Setting Up a Home in Japan: What You Should Know Before You Move

In Japan, whether you rent or buy a property, it usually comes completely unfurnished — not only without furniture, but often without basic appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, or even lighting fixtures.
This can be a big surprise for many newcomers. Once you decide to move to Japan, one of the biggest questions becomes:
“How do I actually start my life once I get there?”

Most people start by renting first. However, even renting can take time — once you arrive in Japan, you’ll need to search for a property, apply, sign a contract, and set up your daily essentials, which, often takes at least two to three weeks or more optimistically before your new home is truly ready.

During this transition period, you’ll likely need to stay somewhere temporarily such as a hotel, or a furnished serviced apartment. While these are convenient, they can be expensive and may not feel like home. You might start thinking, “If I’m going to spend that much, I’d rather put it toward furniture for my own place.”

On top of that, moving involves numerous tasks, adjusting to a new country, handling government paperwork, starting a new job, and house-hunting all at once. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

How to Buy Furniture in Japan: A Complete Guide for New Expats

To help reduce stress, I offer services that allow you to search for a home while still abroad, and even have it move-in ready before your arrival — including setup, furniture purchasing, and utility arrangements. However, in this article, I’ll focus on how and where to buy furniture yourself in Japan.

Just like in other countries, most furniture and appliances can be purchased online, but because these are large items, many people prefer to see them in person before deciding.
Even when ordering online, keep in mind that delivery may take several weeks depending on stock and location.

Start with the Basics — What You Really Need

As mentioned above, most homes in Japan are unfurnished, so you’ll likely need at least:

• A bed or futon
• Basic appliances such as a refrigerator, microwave, and lightings
• Furniture
• Curtains (yes, even these are often not included!)

Measure your rooms carefully. Japanese homes are typically compact, and furniture sizes differ from Western standards.

🎌 Yay! Your first encounter with Japanese culture — futons!
A futon is Japan’s traditional bedding, laid directly on the floor and folded away during the day to save space. It’s practical for small apartments, and airing it outside keeps it fresh in Japan’s humid climate. While fewer people use futons today, they remain a charming way to experience traditional Japanese living.

Washing machines range widely in price, from around ¥50,000 for compact models to over ¥300,000 for advanced ones. However, Tokyo now has modern, stylish coin laundries that are clean, efficient, and convenient, which are great options for singles and couples who only need to wash once or twice a week.

Where to Buy Furniture in Japan

There are a bunch of stores, so here are just a few examples to get you started. Pick what fits your budget and lifestyle.

Affordable & Easy

• Nitori – Japan’s equivalent of IKEA, with furniture sized for Japanese homes. Affordable, functional, with online ordering and delivery services.
• IKEA Japan – Great when you can’t find stylish yet affordable designs elsewhere. Just note that some pieces are large for Japanese apartments, and most stores are in the suburbs.
• Shimachu Homes – Local chain offering furniture and home goods with setup services.

Mid-Range to Stylish

Second-Hand & Sustainable

• Hard Off / Off House – Reliable used furniture and appliances in great condition.
• Facebook Marketplace / Sayonara Sales – Expats leaving Japan often sell items cheaply or even give them away — great deals if timing is right.

Independent & Designer Stores

Tokyo is full of characterful furniture stores — from world-famous brands like Cassina and Herman Miller to boutique shops and antiques.
For furniture lovers, visiting Tokyo’s Meguro-dōri (“Furniture Street”), which has over 30 interior shops, is a real treat.

Beds & Mattresses in Japan

Japan doesn’t have as many mattress-only superstores as other countries, but you can try high-quality options like:

• Showrooms of international brands: Sealy, Ligne Roset, Tempur
• Department-style retailers: IDC Otsuka
• Specialty bedding stores: France Bed and Nishikawa

Japanese mattresses tend to be thinner and smaller, not necessarily less comfortable, just different.
If you choose a Japanese brand, make sure the size matches your body and sleeping preference. Always check dimensions before purchasing.

Other Essentials

Even if some rooms have blinds, curtains are rarely included. You can get ready-made curtains from Nitori, Aeon, or Muji, or order custom ones for a better fit.
As for kitchenware and small essentials, Nitori, Muji, and Aeon offer convenient one-stop shopping.
If you love tableware, exploring Japanese ceramics and local pottery can be a fun way to personalize your dining table.

Appliances — Where to Buy

Large retailers like Bic Camera and Yamada Denki carry almost everything, with knowledgeable staff and solid after-sales support.
In major city stores, you’ll often find staff who speak English, Chinese, or other languages.　

When buying in-store, check prices online first and don’t hesitate to negotiate. You can often get a discount if you show a cheaper listing elsewhere.

Delivery & Assembly — What to Expect

Most stores offer delivery and assembly for a small fee. Apartments without elevators or with narrow stairs may incur extra costs.
Even professional movers can make small mistakes, so it’s best to be present during delivery — not only to open the door, but also to ensure no damage occurs.
This is especially important for rentals, since any scratches or dents may affect your security deposit.

Your home won’t function until electricity, gas, and water are connected.
Most can be arranged online in advance — you don’t need to be home for electricity or water, but gas setup requires you to be present for a safety check.

Japan’s energy market is now liberalized, so you can choose from many providers.
If you’re unsure, in Tokyo you can’t go wrong with Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) or Tokyo Gas — the difference between companies lies mostly in pricing and service.

Also note: Japan uses 100V two-prong Type A outlets, the same plug shape as in the U.S. but with slightly lower voltage, so check appliance compatibility.

Internet Options in Tokyo Apartments

You have several options — from pre-installed internet to plug-and-play routers:

There are multiple ways to get connected, from pre-installed building internet to carrier Wi-Fi routers. Watch contract terms and cancellation fees.

1) Pre-Installed Internet

Many modern apartments include building-contract internet. Plug in your router or use the provided login.

• Pros: Ready on move-in / no installation / often included or low fee

• Cons: You can’t choose the provider freely (though you can sign a separate plan), and speeds may slow during peak hours.

Common examples: NTT FLET’S Hikari (bulk), J:COM NET (cable)

2) Fiber-Optic Internet (Hikari Kaisen)

Fastest and most stable; ideal for long-term residents and remote work. (1–2 Gbps)

Recommended providers:

• NTT Hikari (FLET’S Hikari) – Backbone fiber service used by many ISPs
• Asahi Net – Reliable, English support, flexible plans
• Docomo Hikari – Great if you already use Docomo mobile
• SoftBank Hikari – Bundled discounts for SoftBank users
• Sakura Fiber Internet – Popular with expats; full English service
  

💡 Installation typically takes 2–4 weeks.

3) Cable-TV-Based Internet

J:COM / ITSCOM use cable TV infrastructure; bundle with TV/phone. Speeds ~320 Mbps to 1 Gbps and often quick to start since wiring already exists.

4) Home Wi-Fi Routers (No Installation)

Plug-and-play 4G/5G routers such as SoftBank Air, Rakuten Turbo 5G, and AU Home Wi-Fi 5G Box.
Great for renters who can’t install fiber or need a temporary solution before a permanent setup.

How My Home Setup Support Service Works

Feeling overwhelmed with too many things to do? No worries. Consider using my Home Setting Service. Before your lease starts, I can help measure your rooms, suggest stores and products that match your taste and budget, and arrange purchase, delivery, and installation — so your home is ready when you arrive. I can also help you handle the necessary paperwork once you arrive in Japan.

✈If You’d Like to Move In as Soon as You Arrive in Japan

I can assist you in completing the entire process, from property viewing to signing the contract, fully online before you come to Japan.

Once the contract is finalized, I will visit your new home on your behalf to take measurements and, if needed, suggest suitable furniture and appliances.
After you’ve made your selections, I can also take care of purchasing and receiving your furniture, and be present for the delivery and setup, so your home is ready before you arrive.

(Please note: delivery times vary depending on the product and timing, so not all items may arrive before your arrival. If essential furniture such as a bed cannot be delivered in time, I can arrange temporary furniture rental and attend the delivery on your behalf.)

I also handle utility setup, arranging for water, electricity, and gas to be connected. Sincegas activation requires an in-person appointment, I can attend on your behalf as well.

🗾If You’re in Japan and Ready to Set Up Your New Life

If you’re already in Japan, I can assist with:

• Attending large furniture deliveries with you, or on your behalf
• Accompanying you on shopping trips for furniture, appliances
• Assisting with custom-made items, such as curtains or other furnishings
• Providing support with product selection and communication with store staff…etc.

🛍Making the Most of Your Shopping Experience

To make your shopping experience truly satisfying, the key is to first visit stores that match your taste and budget, and then build good communication with the staff.
In a country where English is not the first language, this can sometimes be challenging.
From recommending the right stores and handling communication or negotiation with staff, to ensuring you find items that genuinely fit your lifestyle, taste and budget, I’ll support you in making confident and enjoyable purchases.

My services are generally charged by the hour. I provide customized estimates depending on your specific needs.
You can request only the services you require, and I’m happy to tailor my support to your needs.
Please note that availability may vary depending on my schedule.

Let’s Make Your Move to Japan Comfortable and Fun

Each topic here, furniture, beds, appliances, internet, utilities, could be a full article on its own.
Setting up a home in Japan can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with good preparation and local support, your transition can be smooth and enjoyable.

My goal is to make your relocation and home setup in Japan as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Even if you only need help with part of the process, please feel free to reach out — I’d be delighted to assist.
Let’s make your move to Japan comfortable, efficient, and stress-free, so you can truly feel at home from day one.