Quick Answer
Most Japanese apartments are completely unfurnished — no refrigerator, no washing machine, no ceiling lights, no curtains. Budget ¥100,000-¥200,000 for basic furnishing. Alternatives include furnished apartments (Leo Palace, weekly mansions) or buying secondhand from Hard Off, jimoty, and "Sayonara Sales" groups.
What "Unfurnished" Really Means in Japan
Coming from countries where "unfurnished" still includes major appliances and light fixtures, the Japanese definition can be a shock. A typical unfurnished Japanese apartment includes only:
Included
- Kitchen stove/cooktop (gas or IH)
- Air conditioner (usually 1 unit)
- Bathroom with tub and shower
- Toilet (often with washlet)
- Closet/storage space
NOT Included (You typically need to Buy)
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Ceiling lights (all rooms)
- Curtains / blinds
- Microwave, rice cooker
- Bed/futon, desk, shelving
Furnished Options
| Option | Monthly Cost | Min Stay | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leo Palace | ¥50K-¥90K | 1 month | All furniture, appliances, internet |
| Weekly Mansions | ¥80K-¥150K | 1 week | Full furnishing, linens, kitchen items |
| Share Houses | ¥40K-¥85K | 1 month | Private room furnished, shared kitchen/bath |
| Rental Furniture Services | ¥5K-¥15K add-on | 3-6 months | Furniture + appliance set rental (CLAS, subsclife) |
Where to Buy Cheap Furniture & Appliances
| Store/Platform | Type | Price Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitori | New (budget) | ¥-¥¥ | Furniture, bedding, home goods |
| IKEA | New (budget) | ¥-¥¥ | Furniture, storage, kitchen items |
| Hard Off / Off House | Secondhand | ¥ | Appliances, electronics, furniture |
| jimoty (ジモティー) | Peer-to-peer | Free-¥ | Free/cheap items from people moving out |
| Sayonara Sales (Facebook) | Peer-to-peer | ¥ | Expats selling everything before leaving Japan |
| Mercari | Peer-to-peer (shipped) | ¥ | Small items, kitchen goods, decor |
💡 Budget Furnishing Strategy
Combine sources: buy a new mattress from Nitori (hygiene), get a fridge and washing machine from Hard Off (great deals on 1-2 year old models), and check jimoty/Sayonara Sales for everything else. A complete 1K setup can be done for ¥50,000-¥80,000 this way.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Prices and availability vary by location and season. Peak moving season (March-April) drives up both new and secondhand prices. Plan purchases in advance when possible.
Last updated: April 2026.
