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The easiest way for foreigners to find a home in Japan.

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Finding a Home in Tokyo Isn’t Easy

Finding a home in Tokyo can be hard for several reasons, especially for expatriates who are new to the country.

Living in a new country is already a big step — you shouldn’t have to struggle with language on top of that.
We know how stressful it can feel to read contracts or talk to landlords in a language you’re still learning.
That’s why we’re here — to make everything clear, simple, and easy to understand.
You focus on starting your new life in Japan, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Japan’s rental system can feel unfamiliar, and it’s completely normal to be confused by things like guarantors or key money. It doesn’t mean you’re unprepared — it just means no one has explained it clearly yet. We’re here to guide you step by step, with patience and clarity, so you always feel informed and confident.

It’s true that not all landlords rent to foreigners, and that can feel discouraging. But the good news is, you’re not starting from zero. We’ve helped many people in the same situation, and we know which properties are open, fair, and welcoming. You deserve a home that fits you — and we’ll help you find it.

Hello! We’re M&J.

We help foreigners find homes in Japan with honesty, clarity, and peace of mind.
After 15 years of living in Tokyo, we’ve been through what you’re going through — the confusing contracts, the cultural gaps, and the uncertainty of starting fresh in a new country. That’s why we built Tokyo Keys: a housing service made by foreigners, for foreigners.

Unlike traditional agents, we’re independent — no sales quotas, no pushy listings, no pressure. Real estate isn’t our main income; helping people settle comfortably in Japan is our mission.

With bilingual support, local expertise, and genuine care, we guide you through every step — renting, buying, or simply finding a place that feels right.

Our promise is simple: we make finding a home in Tokyo clear, fair, and even enjoyable — because your new life in Japan should begin with confidence, not confusion.

Why Choose Us?

What We Can Offer

Extensive Experience

With over 15 years of living in Tokyo, we bring firsthand experience and local insight to every client. Working with a licensed real estate notary and financial planner, we offer expert guidance that blends cultural understanding, legal precision, and genuine care — helping you find a home in Japan with confidence.

Technical Expertise

With a background in market research and IT, we leverage technology to simplify your home search. From virtual tours to market insights and process automation, we make finding a home in Tokyo smarter, faster, and more convenient.

Multilingual Support

Fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, we bridge communication gaps between you and property owners or agents. With honesty and transparency at the heart of our service, we provide personalized support to ensure a smooth, confident start to your new life in Tokyo.

Here's how it works...

Step 01

Let’s Talk

Simply send us an inquiry through this website, and we’ll arrange an online meeting to discuss your needs and preferences — including location, budget, and property type. During this chat, we can also get to know each other better and see if we’re the right fit to work together.

Step 02

Property Search

We’ll look for properties together. We’ll share a list of options that match your criteria, and you’re welcome to send us any listings you’d like to explore as well.

Step 03

Property Viewings

We’ll schedule viewings for the properties you’ve selected, and we’ll accompany you to each one to provide details, context, and answers to any questions along the way.

Step 04

Application Process

Once you’ve chosen a property, we’ll assist you with the rental application process. This usually involves providing personal information, proof of income, and identification documents. We’ll guide you step by step to complete and submit everything smoothly and correctly.

Step 05

Contract Signing

If your application is approved, we’ll move on to signing the rental contract. Since the contract will be in Japanese, we’ll help translate and explain each section clearly, making sure you understand all the terms before signing.

Step 06

Initial Payments

Prepare for the initial payments, which may include a security deposit (敷金, shikikin), key money (礼金, reikin), our agent fee, and the first month’s rent. We’ll provide a clear, detailed breakdown of all costs before you make any payment.

Step 07

Move-In Preparations

Once the contract is signed and the initial payments are completed, we’ll arrange your move-in date. We’ll also coordinate with the landlord to ensure everything is properly prepared before you move in.

Step 08

Move-In Day

On your move-in day, you’ll receive the keys to your new home. We recommend doing a careful inspection of the property and noting any existing damage or issues. Please share your observations with us or the landlord to ensure everything is properly documented and to avoid any misunderstandings later.

Step 09

Ongoing Support

Even after you move in, we’ll continue to support you — helping with any issues that come up and making sure your transition into your new home stays smooth and worry-free.

Step 01

Talk with Me

Just send me an inquiry from this website, and we will schedule an online meeting to discuss your needs and preferences, such as location, budget, and property type. During this meeting, we can also see if we are a good fit to work together.

Step 02

Financing Plan and Budget Planning

If you require financing, I will assist you in getting pre-approval for a mortgage from a bank. This involves submitting documents such as proof of income, property information, and identification. Additionally, we will work on a detailed budget plan, considering all potential costs such as down payment, agent fees, and other associated costs. Knowing your budget upfront will help guide our property search.

Step 03

Property Search

We look for properties together. I will provide a list of available properties that match your criteria, and you can send me your list of properties you’re interested in as well.

Step 04

Property Viewings

I will schedule appointments to visit the selected properties. I will accompany you to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.

Step 05

Preliminary Checks and Financing Plan Review

Once you have chosen a property, I will help you conduct preliminary checks, including the property’s legal status, any existing loans, and any potential issues with the property. We will also review and update your financing plan to ensure it aligns with the chosen property. Unlike typical Japanese real estate agents, I provide this comprehensive service to ensure you are fully informed and prepared.

Step 06

Making an Offer

With your financing in place, I will help you make an offer to the seller. This includes negotiating the price and terms of the sale. If the offer is accepted, we move to the next step.

Step 07

Contract Signing

Once your offer is accepted, we will proceed to sign the purchase agreement. I will assist in translating and explaining the contract terms. Ensure you understand all clauses before signing.

Step 08

Initial Payments and Fees

If you require financing, I will help you finalize your mortgage application. The bank will conduct a detailed assessment of the property and your financial status before approving the loan. Then prepare for initial payments, including the down payment, my agent fees, stamp duty, and registration fees. I will provide a detailed breakdown of these costs.

Step 09

Property Inspection and Handover

Before the final handover, conduct a thorough inspection of the property to ensure everything is in order. I will help coordinate the handover process, including transferring the property title and receiving the keys.

Step 10

Moving In

Congratulations! Once all payments are made and the title is transferred, you can move into your new home. I will be available to assist with any issues that arise during the move-in process.

Step 11

Ongoing Support

I will continue to provide support even after you move in, helping with any issues that arise and ensuring a smooth transition into your new home.

Expert Real Estate Support for Expats

Simple and Transparent Agent Fees

Please note that these fees are standard practice in Japan, so it’s important to include them in your budget when planning your move or purchase. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us — we’re here to help you navigate Japan’s real estate market with clarity, honesty, and peace of mind.

One month's rent, along with 10％ consumption tax.

It covers services such as property search, viewings, negotiations, and support throughout the application process.

This commission is only paid after the rental contract is signed.

That means our service is completely free until then.

3% of the property purchase price plus ¥60,000, along with 10％ consumption tax.

It covers services such as property search, viewings, negotiations, contract signing assistance, and full support throughout the entire buying process.

The commission is typically paid upon the successful closing of the property purchase.

This also means it’s free until you sign the contract.

Hear from Our Happy Clients

Yoh was incredibly approachable and knowledgeable about every detail of the rental process. He always responded promptly, which made a huge difference—especially when navigating a new environment can feel stressful. His support made the entire experience much smoother and less overwhelming.

I also really appreciated Jason and Maria for taking me through the viewings and sharing practical local tips on daily life and bargain-hunting. Those small but thoughtful insights made settling in feel so much easier and genuinely welcoming.

Venice

Foreign-affiliated company

Gist of testimonial

“The whole process was smooth and transparent. The team shared practical tips that helped me settle in much faster.”

Michael

Occupation Information

Gist of testimonial

“Finding a cat-friendly apartment in Tokyo seemed impossible, but the team made it surprisingly easy. They handled everything and found a place that truly suits my lifestyle.”

Matan

Occupation Information

Gist of testimonial

“Yoh responded quickly and professionally, which made renting in Japan feel so much less stressful. Jason and Maria were thoughtful during viewings and helped me find the right place.”