When renting an apartment in Japan, most rooms do not include furniture or appliances. You usually need to prepare items such as a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, curtains, and kitchen tools by yourself.
For international students and foreigners moving to Japan for the first time, preparing everything can feel overwhelming. This guide explains the most common and affordable ways to furnish your apartment in Japan.
Most Apartments in Japan Are Unfurnished
In Japan, many rental apartments come completely empty. The following items are often NOT included:
- Bed or futon
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- Rice cooker
- Curtains
- Table and chairs
- Lighting
- Kitchen supplies
Before moving in, always confirm what is included in the apartment. Some apartments may include air conditioners or lighting, while others may not.
1. Buy Furniture at Nitori
One of the most popular places to buy furniture and daily necessities in Japan is Nitori.
Nitori is famous for affordable furniture and simple designs. It is very popular among students, single residents, and foreigners starting a new life in Japan.
At Nitori, you can buy:
- Beds and mattresses
- Curtains
- Tables and chairs
- Storage boxes
- Kitchen tools
- Dishes and cups
- Towels and daily goods
- Bedding sets
Many products can also be delivered directly to your apartment.
2. Buy Appliances at Electronics Stores
For appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, most people go to electronics stores.
Popular electronics stores in Japan include:
- Yodobashi Camera
- Bic Camera
- Yamada Denki
- Edion
- Joshin
These stores usually sell:
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Microwaves
- Rice cookers
- Vacuum cleaners
- Hair dryers
- Wi-Fi routers
Many stores also provide delivery and installation services, which is helpful for large appliances.
3. If You Can Speak Japanese, Mercari and Jimoty Are Cheaper
If you are comfortable communicating in Japanese, you may be able to save a lot of money by using:
- Mercari
- Jimoty
These services allow people to buy and sell used furniture and appliances.
What Is Mercari?
Mercari is one of Japan’s largest flea market apps. You can buy secondhand furniture, electronics, and daily goods at lower prices than new products.
However, shipping fees can become expensive for large furniture and appliances.
What Is Jimoty?
Jimoty is a local community marketplace. Many people give away or sell used furniture very cheaply, especially when moving out.
In some cases, you can even get items for free if you pick them up yourself.
Important:
Mercari and Jimoty often require communication in Japanese. If you are not confident in Japanese, buying from regular stores may be easier and safer.
4. Areas With Many Apartments Sometimes Have Furniture Stores Nearby
Areas with many student apartments or single-person apartments often have:
- Furniture stores
- Recycling shops
- Used appliance shops
- Home centers
If you move near a university or a popular foreign resident area, you may find affordable furniture shops nearby.
You can search on Google Maps using keywords such as:
- Furniture store
- Recycle shop
- Used appliances
- Home center
5. Furnished Apartments Are Also an Option
If buying furniture and appliances sounds difficult, you can also choose a furnished apartment.
Furnished apartments are especially convenient for:
- International students
- People moving from overseas
- Short-term residents
- First-time residents in Japan
These apartments often include:
- Bed
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- Table and chairs
- Lighting
Advantages of Furnished Apartments
- Easy to start living immediately
- Lower stress after arriving in Japan
- Less shopping required
- Fewer moving costs
- Convenient for short stays
Things to Be Careful About
- Rent may be slightly higher
- Initial costs may increase
- You cannot choose all furniture yourself
- Damage fees may apply when moving out
6. Leopalace Apartments Are Popular for Foreign Residents
Leopalace apartments are well known in Japan for offering furnished rooms with appliances included.
Although the initial costs and monthly rent may be slightly higher, many people choose Leopalace because they can start living immediately after moving in.
Many Leopalace rooms include:
- Bed
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- TV
- Curtains
This is especially helpful for people coming from overseas who do not want the stress of buying everything separately.
Checklist for Starting Life in Japan
Before moving into your apartment, check whether you already have these essential items:
- Bed or futon
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- Rice cooker
- Curtains
- Cooking tools
- Wi-Fi router
- Cleaning supplies
- Towels and daily necessities
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to furnish your apartment in Japan. If you want reliability and easy shopping, stores like Nitori and electronics stores are recommended.
If you want to save money and can communicate in Japanese, Mercari and Jimoty can be very useful.
For people moving from overseas or starting life in Japan for the first time, furnished apartments and Leopalace properties can also make moving much easier.
Preparing your furniture and appliances in advance will help you start your new life in Japan more comfortably.
Need Help Finding an Apartment in Japan?
At willow, we help foreign residents find apartments in Japan.
We can also help with:
- Furnished apartments
- Student apartments
- Applications from overseas
- Move-in support
- Utility setup
- Daily life support in Japan
Feel free to contact us on LINE for support with daily life in Japan and apartment search!
