Hello! This is Willow Inc., a company specializing in real estate and career support for foreign nationals in Japan.
It’s already been a few months since you started school in April. You’re likely getting used to your new school, new friends, and the whirlwind of daily life in Japan. As the initial anxiety and tension have faded and life here has started to feel “normal,” are you beginning to feel something like this?
“My dorm or share house is nice, but I’d love to have my own private space…”
“I rushed to decide on this room before school started, but maybe I want to live closer to campus or my part-time job…”
If any of this sounds familiar, then the “summer break” between semesters is the perfect chance to move into a new apartment! This article is a complete guide for April intake students on how to take that next step and successfully handle your first move.
Why is “Now” the Best Time to Move?
The busiest season for the Japanese real estate industry is from February to March, when new students and employees are all moving at once. In comparison, the period from summer to autumn is a low season for moving, which comes with many advantages.
- It’s easier to find good properties: With less competition, you can take your time to choose from high-quality apartments that would have been snapped up instantly back in March.
- Rent negotiations may be possible: Depending on the property, some landlords might be willing to lower the rent slightly to avoid a vacant room.
The “3 Walls” International Students Face (and Willow’s Solutions)
When trying to rent an apartment on their own for the first time, many international students run into several “walls.” But don’t worry—we at Willow are here to break them all down for you.
① The “No Guarantor” Wall
This is the biggest hurdle in Japanese rental contracts. However, Willow specializes in properties that you can rent even without a guarantor. Even if you have no relatives to rely on in Japan, it’s absolutely not a problem.
② The “Language and Contracts” Wall
Rental agreements are filled with technical jargon that is difficult even for Japanese people to understand. We will carefully explain every detail of the contract in your native language and have our professionals check for any unfavorable terms. As your “cultural translators,” we promise a contract you can sign with confidence.
③ The “Initial Costs” Wall
In Japan, a large sum of money is often required upfront for things like security deposits (shikikin) and key money (reikin). Willow can introduce you to many “zero-zero” properties with no deposit or key money, as well as furnished apartments that help keep your moving costs down.
【Step-by-Step】Your First Move: Where to Begin?
- Define Your Criteria: Now that you’re used to living here, write down your “ideal conditions” (rent, area, size, distance from the station, etc.).
- Search for Properties: Check out the listings on the Willow website or contact our staff directly on LINE with your criteria to receive personalized recommendations.
- Room Viewings (Online Available): If you find a property you like, it’s time for a viewing. We can arrange online viewings if you are outside of Japan or far away.
- Application & Contract: Once you’ve found the one, it’s time to apply. We will support you through the entire process, from preparing the necessary documents to signing the contract.
- Moving In: If you have any questions about arranging for movers or setting up your utilities (electricity, gas, and water), just ask us anything!
Conclusion: Start Your Best Semester from Your Best-Ever Room
Now that you’re accustomed to life in Japan, you have a clearer vision of your ideal lifestyle. Taking a little action during the summer break can enrich your student life from the autumn semester onward tenfold.
Graduating from a dorm or share house, living on your own for the first time. Let us help you take this important step without any anxiety.
Willow is here to fully support your new chapter in Japan by taking care of your housing needs.
First, feel free to tell us on LINE what kind of room you’d like to live in.
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