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Rent in Tokyo: Prices by Area, Apartment Type, and What Foreigners Need to Know (2026)

Life in Japan

July 10th, 2026

Rent in Tokyo: Prices by Area, Apartment Type, and What Foreigners Need to Know (2026)

Rent in Tokyo can run ¥60,000 to ¥300,000+ a month depending on where you look. Here's how to figure out what's realistic for you.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Compared for Tourists, Digital Nomads, and Residents

Out and About

July 9th, 2026

Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Compared for Tourists, Digital Nomads, and Residents

An eSIM will get you online the moment you land in Japan, but it won't give you a real phone number. We compare Airalo, Saily, Ubigi, and Mobal for tourists, then break down what digital nomads and residents actually need instead.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Car Loan for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide

Car Loan for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide

Learn how to get a car loan in Japan as a foreigner. Understand the requirements, process, best loan options, and how to improve your chances of approval.
Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
House Renovation in Japan: A Guide to Reviving Old Homes

Properties & Akiyas

July 9th, 2026

House Renovation in Japan: A Guide to Reviving Old Homes

Discover the essentials of house renovation in Japan, from cost-effective upgrades to how to transform old homes into modern, livable spaces!
Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Home Inspection in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Property Buyers

Properties & Akiyas

July 9th, 2026

Home Inspection in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Property Buyers

Learn about home inspection in Japan—costs, laws, benefits, and why it's essential when buying, selling, or renovating property, especially older homes.
Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families

Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families

Whether you're shipping a Tesla or a BMW, this guide will illuminate the process and help you plan your next steps.
Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
Internet in Japan: A Guide for Tourists and Expats

Life in Japan

July 9th, 2026

Internet in Japan: A Guide for Tourists and Expats

Need internet in Japan? Whether you're a tourist or expat, explore the best options, from eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi to fiber-optic home internet.
Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Can an American Buy a House in Japan? A Complete Guide for US Buyers (2026)

Life in Japan

July 3rd, 2026

Can an American Buy a House in Japan? A Complete Guide for US Buyers (2026)

Can an American Buy a House in Japan? Yes, and there's no visa or residency required. But the real challenges aren't legal. Here's what it actually takes to finance, buy, and own property in Japan as an American, from bank accounts to US tax rules.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Is There a Zillow in Japan? The Best Sites to Find Property as an American (2026)

Life in Japan

July 3rd, 2026

Is There a Zillow in Japan? The Best Sites to Find Property as an American (2026)

Zillow doesn't list Japanese properties — and it never will. Here's why, plus the Japanese portals locals actually use and the English-language sites that work for American buyers in 2026.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered

Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered

What to do with your bills, mail, plants, housekeeping, and other frequently asked questions related to leaving Japan for a couple of months.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

Need help with air conditioning installation and replacement? Learn what you need to know about installing a new AC unit in Japan, including what features to consider, price points, and more.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How To Get A Japanese Phone Number: A Guide For Foreigners

Life in Japan

July 2nd, 2026

How To Get A Japanese Phone Number: A Guide For Foreigners

Need a Japanese phone number? You’ve come to the right place. Here is your guide on how to get a Japanese phone number guide.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japanese Toilet Guide for Akiya Owners: Kumitori, Joukasou, and Costs Explained (2026)

Life in Japan

June 26th, 2026

Japanese Toilet Guide for Akiya Owners: Kumitori, Joukasou, and Costs Explained (2026)

Planning to upgrade the toilet in your akiya? Whether your property has a kumitori pit, a joukasou tank, or municipal sewage, this guide explains what it means for your renovation and what you should expect to pay.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Apartments in Tokyo for Foreigners: How to Find, Apply, and Get Settled

Life in Japan

June 25th, 2026

Apartments in Tokyo for Foreigners: How to Find, Apply, and Get Settled

Everything foreigners need to know about renting in Tokyo: from key money and guarantors to finding foreigner-friendly apartments and settling in after move-in.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japanese Neighborhood Associations: A Guide for Expats

Life in Japan

June 25th, 2026

Japanese Neighborhood Associations: A Guide for Expats

Should you join one? What will happen if you don’t? We cover what to know as a renter or property owner in Japan.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Finding Good Places To Live in Japan For Any Needs

Life in Japan

June 25th, 2026

Finding Good Places To Live in Japan For Any Needs

Explore good places to live in Japan based on your desire.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
An Easy Japanese Air Conditioner Guide: How-To Care & Clean

Life in Japan

June 25th, 2026

An Easy Japanese Air Conditioner Guide: How-To Care & Clean

Learn how to clean your Japanese air conditioner for proper care usage so it can run efficiently in the summer and winter.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Post Bank Branch Code: Everything You Need to Know

Japan Post Bank Branch Code: Everything You Need to Know

Need to send money through Japan Post Bank? Learn everything about branch codes, where to find them, and how to use them correctly to avoid transaction issues!
MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
The Cost of Living in Japan: Updated 2026

Life in Japan

June 25th, 2026

The Cost of Living in Japan: Updated 2026

Discover the latest figures for the cost of living in Japan, based on data from the government of Japan’s Family Income and Expenditure Survey.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan's Advertising Laws: What You Ought to Know

Japan's Advertising Laws: What You Ought to Know

Selling anything in Japan? Here's what all business owners and marketers should know about Japan’s advertising laws and legal grey zones.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

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