Osaka

1. Typical Costs

Furnished Housing:

• Higher Monthly Rent: Furnished apartments in Osaka are generally more expensive than unfurnished ones. Expect to pay 20-50% more for the convenience of having furniture and appliances included.
  • Studio/1K (small apartment): ¥80,000–¥150,000/month.
  • Larger apartments (1LDK or 2LDK): ¥150,000–¥300,000/month.
• Utilities: Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) may sometimes be included in the rent, but this varies by property.
• Short-Term Rentals: Furnished apartments are often geared toward short-term stays, so they may have flexible lease terms but higher per-month costs.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Lower Monthly Rent: Unfurnished apartments are more affordable.
  • Studio/1K: ¥50,000–¥80,000/month.
  • Larger apartments (1LDK or 2LDK): ¥80,000–¥200,000/month.
• Initial Setup Costs: While rent is lower, you’ll need to budget for purchasing furniture, appliances, and other essentials, which can cost ¥100,000–¥300,000 upfront depending on your needs.
• Utilities: Utilities are typically not included and must be set up separately.

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2. The Renting Process

Furnished Housing:

• Simpler Process: Furnished apartments are often managed by companies catering to expats, students, or short-term visitors. The process is streamlined, with fewer requirements for guarantors or extensive documentation.
• Short-Term Leases: Many furnished apartments offer flexible lease terms (e.g., monthly or 3–6 months), making them ideal for temporary stays.
• Key Money and Deposits: Some furnished rentals may waive traditional Japanese fees like key money (礼金, reikin), but deposits (敷金, shikikin) are still common.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Complex Process: Renting an unfurnished apartment in Osaka typically involves more paperwork and cultural nuances. You’ll need:
  • A guarantor (保証人, hoshounin), often a Japanese citizen or a guarantor company.
  • Proof of income or employment.
  • A resident visa (short-term visitors are usually not eligible).
• Fees: Be prepared for significant upfront costs, which can total 4–6 months’ rent:
  • Key Money (礼金): A non-refundable "thank you" payment to the landlord (1–2 months’ rent).
  • Deposit (敷金): Refundable, but deductions for cleaning or repairs are common (1–2 months’ rent).
  • Agency Fee (仲介手数料): Paid to the real estate agent (1 month’s rent).
  • First Month’s Rent: Paid upfront.
• Long-Term Leases: Most leases are for 2 years, with automatic renewal (and a renewal fee).

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3. Cultural Expectations

Furnished Housing:

• Flexibility: Furnished apartments are often marketed to foreigners, so landlords are more accustomed to non-Japanese tenants and may have English-speaking staff.
• Minimal Personalization: Since the apartment comes pre-furnished, you may not have much freedom to redecorate or make changes.
• Short-Term Focus: These apartments are less common for long-term residents, as they are seen as temporary solutions.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Long-Term Commitment: Renting an unfurnished apartment is seen as a long-term arrangement, and landlords expect tenants to stay for the full lease term.
• Tenant Responsibilities: You are responsible for furnishing the apartment, setting up utilities, and maintaining the property.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Landlords may be hesitant to rent to foreigners due to language barriers or concerns about cultural differences. Demonstrating respect for Japanese customs (e.g., removing shoes indoors, proper garbage sorting) can help build trust.

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4. Availability

Furnished Housing:

• Limited Supply: Furnished apartments are less common in Osaka compared to unfurnished ones. They are typically found in central areas like Namba, Umeda, and Tennoji, where expats and students tend to live.
• Targeted at Expats and Students: These apartments are often listed on websites catering to foreigners, such as:
  • GaijinPot Apartments
  • Sakura House
  • Airbnb (for short-term stays)
• Smaller Units: Furnished apartments are often smaller (studio or 1K) and may not suit families or those needing more space.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Wider Availability: The majority of rental properties in Osaka are unfurnished, giving you more options in terms of size, location, and price.
• Neighborhood Variety: You can find unfurnished apartments in both central and suburban areas, depending on your budget and lifestyle preferences.
• Real Estate Agencies: Listings are often found through Japanese real estate agencies like:
  • Suumo
  • Homes.co.jp
  • Real estate offices in Osaka neighborhoods.

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5. Key Local Considerations

Furnished Housing:

• Convenience for Short-Term Stays: Ideal for those staying less than a year or who don’t want the hassle of buying and moving furniture.
• Language Support: Many furnished rental companies offer English-speaking support, which can be a major advantage for non-Japanese speakers.
• Higher Turnover: These apartments often have higher tenant turnover, which may mean less personalization or a more transient community.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Customization: You have the freedom to furnish and decorate the apartment to your liking, which is better for long-term residents.
• Utility Setup: You’ll need to set up utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) yourself. This can be challenging if you don’t speak Japanese, but many utility companies now offer English support.
• Garbage Sorting: Japan has strict rules for sorting and disposing of garbage. Be sure to follow the local guidelines provided by your ward office (区役所, kuyakusho).
• Tatami Rooms: Some unfurnished apartments may have traditional tatami mat flooring, which requires special care (e.g., no heavy furniture, regular airing).

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Summary Table

| Category | Furnished Housing | Unfurnished Housing | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Cost | Higher rent, lower upfront costs | Lower rent, higher upfront costs | | Renting Process | Simplified, short-term leases available | Complex, long-term leases (2 years) | | Cultural Fit | Geared toward foreigners, flexible | Geared toward locals, long-term focus | | Availability | Limited, central areas, smaller units | Abundant, citywide, various sizes | | Best For | Short-term stays, convenience | Long-term residents, customization |

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Final Tips:

1. Use a Real Estate Agent: If you’re looking for an unfurnished apartment, a local real estate agent can help navigate the process. Some agencies specialize in helping foreigners.
2. Budget for Upfront Costs: For unfurnished apartments, ensure you have enough savings to cover the initial fees.
3. Consider Your Stay Duration: If you’re staying less than a year, a furnished apartment may be more practical despite the higher rent.
4. Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: While some landlords and agents speak English, knowing basic Japanese can help smooth the process.
5. Check for Appliances: Even unfurnished apartments may include basic appliances like a stove or air conditioner, but confirm this before signing the lease.

By weighing these factors, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and lifestyle in Osaka.