Are you planning to move to Japan for work, study, a working holiday, or a new lifestyle?
The timing of your move can affect apartment availability, moving costs, and how quickly you need to make a decision. Japan has a particularly busy moving season when rental properties and moving companies receive far more requests than usual.
So, when is the moving season in Japan?
In this guide, we explain the busiest time of year, when to begin searching for an apartment, the advantages and disadvantages of moving during peak season, and how foreign residents can prepare for a smoother move.
In this guide
- When Japan’s moving season begins
- The busiest weeks for moving companies
- When to start apartment hunting
- How to reduce moving costs
- Important tips for foreign residents
When Is the Moving Season in Japan?
The main moving season in Japan is from March to April. The busiest period is usually from mid-March to early April.
Japan’s academic and business year generally begins in April. During this period, many people move because of university admission, graduation, employment, job transfers, and other major life changes.
As a result, both rental agencies and moving companies become extremely busy.
Busiest moving period
Mid-March to early April
Dates that are especially busy
Weekends and holidays in late March
According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, moving requests are concentrated in March and April. The number of moves in March can be approximately twice as high as in an ordinary month.
During this time, you may have difficulty booking a moving company on your preferred date. Prices may also be higher because there are fewer available trucks, drivers, and time slots.
When Is the Rental Apartment Market Busiest?
The busiest period for rental apartment searches begins slightly earlier than the peak moving period.
Rental demand is generally highest from January to March because people who need to begin school or work in April start searching several weeks or months in advance.
| Period | Rental market | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | Listings begin to increase | Early searches for spring moves begin |
| February | Applications increase | Popular apartments are taken quickly |
| March | Peak rental season | Fast decisions are often necessary |
| Mid-April onward | Demand begins to fall | Moving reservations may become easier |
Advantages of Moving During Peak Season
More rental properties become available
Many tenants leave their apartments before the new academic and business year begins. This means that a large number of rental listings may become available between January and March.
You may find apartments in popular areas that are rarely available during quieter months.
You can prepare for an April start
Moving during this period makes it easier to begin school or work in April. You can choose a location based on commuting time, train access, nearby stores, and other daily needs.
Disadvantages of Moving During Peak Season
Popular apartments are taken quickly
Competition is high during the moving season in Japan. An apartment that is available in the morning may receive an application and become unavailable later that day.
If you find a suitable property, you may need to make a decision quickly after checking the rent, initial costs, location, building rules, and facilities.
Negotiating rental conditions can be difficult
Landlords receive more applications during peak season. Therefore, it may be difficult to negotiate the rent, key money, free-rent period, or other contract conditions.
Moving company fees may be higher
Moving companies receive many bookings in late March. Weekend and holiday appointments are especially popular, so fees can be higher than during quieter periods.
When Should You Start Looking for an Apartment?
In most cases, you should begin actively searching for a rental apartment approximately one to one and a half months before your preferred move-in date.
Searching too early does not always guarantee a better result. Many landlords will not keep a vacant apartment without rent for several months. Depending on the property, the lease may need to begin within two weeks to one month after your application is approved.
Recommended apartment-hunting schedule
- About two months before: Decide your area, budget, and requirements
- One to one and a half months before: Begin active property searches
- Three to four weeks before: Submit your application and documents
- A few days before moving: Sign the contract and receive the keys
Foreign residents may need more preparation time. Apartments that accept overseas applications, foreign nationals, pets, or two occupants can be limited.
If you have special requirements, contacting a real estate agency about two months before your intended move can make the process easier.
When Is the Off-Season for Moving in Japan?
The rental and moving markets are generally quieter from mid-May to August. However, availability varies depending on the city, neighborhood, building type, and apartment size.
During this period, you may have more time to compare properties, and moving company reservations may be easier to secure.
However, fewer people move out during the off-season, so the number of available apartments may also be lower than during spring.
How to Reduce Moving Costs in Japan
1. Avoid late March and early April
If your schedule is flexible, avoid the busiest weeks. Moving after the second week of April may make it easier to find an available moving company.
2. Move on a weekday
Weekends and public holidays are popular moving dates. A weekday appointment may be easier to book and could cost less.
3. Compare several moving companies
Prices and services differ between companies. Compare the total price, possible additional charges, packing services, insurance, and whether boxes are included.
4. Reduce the amount of luggage
Removing unwanted furniture, appliances, clothes, and other belongings can reduce the size of the truck and the time needed for the move.
5. Compare the total monthly cost
Do not choose an apartment based only on rent. Consider the management fee, monthly guarantee fee, internet cost, water fee, commuting expenses, and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances.
Important Tips for Foreign Residents
Prepare your documents early
Foreign applicants may be asked to provide documents such as:
- Residence card
- Passport
- Student ID or admission letter
- Employment offer or certificate of employment
- Proof of income or bank balance
- Emergency contact information
If you apply before arriving in Japan, you may also need a Certificate of Eligibility or other visa-related documents.
Confirm that foreign applicants are accepted
Not every rental property accepts applications from foreign nationals. Even when a listing says that foreign residents may apply, the screening requirements can depend on your visa status, school, employer, Japanese ability, income, and emergency contact.
A real estate agency experienced in supporting foreign residents can help confirm these requirements before you apply.
Check the initial costs before applying
Rental contracts in Japan may include several upfront charges in addition to the monthly rent.
- Security deposit
- Key money
- Guarantor company fee
- Fire insurance
- Key replacement fee
- Agency fee
- First and following month’s rent
Always ask for an estimated initial cost before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the moving season in Japan?
The main moving season is from March to April. The busiest period is usually from mid-March to early April, especially on weekends and holidays in late March.
When should I search for an April move-in?
You can begin checking areas and prices in January. Active apartment searching and applications usually take place between February and March. However, applying too early may cause the rent to begin before your preferred move-in date.
Are rents higher during peak season?
Not every landlord increases the rent, but high demand can make price and contract negotiations more difficult. Apartments with good locations and popular facilities are also taken more quickly.
What is the cheapest time to move in Japan?
Moving outside late March and early April may be less expensive. Weekdays and flexible-time moving plans may also be cheaper than weekend appointments with a fixed time.
Can I rent an apartment before arriving in Japan?
Yes, if the property accepts overseas applications. You may need to provide a passport, Certificate of Eligibility, admission letter, employment offer, or other supporting documents.
Summary: Plan Early for Japan’s Moving Season
The moving season in Japan runs mainly from March to April, with the highest demand from mid-March to early April.
The rental market becomes active between January and March. Good apartments can receive applications quickly, so it is important to prepare your budget, preferred area, required facilities, and application documents in advance.
For most apartments, beginning an active search one to one and a half months before your move-in date is a practical schedule. Foreign applicants and people applying from overseas should consider consulting a real estate agency earlier.
Looking for an apartment in Japan?
willow supports foreign residents with apartment searches, rental applications, contracts, and move-in procedures throughout Japan. Contact us with your preferred area, monthly budget, visa status, and desired move-in date.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: Request to Avoid Peak Moving Periods
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: Moving Season Guidance
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