Arealty

 Finding a pet-friendly apartment in Tokyo is harder than finding one that simply allows tenants. Shibuya is no exception, but the ward does have a reasonable supply of pet-friendly buildings once you know what to filter for and what extra costs to expect. Why Pet Policies Are Stricter in Japan Many buildings in Tokyo, including in Shibuya, simply do not allow pets at all, largely due to building age, shared wall construction, and past disputes over noise or damage. Buildings that do allow pets usually spell out clear rules on the number, size, and type of animal permitted. What "Pet-Friendly" Usually Means in a Listing Size and breed restrictions Many pet-friendly buildings cap dog size, commonly allowing small to medium breeds only. Cats are generally more widely accepted than dogs, though building-specific rules always apply. Extra deposit or fees Pet-friendly units frequently carry an additional pet deposit on top of the standard security deposit, meant to c...

 One of the biggest concerns for foreign renters looking at Shibuya is the guarantor requirement. Traditionally, Japanese landlords wanted a local guarantor, usually a relative or close contact, who would be legally responsible for the rent if a tenant failed to pay. For newcomers to Japan, that requirement alone used to rule out a lot of otherwise good apartments. Why This Is Less of a Barrier Than It Used to Be Guarantor companies have become the norm Most landlords and agencies in Shibuya today accept a guarantor company (hoshou gaisha) instead of a personal guarantor. These companies charge a fee, typically 50 to 100 percent of one month's rent at contract signing, plus a smaller annual renewal fee, and take on the guarantor role in place of a relative or friend. Screening still applies A guarantor company does not mean approval is automatic. Applicants still go through a screening process that checks income, employment status, and visa type. Stable full-time employme...

 Not everyone moving to Tokyo wants to buy furniture and appliances for a two-year lease. For short stays, first-time movers, or anyone who just wants to skip the setup hassle, furnished apartments in Shibuya are one of the more practical ways to get settled quickly in one of the city's most central wards. What "Furnished" Actually Means in Japan Standard furnished units Most furnished apartments in Shibuya come with the essentials already installed: a bed, a small dining or work table, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and basic lighting and curtains. This is different from a fully unfurnished Japanese apartment, which often comes with nothing, not even light fixtures. Fully equipped or serviced units A smaller segment of the market goes further, adding kitchenware, a microwave, wifi, and sometimes weekly cleaning. These units cost more per month but remove almost all setup work, which suits renters staying under a year or those relocating for work on short no...

 If you've spent any time searching for tokyo apartments for rent , you already know the process can feel like it was designed to confuse foreigners on purpose. Between guarantor requirements, key money, agency fees, and listing sites that only make sense if you read Japanese fluently, it's easy to feel stuck before you've even seen a single apartment in person. This guide walks through what actually matters — location, cost, paperwork, and where to look — so you can approach your search with a plan instead of guesswork. Why the Search Feels Harder Than It Should Be Japan's rental system wasn't built with foreign tenants in mind. Many landlords still require a Japanese guarantor, and even when a guarantor company is available, some properties simply won't accept non-Japanese applicants at all. On top of that, traditional listings often include non-refundable "key money," agency commissions equal to a month's rent, and renewal fees that catch ne...

  Every apartment search in Tokyo eventually comes down to the same tension: how much are you willing to pay for location, and how much are you willing to trade in convenience to save money? There's no universally right answer, but understanding both sides of that trade-off makes the decision much easier. The Case for Prioritizing Budget Tokyo's rent varies enormously depending on the ward, and the difference between a central location and one just a few train stops further out can be significant. If minimizing rent is your top priority, it's worth specifically researching the cheapest places to live in japan for foreigners rather than assuming lower prices mean a worse living experience. What You Gain by Going Budget-First Choosing a more affordable ward often means larger apartments for the same price, quieter streets, and a more local, less tourist-heavy atmosphere. The trade-off is usually a longer commute or fewer nearby amenities, but for many residents — esp...

Renting a pet-friendly apartment in Tokyo isn't as simple as filtering for "pets allowed" on a listing site. Most pet-friendly properties come with conditions that aren't obvious until you actually ask — and by then, you may have already gotten attached to a place that won't work for your pet. Here's a practical checklist to go through before you apply. 1. Confirm which pets are actually allowed "Pet-friendly" doesn't always mean dogs and cats. Some buildings only allow cats, others only small dogs. Always confirm: Dogs, cats, or both? Any breed restrictions? Maximum number of pets? 2. Ask about size and weight limits Most pet-friendly apartments in Japan cap pet weight at around 10kg. If you have a medium or large dog, this can eliminate a lot of otherwise good listings. Get the exact weight limit in writing before applying. 3. Get the full cost breakdown — not just the rent Pet-friendly apartments typically come with an extra pet deposit, sepa...