There are many terms used to describe the various types and sizes of apartments in Japan. While some are universal and self-explanatory, others are newly coined and uniquely regional. In some cases, different terms are used to describe the same type of apartment. The following is a glossary of terms that should help take some of the mystery out of your apartment search.
| 1K | One room with Kitchen |
|---|---|
| 1DK | One room with Dinning Kitchen |
| 1LDK | One room with Living Dinning Kitchen(wider spaced kitchen) |
| 2K | 2 Roomd with Kitchen |
| 2DK | 2 rooms with Dinning Kitchen |
| 2LDK | 2 room with Living Dinning Kitchen(wider spaced kitchen) |
| 2SLDK | 2 room with Living Dinning Kitchen and Service room |
Initial Cost of Renting a Apartment in Japan
Finding an apartment is an extremely expensive proposition. Expect to pay first month’s rent, last month’s rent and frequently, a security deposit equal to 1-3 full month’s rent in advance of taking occupancy. Here’s what it takes.
| Rent for the first month | 1 full month or daily counted |
|---|---|
| Safety Deposit(refundable) | 1-several month equivalent |
| Key Money(non refundable) | 0-several month equivalent |
| Guarantor System | If you do not have a local guarantor, you could be asked to use the guarantor system. 0.5-1 month fee could be applicable. |
| Insurance | you could be asked to buy Tenant Insurance. |
| Realtor Fee | 1 month equivalant.(tax applicable) |
Types of Rental Apartments
| APARTMENT | So called “APARTMENT” of”APARTO” means Wooden or Steel structure 2-3 story rental properties in Japan. |
|---|---|
| MANSION | “MANSION” does not mean rich man’s house in Japan. Steel structured high story rental properties are called “MANSION” in Japan. |
| GUEST HOUSE | Share house mainly for foreign students or travellers are called “GUEST HOUSE”. |
| KASHIYA | Rental house is called “KASHIYA” in Japanese. 0.5-1 month fee could be applicable. |
| MONTHLY MANSION or MONTHLY APARTMENT | “MONTHLY APARTMENT” or “MONTHLY APARTMENT” especially mean a rental property with furniture and electric appliences. The rental contract is made for a single month. Rent is rather higher to general rental contract but the tenants can save Initial cost and the moving fee. |
