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Renting an Apartment in Japan: Costs and Application Process

Finding an apartment in Japan is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the local…

Best Cities to Live in Japan 2025: Most Livable Cities for Foreign Residents

Japan is home to hundreds of cities, some enormous, some small, but each with unique qualities that will appeal to…

Where to Live in Tokyo: Top 5 Neighborhoods for Expats

Tokyo is a dynamic metropolis with a diverse range of neighborhoods suited for different lifestyles. For foreigners looking to settle…

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What is Key Money? Costs, Legality and How To Avoid It

Key money, known in Japanese as reikin (礼金), is a nonrefundable payment a tenant often pays to a landlord when…

Akiya: Understanding Japan’s Empty Homes

Akiya are abandoned or vacant homes across Japan, often in rural towns and villages. Japan has millions of these properties…

Buying a House in Japan: A Foreigner’s Roadmap to Homeownership

Buying real estate in Japan is surprisingly straightforward for non-citizens: there are almost no nationality-based restrictions, and the purchase flow…

Japan Trash System: A Complete Guide for Newcomers

Understanding the ins and outs of Japan’s trash and recycling system can feel daunting for newcomers. Japan’s emphasis on sustainability,…