JapanHeya vs GaijinPot
These two solve different problems. GaijinPot is a portal where agencies list conventional Japanese apartments (and jobs). JapanHeya is a furnished rental platform: you book a specific apartment directly, with no key money, no deposit and no guarantor. Here is how to tell which one fits your move.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | GaijinPot | JapanHeya |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Jobs + housing portal aggregating agency listings | Furnished rental platform with its own inventory |
| Screening (shinsa) | Standard screening via the listing agency | No shinsa; passport and payment method to book |
| Guarantor | Guarantor company usually required (paid monthly or upfront) | Not required |
| Move-in costs | Key money, deposit and agency fee on most listings | First month rent + service fee; no key money or deposit |
| Furnishing | Mostly unfurnished; furnished is a filter, not the norm | Fully furnished with appliances and Wi-Fi standard |
| Lease terms | Standard 2-year contracts with renewal fee | 1 week to 24 months, no renewal fee treadmill |
Use GaijinPot if
- You are job hunting and want housing and work in one place.
- You want an unfurnished, long-term apartment and will sign a standard 2-year lease through an agency.
- You are already in Japan and can visit agencies, pass screening in person.
Use JapanHeya if
- You want housing secured before you land, booked with just a passport and payment method.
- You want furnished with utilities and Wi-Fi included, so the listed price is close to the real price.
- Your stay is one week to 24 months and you want to extend or leave without a renewal negotiation.
The move-in cost difference, in numbers
A conventional ¥150,000/month Tokyo apartment found through a portal typically requires, before move-in: first month's rent, key money (1-2 months), deposit (1-2 months), agency fee (roughly one month) and guarantor-company fees. That is commonly ¥450,000 to ¥750,000 upfront. A comparable furnished JapanHeya apartment starts with first month's rent plus a service fee, and rent already covers utilities. We break every line item down in the guide to shikikin, reikin and agency fees.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GaijinPot and JapanHeya?
GaijinPot is a portal: it aggregates rental listings from many agencies, most of which are conventional Japanese apartments that require screening (shinsa), a guarantor company, and key money plus deposit at move-in. JapanHeya is the rental platform itself: every listing is a furnished JapanHeya apartment booked directly, with no key money, no deposit and no guarantor.
Can I find no-key-money apartments on GaijinPot?
Yes, some listings advertise zero reikin or zero shikikin, and GaijinPot lets you filter for them. Keep in mind those listings still usually run through standard screening with a guarantor company, and furnished, utilities-included inventory is a small share of what is listed.
Which is faster for moving to Japan?
If you need housing from a specific date, booking a furnished apartment before you fly is the fast path: JapanHeya bookings need only a passport and payment method, and the apartment is ready on arrival. A portal listing usually means coordinating with an agency, passing screening, and signing before move-in, which is harder from overseas.
Should I still use GaijinPot?
Yes, for what it is best at: job listings, school information and a wide view of the conventional rental market. If you settle on a standard unfurnished lease, an agency from a portal is the right channel. Use JapanHeya when you want furnished, flexible and guarantor-free without the agency process.
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