Renting in Tokyo
No Key Money Apartments in Tokyo for $510 or Much Less a Month
In this installment of the “What can you rent in Tokyo” series, we feature budget apartments within easy commuting distance of major stations in Tokyo like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa. Most of the examples below are all long-term rentals. None... More
How to Live in a Japanese Apartment
When something breaks in your rental apartment in Japan: Who is responsible for fixing it?
In this article, which is part of the series on “how to live in a Japanese apartment,” we discuss what to do when equipment, such as an air conditioning unit or cooking range, breaks. Who should you call to fix... More
Renting in Tokyo
Rent a Tokyo Apartment with No Deposit, No key Money, No Agency Fee for $600 a Month or Less
Contrary to popular belief, low move-in cost (no key money, no agency fee, no deposit) apartments in Tokyo are not impossible to find. In the summer months, especially, agents and landlords sometimes waive some or all of these fees, especially... More
Stigmatized Properties - Jiko Bukken
Renting a Stigmatized Property to Save Money? FAQs on Jiko Bukken in Japan
In this article, we explain what a stigmatized (jiko bukken) property is in Japan and whether you can get a big bargain by renting one. Also, how do you go about renting a jiko bukken? What is a “Jiko Bukken”... More
Renting in Tokyo
What can you rent near Shibuya for $550 or less a month?
If you want to live near the bright lights and frenetic energy of Shibuya without paying Shibuya prices, this article is for you! Below we highlight some neighborhoods and properties located within one to five stops of Shibuya, which you... More
Local Guides to Neighborhoods Around Japan
Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome: Where I Live in Tokyo
Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome is a station on the Toei Oedo metro line in Nishi (West) Shinjuku. It is centrally located just west of Shinjuku Chuo (Central) Park and the Nishi Shinjuku skyscraper district. It’s also just one stop from Shinjuku... More
Renting an apartment in Japan
Super Budget-Friendly Apartments Near Tokyo: With no key money, no deposit, no agency fee
One of the ways to lower your monthly rent in Tokyo is to move just outside the city. In this article, we feature some super budget-friendly apartments for rent (starting from about $272 in Total Monthly Costs), with an hour... More