Moving into a Japanese apartment feels exciting. The compact spaces, sliding doors, and quiet hallways have their own charm. But here is the thing — Japan has a very specific rental culture. What feels normal back home might break your lease here.
Japanese landlords take their rules seriously. Most apartment contracts come with detailed terms covering everything from noise levels to what you flush down the toilet. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, neighbor complaints, or even eviction. That is not the welcome anyone wants.
This guide walks you through the 7 essential rules for living in a Japanese apartment. Whether you just signed your lease or are still hunting for a place, knowing these rules will save you a lot of trouble. Think of this as the survival guide nobody handed you at the key ceremony.
Tenant and Occupancy Rules
Who Can Actually Live There?
Your lease is not a free pass for everyone. Japanese rental agreements are strict about who occupies the unit. The contract names specific tenants. Adding a partner, friend, or family member without notifying the landlord can violate your agreement.
Most landlords require prior approval before anyone moves in with you. This process is not complicated, but skipping it is risky. Landlords in Japan value transparency. They want to know exactly who is living in the building at all times.
If your situation changes — say a partner moves in or a family member visits long-term — notify your landlord or property management company first. A quick written request often does the trick. Keeping communication open protects you from misunderstandings later.
Noise and Neighbor Etiquette
Japan has a strong culture of community respect. Thin walls are common in many apartment buildings. Neighbors notice everything — late-night music, loud conversations, even dragging furniture across the floor.
Most leases include a quiet hours clause. This typically runs from around 10 PM to 8 AM. Staying within those hours keeps the peace. If complaints pile up, property managers act fast.
Invest in felt pads for furniture legs. Keep volumes low after dark. These small habits make a real difference in how your neighbors perceive you.
Smoking Policy
Smoking inside a Japanese apartment is almost universally banned. This rule has become standard across most rental properties in recent years. Landlords enforce it strictly because cigarette smoke causes long-term damage to walls, flooring, and fixtures.
Here is where it gets costly. When you move out, the landlord inspects the unit carefully. Yellow-stained walls or lingering smoke odors can result in deductions from your security deposit. In some cases, full repaint costs get charged to the tenant.
Even smoking near windows or on balconies can cause problems. Smoke drifts into neighboring units. Complaints from other residents reach the landlord quickly. Some buildings extend the smoking ban to all shared outdoor spaces as well.
If you smoke, check the contract language carefully before signing. Some older buildings or private landlords allow outdoor smoking in designated areas. Knowing this upfront prevents awkward conversations later. When in doubt, ask directly.
No Subleasing
Subleasing means renting your apartment to someone else without the landlord's permission. In Japan, this breaks the lease agreement in almost every case. It does not matter if you are traveling for work or just trying to offset rent costs.
Listing your apartment on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb falls under this category too. Japan tightened regulations on short-term rentals in 2018. Operating without a license and landlord approval is illegal. Fines can be significant, and landlords can terminate your lease immediately.
The reasoning behind this rule is straightforward. Landlords conduct background checks and approve tenants for specific reasons. Allowing unknown third parties into the building creates security and liability concerns. Your landlord trusted you — not a rotating stream of guests.
If you need to leave the apartment temporarily, talk to your landlord. Some may allow a sublet arrangement under official terms. Always get approval in writing before making any arrangements.
Items That Must Not Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Japanese plumbing systems are efficient but sensitive. Many older buildings have narrow pipes that clog easily. What you flush matters more than you might expect.
Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet. Wet wipes are a common mistake. Even wipes labeled "flushable" cause blockages in Japanese plumbing systems. The same applies to feminine hygiene products, cotton pads, paper towels, and anything else that seems soft.
Clogged pipes in a multi-unit building become a building-wide problem fast. The landlord traces the source. Repair costs fall on whoever caused the blockage. That bill can sting.
Waste disposal in Japan follows strict category rules too. Burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and oversized items all have separate collection days. Your ward or city office provides a disposal calendar. Following it is not optional — neighbors and building managers notice when rules get ignored.
No Unauthorized Renovations
Japanese rental agreements expect tenants to return the unit in its original condition. Any changes made to the apartment — even small ones — require landlord approval.
Painting a wall, installing shelves, or hanging pictures with large nails all count as modifications. Even adhesive hooks can be an issue if they damage the wall surface when removed. Japanese walls, especially in older buildings, use materials that tear or dent easily.
The security deposit exists partly to cover restoration costs. If you have made unauthorized changes, expect deductions when you move out. In some situations, restoration costs exceed the deposit entirely.
Use removable hooks and temporary mounting strips instead. These products are widely available in Japanese home goods stores like Daiso or Tokyu Hands. They hold reasonably well and come off cleanly. Planning your setup around these tools saves money at move-out.
No Shoes Indoors
Removing shoes before entering a home is not just a preference in Japan. It is a deeply ingrained cultural practice. Every apartment has a genkan — a small entryway where you leave your shoes before stepping up into the living space.
Walking inside with shoes on is considered extremely disrespectful. Japanese floors, whether tatami, wood, or vinyl, are treated as clean surfaces. Shoes carry outdoor dirt, bacteria, and general grime. The genkan acts as the barrier between outside and inside.
This rule applies to guests too. If you host friends, remind them in advance. Most people living in Japan already know. Guests from abroad may not.
Keep a small shoe rack in the genkan to manage footwear neatly. Slippers are common in Japanese homes for indoor use. Some people keep a separate pair of bathroom slippers too. Getting into this routine quickly makes daily life smoother.
Pet Policies
Japan has a significant pet culture. Cats and dogs are popular. But many Japanese apartment buildings either restrict or outright ban pets. This is one of the first things to confirm before signing any lease.
Pet-friendly buildings do exist. They often come with additional monthly fees or higher security deposits. Some properties allow small animals like hamsters or fish without needing approval. Larger pets, especially dogs, face more restrictions due to noise concerns.
Even in pet-friendly buildings, rules apply. Dogs cannot bark excessively. Common areas must stay clean. Some buildings require pet registration with the management office.
Violating the pet policy is a fast track to lease termination. Landlords conduct occasional inspections. Neighbors report violations too. If you want a pet, find a building that officially allows one. Trying to sneak in a cat rarely ends well.
Conclusion
Living in Japan comes with a real learning curve. The 7 essential rules for living in a Japanese apartment are not meant to make your life harder. They reflect a system built on mutual respect, shared spaces, and long-standing cultural values.
Follow the smoking policy. Respect the no-subleasing clause. Take your shoes off at the door. Be careful about what goes down the drain. Stay communicative with your landlord. These habits will carry you through your tenancy without drama.
Japan rewards tenants who respect the rules. Landlords notice, and good standing makes renewal conversations much easier. Treat the apartment as you would want someone to treat your own home. That mindset goes a long way here.
