Cost of Renting in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Beyond

Japanese rents vary wildly by city, neighborhood, and apartment type. Here's a 2024 overview in yen (¥) per month.

Tokyo (Most Expensive)

• Small apartment (1R/1K), outer wards: ¥50,000–¥80,000
• Central wards (Shibuya, Minato, Chiyoda): ¥120,000–¥300,000+
• Family-sized (2LDK+): ¥200,000–¥500,000+

Osaka (20–30% Cheaper Than Tokyo)

• Studio (1R): ¥30,000–¥60,000
• Central (Umeda, Namba): ¥80,000–¥150,000
• Family: ¥120,000–¥250,000

Kyoto (Similar to Osaka)

• Studio: ¥35,000–¥70,000
• Central/near temples: ¥90,000–¥150,000

Other Major Cities (Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hiroshima)

• Studio: ¥30,000–¥60,000
• Central: ¥70,000–¥130,000

Suburban & Rural

• Can start < ¥25,000 for older/small units.
• Car often necessary.

Hidden Costs (Budget 3–6 Months' Rent Upfront)

• Shikikin (deposit): 1–2 months (partially refundable).
• Reikin (key money): 1–2 months (non-refundable gift to landlord).
• Agency fee: 1 month + tax.
• Guarantor company: 0.5–1 month if no Japanese guarantor.
• Fire insurance: ~¥15,000–¥20,000/2 years.
• Key replacement: ~¥10,000–¥20,000.

Search Tips

Use Suumo, Homes, AtHome; filter by "敷金0 礼金0" (no deposit/key money) to reduce upfront costs. Gaijin-friendly agencies: Sakura House, Oakhouse, Real Estate Japan.