How does Sakura-House differ from ordinary real estate agencies in Japan?
To rent a room in Japan, a large amount of deposit is usually required, equivalent to 1 ~ 2 months’ rent (or key money, “shikikin” in Japanese, partially refundable), gift money to the landlord (or “reikin” in Japanese, 1 ~ 2 months’ rent, not refundable) and commission (1-month rent, non refundable). Along with the first month’s rent, you need to be prepared to pay an amount equivalent to up to 6 months’ rent, possibly thousands of dollars. Moreover, these apartments are not furnished. You have to buy your own furniture and utilities are not included in the rent (a further 10,000 – 15,000 Yen/month). At Sakura House, we only require a deposit of 30,000 Yen and the first month’s rent to move in. Rooms are furnished and utilities are already included so you don’t have to go through the trouble of applying for services in Japanese. When moving into an apartment in Tokyo a guarantor or a co-signer is usually required. In most cases only a Japanese national with a steady income will be tak
