Understand Your Apartment — What Is and Isn’t Included

Japanese rentals are often mostly empty. This guide helps you figure out what you actually need to buy.

Japanese apartments are often handed over empty. That is standard, not a sign that something is wrong with the property. Once you know what is usually missing, it becomes much easier to plan.

Often not included

• Curtains or blinds
• Ceiling light fixtures
• Refrigerator
• Washing machine
• Bed frame or bedding

Sometimes included, sometimes not

• Gas stove
• Air conditioner
• Intercom
• Bathroom layout features

What to buy first

Do not try to buy everything at once. A normal order of priority is:

curtains, then lighting, then bedding, then refrigerator, then washing machine.