Japanese personal guarantor or approved guarantor company — and (2) the high initial cost (deposit + key money + agency fee = 4–6 months of rent upfront). Services like Best-Estate and UR Housing address both issues.
A: Key money is a non-refundable payment to the landlord at the start of a tenancy, typically 1–2 months of rent. It is a Japanese custom with no equivalent in Western countries. Village House and many newer apartments have eliminated key money entirely.
A: Some landlords refuse to rent to foreigners due to language barrier concerns, different customs, or past bad experiences. This is technically illegal discrimination but still occurs. Agencies like Best-Estate, Apts.jp, and UR Housing specifically list foreigner-friendly properties.
A: For a standard move, start 1–2 months before your intended move-in date. Japanese real estate moves fast — apartments are typically listed for only 2–4 weeks. If you're arriving from abroad, work with agencies like Best-Estate that allow overseas applications so you can sign the contract before arriving.
A: Yes, but success varies. Key money is the most negotiable (especially in slower rental markets). Agency fees are sometimes reducible to 0.5 months of rent. Deposits (usually 1–2 months of rent) are generally non-negotiable. Always ask — the worst that happens is the landlord says no.
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 11, 2026
※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.
