Please refer to the PDF guide Housing Information in Tokyo and Surrounding Areas for Foreign Students (PDF) 

Anywhere from 2-6 weeks. The difference in how quick you find a place depends on availability/vacancy, location, your limitations (rent cap, area, type of apartment etc.). We recommend visiting at least 5 properties before making a decision.

Visit foreigner-friendly real estate agents listed on the agent list in OSSE and specify your preference for a furnished apartment. Your agent will show you listings of what’s on the market.

Priority for TUJ contracted rooms is given to first-semester incoming students unless you are allocated at the dorm which allows the multiple semesters stay. If students would like to remain at the current dorm, you will need to switch to a private contract from the second semester. Please inquire the availability to the dorm operator directly.

Visit real estate agencies around the school and stations close to the campus.

Moving in Japan can be very expensive and there are many different fees real estate agencies charge. For private apartments you can expect to pay anywhere from 2 months rent up to 6 months rent for the entire move-in costs. This money is expected to be paid in full at the time you sign on the contract.

When renting an apartment in Japan, you will almost certainly be required to have a guarantor. The guarantor has to be a person living in Japan, and the landlord or agent will definitely call them to check that they are in the country and have a suitable income to support you in case of problems. For Japanese, this is usually a relative. For foreigners however, if your family lives overseas they can not be a guarantor. There are agencies available that can act as your guarantor; however, you have to make a payment which varies depending on your rent. You will also have to renew this guarantor contract with the guaranteeing agent after a couple of years. Depending on your landlord or real estate agent, they may or may not accept this guarantor agency system. TUJ can not be your guarantor.

Generally for Japanese, it will be a relative whom resides within Japan. However, a friend can be accepted if s/he agrees. If you do not have any above, you may place TUJ as an institution with telephone number of 03-5441-9800. TUJ cannot be your guarantor.

Shiki-kin is "key" money. This is the actual deposit, and you will usually get this returned when you leave the apartment (minus charges for cleaning, damage, etc.).

Rei-kin is "gift" money. This is a “present” given to the landlord to thank him for being so generous as to let you into the property and charging you rent for the pleasure of living there. You will not get any of this refunded.

How to pay will be explained when you sign the contract. Some landlords may accept cash or credit card for the very first payment. In general, you will be expected to set up a bank wire transfer. Monthly payment is most common.

Some apartments come with internet connection intact. For apartments without a connection, you should ask for a suggestion to your realtor if there is any building specifics before you start your research and select a provider. Once decided, you need to set up an appointment with your provider to come and install the connection.

In private apartments either the real estate agent will give you utility information or there will be a plastic bag attached to the door or mailbox that has sign up information in it. To pay for utilities, either sign up for automatic withdraw from your bank account or take the bill to the convenience store to make a cash payment.

For those with only a few bags, it is best to take a train or taxi to your new residence. If you have quite a bit of luggage or furniture, you might consider hiring movers. The cost of hiring a mover depends on the amount of luggage, distance, and which floor you live on. You can expect to pay about ¥30,000 - ¥50,000. This service generally includes carrying your belongings into the van, transporting them to your new residence, and setting them in your place of preference in the room.

Visit the ward office of your current residence to notify that you are moving out. You should also inform the national health insurance department. Then at the ward office of your new residence, update your new address on your residence card as well as the health insurance card. Health insurance cost varies per city/ward and they will adjust any over or under paid premiums. Information on your income may not be forwarded to the new ward office in order to keep the same premiums. See Resident Tax and After moving to a new location.

Visit the post office near your new residence and fill out a change-of-address form. Be sure to also update your billing statements and information for your cell phone, bank, and credit cards. Lastly, don’t forget to update your personal information on Self-Service Banner.