NEWS

In Japan, furnished rental properties are not common. Most rental properties are offered as unfurnished "empty rooms," meaning they don't come with furniture or appliances. This is due to several reasons:


**Cultural background**: In Japan, it is customary for tenants to bring their own furniture and appliances when they move in. Many people prefer to choose their own furniture and interior design to suit their tastes.


**Cost**: Furnished apartments tend to have higher rents. By providing their own furniture, tenants can reduce initial costs.


**Property variety**: Landlords and property management companies often rent the same property to different tenants consecutively. Furnished properties would incur maintenance and repair costs and may not suit the preferences of all tenants, making it more practical to offer unfurnished units.


However, there are cases where furnished properties can be found:


**Short-term rentals**: Weekly or monthly apartments for short-term stays, such as for students or businesspeople staying for a few months, often come furnished.


**High-end properties**: Luxury rental apartments and serviced apartments sometimes come with furniture and appliances. These properties typically have higher rents.


**Share houses**: Many shared houses come with furnished common areas and sometimes minimal furniture in private rooms.


If you are looking for a furnished property, focusing on these types of properties can make your search easier. You can also request "furnished properties" on property listing websites or through real estate agents to get suitable recommendations.


So far, we've covered general information! But there’s actually a better way. You can rent an unfurnished property and then rent furniture. This method has several advantages:


1. **More options**: Since furnished properties are not common in Japan, there are fewer available. You might find yourself searching for furnished properties far from your desired area due to lack of availability.


2. **Choice of furniture**: Most furnished properties in Japan come with furniture suited for Japanese people. For example, single beds in furnished apartments may be too small for larger Westerners, as they are only 90 cm wide. With a furniture rental service, you can choose a bed that fits your size.


3. **Cost savings**: Furnished properties in Japan can be 20,000 to 30,000 yen more expensive per month than unfurnished ones. Depending on the rental period, furniture rental services can provide all necessary furniture, appliances, and even tableware for less than 20,000 yen per month. The combined cost of renting an unfurnished property and renting furniture can be cheaper than renting a furnished property.


By scheduling the delivery and setup of rented furniture and appliances for the day you move in, you can enjoy the same comfort as a furnished property from day one. Using furniture and appliance rental services wisely can increase your options when renting property in Japan!

If you use a real estate agency that specializes in helping foreigners, some of them can even arrange furniture rental services for you. When searching for a property in Japan, be sure to ask your agent about this option!


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