In many cases, yes. Here is how it works, and what to prepare.

Why it is possible now

Japan's rental process has gone more digital in recent years. Online viewings by video call, online explanations of the important contract terms, and electronic contract signing are now common with many agencies. That makes it realistic to secure an apartment before you fly.

What you usually need

Requirements vary by landlord, but most will ask for:

• A copy of your passport
• Your visa or Certificate of Eligibility
• An employment contract, offer letter or school admission letter
• An emergency contact
• Approval from a guarantor company

You will get your residence card at the airport when you arrive. Some landlords sign the contract first and ask for a copy of the card after arrival.

For a step by step walkthrough, see our guide to renting a Japan apartment from overseas before arrival.

Paying from abroad

Move-in costs are usually due before the keys are released. Ask your agent how payment works. Some accept international bank transfers, others accept credit cards. Budget for transfer fees and exchange rates.

Why many relocating professionals choose Minato

If you are moving for work, Minato ward is a popular first home:

• It hosts many embassies, international companies and international schools.
• Areas like Azabu, Hiroo and Shirokane are known for English friendly services and clinics.
• Landlords here are used to foreign tenants, including those signing from abroad.

Rents are high, but the convenience is hard to beat for a first year in Japan. Browse listings on the Minato-ku apartments for rent page.

Tips to avoid surprises

1. Ask for a live video viewing, not only photos.
2. Ask about the view, noise and sunlight at different times of day.
3. Confirm what is included: lights, curtains and air conditioners are not always provided.
4. Check the move-in date matches your flight.

Start before you fly

Browse all apartments for rent, or visit Arealty to work with an English speaking team that handles overseas applications every day.

Lofts can be a great deal. They can also be a mistake. Here is how to tell the difference before you sign.

What counts as a loft in Japan

In Japanese rentals, a loft (ロフト) is an upper storage space that is not counted as a room. To stay outside the official floor area, it generally has to have a low ceiling and a limited size compared with the room below. That is why most lofts are too low to stand up in.

This matters because you are not paying for the loft as floor space. A 1K with a loft is still legally a 1K.

The good side

• More usable space. Sleeping up top frees the main room for a sofa or desk.
• Separation. It feels more like a bedroom than a bed in the corner.
• Storage. Even if you do not sleep there, it holds suitcases and seasonal items.

The pitfalls

• Heat. Warm air rises. In a Tokyo summer, a loft without good airflow can be very hot at night.
• The ladder. Climbing down half asleep is not fun. Check how steep and stable it is.
• Cleaning and dust. Lofts are easy to forget.
• Low ceilings. Sitting up in bed may not be possible.

Our article on the pitfalls of renting a loft apartment in Japan covers each one in more detail, with tips to avoid them.

Questions to ask at the viewing

1. Is there an air conditioner, and can it cool the loft?
2. Is there a window or vent in the loft?
3. Is the ladder fixed or removable?
4. How high is the loft ceiling at its highest point?

Where to find loft apartments

Nakano ward is one of the best places in Tokyo to look. Areas around Nakano Station, Arai and the Seibu Shinjuku line stations such as Saginomiya have many compact apartments with lofts, popular with students and young workers. The JR Chuo line gets you to Shinjuku in minutes.

You can browse current listings on the Nakano-ku apartments for rent page.

Find your apartment

Search all apartments for rent by layout and budget, or visit Arealty to have our English speaking agents check the loft details for you.

Here is how renting works on a working holiday, and where to start looking.

Why renting is harder on a working holiday

Most Japanese landlords prefer tenants who will stay for two years and have a stable Japanese employer. A working holiday visa does not fit that picture neatly:

• Your visa is short, so a standard two-year contract may not make sense.
• You may not have a job yet when you arrive.
• You might not have a Japanese bank account or phone number in your first weeks.

None of this makes renting impossible. It just changes which options work best.

Your realistic options

• Share houses: the most popular choice. Short contracts, furnished rooms, low move-in costs and an instant community.
• Monthly or furnished apartments: private space with utilities included, usually with no guarantor needed.
• Regular apartments: possible if you find work quickly and use a foreigner friendly guarantor company.

For costs, documents and tips for each option, see our guide to renting an apartment on a working holiday visa.

Why Ikebukuro is a good base

Toshima ward, home to Ikebukuro, is a great first area for working holiday makers:

• Transport. Ikebukuro Station is served by the JR Yamanote, Saikyo and Shonan-Shinjuku lines, three Tokyo Metro lines, and the Seibu and Tobu private lines.
• Jobs. Restaurants, retail and hospitality work are everywhere around the station.
• Value. Rents are generally lower than in Shibuya or Minato, especially a few stops out on the Seibu or Tobu lines.

Browse what is available on the Toshima-ku apartments for rent page.

Your first two weeks checklist

1. Register your address at the ward office within 14 days of moving in.
2. Join National Health Insurance at the same time.
3. Get a Japanese phone number, then open a bank account.
4. Keep copies of your pay slips. They help when you apply for a regular apartment later.

Ready to find your place?

Explore all apartments for rent in Japan, or visit Arealty to get help from English speaking staff who work with working holiday tenants.

If you study at the Suita campus, living in Suita city is often the easiest choice.

Know your campus first

Osaka University has three main campuses:

• Suita: the largest, home to engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and several research institutes.
• Toyonaka: for many first-year general education classes, plus science, law, economics and letters.
• Minoh: the School of Foreign Studies, next to Minoh-Semba-Handai-mae station.

Many students spend their first year or two at Toyonaka, then move to Suita for specialized courses. Plan your housing around where you will spend most of your time.

Our Osaka University student housing guide compares dormitories, share houses and private apartments for each campus.

Why Suita works for students

Suita sits just north of Osaka city and is full of students. Kansai University's main campus is here too, so landlords are used to young tenants.

Popular student areas include:

• Kita-Senri: the end of the Hankyu Senri line, with supermarkets and a short ride to campus.
• Yamada and Banpaku-kinen-koen: on the Osaka Monorail, which runs directly to Handai-byoin-mae station on the Suita campus.
• Senri-Chuo: a major hub with shopping, the Osaka Monorail and the Kita-Osaka Kyuko line connecting to Umeda and Namba.

You can compare current listings on the Suita-shi apartments for rent page.

Tips for international students

1. Apply for the university dormitory early. Places are limited and fill quickly before April and October intakes.
2. Check bicycle routes. Suita is hilly in places. A short ride on the map can be a steep climb.
3. Look for furnished options in your first semester. It gives you time to learn the area before signing a two-year lease.
4. Prepare your documents. Most landlords ask for your residence card, certificate of enrollment and an emergency contact.

Find your student apartment

Browse all apartments for rent across Japan, or visit Arealty for English support finding a student friendly home near your campus.

The good news is that western Tokyo is a comfortable place to live. It is quieter than central Tokyo, homes are larger, and you are still about an hour from Shinjuku by train.

Towns around the base

Yokota sits across several municipalities. The most popular places to rent are:

• Fussa: the closest town to the main gates. Fussa and Ushihama stations on the JR Ome line make train trips easy, and the Route 16 strip outside the base has shops and restaurants that cater to Americans.
• Hamura: just north of Fussa, with riverside parks along the Tama River and good value family houses.
• Akishima: south of the base, with large shopping centers and the JR Ome line toward Tachikawa.
• Mizuho and Musashimurayama: quieter areas on the north and east sides, often chosen by families who want more space and a yard.

For a full overview of housing types, typical rents and commute times to the gates, read our Yokota Air Base housing guide.

What off-base homes look like

Off-base housing near Yokota ranges from compact apartments to detached houses. Many homes were built with American tenants in mind, so you will see more Western-style kitchens and larger bedrooms than usual in Tokyo.

You can browse current listings on the Fussa-shi apartments for rent page.

Five things to check before signing

1. Approval from your housing office. Make sure the property and the lease meet the requirements of your base housing office before you commit.
2. Parking. Most families need a car. Confirm whether a parking space is included or rented separately.
3. Heating. Older Japanese houses can be cold in winter. Ask how each room is heated.
4. Early termination terms. If you might move on short notice, check the notice period and any penalty for leaving early.
5. Garbage rules. Each city has its own sorting rules and collection days. Ask the agent for the local guide.

Life off-base

Living off-base is a chance to experience everyday Japan. Local festivals, neighborhood supermarkets and the Tama River trails quickly become part of your routine. Many families say it is the highlight of their tour.

Start your search

Browse all apartments for rent in Japan, or visit Arealty to work with an English speaking team that helps military families find homes near Yokota every week.

Here are six things that set renting in Kyoto apart.

1. Buildings are lower, so supply is tighter

Kyoto protects its historic skyline with strict building height and design rules. You will not find many tall apartment towers in the central city, and rooftop signs and bright exteriors are restricted too.

The result is a city of low-rise buildings with fewer units per block. In popular central areas, good apartments can be scarce, and the best ones go quickly. If you see something that fits, be ready to apply.

2. The bicycle is your main transport

Kyoto has only two subway lines, and city buses are often crowded with tourists. Most residents get around by bicycle. The city is mostly flat, compact and laid out in a grid, which makes cycling easy.

When you view a Kyoto apartment, ask about bicycle parking. Many buildings have a covered bike area, but some charge a small monthly fee or have a waitlist. Parking a bike on the street can get it removed.

3. The student calendar drives the market

Kyoto is one of Japan's great university cities, home to Kyoto University, Doshisha, Ritsumeikan and many more. That makes the rental market strongly seasonal. February and March are the busiest months, as new students arrive for the April start of the academic year.

If your dates are flexible, searching between May and December gives you more choice and more room to negotiate. If you are a student yourself, this guide to renting an apartment in Kyoto as a student covers timing, budgets and which areas suit each campus.

4. Machiya are real options, with tradeoffs

Kyoto's traditional wooden townhouses, called machiya, are sometimes available to rent. They are beautiful, with narrow street fronts, inner gardens and wooden lattice windows.

They are also old. Expect thinner walls, cold winters, more insects and higher heating costs than a modern apartment. Many have been renovated, so ask what was upgraded: insulation, kitchen, bathroom and wiring all matter.

5. The weather is harder than you think

Kyoto sits in a basin surrounded by mountains. Summers are hot and humid, and winters feel colder than the temperature suggests. When comparing apartments, pay attention to:

• Air conditioners in every main room (many units list them as included)
• Window quality and sun direction
• Whether the bath has a reheating function, which is a real comfort in January

6. Addresses use directions, not just numbers

Central Kyoto addresses often describe a location by street intersections, with words like agaru (go north) and sagaru (go south). It looks confusing at first, but it is very logical once you understand the grid. Keep the official postal code and building name handy when filling in forms.

Bonus: tourism changes the center

Areas near Gion, Kawaramachi and Kyoto Station see heavy tourist traffic and many short-term rentals. If you want a quieter daily life, look slightly outward: Demachiyanagi, Kitaoji, Nishijin or the area around Nijo Castle offer local shops, easier cycling and a calmer pace while staying close to the center.

Starting your search

Kyoto rewards renters who plan ahead and know what to ask. Arealty supports foreign residents through the Japanese rental process in English, from search and viewings to contracts and guarantor companies. You can browse apartments for rent in Kyoto by area, budget and layout to get a feel for the market before you visit.

With the right expectations, Kyoto is one of the most rewarding cities in Japan to call home.

This checklist covers what to do, roughly in the order you should do it.

Days 1 to 3: Get the apartment running

• Electricity and water. These are usually already connected or start with a simple online form. Check that the breaker panel is switched on.
• Gas. Gas needs an in-person opening visit. A technician checks the line and turns it on. Book this before you move, or you will have no hot shower on your first night.
• Take photos of everything. Record existing scratches, stains and damage on day one. This protects your deposit when you move out.
• Find the garbage area. Ask the management company or check the notice board for the collection point.

Days 1 to 14: Register your address

Japanese law requires you to register your address at the ward office within 14 days of moving in. For Shinjuku residents, that means the Shinjuku City Office or one of its branch offices.

Bring your residence card and passport. At the same visit you can usually handle:

• National Health Insurance enrollment (if you are not covered by an employer plan)
• National Pension enrollment
• Updating your My Number card address, if you have one

The address on your residence card must match where you live. Many later tasks, from opening a bank account to signing a phone contract, depend on this step.

Week 2: Money and communication

• Bank account. Japan Post Bank and several online banks are common first choices for newcomers. Most require a registered address and a Japanese phone number.
• Phone contract. If you arrived on a temporary SIM, switch to a regular plan now.
• Internet. Fiber installation can take two to four weeks in busy areas. Apply early, or ask whether your building already has internet included. A pocket Wi-Fi rental can bridge the gap.

Week 3: Learn the local rules

Garbage sorting is the rule that trips up most newcomers. Shinjuku separates burnable waste, non-burnable waste, recyclables and bulky items, each with its own collection day. The ward publishes a guide in English. Put trash out on the right morning, in the right bag, and your neighbors will be grateful.

Noise matters too. Many Shinjuku buildings are wood or light steel construction. Avoid laundry, vacuuming and loud calls late at night.

Bicycles must be registered, and parking on the street can get your bike removed. Use your building's bike parking or a paid lot.

Week 4: Explore your neighborhood

Shinjuku is much bigger than its famous station. Once the paperwork is done, get to know the area you actually live in:

• Takadanobaba: student energy, cheap ramen, Waseda University nearby.
• Okubo and Shin-Okubo: Tokyo's Koreatown, with international grocery stores.
• Kagurazaka: stone-paved lanes and a quieter, older-Tokyo feel.
• Nishi-Shinjuku: office towers and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, whose free observation deck is worth a visit.
• Yotsuya and Shinjuku Gyoen area: green space and calmer residential streets.

If you are still deciding between areas, this comparison of Shibuya vs Shinjuku explains how the two wards differ on rent, commute and daily life.

Keep your lease papers somewhere safe

You will need your contract for the renewal (usually every two years), for any repair requests, and for moving out. Note the notice period for leaving, typically one to two months, and the management company's contact number.

Still looking for a place?

If you have not found your apartment yet, Arealty helps foreign residents rent in Tokyo with English support at every step, from viewing to contract to move-in questions. Browse Shinjuku apartments for rent by station, budget and layout, from compact studios near the station to family units in the quieter parts of the ward.

Work through this list in your first month, and the rest of your time in Shinjuku will be much smoother.

Nếu bạn muốn mua một căn hộ ở Shibuya mà không phải trả giá cao chỉ vì mã vùng, bí quyết là hãy nghĩ nhỏ và nghĩ theo hướng khác.

Bước 1: Hiểu rõ bố cục

Các trang web rao bán nhà ở Nhật Bản sử dụng mã số để chỉ sơ đồ mặt bằng. Tại Shibuya, hầu hết người thuê nhà độc thân thường chọn giữa ba lựa chọn sau:

• 1R: một phòng ngủ, bếp nằm chung một không gian. Giá rẻ nhất, nhưng mùi thức ăn sẽ bay vào tận giường.
• 1K: một phòng ngủ cộng với khu bếp riêng biệt phía sau cửa. Đây là lựa chọn phổ biến nhất cho người độc thân.
• 1DK / 1LDK: một phòng ngủ cộng với khu vực ăn uống hoặc sinh hoạt. Thoải mái cho các cặp đôi, nhưng giá sẽ cao hơn.

Diện tích được ghi bằng mét vuông. Một căn hộ 1K ở trung tâm Tokyo thường có diện tích từ 18 đến 25 m². Trước khi loại bỏ một căn hộ nhỏ, hãy kiểm tra chiều cao trần nhà, không gian lưu trữ và hướng cửa sổ. Một căn phòng hướng Nam rộng 20 m² có gác lửng có thể tạo cảm giác rộng hơn một căn phòng tối tăm rộng 25 m².

Bước 2: Quan sát khu vực "yên tĩnh" của phòng bệnh.

Các ga tàu điện ngầm mà hầu hết mọi người hình dung (Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotesando, Ebisu, Daikanyama) có giá thuê cao nhất. Khu vực phía tây của quận thì khác:

• Hatsudai, Hatagaya và Sasazuka nằm trên tuyến Keio New Line, cách Shinjuku vài phút. Chúng là khu dân cư, có các phố mua sắm với giá cả bình dân và về mặt kỹ thuật vẫn thuộc Shibuya.
• Yoyogi-Uehara và Yoyogi-Hachiman nằm gần công viên Yoyogi và mang đến cảm giác yên bình, giống như một ngôi làng.
• Sendagaya nằm ở rìa phía bắc của quận, gần Shinjuku Gyoen.

Bạn vẫn giữ địa chỉ ở Shibuya và quãng đường đi làm ngắn, nhưng không phải trả thêm phí cho việc ở gần ngã tư đường.

Để thấy tiền thuê nhà ảnh hưởng như thế nào đến chi phí thực phẩm, đi lại và tiện ích trong khu vực, bảng phân tích chi phí sinh hoạt ở Shibuya này là một điểm khởi đầu hữu ích.

Bước 3: Trao đổi những món đồ thừa mà bạn sẽ không cần đến.

Mỗi tiện nghi đều làm tăng giá thuê. Dưới đây là những tiện nghi mà nhiều người thuê nhà bỏ đi mà không hề hối tiếc:

• Khoảng cách từ ga tàu. Đi bộ 10 phút thay vì 3 phút có thể làm giảm tiền thuê nhà đáng kể.
• Tuổi đời của tòa nhà. Những tòa nhà cũ đã được cải tạo nội thất thường có giá thành thấp hơn so với các tòa nhà mới.
• Giá thuê theo tầng. Tầng trệt và tầng hai thường rẻ hơn các tầng cao.
• Cửa ra vào tự động khóa. Có thì tốt, nhưng không thiết yếu ở một thành phố an toàn.

Và hãy giữ lại những thứ quan trọng: phòng tắm và nhà vệ sinh riêng nếu bạn coi trọng điều đó, khả năng cách nhiệt tốt và không gian để đặt máy giặt bên trong căn hộ.

Bước 4: Lập ngân sách cho việc chuyển nhà, không chỉ tiền thuê nhà hàng tháng.

Khoản thanh toán đầu tiên ở Tokyo thường lớn hơn hầu hết những người mới đến dự tính. Tùy thuộc vào loại bất động sản, khoản này có thể bao gồm tiền đặt cọc, tiền giữ chìa khóa, phí môi giới, phí công ty bảo lãnh, bảo hiểm cháy và phí thay khóa. Một số tin đăng hiện nay quảng cáo không cần đặt cọc hoặc không cần tiền giữ chìa khóa, điều này có thể giúp giảm chi phí ban đầu từ một đến hai tháng tiền thuê nhà. Hãy yêu cầu bảng dự toán đầy đủ trước khi nộp đơn.

Bước 5: Tận dụng tối đa không gian nhỏ

Khi bạn chuyển đến ở, những thói quen thích nghi với không gian nhỏ sẽ tạo ra sự khác biệt thực sự:

• Hãy tận dụng không gian lưu trữ theo chiều dọc: kệ phía trên bàn làm việc, móc treo phía sau cửa.
• Hãy chọn một chiếc ghế sofa giường hoặc một chiếc futon gấp gọn để căn phòng có thể thay đổi không gian giữa ban ngày và ban đêm.
• Giữ cho các bề mặt luôn sạch sẽ. Một căn phòng 20 m² gọn gàng sẽ tạo cảm giác rộng hơn một căn phòng 30 m² bừa bộn.

Tìm đúng nơi

Thị trường cho thuê nhà ở Shibuya diễn biến rất nhanh, và những căn hộ nhỏ tốt ở khu vực yên tĩnh thường được thuê trong vòng vài ngày. Arealty hỗ trợ người thuê nhà nước ngoài bằng tiếng Anh từ khâu tìm kiếm đến khi ký hợp đồng, bao gồm cả thủ tục xin giấy bảo lãnh của công ty. Bạn có thể lọc các căn hộ cho thuê ở Shibuya theo ga tàu, bố trí và ngân sách để so sánh khu trung tâm nhộn nhịp với khu vực phía tây yên tĩnh hơn.

Sống ở Shibuya không nhất thiết phải đồng nghĩa với việc trả giá cao ngất ngưởng ở ngã tư Shibuya. Hãy lựa chọn vị trí nhà ở cẩn thận, tìm những căn hộ cách khu vực sầm uất một hoặc hai ga, và bạn có thể tận hưởng cuộc sống tại một trong những khu vực có giao thông thuận tiện nhất Tokyo với ngân sách hợp lý.

This guide explains the difference in plain terms, so you can narrow your search before you start scrolling through listings.

What Kita and Minami actually mean

Kita ("north") is the area around Umeda and Osaka Station. It is the business side of the city: office towers, department stores, and the largest rail hub in western Japan. JR, Hankyu, Hanshin and three subway lines all meet here.

Minami ("south") is centered on Namba, Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. This is the Osaka on postcards: neon, street food, shopping arcades and nightlife. It is also where Nankai trains leave for Kansai Airport.

The Midosuji subway line runs straight between the two in about 10 minutes. That single line is the spine of the city, and it is why many renters end up living somewhere along it rather than in either center.

Rent: why most people do not live in the middle of either

An Osaka apartment is cheaper than its Tokyo equivalent, but the centers still carry a premium. Arealty's latest data puts a 1K studio at roughly ¥58,000 to ¥75,000 a month across most Osaka City wards, while a 1K right in Umeda averages closer to ¥84,000.

The practical pattern looks like this:

• Work in Kita: look at Esaka, Juso, Nakatsu or Tenma. You stay within one or two stops of Umeda and pay noticeably less.
• Work in Minami: look at Sakuragawa, Daikokucho or the areas around Tanimachi. Short rides, quieter streets.
• Travel often for work: Shin-Osaka puts the bullet train a few minutes' walk away, and the Midosuji Line still gets you to Umeda in about 5 minutes.

For a full breakdown of prices by ward and the move-in costs to budget for, see this Osaka apartment for rent guide.

Lifestyle: what each side feels like day to day

Kita suits people who want convenience and order. Large supermarkets, underground shopping streets that keep you out of the rain, and easy access to Kyoto and Kobe by rail. The Nakazakicho area just east of Umeda adds small cafes and vintage shops if the towers feel too corporate.

Minami suits people who want energy. Restaurants stay open late, there is always something happening, and the food culture that gives Osaka its reputation is everywhere. The tradeoff is noise. If you rent close to Dotonbori, ask about the building's soundproofing and which way the bedroom faces.

Tennoji, further south, is a third option worth knowing. It has its own large station, Tennoji Park, the Abeno Harukas tower and a slightly more residential feel, with rents that often undercut Namba.

Questions to ask yourself before you search

1. Where will you spend most weekdays? Start from your office or campus, not from the neighborhood you liked as a tourist.
2. How often will you go to the airport? Minami (Nankai Line) is better for Kansai Airport, Kita is better for Itami Airport and the Shinkansen.
3. Do you need quiet to sleep? Then pick a street one or two blocks back from the main roads, whichever side you choose.
4. Will you day-trip to Kyoto or Kobe? Kita makes those trips noticeably shorter.

Renting as a foreigner in Osaka

Osaka landlords are generally a little more flexible than Tokyo landlords, and the city has a long history of international residents. Still, expect the usual Japanese rental process: an application, a guarantor company, and initial costs that can reach four to five months of rent. Having your residence card, proof of income and a Japanese phone number ready speeds things up.

Working with an English-speaking agency removes most of the friction. Arealty helps foreign residents search, apply and sign in English, and you can browse apartments for rent in Osaka by area, price and layout before you even arrive.

The short answer

Choose Kita if your life centers on work, rail access and convenience. Choose Minami if you want food, nightlife and a livelier street. And if you cannot decide, pick a station on the Midosuji Line between the two: you will be 10 minutes from both.

Why is the Midosuji Line so popular?

It is Osaka Metro's north-south backbone, with 20 stations from Esaka in Suita to Nakamozu in Sakai. Umeda to Namba takes under 10 minutes. Shin-Osaka gives you the Shinkansen to Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka. Namba and Tennoji connect to trains for Kansai Airport and Nara. For most jobs and schools in the city, living on the Midosuji Line means no transfer at all.

How does rent change along the line?

Rent peaks in the center and falls quickly in both directions.

Source: athome station averages, checked 7 October 2026.

The four stations from Umeda to Shinsaibashi average more than ¥104,000 across all layouts. Namba, just one stop south, averages about ¥23,000 less.

Which station suits you?

Office workers in Umeda: Shin-Osaka is only a few stops north and about ¥16,500 a month cheaper for a 1K. Higashi-Mikuni, one stop further, is quieter still.

Students and tight budgets: Nagai, Abiko and Nakamozu have the lowest rents on the line. At Nakamozu, the terminus, morning trains start empty, so you can usually sit.

Families: Showacho, Nishitanabe and Kitahanada are residential, with 2LDK and 3LDK homes far cheaper than in the center.

First year in Japan: Tennoji is a strong all-round pick. It combines three rail operators with a 1K in the ¥60,000s.

What are the downsides?

Living on the Midosuji Line has trade-offs worth knowing:

• Rush hour is crowded. It is Osaka's busiest subway line, especially between Shin-Osaka and Tennoji.
• Fares jump north of Esaka. Stations beyond Esaka belong to Kita-Osaka Kyuko, a separate company with its own base fare.
• Cheap can mean old. Very low rents near Dobutsuen-mae often mean older buildings. Check that the building meets the post-1981 earthquake standard.
• Spring fills fast. From February to April, the best-value stops go quickly.

For rent at all 20 stations, area profiles and a six-step checklist, see this guide to Midosuji Line apartments by station.

Narrow it down in three steps

1. Count the stops to your office or school and aim for 30 minutes or less.
2. Set a rent ceiling near one-third of your monthly income.
3. Ride the line once between 8 and 9 a.m. before you sign.

With a shortlist of two or three stations, you are ready to compare real rooms. Find an apartment in Osaka by station, ward and budget, and check foreigner acceptance before you apply.