Neighbors

Japanese apartments come with a detailed set of rules — some written into your contract, some just understood. Break them unknowingly and you risk losing your deposit or your lease. Here’s what the rules actually cover and how to stay on the right side of them. Noise Rules Noise is the number one cause of neighbor complaints in Japanese apartments. Quiet Hours Most buildings have quiet hours: 10pm–8am (or similar) Some specify stricter rules: after 9pm in older buildings Common Noise Violations Running and stomping — sound travels dramatically through thin Japanese floors Vacuuming before 9am or after 9pm Playing music without headphones Loud phone calls (heard through walls) Washing machine after 9–10pm — many lease rules specifically mention this TV/game audio at high volume in evenings Floors Ground floor is ideal if you have children or are naturally loud. If you’re on upper floors, buy a 防音マット (soundproof mat) — essential for protecting your deposit and your relationship with downstairs neighbors. ...

Your neighbors noticed everything on your first day. In Japan, how you behave in your building and on your street matters more than most foreigners realize. Get the basics right early and you’ll avoid complaints, tension, and awkward confrontations. The Greeting Visit (引越し挨拶, Hikkoshi Aisatsu) When you move into a new apartment, visiting your immediate neighbors to introduce yourself is standard practice. Who to Visit The apartments directly above, below, and on either side Sometimes the building manager (管理人) When to Go Within the first few days of moving in Avoid early morning or late evening — try mid-morning or late afternoon on a weekend What to Bring A small gift: ...

Quick Answer Japanese apartment noise norms are stricter than most foreigners expect. General rule: no audible noise in your neighbors’ units after 10pm, and significant sound reduction starts at 8pm. Vacuum cleaners are typically off-limits before 8am and after 8–9pm. Music, TV, and phone calls must be inaudible through walls. Common complaints foreigners generate: late-night showers, walking heavily (heels on hardwood), talking loudly on phone calls, and running washing machines at night. Warning notices come from the building manager; repeated violations can end a lease. ...

Quick Answer Hikkoshi aisatsu (引越し挨拶, moving-in greeting) is the Japanese custom of visiting your immediate neighbors on moving day or within the first 3 days to introduce yourself and give a small gift. Standard gift: a consumable item (towels, detergent, sweets) worth ¥500–1,500, wrapped. Knock on the 2 units above, 2 below, and 2 beside you (the “two-above, two-below, left-right” rule). If nobody’s home, leave the gift with a note. Skipping it is noticed and sets a negative social tone for your tenancy. ...