Buying Home Appliances in Japan: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Moving to Japan is exciting — but one thing that surprises almost every foreigner is that Japanese apartments come completely empty. No fridge. No washing machine. No curtains. Sometimes not even a ceiling light. Before you can truly settle in, you need to furnish your new home, starting with the essentials.

This guide covers everything you need to know about buying home appliances in Japan as a foreigner: where to shop, what to budget, how to navigate voltage differences, and tips that will save you both time and money.

!Foreigner shopping for home appliances at a Japanese electronics store

Why Japanese Apartments Come Without Appliances

In Japan, landlords follow a strict principle known as genjō-fukki (原状回復), which requires tenants to return the property to its original condition before moving out. Because appliances are considered personal property, landlords do not provide them — and they expect nothing to be left behind either.

This means when you move into a new Japanese apartment, you'll typically need to purchase or rent:

• Refrigerator
• Washing machine (dryers are less common; many Japanese use drying racks)
• Microwave or oven
• Air conditioner (sometimes built-in, sometimes not)
• Ceiling light fixtures
• Curtains or blinds
• Vacuum cleaner
• Rice cooker (highly recommended in Japan)

Budget estimate: Plan on spending ¥100,000 to ¥300,000 for a basic set of appliances when moving into a new Japanese apartment. This can vary widely based on whether you buy new, used, or rent.

Major Electronics Stores in Japan

Japan's large electronics retail chains are the easiest and most foreigner-friendly places to buy appliances. They offer hands-on product demonstrations, delivery services, installation support, and English-speaking staff at some locations.

Tips for Shopping at Electronics Chains

• Bring your passport — foreign residents can apply for a point card, and it may be required for certain purchases
• Ask about price matching — Japanese stores will often match a competitor's lower price if you show them
• Negotiate — politely asking "Motto yasuku narimasuka?" (もっと安くなりますか？) — "Can you make it cheaper?" — is perfectly acceptable
• Delivery and installation — Delivery fees are separate from the item price; budget ¥1,000–¥5,000 extra per large appliance for delivery and installation

Tax-Free Shopping for Foreigners

If you have recently arrived in Japan (less than 6 months), you may be eligible for tax-free shopping (免税, menzei). This allows you to avoid Japan's 10% consumption tax on qualifying purchases.

Eligibility requirements:

• You must be a short-term visitor or have resided in Japan for less than 6 months
• Minimum purchase: ¥5,000 (excluding tax) per day at the same store
• You must present your passport at the time of purchase
• The items cannot be used in Japan — they must be taken out of the country

Note for long-term residents: If you have a residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo), you are typically not eligible for tourist tax-free shopping. However, you can still use store point cards and loyalty programs to get discounts.

For more on navigating Japan's shopping system, see our guide to shopping in Japan for foreigners.

Understanding Japan's Unique Electrical Standards

This is critical — Japan's electrical system is different from most of the world, and it affects every appliance you own.

What This Means for You

If you're bringing appliances from abroad:

• Most modern electronics (laptops, phones, cameras) are rated 100–240V and will work in Japan with a plug adapter
• High-powered appliances (hair dryers, electric kettles, rice cookers) are often region-specific and may not work or could be damaged
• Step-up/step-down transformers are available at electronics stores for ¥5,000–¥50,000, but they are heavy and energy-inefficient — usually not worth it for large appliances

East vs. West Japan frequency difference:

• Eastern Japan (Tokyo, Tohoku, Hokkaido): 50Hz
• Western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka): 60Hz
• Most modern appliances are compatible with both, but some older appliances (particularly motors in washing machines or fans) may perform slightly differently depending on region

The safest approach: buy appliances in Japan rather than bringing them from abroad. Japanese appliances are designed for Japan's electrical grid, are widely available, and come with local warranty support.

!Japanese home appliances including washing machine and refrigerator

Buying New vs. Used vs. Renting Appliances

Each option has its pros and cons depending on how long you'll be staying in Japan.

Buying Used Appliances

Japan has an excellent secondhand market. Key places to find used appliances:

• Hard Off / Off House (ハードオフ/オフハウス) — Japan's largest secondhand chain; reliable grading system with clear condition ratings
• Mercari (メルカリ) — Japan's most popular flea market app; huge selection, competitive prices (see our Mercari guide for foreigners)
• Gaijinpot and Facebook Marketplace — Look for "Sayonara Sales" where departing expats sell their entire appliance sets at deep discounts
• Jimoty (ジモティー) — Free local classifieds; sometimes appliances are given away for free if you pick them up

For more secondhand shopping tips, check out our guide to secondhand and thrift shopping in Japan.

Renting Appliances

Renting is an excellent option for foreigners who aren't sure how long they'll stay, or who want to avoid the hassle of appliance disposal when they leave Japan.

Kashite.com (かしてドットコム) is the most well-known appliance rental service in Japan, offering:

• Rental periods from 30 days to 4 years
• Free delivery and setup
• Basic sets including fridge, washing machine, TV, and microwave for approximately ¥57,750/year (~¥158/day)
• No background screening required, making it foreigner-friendly

A basic rental package works out cheaper than buying new if you plan to stay for under two years.

Must-Have Japanese Appliances

Beyond the basics, Japan has some unique appliances that foreigners quickly discover are life-changing. Here's what to consider adding to your home:

Washlet (ウォシュレット)

Japan's famous high-tech toilet seat with bidet function, seat warming, and more. If your apartment doesn't come with one, you can buy standalone washlet seats from ¥15,000. Once you try it, you'll never want to go back.

Rice Cooker (炊飯器, Suihanki)

Even if you don't eat rice regularly, a quality Japanese rice cooker is incredibly versatile — many can cook porridge, bread, soups, and more. Entry-level models start at ¥5,000; high-end models with pressure cooking can exceed ¥50,000.

Drum-Style Washer-Dryer Combo

Many Japanese apartments lack space for a separate dryer, and drying racks are the norm. A washer-dryer combo (洗濯乾燥機) solves this problem but costs more — typically ¥80,000–¥200,000 for a reliable model.

Countertop Dishwasher (食洗機)

Japanese apartments often lack built-in dishwashers, but compact countertop dishwashers have become popular and work well in small spaces. Starting at around ¥30,000.

IH Cooking Range / Induction Hotplate

Many Japanese apartments have IH (electromagnetic induction) cooktops rather than gas. If you're used to gas cooking, expect an adjustment period — and make sure your cookware is IH-compatible.

Online Shopping for Appliances in Japan

Japan's online shopping market is excellent, and buying appliances online is increasingly popular — online sales account for nearly 43% of all appliance purchases in Japan as of 2024.

Top platforms for buying appliances online:

• Amazon Japan (amazon.co.jp) — Fast delivery, English-friendly interface, wide selection
• Yodobashi.com — Free next-day delivery on most items; often matches or beats in-store prices
• Kakaku.com (価格.com) — Japan's premier price comparison site; search any product to find the cheapest current price
• Rakuten Ichiba — Massive marketplace with point rewards; see our Rakuten shopping guide

For a deeper look at online shopping in Japan, see our guide to the best online shopping sites in Japan and our Amazon Japan guide.

Disposing of Old Appliances: Japan's Recycling Law

When the time comes to get rid of large appliances, you cannot simply throw them in the regular garbage. Japan's Home Appliance Recycling Law (家電リサイクル法) requires paid disposal for the following items:

• Air conditioners
• TVs (CRT, plasma, and liquid crystal)
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Washing machines and dryers

How to dispose of large appliances:

1. Purchase from a retailer — When buying a new appliance, the store will typically collect the old one for a recycling fee (¥1,000–¥5,000 depending on the item)
2. Contact your local municipality — Some cities have specific disposal days or collection services
3. Sell or give away — Selling a working appliance on Mercari, Hard Off, or Jimoty is often the easiest solution
4. Sayonara Sales — When leaving Japan, sell everything to other expats

Failing to properly dispose of large appliances can result in fines, so make sure to plan ahead when you're leaving your apartment.

Useful Tips for First-Time Appliance Shoppers in Japan

• Measure your space first — Japanese appliances are often smaller than Western equivalents. Bring measurements of your doorways, kitchen alcoves, and installation spaces before shopping
• Check for English menus — Some Japanese appliances lack English interfaces. Ask staff or check the manufacturer's website for English support
• Consider energy efficiency ratings — Japan uses a star-rating system (省エネラベル, shōene raberu) for energy efficiency. Higher-rated appliances cost more upfront but save money on electricity bills
• Check delivery lead times — Major purchases around New Year, spring move-in season (March–April), and summer sales can mean delivery delays of 1–2 weeks
• Warranty registration — Register your appliances with the manufacturer for warranty coverage. Some stores offer extended warranty plans (延長保証) for a small additional fee

Additional Resources

For broader shopping tips and daily life guidance in Japan:

• Living in Nihon: Shopping and Consumer Guide — Comprehensive resource for foreigners navigating Japanese retail
• For Work in Japan: Housing and Living Infrastructure Guide — Practical guide to setting up your life in Japan
• Ittenshoku: Career and Lifestyle Guide — Resources for foreigners building a life in Japan
• Expat.jp: Home Appliances in Japan — Detailed expat guide to appliance shopping
• Plaza Homes: Electronic Appliances Guide — In-depth guide from a Tokyo real estate specialist

Also check our related guides:

• Cost of Living in Japan: What to Expect
• Finding Housing in Japan
• Daily Life in Japan for Foreigners
• 100 Yen Stores in Japan — For budget essentials and small household items
• Furniture Shopping in Japan on a Budget — Complete your home setup