Finding an apartment in Tokyo as a foreigner is harder than it should be. Most landlords are hesitant to rent to non-Japanese tenants, many agencies don’t have English-speaking staff, and the rental process itself involves fees and requirements that don’t exist in most other countries.
The good news is that some agencies specialize in working with foreigners and have built relationships with landlords who are comfortable renting to expats. The bad news is that “foreigner-friendly” gets thrown around loosely, and not every agency that claims to serve international clients actually does it well.
We’ve worked in Tokyo real estate for years and have seen what separates agencies that genuinely help foreigners from those that just have an English website.
In this article, we’ll share the key factors you should evaluate when choosing a real estate agency in Tokyo, followed by our recommendations for agencies that meet these criteria.
What to look for in a foreigner-friendly real estate agency?
Not all agencies that market themselves to foreigners offer the same level of service. Here are the factors that actually matter when you’re apartment hunting in Tokyo as a non-Japanese resident.
Do they have staff who are fluent in English (or your language)?
This sounds obvious, but there’s a difference between an agency that has “English support” and one with staff who can actually explain lease terms, negotiate with landlords, and help you understand what you’re signing. You want someone who can communicate nuance, not just basic information.
The rental process in Japan involves complex paperwork, and misunderstandings can be expensive. If you can’t have a detailed conversation with your agent about guarantor requirements, lease renewal fees, or what happens when you move out, you’re going to run into problems.
Do they have relationships with landlords who rent to foreigners?
This is where many agencies fall short. Even if an agency has English-speaking staff, that doesn’t mean they have access to properties where the landlord will actually accept a foreign tenant.
A lot of listings in Japan are effectively off-limits to non-Japanese renters, and if your agent doesn’t know which landlords are open to foreigners, you’ll waste time looking at apartments you can never actually rent.
The best agencies have spent years building relationships with property owners and management companies that are comfortable with international tenants. They know which buildings have flexible policies and which ones will reject your application regardless of your qualifications.
Can they help you navigate the guarantor system?
Most apartments in Japan require a guarantor, someone who agrees to cover your rent if you can’t pay. For foreigners without Japanese family or close friends willing to take on this responsibility, this requirement can be a dealbreaker.
Good agencies know how to work around this. They can connect you with guarantor companies, help you understand the fees involved, or point you toward properties that don’t require a guarantor at all. Some can even help arrange corporate leases if your employer is willing to sign on your behalf.
Do they understand what expats actually need?
Foreigners often have different priorities than Japanese renters. You might need a place that allows pets, has space for a home office, or is close to an international school. You might be on an uncertain timeline because your visa situation could change. You might need to move in quickly from overseas without being able to view properties in person.
Agencies that specialize in serving expats understand these situations and know how to work within them. They can arrange virtual tours, help you secure a place before you arrive in Japan, and point you toward flexible lease terms when your situation requires it.
Best foreigner-friendly real estate agencies in Tokyo
Below are agencies that meet the criteria we outlined above.
We’re starting with our own agency, Blackship Realty, because we know our process and capabilities firsthand. We’ve also included other established agencies that serve international clients, though we haven’t worked with them directly and can’t speak to their service quality from personal experience.
1. Blackship Realty /Tokyo Portfolio
Blackship Realty operates Tokyo Portfolio and we specialize in helping expatriates find housing all across Tokyo. Our agency was founded specifically to serve the international community, which means everything from the property search to the lease signing is designed with foreigners in mind.
The team includes both Japanese and international staff who understand the challenges expats face. We have established relationships with landlords and property managers who are comfortable renting to non-Japanese tenants, which means you’re not wasting time on listings that will reject your application.
Blackship Realty handles both residential rentals and investment properties. For renters, we offer support throughout the entire process, from identifying suitable properties to negotiating lease terms to handling the paperwork. We also provide virtual tours for clients who are still overseas and need to secure housing before arriving in Japan.
What sets us apart is our focus on the expat experience specifically and location. We understand visa timelines, corporate relocation needs, and the unique requirements of international families. If you’re looking for a foreigner-friendly agency that actually delivers on that promise, Blackship Realty is the place to start.
2. Ken Corporation
Ken Corporation has been in the Tokyo real estate business for over 50 years and focuses specifically on high-end properties. Their International Leasing Department has around 30 English-speaking agents and maintains relationships with over 1,600 foreign companies and embassies.
They’re particularly strong in areas like Azabu, Hiroo, and other expat-heavy neighborhoods, and they offer pickup services for property viewings if you’re staying in a hotel or serviced apartment while searching.
Ken Corporation is a good fit if you’re looking for luxury housing and have a corporate housing budget. They specialize in properties renting for 200,000 yen and above, which means they’re not the right choice if you’re looking for something more affordable. They also provide support for families looking for housing near international schools, which is a common need for corporate transferees.
2. Plaza Homes
Plaza Homes has been operating for over 45 years and positions itself as a full-service agency for expats. They handle both rentals and sales, and their bilingual staff can assist throughout the entire process. They also run Japan Living Guide, a relocation service that helps with things like school searches, utility setup, and cultural orientation.
Their rental inventory skews toward upscale properties, similar to Ken Corporation, though they do have a broader range of price points. They publish a lot of content about living in Tokyo as a foreigner, which can be helpful if you’re trying to understand how the rental process works before you start searching.
Plaza Homes is worth considering if you want an agency that can handle both your housing search and broader relocation support.
3. GaijinPot Apartments / Real Estate Japan
GaijinPot Apartments and Real Estate Japan are listing platforms rather than traditional agencies. They aggregate listings from multiple real estate companies and provide a way to search in English. The key advantage is that all properties listed on these platforms have been verified as foreigner-friendly, so you’re not wasting time on listings where your application would be rejected.
GaijinPot also offers a Bilingual Brokerage Assistance service that acts as an intermediary between you and Japanese-speaking agents. This can be useful if you find a property through their platform but the listing agent doesn’t speak English. They also offer a housing service that doesn’t require a guarantor and allows you to apply from overseas, which solves two of the biggest pain points for foreigners.
These platforms are a good starting point if you want to browse a lot of listings quickly and see what’s available in your budget and preferred area.
4. Apts.jp
Apts.jp is a smaller agency based in Akasaka that focuses specifically on helping foreigners find apartments in Tokyo. They have multilingual staff supporting nine languages and emphasize a more hands-on, personalized approach. They also help with post-move-in logistics like setting up electricity, gas, and internet.
If you’re looking for a smaller agency where you’ll work with the same person throughout the process rather than being handed off between departments, Apts.jp is worth considering. They’re particularly helpful for people who don’t speak Japanese and want someone to handle communication with landlords and management companies on their behalf.
5. Oakhouse and Sakura House
If you’re open to share houses or furnished short-term rentals, Oakhouse and Sakura House are the two biggest operators in this space. They’re not traditional real estate agencies but rather companies that manage their own portfolio of properties designed for short and medium-term stays.
The main advantages are simplified contracts, no guarantor requirements, furnished units, and the ability to rent month-to-month in many cases. This makes them a good option if you’re new to Japan and want a place to stay while you figure out your longer-term housing situation, or if your stay is genuinely short-term and a traditional two-year lease doesn’t make sense.
6. Mitsui Fudosan Realty
Mitsui Fudosan Realty is part of the Mitsui Fudosan group, one of the largest real estate conglomerates in Japan. The scale of their operation means they have access to a massive inventory of properties across different price points and neighborhoods.
They serve both Japanese and international clients, with services covering residential rentals, sales, and property management.
The trade-off with a large conglomerate like this is that the level of personalized service for foreigners can vary depending on which branch you work with and which agent you’re assigned.
If you go this route, it’s worth confirming upfront that your specific agent has experience working with non-Japanese clients and can communicate effectively in English.
7. Savills Japan
Savills is a global real estate firm with offices in major cities around the world, and their Tokyo operation serves high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients. They focus on investment advisory, property management, and high-end residential transactions.
If you’re looking to buy property in Tokyo as an investment or need help managing a property you already own, Savills has the expertise for that.
For straightforward apartment rentals, Savills may be more than you need. They’re better suited for buyers, investors, and executives with corporate housing budgets who want white-glove service.
8. Cushman & Wakefield Japan
Cushman & Wakefield is another global real estate firm with a Tokyo presence. They offer a broad range of services including tenant advisory, capital markets expertise, and corporate real estate consulting.
Their team includes both Japanese and international professionals, and they work primarily with corporate clients on office leasing and commercial real estate.
For residential rentals, Cushman & Wakefield isn’t the typical choice. They’re more relevant if you’re a company looking to set up office space in Tokyo or an investor evaluating commercial real estate opportunities.
9. Century 21 Japan
Century 21 operates as a franchise in Japan, with locations throughout Tokyo. The quality of service for foreigners varies significantly by location since each franchise is independently operated. Some branches have English-speaking staff and experience with expat clients, while others are geared entirely toward Japanese customers.
If you’re considering Century 21, do your research on the specific branch you’d be working with. Ask upfront whether they have agents who speak English fluently and whether they have experience helping foreigners navigate the rental process.
Conclusion
Finding an apartment in Tokyo as a foreigner is harder than it needs to be. Between landlords who won’t rent to non-Japanese tenants, the guarantor requirement, and the language barrier, there are real obstacles that don’t exist in most other countries.
The right agency makes a significant difference. You want one with English-fluent staff, relationships with landlords who accept foreigners, and an understanding of what expats actually need. Without that, you’ll waste time on listings that were never going to work out and struggle to communicate when issues come up.
If you’re looking for an apartment in Tokyo, reach out to us at Tokyo Portfolio. We specialize in helping foreigners find housing and can walk you through the process from start to finish.
