When people think about moving to Japan, they usually worry about visas, language schools, or jobs. But there is one thing that almost everyone underestimates…
Finding a place to live.
Honestly, getting housing as a foreigner in Japan can be one of the most confusing and stressful parts of the whole journey. Before I came, I thought, “I’ll just search online and pick a room.”
Nope. I was so wrong.
In this post, I’ll explain why housing in Japan is difficult, what types of accommodation exist in Kyoto, real costs, hidden fees, my personal experience, and tips to make it easier for you.
Let’s start with the big question.
🏠 Why Is Finding Housing in Japan So Hard?
1. Many landlords don’t want foreigners
This is the reality. Some are worried about communication, cultural differences, or past bad experiences. So even if an apartment is available, the answer might be:
“Sorry, foreigners not allowed.”
2. Complicated system (Key Money? Guarantor?)
Japan has unique rental rules:
- Shikikin (敷金) = Deposit (usually 1–2 months)
- Reikin (礼金) = Key money (a “thank you” gift you never get back!)
- Guarantor (連帯保証人) = Someone Japanese who promises to pay if you don’t
- Agency fee = 1 month rent
- Cleaning fee at the end
Sometimes you pay 4–6 months of rent upfront just to move in.
3. Everything is in Japanese
Most websites, contracts, and real estate agents speak only Japanese.
🌆 Types of Housing in Kyoto (From Easiest to Hardest)
✅ 1. Share House (Easiest)
You get a private room, shared kitchen/bathroom.
- No key money
- No guarantor
- Monthly rent only
- International environment
Good for: First year, saving money, making friends.
✅ 2. Guest House / Hostel (Short-term)
Flexible stay, but not long-term stable. Good for temporary landing.
✅ 3. School Dormitory
Some language schools or universities offer dorms.
- Safe and easy
- Sometimes cheaper
- But strict rules and less privacy
✅ 4. Private Apartment (Most freedom, most stress)
- 1K, 1DK, 1LDK, etc.
- More privacy
- But requires paperwork, guarantor, and lots of money upfront
✅ 5. Furnished Apartments
Easier contracts, but sometimes expensive and small.
💴 Realistic Costs in Kyoto
Shared house: ¥40,000 – ¥70,000 / month
Private apartment: ¥55,000 – ¥90,000 (1K)
Dorm: ¥30,000 – ¥60,000
Initial fees for apartment: ¥200,000 – ¥400,000 (one-time!)
Plus monthly bills:
- Electricity: ¥4,000–8,000
- Water: ¥2,000–3,000
- Gas: ¥3,000–6,000
- Internet: ¥3,000–5,000
Kyoto is cheaper than Tokyo, but not as cheap as people think—especially near popular areas.
🔍 How People Search for Housing
Websites:
- GaijinPot Housing (foreigner-friendly)
- Sakura House / Oakhouse (share houses)
- LeoPalace (short/long term)
- Suumo / Homes (mostly Japanese users)
Real estate offices:
They show hidden listings not online, but usually Japanese only.
Facebook groups / friends:
Sometimes the best deals come from other foreigners who are leaving!
💥 NOW… MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE (The real story)
When I first came to Japan, I thought finding a room would take maybe one week.
It took me over a month.
I contacted many apartments online. Some never replied. Some said “No foreigners.” Some required a Japanese guarantor… but I didn’t know anyone in Japan yet.
At one point, I was living in a tiny guesthouse, sharing a kitchen with 10 people. It was noisy and uncomfortable, but I had no choice.
Later, I found a share house that felt more like home. The atmosphere was friendly, no crazy fees, and I finally relaxed.
After improving my Japanese and understanding the system, I moved into a private 1K apartment.
But the move-in cost?
Almost 4 months of rent at once.
Deposit + key money + agency fee + guarantor fee + insurance… it was painful.
What I wish I knew earlier:
- Always ask if key money can be removed (sometimes they say yes!)
- Share house first, apartment later
- Location matters more than size
- “Cheap” apartment = old, far, or inconvenient
✅ My Best Tips for You
✅ Start with a share house or dorm – less stress
✅ Use foreigner-friendly platforms
✅ If your Japanese is weak, bring a friend or translator
✅ Don’t rush into a long contract
✅ Visit the area before signing
✅ Check noise, trains, convenience stores nearby
✅ Guarantor companies are your friend (you pay a small fee but they act as guarantor)
Bonus tip:
Some schools help students find housing—use that power!
🎯 So… Is it hard to find housing in Japan?
Yes.
It can be confusing, expensive, and sometimes frustrating.
But is it impossible?
No.
Once you understand the system and plan smartly, everything becomes easier. And honestly, after settling in Kyoto, I realized something:
Finding housing was the hardest part… but once I found my place, Japan started to feel like home.
💬 If you’re planning to come to Japan…
Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
In this blog, I’ll also share:
- How to avoid scams
- How to negotiate rent
- Best areas to live in Kyoto
- My favorite neighborhoods
- And even room tours in the future!
If you have questions, ask me anytime.
This isn’t just information—it’s experience.
And I’m here to make your journey easier.
More coming soon.