Yen & Zen · For residents
Japan rent cost calculator
How much do you really pay to rent in Japan? This calculator gives you three numbers: what you need upfront to get the keys, the total over the contract length, and your real monthly cost once all the fees are spread out.
▸ Advanced settings
Defaults match standard 2026 market practice for the selected region. Override if you have specific quotes.
Estimates use 2026 market-standard values for fees and conventions. Actual quotes vary by landlord, agency, and property — confirm exact numbers in your contract before signing. If your Japanese is limited, look for bilingual agencies or get help with the contract — this is common practice and nothing to be embarrassed about.
About renting in Japan
Renting in Japan involves several upfront fees that don't exist in most countries: reikin (a non-refundable "gift" to the landlord), shikikin (a partially-refundable deposit), brokerage fees, fire insurance, lock change, and often a guarantor company for foreigners. Total move-in cost commonly runs 4-6 months of rent. Conventions also vary by region — Kantō uses kōshinryō at renewal, Kansai uses shikibiki at move-out. This calculator combines all of them so you can plan realistically.
Frequently asked
- Is reikin really non-refundable?
- Yes. Unlike shikikin (deposit), reikin (key money / gift money) is a one-time payment to the landlord that is never returned, regardless of how long you stay or what condition you leave the place in. Listings with "礼金なし" skip it entirely and are increasingly common.
- Why does the calculator add 10% to the brokerage fee?
- Brokerage fee is capped by Japanese law at one month of rent maximum, plus 10% consumption tax (消費税). So a ¥120,000 rent has up to ¥132,000 in brokerage. Some agencies advertise "no brokerage" — verify they are not just renaming the fee.
- Can I really get all my shikikin back?
- In theory yes, in practice almost never fully. The 2020 Civil Code revision protects you against deductions for normal wear and tear, but a mandatory cleaning fee of ¥30,000-60,000 is almost always deducted. In Kansai, shikibiki removes another portion automatically.
- Is the kōshinryō (renewal fee) negotiable?
- Sometimes. Kōshinryō is one month of rent paid every two years, common in Kantō. Some landlords waive it for long-term tenants in good standing, but you usually have to ask explicitly.