[Archive Edition]
How to find your accommodation in Japan 

for international exchange students.

 

For those visiting Japan for the first time: 

Let's find a place where you can feel at ease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First: Is it difficult to find accommodation in Japan?

 

 

 

 

For everyone studying abroad in Japan, “deciding where to live” is very important.

However, finding a place to live in Japan might be a bit different than in your home country.

*"Where should I look?"

*Is it okay for foreigners to stay?

*What documents do I need?"

This article clearly and simply explains the process 

for international students looking for their first place to live in Japan.

 

 

 

 

1. Types of accommodations while your stay in Japan

Type	Features	Merit / Concerns
Student Dormitory （Such as Dormy）	Meals included, Furniture equipped Support available	It is very safe and convenient for everyone who is staying in Japan for the first time.
Studio	Place you can live alone	You can enjoy your freedom, but you need to do a lot of paperwork by yourself.
Shared House	Shares house with few people	Cheaper rent, but there are rules to follow.

✔ Student Dormitory is recommendable for those are not fluent in Japanese and unsure of Japanese lifestyle.

 

 

 

2. 5 Steps for the Accommodation Hunting

 

Step 1: Decide your desired conditions

• Where you would like to stay? (Close to your school? Close to the station?)
  
• How much can you afford for rent?
• Do you need meal service, furniture equipped room, Wi-Fi installed room?

 

Step 2:  Find agent

• Student Dormitory management company where your school recommend
  
• Company who manages studios for foreigners（You can search via internet）
  
• Real Estate Agent Company（Japan-based company, some have English, Chinese, or other language speaking staff.)

 

Step 3:  Room tour

• It is very important to check the room with your own eyes.
  

• If you find it difficult, please check the photo or movie of the room.

  
  

Step 4: Make a housing contract

• Required documents: Residence Card, Passport, School admission certificate
  
• Most agents ask you to provide your guarantor.

 

Step 5: Start your living

You need to make contracts with utility companies, such as electricity, water, internet.

 

 

 

 

3.Points for International Students to Keep in Mind

 

 

• Most agent companies have contact only in Japanese. (No excerpt in English)
  
• Some companies refuse to rent to foreigners.
  
• Security deposit/ Key money may be expensive.

 

★To avoid the concerns, we recommend Student Dormitory for the first time for your stay.

 

 

 

 

4. What is “Dormy”?

 

”Dormy” is the brand name for the Student Dormitory all around Japan managed 

by Kyoritsu Maintenance. Many international exchange students reside there, so you can stay at ease.

 

Merits for Dormy:

• Breakfast and Dinner is served. (You can opt out if you would like. ) ( Nutritious meals)）
  
• Furniture and Wi-Fi Equipped →You can start a convenient life from Day1.
  
• Live-in Dormitory manager → You can stay in safe. （The dormitory manager will assist you using a translation device.）

Dormy Data:

• There are more than 170 dormitories in the metropolitan area!

 

* You will be able to find convenient dormitory to commute. So you will feel safe.

• Dormy dormitories hold more than 2,000 international exchange students!

 

*Many international students share similar hopes and anxieties as you do, 

so if you're feeling uncertain, talking to them might help you find answers.

• The exchange students come from more than 50 countries!

 

* It is a great chance to encounter many new different cultures! Your stay in Japan will be more valuable and colorful.

• Dormy has supported exchange students for more than 27 years!

 

* Dormy has a long history and proven records of accepting exchange students. 

The dormitory manager, dormitory mother, staff, and other residents are looking forward to seeing you at the dormitory.

You can check the Dormy series dormitories（https://internationaldormy.com/）

 

 

 

 

5. Freaquest asked questions（FAQ）

 

Q: Do dormitory staff speak English or Chinese?

 → Kyoritsu Maintenance International team provides support in English, Chinese, and Korean for pre-move-in contract procedures. 

We also offer ongoing support after move-in for various issues and concerns, such as neighbor disputes or equipment malfunctions. 

You can consult us about anything, so rest assured! 

However, the dorm managers may not speak foreign languages and that support will be provided by the international team.

 

Q: Can I cook by myself?

 → Some dormitories have a shared kitchen. Meals included plan is a popular choice.

 

Q: I am worried that I can follow a lot of dormitory rules.

 → We have an orientation right after your move-in.  You can also ask anything you feel unsure!

 

 

 

 

Conclusion: Select your accommodation where it meets your life style.

 

 

Accommodation hunting for the first time in Japan is the important key for starting your stay in Japan smoothly.
If you have any concerns,  we recommend consulting with your dormitory staff or school staff.