Furnishing Your Japanese Apartment on a Budget
Moving to Japan and need to set up a cozy home without overspending? This step-by-step guide explains where to buy affordable furniture, how to score second-hand deals, what sizes to watch, and smart ways to save on delivery, rentals, and disposalโon any budget.
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Why furnishing in Japan feels different
Japanese rentals are often compact, unfurnished, and light on storage. Delivery fees can surprise you, and โoversized garbageโ disposal follows strict local rules. The good news: Japan is fantastic for budget setups thanks to 100-yen shops, recycle shops, online marketplaces, and furniture-rental services. Below, youโll find a simple plan you can follow over a weekend.
Throughout the article, weโll also point you to helpful internal reads such as Utility Costs in Japan and Online Shopping in Japan to make your setup smoother.
Quick plan for a fast, low-cost setup
- Start with essentials only (sleep, sit, store, cook, light).
- Mix new + used: buy textiles new; get bulky items second-hand.
- Use local pickup to avoid delivery fees.
- Measure first: Japanese sizes differ (tatami, bed, curtain).
- Plan disposal for packaging and future upgrades.
Weโll break down each stepโwith prices, delivery options, and where to shop.
Where to buy budget furniture and home basics in Japan
1) Value furniture chains (new)
- Nitori: Japanโs IKEA-equivalent for basics (beds, desks, shelving). Its delivery includes assembly for many items; typical assembling/delivery fee bands are shown on the official service page (reference ranges listed per-product).
(Japanese site lists free shipping thresholds for small items and describes delivery rules; check your itemโs page before checkout.) - IKEA Japan: Great for small-space solutions. Delivery prices vary by order size/area; check the current matrix on IKEAโs Japan delivery page before you commit the cart.
- MUJI: Minimal, durable storage textiles and shelving; verify delivery services by region on MUJIโs help pages (global/US pages illustrate policy style; use the Japan site/app for current local fees at checkout).
- Don Quijote (Donki): Discount megastore for small appliances, cookware, bedding, and odds-and-endsโoften with tax-free programs for travelers/residents meeting conditions.
- 100-yen stores (Daiso/Seria/Canโ Do): Perfect for kitchen tools, organizers, cleaning gear, and even simple decor. Many items are 100 yen + tax, with a growing range of โpremiumโ lines at higher but still low prices.
Need a primer on shopping basics? See Online Shopping in Japan and 100 Yen Shops.
2) Second-hand and recycle shops (used)
- Hard-Off / Off-House / Book-Off: Nationwide chains selling used furniture, appliances, and household goodsโcheap and often tested/cleaned.
Some chains require ID to sell items; policies differ by store. - Local โrecycle shopsโ: Part of Japanโs 3R (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) landscape; prices are friendly, stock changes daily, and you can both buy and sell.
Compare this with Secondhand Shopping in Japan for more store types and tips.
3) Person-to-person marketplaces (often free)
- Jimoty (ใธใขใใฃใผ): A local classifieds app/site with many furniture giveaways or ยฅ0โยฅ3,000 deals; in-person pickup keeps costs low. Some cities now even have โJimoty Spotsโ that facilitate reuse, with items occasionally priced at zero.
- Mercari: Japanโs biggest flea-market app with shipping built-in; browse fixed-price listings and use ratings to avoid lemons. See up-to-date safety tips from in-depth buying guides.
- โSayonara saleโ Facebook groups: Departing residents sell or give away furniture/appliances cheap, often at short notice in Tokyo/Yokohama/Chiba and more.
Then read Moving Companies in Japan if you plan a bulk pickup.
4) Furniture and appliance rental (short term)
If youโre on a 6โ12-month stay, renting can undercut buying + delivery + disposal:
- CLAS runs a furniture/appliance rental subscription with simple monthly fees; availability differs by area.
- Comparison articles for foreigners outline typical rental packages, fees, and whatโs included (delivery/installation/returns).
- Legacy providers like Tokyo Lease provide English support and long experience serving expats.
(Note: airRoomโs furniture subscription reportedly ended service; verify current options before deciding.)
For a deeper dive, see Buying Furniture in Japan and Serviced Apartments and Short-Term Rentals.
What to buy new vs. used
- Buy new: towels, bedding (sheets/pillowcases), pillows, futon cores if youโre sensitive, cutting boards, trash bins, bathroom items, inexpensive lighting and extension cords.
- Buy used: shelves and racks, small tables, chairs/stools, dressers/wardrobes, bikes, microwaves/rice cookers (if clean and tested), humidifiers/air purifiers (check filters).
Use Trash & Recycling in Japan later for proper disposal of packaging.
Japan-specific sizes you must know before you shop
Tatami and room measurements
Room sizes are often described in tatami โjลโ units. A common reference size is about 0.9 m ร 1.8 m (โ1.62 mยฒ) per mat, but regional standards vary slightly (e.g., Edoma in Tokyo around 0.88 ร 1.76 m).
Bed and futon sizes
Typical mattress sizes in Japan run smaller/shorter than many Western standardsโuse these common references when buying frames, sheets, or futons:
| Size | Width ร Length (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single | ~97 ร 195 | Common for studios |
| Semi-double | ~120 ร 195 | Japan-specific โin-betweenโ size |
| Double | ~140 ร 195 | Snug for two |
| Queen | ~152 ร 195 | Shorter than many overseas queens |
| King | ~180 ร 195 | Two joined singles in some frames |
Sources summarizing current Japanese sizing conventions: retailer/guide listings and expat housing references.
Futons: Traditional shikibuton + kakebuton systems are compact and fold away, making them ideal for small apartments; guides detail typical thickness and care.
For exact futon fabric sizes and the effect of filling, check specialist sellersโ charts.
See Types of Housing in Japan for room terms, and Living with Tatami for upkeep.
Electricity and plugs (for appliances)
Japan runs on 100V power; frequency is 50 Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo/Kantล) and 60 Hz in western Japan (Kansai/Chลซbu/Kyushu). Plugs are Type A/B (two flat pins; some grounded). Always confirm an applianceโs label says 100โ240V or 100V before you buy second-hand.
See Using Home Appliances in Japan for adapters and safety.
Realistic starter kit under ยฅ50,000
The prices below are typical for budget setups if you mix 100-yen shops, recycle shops, and one or two new pieces. Adjust up/down by region and quality.
| Item | Where to buy | Target price (ยฅ) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Futon set (shikibuton + cover) or basic mattress + sheet set | Recycle shop, Nitori, futon specialty | 8,000โ15,000 | Washable covers; check size vs. room. |
| Low table or foldable desk | Off-House/Hard-Off, Donki | 1,500โ4,000 | Check wobble; screws included. |
| Chair or floor chair (zaisu) | Recycle shops, Nitori | 1,000โ3,000 | Floor chairs save space. |
| Open shelving or wire rack | Nitori, IKEA, MUJI | 3,000โ7,000 | Measure ceiling/walls first. |
| Cookware set + utensils | Daiso/Seria/Canโ Do, Donki | 2,000โ5,000 | Many items 100โ600 yen + tax. |
| Dinnerware + cups | 100-yen shops | 1,000โ2,000 | Start with 2โ4 place settings. |
| Kettle or microwave (used) | Hard-Off/Mercari | 2,000โ6,000 | Verify wattage/cleanliness. |
| Basic lighting (LED) | Nitori, Donki, IKEA | 1,500โ4,000 | Some rentals lack ceiling lights. |
| Hangers, storage bins, hooks | 100-yen shops, MUJI | 1,000โ3,000 | Stackable bins = life saver. |
Running total target: ~ยฅ25,000โยฅ49,000.
Add later: curtains, rug, small appliances, and a compact vacuum as budget allows.
Delivery, assembly, and how to keep fees low
Delivery on bulky items can eat your budget. Hereโs how to plan.
- Nitori: Many large items have per-item assembly/delivery fees (example range shown on Nitoriโs official service page). Consider consolidating orders; Nitori also offers unwanted furniture collection for a fee when they deliver a similar itemโhandy during upgrades.
- IKEA Japan: Delivery fees vary by size and area; small orders are cheaper if you click-and-collect or bundle items to hit a lower per-item average. Check the Japan delivery table before checking out.
- No-delivery options: Use Jimoty or sayonara groups for local pickup. You save on fees and often get items free. Jimotyโs app emphasizes local chat-arranged meetups so thereโs no packaging/shipping cost.
- Rentals: Some rental plans include delivery, installation, and pickup at contract end. Compare CLAS and expat-oriented providers to see which includes removal.
Oversized garbage (sodai gomi) and responsible disposal
Large items in Japan follow sodai gomi rules.
- Definition and size thresholds vary by municipality (often >~30 cm in any dimension). Book a pickup, buy the correct sticker, and place items out on the scheduled day. Local government pages list the exact categories, fees, and booking steps.
- Expat-focused guides summarize typical procedures and where to buy stickers (convenience stores/ward offices). Always verify with your city page before you toss.
Upgrading a sofa? List the old one on Jimoty Spots or sayonara groups firstโre-use beats paying disposal, and it helps your community.
For more, see Disposing Large Garbage in Japan and Trash & Recycling in Japan.
A weekend furnishing game plan
Day 0: Measure + list
- Doors, elevator, and stair widths
- Wall/ceiling height, window widths (curtain rails), and any alcoves
- Decide bed vs. futon to maximize space (remember ~195 cm mattress length).
Day 1 morning: Soft goods + tools
- Hit Daiso/Seria/Canโ Do for cleaning kit, hangers, kitchen basics, command hooks, and a few organizers.
Day 1 afternoon: Big pieces
- Visit a recycle shop for a table, chair, shelf, or a used microwave. If you canโt find the right size, place a hold at Nitori/IKEA online and schedule delivery/assembly.
Day 1 evening: Online sweep
- Scroll Jimoty and Mercari in your area for last-mile items (curtains, small storage, lamps). Choose listings with clear photos, measurements, and recent seller ratings.
Day 2: Pickup + setup
- Borrow a foldable cart or rent a small van/hourly car share if needed.
- Assemble and arrange; keep packaging sorted for recycling and soft plastics per your ward guide.
Space-saving wins for tiny Japanese apartments
- Go vertical: steel racks, wall hooks, over-door bars; modular stackable drawers.
- Folding everything: foldable desk, stackable stools, drying racks that mount on balcony rails.
- Under-bed storage: if you pick a frame, choose drawers; otherwise use low bins under a futon-fold stand.
- Light colors + mirrors: visually enlarge narrow 1K/1DK units.
- Multifunction items: an ottoman with storage, nesting tables, or a kotatsu (heated table) that doubles as a desk in winter.
- Appliance choice: a microwave that toasts and a 2-in-1 washer-dryer save space.
- Cable discipline: power strips with surge protection (Type A/B) and labeled cords; ensure device compatibility with 100V power.
See Space-Saving Hacks for Small Apartments and Air Conditioning and Heating Tips for comfort without clutter.
Safe buying checklist for second-hand appliances
- Voltage & Hertz: label must read 100V (and ideally 50/60 Hz).
- Manufacture date: look for a ่ฃฝ้ ๅนด sticker; avoid very old fridges/washers.
- IH vs. gas: ensure cookware matches your stovetop; many rentals use IH induction.
- Fridge width & door swing: Japanโs galley kitchens are tightโmeasure first.
- Mercari hygiene: prefer sellers with good ratings, clear photos, and return/DOA policies explained; use in-app payment for protection.
- Pickups: bring straps/blankets; protect elevators and follow building rules.
- Warranty: some recycle shops offer short store warrantiesโask at the counter.
Sample budgets at three price points
| Scenario | Whatโs included | Approx. spend |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-lean (mostly used + 100-yen) | Futon set, foldable desk + stool, 2-tier shelf, kettle, cookware, plates/cups, LED lamp, hangers/boxes | ยฅ25,000โยฅ35,000 |
| Balanced (mix new/used) | Basic mattress + sheet set, open rack, compact desk chair, microwave (used), small rug, curtains, lighting package | ยฅ45,000โยฅ70,000 |
| Short-stay rental | CLAS or expat rental set (bed or futon, desk/chair, fridge/micro), plus 100-yen basics | ยฅ6,000โยฅ12,000/month (typical ranges; compare plans) |
Read More: Ultimate Expat Housing Guide in Japan, Setting Up Utilities in Japan, Surviving Japanโs Rainy Season, How to Pay Bills in Japan, Pet-Friendly Apartments in Japan
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Forgetting delivery math: That โcheapโ wardrobe might cost more to ship than to buy. Check Nitori/IKEA delivery calculators first.
- Buying the wrong size: Beds at 195 cm length can bump doors in 1K unitsโsketch your layout.
- Ignoring sodai gomi: Disposing of bulky mistakes costs time and money; resell or give away on Jimoty before booking disposal.
- Assuming global voltage: Japanโs 100V is uniqueโconfirm labels.
Furniture-shopping mini glossary
- ใชใตใคใฏใซใทใงใใ (recycle shop): Second-hand store.
- ็ณ/็ณๆฐ (tatami/jล): Room size unit; see size section above.
- ็ต็ซใตใผใใน (assembly service): Often available for a fee at Nitori and others.
- ็ฒๅคงใใฟ (sodai gomi): Oversized garbage; requires booking and a sticker.
Example 1-room layout that works
- Sleeping: futon folded daily on tatami or rug; frees 1.6 mยฒ floor area for daytime use.
- Work/eat: foldable table + compact chair by window; lamp with warm LED.
- Storage: 4-tier wire rack + soft bins; over-door hooks for coats.
- Kitchen: magnetic rack on fridge; 100-yen utensil trays; nesting cookware.
Check Space-Saving Hacks for Small Apartments and Setting Up a Home Office in Japan for layout ideas.
When to splurge
- A good mattress or futon (your back will thank you).
- A dehumidifier if youโre in a humid regionโprotects clothes and futon.
- A compact vacuum if your unit has no built-in broom closet.
See Surviving Japanโs Rainy Season for mold prevention and Winter Heating Tips for comfort tweaks.
Table: Where to buy what (fast reference)
| Category | Best places | Why itโs good |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep (futon/mattress) | Nitori, futon specialists, Off-House | Right sizes, delivery/assembly options, used bargains. |
| Storage & racks | Nitori, IKEA, MUJI | Modular, measured for small spaces; check delivery tables. |
| Cookware/utensils | Daiso/Seria/Canโ Do, Donki | Cheapest way to kit out a kitchen. |
| Small appliances | Hard-Off, Mercari, Donki | Used microwaves/rice cookers are plentiful; compare photos/ratings. |
| Decor/textiles | MUJI, Nitori, 100-yen | Neutral colors, standard sizes, and cheap organizers. |
| Free/near-free | Jimoty, Sayonara groups | Local pickup saves time and cash; greener too. |
Responsible setup: recycle, reuse, relax
Japanโs national 3R push (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) means youโll find plenty of reuse channelsโrecycle shops, Jimoty Spots, municipal guides, and even โsayonara sales.โ Using them keeps your budget low and your move eco-friendly.
For later, bookmark Disposing Large Garbage in Japan and Apartment Maintenance 101.
Final tips youโll actually use
- Measure twice, buy onceโespecially for mattresses (~195 cm), racks, and fridge doors.
- Bundle deliveries (Nitori/IKEA) and choose click-and-collect when possible.
- Start used, upgrade laterโresell on Jimoty or Mercari; itโs normal here.
- Know your powerโJapan is 100V; check labels before plugging in.
- Dispose correctlyโif you canโt rehome it, follow your cityโs sodai gomi steps.
Happy furnishingโyour budget and your back will thank you.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
