HOME IN
JAPAN
No guarantor. No key money. Furnished & move-in ready.
The easiest way for expats to rent in Japan — verified by 35,000+ TIFE members.
Renting in Japan as a foreigner is notoriously difficult. Most landlords require a Japanese guarantor, charge 1–2 months of non-refundable “key money,” demand 2 months deposit, and expect months of paperwork — all in Japanese. Oakhouse cuts through all of it. Operating since 1992 with 10,000+ current residents, it’s the housing solution I recommend to every expat who asks me where to start.
Why Oakhouse Beats Traditional Japanese Rentals
The Real Cost Comparison — Oakhouse vs Typical Tokyo Rental
This is the number that usually makes new expats’ jaws drop. The real cost of renting in Tokyo isn’t just the monthly rent — it’s everything you pay before you even move in.
Choose Your Accommodation Type
Real Voices from the TIFE Community
These are real experiences shared by TIFE members and Oakhouse residents — people who came to Japan just like you.
“I was terrified about finding housing in Japan with no Japanese connections. Oakhouse was a lifesaver — I moved in within a week of arriving, and the multilingual support team handled everything. I met my closest friends in Japan living there.”
“The key money situation in Japan is shocking when you first arrive. A friend in TIFE told me about Oakhouse and I saved over ¥150,000 on move-in costs. The furnished room meant I didn’t have to spend weeks on Ikea trips either.”
“As a Taiwanese expat, I needed housing fast when I transferred to Tokyo. Oakhouse’s Chinese support team made the whole process smooth. I was worried about the guarantor situation — there is none. That alone made my decision.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oakhouse accept foreigners without a guarantor?
Yes — this is Oakhouse’s biggest advantage for expats. Unlike traditional Japanese rentals that almost always require a Japanese guarantor (保証人), Oakhouse does not require one for most properties. You can sign a contract directly as a foreign resident of Japan without needing Japanese connections.
Is there really no key money at Oakhouse?
Correct. Oakhouse does not charge key money (礼金). Traditional Japanese landlords often charge 1–2 months of non-refundable key money on top of deposit and rent — that’s ¥90,000–200,000+ you never get back. Oakhouse charges none of this, which is why I always recommend it to new expats as the first place to look.
How much does Oakhouse cost per month?
Shared rooms start from approximately ¥50,000/month, social residences from ¥60,000+/month, and private apartments from ¥70,000+/month. Prices include furniture, internet access, and often utilities — so the all-in cost is far lower than it appears vs solo apartments that average ¥120,000+/month in Tokyo before utilities and setup costs.
Does Oakhouse accept foreigners without a Japanese bank account?
Yes. Oakhouse can accommodate payment via international transfer services including Flywire. Their multilingual support team (available in English, Chinese, Korean, and French) will guide you through the payment process step by step. You don’t need a Japanese bank account to get started.
How do I claim the ¥10,000 OFF TIFE coupon?
Use the referral links on this page to visit the Oakhouse website and register as an Oak Fellows member. The ¥10,000 coupon is applied when you sign a contract through the TIFE referral link — reducing your first month rent by ¥10,000. This offer is available through this page and is not advertised publicly by Oakhouse.
Where are Oakhouse properties located in Japan?
Oakhouse has the largest portfolio in Tokyo, with properties spread across central and suburban areas including Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Ikebukuro, and many more. Outside Tokyo: Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Okinawa, and other major cities. All properties are near train stations for easy city access.
Can I stay short-term at Oakhouse?
Yes. Oakhouse offers flexible contracts starting from 1 month, making it ideal for people who arrive in Japan unsure how long they’ll stay, those waiting to find a long-term apartment, or professionals on project-based assignments. You can also transfer between Oakhouse properties depending on availability.
YOUR HOME IN JAPAN?
Browse furnished rooms across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Fukuoka.
No guarantor. No key money. Move in within days, not months.
Looking for more Japan expat resources? Check out our Best Apps for Living in Japan 2026 — including apps that save you money on housing, banking, and daily life — or join the TIFE Facebook Group where 35,000+ expats share tips on housing, events, and life in Japan.
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