Best Real Estate Companies For People Relocating To Japan

Traditional Japanese rentals famously require high security deposits, estate agent fees and even a Japanese guarantor. On top of that many, traditional apartments come entirely unfurnished, meaning no fridge, no washing machine and sometimes not even any light fixtures. To bypass the headache, relocation real estate companies and co-living operators have stepped in to offer fully furnished properties with ENglish support and no hidden fees. 

1. Cove Japan: The Relocation Smooth Operator

Cove Japan has successfully exported its seamless tech-first Southeast asian model directly into Tokyo’s most competitive neighborhoods. For expats and relocators, Cove, Japan is a massive breath of fresh air because they have completely dismantled the traditional barriers to Japanese renting. 

They offer move-in-ready, beautifully designed studio apartments and large multi-room flats across prime, trendy neighbourhood like Meguro, Setagaya and Kiyosum-Shirawake. Everything from booking a 3D virtual tour before you even fly out to paying your monthly rent and request repairs. 

Pros

• Zero Bureaucracy: Absolutely no key money, no guarantor required, and no hidden administration fees.
• True Expat Support: Fully English-speaking customer service from application to checkout, which is rare and invaluable in Tokyo.
• Premium, Independent Units: Unlike older share-house models, Cove focuses heavily on private, self-contained modern studios with their own bathrooms and kitchenettes.
• Flexible 1-Month Minimums: Perfect for individuals arriving on project assignments or corporate relocation tracks who need flexibility.

Cons

• Tokyo-Centric Focus: Their current footprint is heavily concentrated in Tokyo, so if you are relocating to Osaka, Nagoya, or Kyoto, you will have to look elsewhere.
• Slight Cost Premium: You are paying for ultimate convenience and design, meaning monthly costs are higher than standard local leases.

2. Hmlet Japan: The Premium Lifestyle Hub

Hmlet is another heavyweight operated that expanded into Tokyo, targeting young professionals and corporate expats. Partnering with local real estate giants. Hmlet offers sleek, design-forward apartments in highly desirable central districts like Shibuya, and Jarajuku. 

Hmlet functions as hybrid between private apartment living and a social club. While you get a fully furnished premium space, they place a massive emphasis on community engagement, employing dedicated managers to host networking nights, cultural events and social mixers. 

Hmlet functions as a hybrid between private apartment living and a social club. While you get a fully furnished premium space, they place a massive emphasis on community engagement, employing dedicated managers to host networking nights, cultural events, and social mixers.

Pros

• Ultra-Prime Locations: Properties are situated in the absolute heart of Tokyo’s cultural and nightlife hubs.
• Gorgeous Architecture: Apartments feature high-end, contemporary Scandinavian-Japanese minimalist styling.
• Built-in Social Network: Their active community management makes it incredibly easy for newly arrived expats to build a friend group.

Cons

• High Price Tag: Monthly rates easily range from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000+ ($1,000 to $1,700+ USD), putting it strictly in the premium bracket.
• Stricter Vetting: Because it caters heavily to high-earning corporate professionals, the application process can be slightly more rigorous than standard co-living.

3. MetroResidences: The Executive Corporate Choice

If you are relocating to Japan on a corporate expense account or need a highly professional hotel, standard setup, MetroResidences is the industry go-to option. They bridge the gap between long-term leasing and a luxury serviced hotel.

Concentrated mainly in central Tokyo, business hubs like Minato-ku and Cuo-ku, MetroResidences manages high quality apartments fully optimized for remote work, complete with dedicated executive works. 

Pros

• Corporate Billing Experts: They are set up perfectly to handle corporate expense reporting and HR company payments.
• Hotel-Grade Amenities: Rentals include premium linens, top-tier appliances, and kitchenware.
• Zero Security Deposit Options: Many of their corporate-vetted contracts waive traditional cash security deposits in favor of credit card guarantees.

Cons

• Lacks Community Vibe: There are no social mixers or communal lounges; this is strictly private, independent corporate housing.
• Dynamic Pricing: Rates can fluctuate based on seasonal tourism and business travel demand.

4. Ken Corporation: The Luxury Luxury Landmark

For executives, families and high-net-worth individuals relocating to Japan, Ken Corporation is the undisputed king of luxury expat real estate. Unlike the co-living operators above, Ken Corp is a traditional, elite brokerage that specializes in high-end luxury residences, penthouses and detached houses in Tokyo and Yokohama. 

Pros

• Exclusive Inventory: Access to luxury properties (like Mori Building developments) that are never listed on standard public real estate websites.
• Family and School Logistics: Specialized search filters to find high-end housing within walking distance or bus routes of Tokyo’s top international schools.
• Deep Relocation Infrastructure: They assist with the entire move, from translating traditional contracts into English to helping open local bank accounts.

Cons

• Traditional Lease Structures: They operate on standard Japanese lease frameworks, meaning you will face high upfront costs (traditional deposits, agent fees) and usually require a 1 to 2-year commitment.
• Not for Solo Budget Travelers: Their portfolio is strictly tailored to luxury and executive-level budgets.

5. Sakura House: The Affordable Foreigner Pioneer 

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Sakua House, Operating for decades, they are the legendary pioneer of foreigner-targeted housing in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Sakura House manages a massive network of share houses (where you get a private room but share the kitchen and bathrooms), apartments, and guest houses specifically for students, interns, and budget-conscious backpackers. It is an old-school institution, but it remains a rite of passage for thousands of people moving to Japan.

Pros

• Highly Affordable: Offers some of the cheapest private rooms and apartments available to foreigners in Tokyo.
• Incredibly Low Entry Barrier: You can reserve a room from abroad with a very small deposit; they accept almost everyone with valid visas.
• Bilingual, Multi-National Environment: You will live alongside people from all over the globe, creating a diverse and vibrant backpacker/student community.

Cons

• Aged Properties: Many of their buildings are older, traditional Japanese structures that lack modern insulation, soundproofing, or updated aesthetics.
• Varying Cleanliness: Because kitchens and bathrooms are shared among large groups of residents in the share houses, the cleanliness depends entirely on your housemates.

As you can see, there are lots of different real estate companies for people relocating to Japan. It’s just a matter of finding the right company that provides the greatest benefits.