Long Read
How to Find an Apartment in Okayama Without Getting Scammed
okayama is not tokyo. it's quieter, slower, and the rent won't make you cry. but that doesn't mean you're safe from scammers. i learned this the hard way when i moved here last summer, fresh off the shinkansen with two suitcases and zero japanese skills. here's how i survived-and how you can too.
first, let's talk numbers. according to numbeo, the average rent for a one-bedroom in okayama city center is around ¥55,000/month. that's roughly $370. sounds dreamy, right? until you realize some "landlords" are just bots on gaijinpot or facebook marketplace trying to get your deposit before you even see the place.
the red flags (learned the hard way)
- *upfront payment requests: if they want more than one month's rent + deposit before you sign, run.
- no in-person viewing: okayama is small. if they can't meet you, it's a scam.
- weird email addresses: @gmail.com or @yahoo.co.jp? nope. real agencies use @○○.co.jp.
i almost fell for one in higashi-ku. the guy said he was "overseas on business" and needed a "trustworthy tenant." classic. i backed out, and two weeks later, the ad was gone.
where to actually look
- suumo.jp - the japanese zillow. clunky if you don't read kanji, but legit.
- athome.co.jp - another solid option. use google translate.
- gaijinpot housing - expat-friendly, but prices are marked up.
- facebook groups - "okayama expats" or "foreigners in okayama." but verify everything.
i found my current place through a local real estate agent near okayama station. it's a 5-minute walk to the korakuen garden, and i pay ¥48,000/month for a 1K. not bad, right?
what to expect in okayama
okayama's weather is mild but humid. summers are sticky, winters are cold enough to make you regret not bringing a heater. the locals are friendly but reserved-don't expect them to invite you to dinner after two minutes of small talk.
and here's a tip: learn basic japanese. even "kore ikura desu ka?" (how much is this?) will save you from being overcharged. i once paid ¥2,000 for a melon because i didn't understand the price tag. rookie mistake.
overheard advice from locals
> "if the apartment doesn't have a shikikin (deposit) and reikin (key money), it's probably for foreigners. and that's not always a good thing."
> "never rent from someone who says 'no gaijin.' but also, never rent from someone who only* rents to gaijin."
the bottom line
okayama is a hidden gem. it's cheaper than osaka, cleaner than tokyo, and close enough to hiroshima and kagawa for weekend trips. but like anywhere, you've got to be smart. don't let the charm fool you-scammers are everywhere, even in the "land of sunshine."
quick checklist before you sign
- [ ] view the apartment in person
- [ ] ask for a breakdown of all fees
- [ ] check the agency's license (they should have it on hand)
- [ ] google the address to see if it's listed elsewhere
- [ ] ask a japanese friend to help (or use a translation app)
and if you're still nervous, check out okayama's official tourism site or ask on reddit's r/JapanLife. locals there are surprisingly helpful.
good luck out there. and remember: if it feels off, it probably is.
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