Find an English-Speaking Real Estate Agent in Japan (2025)

TL;DR: You can absolutely rent or buy in Japan as a foreigner, and an English-speaking real estate agent makes the process far easier. Expect higher upfront costs than you might be used to, learn the key rental terms, prepare the right documents, and work with an agent who routinely helps international clients. 👉 Browse trusted English-speaking real estate agencies in Japan.

Introduction

If you are new to Japan, the housing process can feel opaque. Listings use specialized terms. Many landlords prefer a guarantor. Contracts are in Japanese. An experienced, English-speaking agent turns this maze into a clear path: they explain costs, translate contract items, coordinate viewings, and negotiate your application so the landlord is comfortable renting to you.

This guide walks you through:

What an English-speaking agent actually does for you
How to shortlist and vet agents who work well with foreigners
Typical costs and documents so you can plan ahead
The smart way to search by city or neighborhood
FAQs answered in plain English

Throughout, you will find links to our vetted directory so you can contact agencies that already help non-Japanese speakers every day. 👉 See English-speaking real estate agencies.

Why use an English-speaking agent in Japan

A good agent is more than a translator. They are your guide and advocate.

Clarity on costs: Upfront costs for a standard lease in Japan are often several months of rent once you total deposit, key money, agency fee, guarantor fee, first month’s rent, and insurance. Plan for roughly four to six months’ rent in total, depending on the property and region. (gtn.co.jp)
Guarantor help: Many landlords require a guarantor. When you do not have a personal guarantor in Japan, agents can arrange a guarantor company that screens you and backs your lease for a fee. (Housing Japan | Home)
Shortlist properties that will say yes: Some properties simply do not accept foreign tenants. Agents who work with foreigners every week know which landlords are open and which documents get quick approvals.
Contract and move-in support: They walk you through the lease, explain shikikin (deposit) and reikin (key money), renewal fees, and any building rules.

👉 Start your search here: English-speaking real estate agencies across Japan.

Step 1: Get familiar with the core rental terms

Japan has a few concepts that are not common elsewhere. Your agent will explain these, but knowing them first helps you compare listings.

Shikikin (敷金): Refundable security deposit, often one to two months’ rent. Used for cleaning and damage at move-out.
Reikin (礼金) / Key money: A one-time, non-refundable “thank you” payment to the landlord. Many places still charge one to two months’ rent, though zero-reikin listings exist.
Chukai tesuryo: Brokerage fee paid to the agent, typically up to one month’s rent plus tax.
Kyoeki-hi / Kanri-hi: Monthly common-area or building management fee.
Renewal fee: Many standard leases renew every two years and may include a renewal charge.
Guarantor company fee: If you use a guarantor company, you will pay an initial fee and often a smaller annual fee.

Step 2: Prepare the documents most landlords will ask for

You will move faster if you have digital scans ready. Requirements vary by agency and property, but this list covers the typical items:

Passport
Residence Card (if you already have one)
Visa info, Certificate of Eligibility, or proof of status as applicable
Employment contract or offer letter
Recent payslips or proof of income
School enrollment docs if you are a student
Emergency contact in Japan (can be a colleague or friend)

These items align with what major rental portals and agencies request when screening applicants.

If you are still overseas, some agents can start pre-screening with scanned documents and finalize after you land.

Step 3: Shortlist the right English-speaking agent

Use a focused, three-filter approach:

Language and experience: Confirm they truly operate in English every day and have a track record placing non-Japanese tenants. Scan their site and reviews for examples and case studies.
Coverage: Match the agent’s coverage to your actual commute or campus. In Tokyo, for example, some agents specialize in central wards while others focus on suburban lines.
Property type: If you want pet-friendly, refurbished, family-size, or new builds, pick agents who routinely handle those segments.

👉 Save time: browse agencies already vetted for international clients. Find English-speaking real estate agencies.

Step 4: Craft a brief that gets you better listings

Great briefs get great results. Send your chosen agents one concise message that includes:

Budget range and whether it includes kyoeki/kanri fees
Move-in date window
Minimum floor space and layout (for example, 1LDK, 40 m²)
Commuting time and key station(s)
Must-haves: elevator, pet-friendly, south-facing, balcony, unit bath vs. separate bath and toilet
Nice-to-haves: top floor, new build, bike parking, auto-lock, delivery box
Your employment status and visa type (helps with screening)
Whether you need a guarantor company arranged

This lets your agent discard mismatches and send you properties that will actually approve your application.

Step 5: Viewing days that actually convert

Batch your viewings. Ask the agent to stack 4 to 6 viewings in one route near your target stations.
Arrive with a decision framework. Rank each unit on light, noise, layout, storage, commute, neighborhood feel, and total cost of move-in.
Ask about approval odds. Your agent often knows a landlord’s preferences and can advise which unit is worth applying for first.
Prepare to apply quickly. Good units go fast. If you like one, submit the application the same day with your documents.

How much will I pay at the start?

Every property is different, but a typical initial invoice can include:

First month’s rent (sometimes prorated)
Deposit (shikikin)
Key money (reikin)
Agency fee
Guarantor company fee if applicable
Renter’s insurance and lock change fee

As a planning baseline, many tenants end up around 4 to 6 months of rent for initial costs, though “zero-deposit zero-key-money” listings can bring this down.

Your agent will break down the exact numbers before you sign.

City-by-city tips and how agents can help

Tokyo: massive inventory, micro-markets

Tokyo is a patchwork of micro-markets around each train line. An agent who regularly works in your target area can save you hours by steering you to buildings that accept international tenants, explaining management company quirks, and optimizing your commute. Popular searches include “English speaking realtor Tokyo” and “Tokyo apartment for foreigners” because the market is so dense and fast-moving. Start with agencies that publish English listings and handle guarantor companies routinely. 👉 Find Tokyo-capable agencies.

Osaka: value, larger layouts, great food

Osaka’s rental prices can be friendlier than central Tokyo for similar space. Look around Kita, Umeda, Namba, and along the Midosuji Line for easy commutes. Many landlords are familiar with international tenants due to the city’s tourism and corporate presence. An English-speaking agent will clarify differences in neighborhood vibe and building age stock.

Sapporo: snow-smart choices and cozy layouts

Sapporo has plentiful 1LDK and 2LDK options and a very livable pace. In winter cities, check insulation quality, heating type, and snow management. Agents familiar with Hokkaido will know which buildings are warm, which have reliable snow clearing, and where to find pet-friendly units near Odori, Maruyama, or Sapporo Station.

Wherever you search, a local agent who regularly supports foreigners will surface the specific buildings that say yes and guide you through the paperwork.

Red flags and green flags when choosing an agent

Green flags

Replies in clear, professional English
Explains each cost item and whether it is negotiable
Prepares a viewing route with backups
Gives candid approval odds and alternatives if a landlord is strict
Shows you a sample lease and explains the headlines

Red flags

Vague answers about guarantor requirements
No written cost breakdown before application
Pushy about one building without explaining tradeoffs
Asks for deposits before you have a signed lease or official invoice

If you see red flags, step back and compare with another firm in our directory. 👉 Browse more agencies.

Buying property as a foreigner: do you need an English-speaking agent?

Yes, and it is even more important. While foreigners can buy real estate in Japan, the process involves additional steps like explanation-of-important-matters meetings, mortgage pre-qualification, and due diligence on building reserves and defects. An English-speaking sales agent coordinates your bilingual documentation, lines up a judicial scrivener, and keeps the timeline moving. For buyers, shortlisting bilingual firms with specific ward or city expertise pays off.

Practical negotiation tips your agent can run with

Target no-reikin or reduced-reikin units. Your agent can filter for these and save you a chunk of initial cost.
Offer a slightly earlier move-in date. Landlords like shorter vacancy time.
Profile matters. Strong income or a longer planned stay can offset landlord hesitations.
Ask about small upgrades. Curtain rails, new stove, or a fresh coat of paint sometimes get approved if you are ready to sign.
Flex on floor or facing. The third choice unit with better approval odds might be the fastest path to “yes.”

Timeline: from first message to keys in hand

Day 0–2: Shortlist agencies and send your brief
Day 3–7: First viewing day and application submission
Day 7–14: Screening by landlord and guarantor company
Day 14–21: Contract signing and payment of initial costs
Move-in: Keys, meter setup, and building orientation

Some cases are faster, especially if your documents are complete and your profile is simple. Your agent will give you a realistic sequence for your specific property.

Tips for success

Know your vocabulary: Learn shikikin, reikin, chukai, kyoeki-hi, and renewal fee so you can compare listings quickly.
Prepare funds: Be emotionally and financially ready for initial costs.
Use a guarantor company if needed: It is common and often the smoothest path for foreigners.
Think commute-first: A great unit with a bad commute becomes a bad unit.
Document everything: Keep PDFs of your application, contract, and receipts.
Confirm move-out rules at move-in: Cleaning charges, restoration standards, and notice periods are all defined in your lease.

FAQs

Q: Can I rent without a guarantor in Japan?

A: Sometimes, but most landlords will ask for a guarantor company if you do not have a personal guarantor. Your agent will arrange it and explain the fees.

Q: How much is “key money” and do I get it back?

A: Key money, or reikin, is a one-time, non-refundable payment usually around one to two months’ rent when it is charged. Once paid, it is not returned.

Q: What is shikikin?

A: Shikikin is your refundable deposit, commonly one to two months’ rent. Deductions can be taken for cleaning or damage when you move out.

Q: What documents do I need to apply?

A: Typically a passport, residence card or visa details, proof of income or employment, and an emergency contact in Japan. Students provide enrollment info.

Q: How long does the process take?

A: If you are ready with documents, you can go from viewing to keys in roughly two to three weeks, depending on screening and schedules.

Q: Are there agents who actively work with foreigners?

A: Yes. We keep a list of agencies across Japan that speak English and regularly place international tenants. 👉 See agencies.

Conclusion

Finding the right home in Japan is very doable when you team up with a real estate agent who speaks English and understands what landlords need to see from foreign applicants. Get comfortable with the terms, have your documents ready, and work with a firm that guides non-Japanese clients every week. That combination will save you time, reduce surprises, and increase your odds of a fast approval.

👉 Ready to talk to someone who can help today? Browse English-speaking real estate agencies in Japan.

How to Find an English-Speaking Real Estate Agent in Japan (2025 Guide)