Settle in. Stay ready.

Japan Ready

A survival guide for foreign residents who want to avoid expensive Japan mistakes.

Tasks

0/9

Next due

300 days

Move-in estimate

¥527,500

Move-in cost calculator

Check key money, guarantor fees, insurance, and whether rent fits your income.

Editable estimate

Estimated cash before keys

¥527,500

Move-in month rent¥85,000
Next month rent¥85,000
Deposit¥80,000
Key money¥80,000
Agency fee¥88,000
Guarantor fee¥40,000
Insurance / lock / cleaning / other¥69,500

Refundable estimate: ¥80,000

Non-refundable estimate: ¥447,500

Affordability

Monthly housing: ¥85,000

Rent-to-income: 30%

Tight budget

Rental fee glossary

Key money

reikin

A non-refundable payment to the landlord. It is common but many listings are zero-key-money.

Often 0-2 months of rent. Ask whether it can be reduced.

Deposit

shikikin

Money held for unpaid rent or move-out deductions. Any remaining balance should be returned.

Often 0-2 months of rent. Ask for an itemized statement at move-out.

Agency fee

chukai tesuryo

Fee paid to the real estate agency for arranging the contract.

Often up to about 1 month of rent plus tax.

Guarantor company

hosho gaisha

A company that guarantees payment to the landlord if you do not pay. It protects the landlord, not you.

Often around 0.5-1 month upfront plus renewal or annual fees.

Fire insurance

kasai hoken

Insurance commonly required by rental contracts.

Often a fixed fee for the contract period. Confirm coverage and renewal timing.

Renewal fee

koshin-ryo

Fee charged when renewing some rental contracts, commonly every two years.

Confirm before signing. Some listings advertise no renewal fee.

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