21/03/2026
March is one of the busiest rental seasons of the year in Japan.🌸
At the same time, it reminded me very clearly that how high the barriers still are for foreigners trying to rent in Japan (especially for those without company relocation support and relying on their own budget).
You might think things have improved.
The foreign population in Tokyo continues to grow.
There are now guarantor companies that specialize in foreign tenants.
But the reality is it’s still very challenging.
In March, the market is intensely competitive.
A property listed in the late afternoon could be gone by the next morning.
So the process often looks like this:
We identify a suitable property.
We contact the landlord's agent.
And the first question is always:
“Is the landlord open to foreign tenants?”
About half of the time, the answer is an immediate no.
The other half?
“Maybe… depending on the situation.”
Even for clients of Japanese descent, speak Japanese,
simply not having Japanese nationality can still lead to rejection.
And this is not limited to less international areas.
Even in Minato-ku, one of Tokyo’s most global districts, the situation is often the same.
So what’s really behind this?
From my experience, it’s less about discrimination in a direct sense, and more about risk perception.
Landlords want to avoid potential trouble at all costs.
And importantly, Japan’s legal framework plays a role here.
Historically, tenant protection has been very strong.
This dates back to the post-war period, when housing shortages meant tenants needed significant legal protection.
As a result, once a tenant moves in, it can be difficult for landlords to terminate a lease.
From the landlord’s perspective, that raises the stakes of tenant selection significantly.
Of course, there have been reforms, such as fixed-term leases. But given how much the market has changed, there may still be room for further evolution.
And beyond legal structures, there are also practical barriers:
Multiple paperwork
Language barriers
Opening a bank account...
For many foreign residents, the initial phase of settling in Japan is far from simple.
This is something I encounter almost daily in my work.
Moving to a new country is already filled with uncertainty.
When people encounter barrier after barrier, it’s easy to feel discouraged.
I hope to support those who have chosen Japan so their journey doesn’t begin with frustration, but instead starts smoothly and with a strong, positive beginning to life here.
I’m a licensed real estate agent based in Tokyo, specializing in supporting international clients relocating to Japan.
If you’re considering renting in the Greater Tokyo area, feel free to reach out!
📥[email protected]
📞070-9124-2553
