What to Buy When You First Move to Japan
Your first shopping trip after moving to Japan can easily become expensive. Start with the things that make the apartment functional and delay decorative or specialized purchases until you understand the space.
🇯🇵 Japanese Local’s Take
[ADD YOUR FIRST-HAND VIEW: What are the first 10 things you would buy if you moved into an empty Tokyo apartment tomorrow?]
Sleeping Essentials
Bedding, curtains if needed, and basic climate comfort should come before decorative furniture.
Bathroom and Cleaning
Buy basic cleaning products, toilet supplies, towels and bathroom items.
Kitchen Basics
Start with only the cookware and tableware you will actually use.
Laundry and Humidity
Indoor drying equipment, laundry nets and moisture-control products are especially useful in many Japanese apartments.
Do Not Overbuy
Japan has convenience stores, drugstores, ¥100 shops and home stores everywhere. You do not need to solve your entire apartment in one day.
Before You Rely on This Guide
Japan IRL is designed to explain everyday life in Japan from a practical local perspective. Prices, services, event schedules, housing availability and regulations can change, so confirm time-sensitive details with current official or provider information before making an important decision.