Furnishing a Japanese Apartment With Preloved Treasures

So, you’ve landed in Japan. Maybe you’ve scored a job, started school, or just decided that this is the place where you want to exist for a while. You’ve signed the lease, picked up the keys, and now you’re standing in your very empty, very unfurnished Japanese apartment.

The good news? You have options. The bad news? If you don’t plan carefully, you might end up sleeping on a floor mat for longer than you’d like. Japanese apartments often come as blank slates—no fridge, no stove, sometimes not even light fixtures. Outfitting your place from scratch can be expensive, but second-hand shopping is your secret weapon.

Let’s explore where and how you can furnish your apartment without draining your bank account.

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1. Say Hello to Sayonara Sales

Japan is a country of constant transitions. Expats come and go, people relocate for work, and many locals prefer to upgrade their furniture and appliances rather than move them. That’s where sayonara (farewell) sales come in.

Expats leaving Japan often sell their belongings at ridiculously low prices—or even give them away for free—because they can’t take them back home. Here’s where to find them:

• Facebook Groups: Look for groups like Mottainai Japan, Say Sayonara Sale Tokyo, or local expat buy/sell groups in your city.
• Craigslist Japan: Still alive and useful, especially for bigger cities.
• GaijinPot Classifieds: Good for furniture and appliances from other expats.
• Reddit (r/japanlife, r/movingtojapan): Occasionally, people post giveaway offers.

Pro tip: If someone is offering free furniture, act fast. It won’t last long.

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2. Recycle Shops: The Hidden Gems of Japan

Recycle shops (リサイクルショップ) are second-hand stores that sell everything from washing machines to dining tables. They’re scattered all over Japan, and the quality is often surprisingly good. Some even offer delivery.

Popular Recycle Shop Chains:

• Hard-Off & Off-House – Great for furniture, appliances, and even home décor.
• Second Street – More focused on clothes, but many locations sell furniture too.
• Treasure Factory – A bit pricier, but has well-maintained second-hand goods.
• Book-Off (Super Bazaar locations) – While known for books, some larger branches have home goods sections.

Many of these shops refurbish their appliances, so you don’t have to worry too much about quality. Some even offer short warranties.

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3. Flea Markets (Nominoichi, のみの市)

Japan has a solid flea market scene, especially in bigger cities. You can find everything from vintage furniture to quirky home décor. Some of the best flea markets happen in temple grounds or parks on weekends.

Where to Find Flea Markets:

• Tokyo: Oedo Antique Market, Setagaya Boroichi (in December & January)
• Osaka: Shitennoji Flea Market
• Kyoto: Kitano Tenmangu Flea Market (21st of every month)

Check online event listings or use the app Mercari (Japan’s version of eBay) to find people selling furniture locally.

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4. Online Marketplaces (For Those Who Hate Talking to People in Person)

If the idea of haggling at a flea market makes you nervous, online options might be more your style.

• Mercari (メルカリ) – One of the biggest peer-to-peer selling platforms. Some sellers offer delivery.
• Jimoty (ジモティー) – Think of it like Japan’s Craigslist. Tons of free and cheap furniture listings.
• Yahoo Auctions (ヤフオク) – A bit like eBay, with bidding options. Good for specific or high-quality items.

Tip: On Jimoty, many people list items as “無料” (muryou), meaning free.

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5. Don’t Forget the Local Bulk Garbage Days

This one is a bit controversial but hear me out. In Japan, large furniture and appliances must be disposed of properly, which usually means paying a fee. Some people, however, just leave perfectly good furniture outside before bulk garbage collection days.

This is more common in residential areas, and while it’s technically not encouraged, many expats (and even some locals) have scored free desks, chairs, and even TVs this way.

Just make sure the item is actually unwanted before taking it. Also, give it a good wipe-down before using it—Japan is a clean country, but you never know.

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6. The 100-Yen Store: Your Best Friend for Small Items

Need dishes, storage boxes, curtains, or even small furniture? Hit up your nearest 100-yen shop. The two biggest names:

• Daiso – The king of cheap household goods.
• Seria – A bit more stylish, with trendy designs.
• Can★Do – Similar to Daiso but sometimes has unique finds.

While not second-hand, 100-yen stores help fill in the gaps in your furnishing needs without spending a fortune.

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Final Tips for Budget-Friendly Furnishing

1. Measure Your Space: Japanese apartments can be tiny. Make sure that bed or fridge will fit before you haul it home.
2. Check for Delivery Options: Many second-hand stores and online sellers offer delivery, which is useful if you don’t have a car.
3. Use Google Translate: If you’re browsing Japanese sites like Jimoty or Yahoo Auctions, use the camera feature on Google Translate to read listings.
4. Ask Your Landlord or Company: Some landlords provide basic furnishings, and some employers help new hires get settled.

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Conclusion: Furnishing Smart in Japan

Furnishing a Japanese apartment doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. Between sayonara sales, recycle shops, flea markets, and online platforms, you can turn an empty space into a cozy home on a budget.

And hey, even if you end up sleeping on a futon on the floor for a while—that’s part of the experience, right?

Good luck, and happy bargain hunting! 🏡✨