Sendai

1. Buying Furniture and Appliances in Sendai

New Furniture and Appliances

If you prefer to buy new items, Sendai has a variety of stores and online platforms that cater to different budgets and styles.

• Large Retail Chains:

  • Nitori (ニトリ): Known as the "IKEA of Japan," Nitori is a popular choice for affordable, functional furniture and home goods. They have a store in Sendai where you can find everything from beds and sofas to kitchenware and curtains.
    • Location: Nitori Sendai Izumi or Nitori Sendai Minami.
    • Price Range: Affordable; a basic sofa starts around ¥15,000, and beds range from ¥10,000 to ¥30,000.
  • IKEA Sendai (イケア仙台): IKEA is located in nearby Sendai Port and offers stylish, modern furniture and appliances. They also provide delivery and assembly services.
    • Location: IKEA Sendai, near Sendai Port.
    • Price Range: Moderate; a small table starts at ¥5,000, and larger furniture like wardrobes can cost ¥20,000+.
  • Yamada Denki (ヤマダ電機) and Bic Camera (ビックカメラ): These electronics stores are great for purchasing new appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves.
    • Price Range: A basic refrigerator starts at ¥30,000, washing machines at ¥25,000, and microwaves at ¥10,000.

• Department Stores:

  • Loft Sendai (ロフト仙台): Located in the city center, Loft offers stylish and high-quality home goods, though prices are higher than Nitori or IKEA.
  • Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ): Another department store with unique and high-quality furniture and home accessories.

• Specialty Stores:

  • Muji (無印良品): Known for minimalist and eco-friendly designs, Muji offers furniture, bedding, and small appliances. There is a Muji store in Sendai PARCO.
    • Price Range: Moderate to high; a small desk starts at ¥10,000, and bedding sets are around ¥5,000–¥15,000.

Secondhand Furniture and Appliances

Buying secondhand is a cost-effective and sustainable option, especially for short-term stays.

• Secondhand Stores:

  • Hard Off (ハードオフ) and Off House (オフハウス): These stores specialize in secondhand goods, including furniture, appliances, and electronics. Items are often in good condition and significantly cheaper than new ones.
    • Price Range: A used refrigerator can cost ¥10,000–¥20,000, and sofas start at ¥5,000.
    • Locations: Multiple branches in Sendai, including Izumi and Taihaku wards.
  • Recycle Shops: Smaller, independent recycle shops are scattered throughout Sendai. They often have unique finds at bargain prices.

• Online Platforms:

  • Mercari (メルカリ): A popular app for buying and selling secondhand goods. You can find furniture and appliances at great prices, but you’ll need to arrange for delivery or pickup.
  • Jimoty (ジモティー): A local classifieds website where people give away or sell used items. Many listings are free, but you’ll need to handle transportation.

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2. Renting Furniture and Appliances

If you’re staying in Sendai for a short period, renting furniture and appliances can be a practical option.

• Rental Services:
  • CLAS (クラス): A subscription-based furniture rental service that delivers to Sendai. They offer modern furniture and appliances with flexible rental terms.
    • Price Range: Starts at ¥500/month for small items like chairs and ¥2,000/month for larger items like beds.
  • DMM Rental (DMMレンタル): Offers short-term rentals for appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves.
    • Price Range: ¥3,000–¥5,000/month depending on the item.
  • Local Rental Shops: Some local stores in Sendai offer furniture and appliance rentals. Check with real estate agents or expat communities for recommendations.

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3. Typical Costs for Furnishing a Home in Sendai

Here’s a rough estimate of costs for furnishing a small apartment in Sendai:

• Basic Furniture:

  • Bed (frame + mattress): ¥20,000–¥50,000
  • Sofa: ¥10,000–¥30,000
  • Dining table + chairs: ¥15,000–¥30,000
  • Wardrobe or storage unit: ¥10,000–¥20,000

• Appliances:

  • Refrigerator: ¥20,000–¥50,000
  • Washing machine: ¥15,000–¥40,000
  • Microwave: ¥5,000–¥15,000
  • Air conditioner: ¥50,000–¥100,000 (installation may cost extra)

• Other Essentials:

  • Curtains: ¥3,000–¥10,000
  • Lighting fixtures: ¥2,000–¥10,000
  • Kitchenware: ¥5,000–¥15,000

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4. Cultural Considerations and Procedures

• Delivery and Installation:

  • Most stores offer delivery services for a fee (¥1,000–¥5,000 depending on distance and item size). Some stores like Nitori and IKEA also provide assembly services.
  • For appliances, stores like Yamada Denki often include installation in the purchase price, but confirm this when buying.

• Recycling Fees:

  • Japan has strict recycling laws for large appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines). When disposing of old appliances, you’ll need to pay a recycling fee (¥2,000–¥5,000) and arrange for pickup through the store where you purchased the new item or your local ward office.

• Compact Living:

  • Japanese apartments are often smaller than Western ones, so prioritize space-saving furniture like foldable tables, stackable chairs, or loft beds.

• Seasonal Considerations:

  • Sendai experiences cold winters, so consider investing in a kotatsu (heated table) or electric blankets. These are widely available at stores like Nitori or secondhand shops.

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5. Local Tips for Furnishing in Sendai

• Timing Matters: If you’re moving in March or April (the start of the academic and fiscal year in Japan), expect higher demand and potentially longer delivery times for furniture and appliances.
• Check Expat Communities: Join local Facebook groups or expat forums for Sendai. Many people sell or give away furniture and appliances when they move.
• Neighborhood Recycle Days: Some neighborhoods in Sendai have designated days for disposing of large items. You might find usable furniture left out for collection (though taking these items is technically discouraged).
• Real Estate Agent Assistance: When renting an apartment, ask your real estate agent if the landlord provides any basic furniture or appliances. Some apartments come partially furnished.

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By following this guide, you should be able to furnish your home in Sendai efficiently and within your budget. Let me know if you need more specific recommendations or assistance!