First Apartment in Japan Checklist: What to Buy in Week One
On day one you need light, bedding and curtains: many Japanese rentals have no ceiling light, so buy an LED ceiling light sized for your room in tatami mats (畳). By the end of week one, add garbage bins for your city's sorting rules, a power strip, and a laundry drying rack. Appliances such as a fridge and washer can wait a few days for delivery.
Day 1: light, bed, curtains
Check the ceiling before you move in. If there is only a round or square socket (引掛シーリング) and no lamp, you need an LED ceiling light. These clip into the socket without tools. Lights are sold by room size in tatami mats: 〜6畳 for a small room, 〜8畳 for a larger one.
Your bedding and curtains matter just as much. Without curtains, Japanese windows often face neighbours directly, and summer light starts before 5 a.m.
Days 2–3: rubbish and power
Every city in Japan has its own garbage sorting rules and collection days, and you are expected to follow them from the first week. Ask for your ward's guide (ゴミ分別) at the city office or check its website, then buy bins that match the categories — usually burnable, non-burnable, plastic, and cans and bottles.
Japanese apartments tend to have few outlets. A power strip with a long cord helps, and one with individual switches lets you cut standby power.
Days 4–7: laundry and kitchen
Many people in Japan dry laundry indoors or on the balcony rather than in a dryer. A folding drying rack works in any room.
Order the fridge, washer and microwave early: large appliances often take several days to arrive, and some shops deliver only to your entrance.
What can wait
- Sofa and dining table — try living with a low table first.
- Rugs — measure the room once furniture is in place.
- Decor and plants — after you know how the light falls in your room.
Picks with checked prices
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LED ceiling light (up to 6 tatami)
シーリングライト 4灯 レダカイ LEDA X Belled リビング照明 LED 対応 ダイニング照明 6畳 8畳 シーリングスポットライト インテリアライト
¥6,990（おしゃれ照明・ライトのBeauBelle · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Clips into the ceiling socket without tools and lights a small room on day one.
Check on the item page: 〜6畳 = for rooms up to 6 tatami. 調光 = dimmable. 引掛シーリング対応 = fits the standard ceiling socket.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥3,280Premium ¥18,480
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Sorting garbage bins
ゴミ箱 縦型 【特典付き】 45リットル 45L 分別 積み重ね おしゃれ 袋が見えない おむつ ペットボトル 資源ゴミ リビング キッチン ふた付き フロント
¥6,500（ママチー · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Stacked or side-by-side bins make your city's sorting rules easy to follow in a small kitchen.
Check on the item page: 分別 = sorting. 45L fits the standard city garbage bags. 2段 = two tiers, saves floor space.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥2,670Premium ¥8,900
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Power strip with switches
延長コード スイッチ付き 2m USB付き 電源タップ 木目 4個口 │ 雷ガード ほこりシャッター USB 2ポート 3.4A ベージュ 木目調 白 黒 おし
¥2,199（STYLEDmart 楽天市場店 · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Japanese rooms have few outlets; individual switches cut standby power.
Check on the item page: 個別スイッチ = a switch per socket. 2m / 3m = cord length. 雷ガード = surge protection.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥1,438Premium ¥3,812
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Folding indoor drying rack
≪ポイント5倍★24日20:00?27日09:59迄≫＼レビュー6,400件突破／物干し 室内物干し 折りたたみ コンパクト アイリスオーヤマ 軽量 組立簡単
¥3,480（便利生活 マイルーム · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Most homes in Japan air-dry laundry; a folding rack works in any room and stores flat.
Check on the item page: 室内物干し = indoor drying rack. 折りたたみ = folding. 耐荷重 = maximum load.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥2,780Premium ¥12,100
FAQ
- Do Japanese apartments come with lights?
- Often not. Many rentals have only a ceiling socket (引掛シーリング). An LED ceiling light that clips into it is one of the first things to buy.
- How do I know my city's garbage rules?
- Your city or ward publishes a sorting guide and a collection calendar, often in English too. Ask at the city office or search for your ward name plus ゴミ分別.