Housing in Japan: What to Expect
As an ALT, your first apartment in Japan could be anything from a one room studio apartment, to public housing, to a fully subsidized standalone house.
That said, it’s probably going to be a 1R (one room) studio apartment. Why? Simply because 1R apartments are the most widely available, affordable option.
If you stay in Japan long-term, you’ll have opportunities to move to something better. For now, the key is to understand the most realistic scenario, while being prepared for anything.
How ALT Housing Is Usually Arranged
This section focuses on ALTs arriving from outside Japan. If you’re already living in Japan, housing arrangements will work very differently.
At the beginning, you should expect zero choice in where you live. You will be completely dependent on what your Board of Education or dispatch company can find on your behalf.
While that can sound scary, there is a good reason. Most often, you’ll be moving into the same unit previously occupied by another ALT. This keeps costs low and simplifies logistics for everyone involved.
Even when this isn’t the case, the Your Board of Education or dispatch company will prioritize price and proximity to the school, and for your first apartment, that’s what actually matters.
Attempting to hunt for apartments on your own before arrival is not realistic in almost all cases. Even in major Japanese cities, most landlords won’t communicate with people outside Japan and offer no English-language support. On top of that, unless you have previously lived in Japan, you don’t have a credit history in Japan and will be considered a flight risk.
All of this together means that whatever your BOE or dispatch company finds, it’s going to be better than anything you could find on your own.
For better or worse, don’t expect to apartment hunt.
What Your First Apartment Will Probably Be Like
As we said, it’s probably going to be a 1R. A 1R typical includes:
- One room
- A small kitchenette
- A bathroom with a deep, narrow tub and shower
- A small balcony area
By Western standards, it will feel small. Walls are often thin, insulation is minimal, and storage space is limited. On the plus side, many apartments come furnished or partially furnished.
Furniture, Appliances, and Setup
What’s included varies, but there are some common patterns.
Many ALTs inherit furniture and appliances from their predecessor. This is usually sufficient to get you started.
You can typically expect at least a few of these:
- A washing machine on the balcony (no dryer, you’ll hang clothes out to dry)
- A small refrigerator
- A wall-mounted air conditioner/heater
- A microwave
- A one-burner stove
- Very limited to zero counter space
You should not expect any of these:
- An oven
- A dryer
- Full-sized appliances
You may also receive cups, plates, dishes and other household goods from your predecessor.
Common Shock Points for New ALTs
While most ALTs have at least heard about small Japanese apartments, there can be plenty of other surprises waiting in store:
- Cold indoor temperatures during winter
- Noise from neighbors (or complaints about your noise)
- Limited storage space
- Utility bills and paperwork entirely in Japanese
This is normal and part of the adjustment process. In most cases, you can move to a different apartment without penalty after about six months if you decide the arrangement isn’t working for you.
What to Read Next
Life in Rural Japan
Why housing expectations differ outside major cities.
Daily Life in Japan
Utilities, paperwork, and everyday routines.
If you want a realistic walkthrough of arrival and housing, those topics are covered in detail in So You Want to Be an ALT.
ALT Roadmap 