4 Unconventional Tips for Finding an Apartment in Tokyo

Even in the best of times, finding an apartment can be one of the most challenging aspects of living in Japan

Despite a resurgence of Covid-19 cases (at the time of this writing), entry into Japan remains possible via “ phased measures of resuming cross border travel. “ Under these circumstances, I’ve noticed that a few members of my international network have been able to move to Japan upon completing all of the necessary quarantine procedures. I can only hope that the country will be able to open up further in the coming months. With that in mind, I thought now would be a good time to share some personal apartment hunting tips that may give you an edge on one of the most challenging aspects of living in Japan, even in the best of times. I’ve gone through the house hunting process five times in 12 years, and in this column, I’ll share some of the most important things I’ve learned through these experiences.

Overview: Know Your Options and What You Are Up Against

If you’re lucky, and a well-established company is sponsoring your move to Japan, then your employer will most likely support your relocation in various ways including residence selection and rent subsidies. However, if this doesn’t…