Type of Rooms

Apartment Type

Some apartments are equipped with a bath-unit and kitchen, but others are just a room with no separate equipment, but only with shared facilities, and so on.

One-room Type (Condominium)

One-room type with a bath-unit and kitchen. Most of them are also equipped with other facilities such as an air conditioner, telephone, etc., and are usually more expensive than the apartment type.

Rent-deposit and Key Money

Rent-deposit (Shikikin)

Security deposit, which will be used as a compensation for damages and nonpayment of rent. It will be reimbursed after the deduction of the repair expenses upon moving out. (equivalent to one to three months’ rent)

Key Money (Reikin)

Non-refundable remuneration for the landlord. (equivalent to one to three months’ rent)

＜N.B.＞

It is important that those who need to look for a place to live should arrive in Japan well in advance before securing accommodation. Please note that you may not be able to finalize a rental contract with the landlord (or real estate agent) if you do not have the official Letter of Acceptance issued by the Center for Japanese Language and Culture. Since rooms are usually not furnished, you have to furnish the accommodation yourself. When finalizing the contract, you will usually need to name a Japanese guarantor. Since a guarantor is legally bound to bear the obligation of paying any debt, which you may incur, on your behalf, difficulties will be anticipated in finding one immediately. As the support system for international students finding accommodation, there are “Comprehensive Renter’s Insurance for Foreign Students” and “Kyoto Area Foreign Students Housing Guaranty System” which will give you assistance to reduce and solve such difficulties. For further information, please refer to page 39 to 42 of "Handbook for International Students"