If you're setting up a new home in Japan, one of your first big decisions is whether to buy or rent furniture and appliances. For foreigners in Japan — especially those on short-term visas or tight budgets — this choice can save or cost you tens of thousands of yen. The short answer: renting makes sense if you're staying two years or less; buying (especially secondhand) is usually smarter for longer stays. Read on for a practical breakdown to help you decide.
Why This Decision Matters More in Japan
Japan's apartments are typically unfurnished. Unlike many countries where a fridge or washing machine is included, here you are expected to supply your own. Add in the cost of a bed, desk, microwave, and air conditioner, and you could easily spend ¥150,000–¥300,000 or more furnishing a one-room apartment from scratch. That is a serious amount of money when you are just getting started.
On top of that, disposing of large furniture and appliances in Japan costs money and requires following strict rules (the sodai gomi large-garbage system). So buying cheap and then having to throw things away when you leave is not as simple as it sounds.
Renting Furniture and Appliances in Japan
How It Works
Several companies in Japan offer furniture and appliance rental packages specifically for foreigners and short-term residents. You pay a monthly fee and return everything when you leave. Some services even handle delivery, setup, and pickup.
Popular rental services include Clas, Subsclife, and packages offered through foreigner-friendly real estate agencies. Some monthly apartment services (like Sakura House or Weekly Mansion) include furnishings in the rent itself.
Typical Rental Costs (Guide Prices)
These are approximate ranges to give you a general idea. Always confirm current prices directly with the provider, as rates change.
| Item | Approximate Monthly Rental | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full starter set (bed, fridge, washing machine, microwave) | ¥5,000–¥12,000/month | Varies by provider and item quality |
| Refrigerator only | ¥1,500–¥3,500/month | Size affects price |
| Washing machine only | ¥1,500–¥3,000/month | Drum-type costs more |
| Bed frame + mattress | ¥1,000–¥3,000/month | Single vs. double varies |
Over 12 months, a full rental set might cost ¥60,000–¥144,000 in total. Over 24 months, that doubles. This is why rental becomes less economical the longer you stay.
Pros of Renting
- No large upfront cost — great when cash is tight after paying key money and deposit
- No disposal headache when you leave Japan
- Delivery and pickup often included
- Some services offer English support
Cons of Renting
- More expensive over time than buying
- You do not own the items, so no resale value
- Item selection may be limited
Buying Furniture and Appliances in Japan
New vs. Secondhand
Buying new from stores like Nitori, IKEA Japan, or Yamada Denki gives you warranties and full choice, but the upfront cost is high. Buying secondhand is where foreigners on a budget can find real value.
Where to Buy Cheap Furniture and Appliances
- Hard Off / Off House — large secondhand chains with appliances, furniture, and electronics at low prices. Staff can sometimes help in basic English.
- Mercari — Japan's most popular secondhand app. Use the translate function. Many sellers list barely-used items for a fraction of new prices.
- Junk Corner at electronics stores — discounted or returned appliances, often still working well.
- Facebook Marketplace / Gaijin Pot Classifieds — popular with the foreign community. Many listings are in English from people leaving Japan.
- Nitori — affordable new furniture with delivery. Some staff speak basic English and the website has an English version.
Typical Buying Costs (Guide Prices)
| Item | New (Approximate) | Secondhand (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (small) | ¥20,000–¥40,000 | ¥5,000–¥15,000 |
| Washing machine | ¥25,000–¥50,000 | ¥8,000–¥20,000 |
| Microwave | ¥8,000–¥20,000 | ¥2,000–¥6,000 |
| Bed + mattress | ¥15,000–¥40,000 | ¥3,000–¥12,000 |
| Desk + chair | ¥10,000–¥25,000 | ¥2,000–¥8,000 |
A full secondhand setup could cost as little as ¥30,000–¥60,000 upfront — often less than six months of rental fees.
Pros of Buying
- Cheaper overall if you stay 18 months or longer
- You can resell items when you leave (especially on Mercari or Facebook groups)
- Full ownership — choose exactly what you want
Cons of Buying
- Higher upfront cost at a time when your budget is already stretched
- You must arrange disposal or resale when you leave — this takes time and effort
- Secondhand appliances may not have warranties
Quick Comparison: Rent vs. Buy at a Glance
| Factor | Renting | Buying (Secondhand) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | Medium (one-time) |
| Best for stay of... | Under 18–24 months | 18 months or more |
| Moving out ease | Very easy | Requires effort |
| English support | Sometimes available | Limited (use translate apps) |
| Long-term cost | Higher | Lower |
| Flexibility | High | Medium |
Practical Tips Before You Decide
- Check your visa length first. If you have a one-year working holiday visa, renting is likely the safer choice. If you have a three-year work visa, buying secondhand will almost certainly save you money.
- Ask your landlord or real estate agent if any appliances (especially air conditioners) are already installed. Many apartments in Japan have a built-in air conditioner — confirm before you buy one.
- Use Google Translate's camera mode when shopping at secondhand stores. It works surprisingly well on product labels and manuals.
- Check Mercari and Facebook groups first before buying new. People leaving Japan often sell good-quality items cheaply on short notice.
- Budget for disposal if buying. Disposing of appliances like fridges and washing machines requires purchasing a special disposal ticket (kaden recycle ken). Factor this into your cost calculation when comparing options.
Summary: What Should You Choose?
Setting up a home in Japan as a foreigner is a big step, and the cost of furniture and appliances can catch people off guard. Here is the simple rule of thumb:
- Staying less than 18–24 months? Renting a package deal is convenient, stress-free, and avoids disposal costs. Compare services like Clas or ask your real estate agent.
- Staying longer? Buy secondhand through Hard Off, Mercari, or foreign-resident Facebook groups. You will likely save ¥50,000–¥100,000 or more over the course of your stay, and you can resell items when the time comes.
Whatever you choose, take it one step at a time. Japan can feel overwhelming when you first arrive, but the secondhand market here is excellent and the foreign resident community is helpful. You will find what you need — and probably for less than you expect. Good luck with your new home.