Living in Japan Guide

A practical guide for foreign renters in Japan on consent, planned inspections, necessary repairs, emergency entry, spare keys, and what to do after an unexplained visit.

A practical guide for new residents using a Japanese futon. Learn the daily airing routine, safe drying and storage methods, washing checks, and steps that reduce trapped moisture and mold risk.

A practical guide for new residents drying laundry in Japan, covering apartment restrictions, indoor airflow, bathroom dryers, care labels, and rainy-season planning.

A practical guide for foreign residents comparing Japanese mortgages, including permanent-residence rules, non-PR routes, income checks, documents, property screening, and common application mistakes.

A practical guide for foreign residents using an apartment balcony in Japan. Learn how building rules affect laundry, storage, smoking, emergency partitions, and escape hatches.

A practical guide for foreign residents buying a home in Japan, covering ownership rules, mortgages, taxes, closing costs, due diligence, and the registration duties in effect from 2026.

A practical guide for renters who lose, break, or leave an apartment key inside in Japan. Learn who to contact first, how charges work, and how to avoid costly emergency locksmith mistakes.

A practical guide for foreign residents and families who want to attend, dance, volunteer, or take an organized role in a local Japanese festival. Learn where to find events, what to ask, possible costs, registration steps, and important local differences.

A practical guide for renters and new residents in Japan covering safe filter care, professional cleaning costs, warning signs, and how to confirm landlord approval and payment responsibility.

A practical guide for foreign residents who want to understand when gifts are expected in Japan, how much to spend, and when no gift is necessary. Learn the differences between omiyage, temiyage, and oseibo without overthinking the etiquette.