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How to Use a Japanese Air Conditioner: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Use a Japanese Air Conditioner: A Comprehensive Guide

Everything on the remote is in Japanese. You just want the room to stop feeling like a sauna. We get it. This is one of the first things every new tenant asks us about at Cove. The good news: Japanese AC remotes all follow the same basic layout, and once
10 4月 2026 4 min read
How to Rent an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

How to Rent an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

Renting an apartment in Japan is very different from what you might be used to. You'll come across unfamiliar fees, unexpected paperwork, and a guarantor system that can make things tricky from the start, unlike renting anywhere else in the world. There are fees you've never
01 4月 2026 9 min read
1R, 1K, 1DK, 1LDK: Japanese Apartment Layouts Explained (With Sizes & Rent)

1R, 1K, 1DK, 1LDK: Japanese Apartment Layouts Explained (With Sizes & Rent)

Apartment listings in Japan don't use "1 bedroom" or "studio" the way most countries do. Instead, you'll see codes like 1R, 1K, 1DK, and 1LDK. If you've ever stared at a Japanese real estate listing and wondered what these letters
05 3月 2026 9 min read
What Is a Guarantee Company in Japan, and Do You Need One?

What Is a Guarantee Company in Japan, and Do You Need One?

πŸ’‘TL;DR: Guarantee companies exist to replace the traditional cosigner system in Japan. They're helpful for foreigners, but they cost money, require screening, and add complexity. If you want to skip all of that, Cove Japan offers no-guarantor rentals in prime Tokyo locations, fully furnished and ready to
25 2月 2026 3 min read
Share Houses in Japan: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving In

Share Houses in Japan: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving In

So you're moving to Japan and trying to figure out where to live. Chances are, "share house" has come up in your research more than once. But what exactly is a share house, how does it compare to renting a regular apartment, and is it actually
18 2月 2026 3 min read
Renting Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments in Japan: What is Right for You?

Renting Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments in Japan: What is Right for You?

If you are planning to move to Japan, apartment hunting can be a bit of a culture shock. In many Japanese apartments, "unfurnished" means exactly what it sounds like. You get four walls, a floor, and little else. There is no furniture, no appliances, and often no ceiling
12 2月 2026 2 min read
Key Money in Japan: What Is It and How to Avoid It

Key Money in Japan: What Is It and How to Avoid It

If you are moving to Japan, apartment hunting will introduce you to a few unique cultural practices. One of the most confusing and expensive hurdles for foreigners is a traditional upfront cost called "key money" or reikin. Here is a straightforward guide to understanding key money in Japan
05 2月 2026 3 min read
5 New Year Activities in Tokyo for Foreigners

5 New Year Activities in Tokyo for Foreigners

Celebrating your first New Year’s Eve in a new city can be daunting. After the excitement of moving to Tokyo settles, you likely want to find a good way to relax and enjoy the holiday without falling into tourist traps. To feel like a true local, avoid getting crushed
26 12月 2025 3 min read
How to Book Your Cove Room in Japan

How to Book Your Cove Room in Japan

Moving to Japan is an exciting adventure, but finding a place to live can often feel like the biggest hurdle. Traditional Japanese rentals often come with language barriers, complex paperwork, and high upfront costs. At Cove, we have simplified the process to make it easy, transparent, and completely English-friendly. Whether
17 12月 2025 2 min read
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