Finding accommodation in Japan

Finding accommodation in Japan can be a nightmare.

Not only is there a language barrier, but understanding the rules, cost breakdown, mountain of paperwork, and need for a guarantor can also be major sources of stress and confusion.

As an OWLS employee, finding an apartment has never been easier!
In conjunction with our real estate partner, you can say goodbye to the worries and stress of apartment hunting. Everything will be handled by the realtor—from communicating with the apartment owner to managing all documentation. Best of all, all communication is conducted entirely in English.

Depending on your situation, a variety of options may be available—from basic apartments to fully furnished ones. Pet-friendly units and family accommodations are also available. Whatever your needs, our partner company can assist you.

Understanding the terminology

Understanding the size of an apartment should be simple; however, for foreigners, Japan’s K, DK, and LDK system can be confusing.
Basically, K stands for Kitchen, DK means Dining-Kitchen, and LDK means Living-Dining-Kitchen. These terms indicate whether the apartment includes a kitchen, dining area, or living space. In Japanese apartments, these areas are almost always combined into one shared space.

A number placed before these letters indicates the number of additional rooms. For example, a 2LDK is an apartment with a living-dining-kitchen area plus two bedrooms. A 3K will have three separate bedroom-type spaces, but only a kitchen—without a living-dining area.