Kobe
Furnished Apartments
Information on temporary or fully furnished housing options for short-term stays.
Sections
1. Overview of Furnished Apartments in Kobe
Furnished apartments in Kobe are designed to cater to short-term visitors, expatriates, and long-term residents who prefer a move-in-ready living space. These apartments typically come equipped with essential furniture (bed, sofa, dining table), appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, microwave), and basic kitchenware. Some may also include utilities like Wi-Fi, water, and electricity in the rental price.
2. Average Costs
The cost of renting a furnished apartment in Kobe depends on factors such as location, size, and included amenities. Below is a general breakdown:
- Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment (20โ40 sqm):
- Monthly Rent: ยฅ80,000โยฅ150,000
- Utilities (if not included): ยฅ10,000โยฅ20,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartment (40โ60 sqm):
- Monthly Rent: ยฅ120,000โยฅ200,000
- Utilities: ยฅ15,000โยฅ25,000
- Luxury or Serviced Apartments:
- Monthly Rent: ยฅ200,000โยฅ400,000+
- These often include concierge services, gyms, and other premium amenities.
Key Factors Affecting Costs:
- Location: Apartments in central areas like Sannomiya or near Kobe Harborland are more expensive than those in suburban neighborhoods like Tarumi or Nagata.
- Lease Term: Short-term leases (1โ3 months) are generally more expensive per month than long-term leases (6 months or more).
- Furnishing Level: Fully furnished apartments with modern furniture and appliances cost more than semi-furnished ones.
3. Availability
Furnished apartments are widely available in Kobe, especially in areas popular with expatriates, students, and business travelers. Here are some common types of furnished accommodations:
- Serviced Apartments: These are high-end, fully furnished apartments with hotel-like services, ideal for business professionals.
- Monthly Mansions: Short-term rental apartments designed for stays of one month or longer. They are often smaller but affordable.
- Airbnb and Vacation Rentals: These can be a good option for short-term stays, though they may lack the legal protections of traditional leases.
- Corporate Housing: Some companies provide furnished apartments for their employees, especially in Kobeโs business districts.
4. Special Procedures for Renting
Renting a furnished apartment in Japan involves specific steps and cultural considerations. Hereโs what you need to know:
A. Documents Required
- Passport: For identification purposes.
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card): Required for long-term residents.
- Proof of Income: Such as a salary slip or bank statement.
- Guarantor (Hoshonin): Many landlords require a Japanese guarantor. If you donโt have one, you can use a guarantor company (for an additional fee, typically 50โ100% of one monthโs rent).
- Emergency Contact: A local contact person is often required.
B. Upfront Costs
- Key Money (Reikin): A non-refundable "thank you" payment to the landlord, typically 1โ2 monthsโ rent.
- Deposit (Shikikin): Refundable, usually 1โ2 monthsโ rent.
- Agency Fee: If you use a real estate agent, expect to pay 1 monthโs rent as a fee.
- First Monthโs Rent: Paid upfront.
C. Lease Terms
- Short-term leases (1โ3 months) are common for furnished apartments, but long-term leases (6 months or more) may offer better rates.
- Some landlords may require you to sign a lease in Japanese, so having a translator or bilingual agent is helpful.
D. Rental Platforms
- Real Estate Agencies: Look for agencies specializing in foreigner-friendly rentals, such as "Hikari Home" or "Japan Home Search."
- Online Platforms: Websites like Suumo, GaijinPot Apartments, and Sakura House offer listings for furnished apartments.
- Local Networks: Joining expat groups on Facebook or Meetup can help you find recommendations and sublets.
5. Key Features of Furnished Apartments
Furnished apartments in Kobe typically include:
- Furniture: Bed, sofa, dining table, chairs, wardrobe.
- Appliances: Refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, air conditioner, TV.
- Kitchenware: Basic utensils, pots, pans, and dishes.
- Utilities: Some apartments include water, electricity, gas, and Wi-Fi in the rent.
- Extras: Higher-end apartments may offer cleaning services, gym access, or parking.
6. Proximity to Popular Neighborhoods and Local Sites
Kobe is a compact city with excellent public transportation, making it easy to access key areas. Hereโs a guide to neighborhoods and their proximity to furnished apartments:
A. Sannomiya
- Description: The heart of Kobe, known for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Apartment Availability: High, with many furnished options catering to expatriates and business travelers.
- Nearby Attractions: Ikuta Shrine, Kobe City Hall Observation Deck.
- Transportation: Sannomiya Station (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin lines).
B. Kobe Harborland
- Description: A waterfront area with malls, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Apartment Availability: Moderate, with some luxury furnished apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Kobe Port Tower, Mosaic Shopping Mall.
- Transportation: Kobe Station (JR line).
C. Kitano
- Description: A historic district with European-style houses and a quiet atmosphere.
- Apartment Availability: Limited, but charming furnished apartments are available.
- Nearby Attractions: Kitano Ijinkan, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
- Transportation: 10โ15 minutes from Sannomiya by bus or foot.
D. Rokko Island
- Description: A man-made island popular with expatriates and families.
- Apartment Availability: High, with many spacious, furnished apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Kobe Fashion Museum, Rokko Island Marine Park.
- Transportation: Rokko Liner (monorail).
E. Ashiya
- Description: A wealthy residential area between Kobe and Osaka.
- Apartment Availability: High-end furnished apartments and houses.
- Nearby Attractions: Ashiya Beach, Mount Rokko hiking trails.
- Transportation: Ashiya Station (JR line).
7. Cultural Considerations
- Quiet Hours: Japanese apartments have thin walls, so avoid loud noises, especially at night.
- Shoes Off: Always remove your shoes before entering the apartment.
- Trash Sorting: Japan has strict garbage separation rules. Learn the local system for burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste.
- Punctuality: Be on time for apartment viewings and meetings with landlords or agents.
8. Tips for a Smooth Renting Experience
- Use Foreigner-Friendly Services: Some agencies specialize in helping non-Japanese speakers.
- Negotiate Lease Terms: If youโre staying long-term, you may be able to negotiate lower rent or waive key money.
- Inspect the Apartment: Check for any damages or missing items before signing the lease.
- Understand the Lease: If itโs in Japanese, have it translated to avoid misunderstandings.
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to find and rent a furnished apartment in Kobe that suits your needs and budget. Let me know if youโd like more specific recommendations or assistance!