Long-form, honest answers — grouped by what you're trying to figure out. If yours isn't here, write to us.
Booking
Browse listings, send an inquiry, and Sumizy connects you with the host. Hosts aim to reply within 24 hours. From there you arrange the viewing, contract, and payment with the host directly — Sumizy makes the introduction, it doesn't take payment or hold your money. Inquiring is always free.
Yes — every listing has an Inquire / Contact host button. Tell the host what you need and Sumizy passes your message along; we can help in English and Japanese if there's a language gap. Most hosts are happy to do a video walkthrough on request, which we recommend for stays over one month.
Sumizy is a marketplace — listings come from established local operators, and every listing links back to its original source so you can see exactly who you're renting from. We're not a licensing authority and don't independently inspect every unit, so confirm the details, licence, and terms directly with the host before you commit.
Payments & fees
Prices are shown in JPY, set by the host. Payment is arranged directly with the host once you've agreed terms — Sumizy doesn't process payments or charge you to inquire. Ask the host which methods they accept.
Inquiring through Sumizy is free — there's no Sumizy service fee, no broker fee, no key money, and no guarantor fee on our side. The host's listed price usually already includes furniture, wifi, and utilities; confirm exactly what's included with the host.
Cancellation terms are set by each host — ask before you commit. Because booking and payment happen directly with the host, any cancellation or refund is handled between you and them.
Stays & sharehouses
Apartments are private — your own kitchen, bathroom, entrance. Sharehouses give you a private bedroom and shared kitchen/lounge/bath. Sharehouses are 30–50% cheaper at the same neighborhood, and they're how most newcomers meet people in their first month.
Every Sumizy listing is fully furnished — bed, linens, kitchenware, wifi, washing machine, often a desk. You arrive with a suitcase and start working the next morning.
Each listing sets its own minimum — typically 7 nights for short-stay-licensed (Minpaku) units, 30 nights for medium-stay (Tokutei) units. Both are common; filter by length on the directory page.
Visas & paperwork
Tokutei (medium-stay) listings let you register your address at the local ward office, which is what you need for a long-term visa, bank account, or phone contract. Minpaku (short-stay) listings cannot be used for address registration — they're treated as hotel stays for legal purposes.
Yes, and we have a dedicated set of listings tagged for nomad-visa holders. Most are six-month-leasable Tokutei units in Tenjin, Daimyo, Yakuin or Hakata, with strong wifi and a desk.
Most listings don't require a Japanese guarantor. Instead, hosts typically ask for a refundable deposit (often around one month), and some units use a small insurance premium. Terms vary by listing, so check the details with the host.
Move-in
Key handover is arranged by the host. Many units use a smart lock with a one-time entry code, or a key lockbox at the door; the host sends the details before check-in. Some hosts prefer an in-person handover — they'll let you know.
Default check-in is 15:00 JST. Many hosts offer earlier access if the unit is empty the night before — just message after booking. If your flight lands early, we recommend lockbox storage at Hakata or Fukuoka Airport for ~¥800/day.
Bed + linens, kitchenware (pots, pans, plates, cutlery), towels, hair dryer, washing machine, wifi router, basic toiletries. Listings note any extras (desk, projector, vinyl player). Toilet paper and dish soap are included for the first week — restock after that.
Move-out
Notice terms are set in your contract with the host — monthly leases often require around 30 days' written notice. Shorter stays usually run to a fixed end date. Handle your notice, early departure, and any deposit terms directly with the host.
Whether cleaning is included depends on the listing — check with the host. Either way, you're expected to leave the unit in 'tidy guest' condition (trash out, dishes washed).
Deposit returns are handled by the host under the terms you agreed — typically a short window after move-out, assuming no damage. Confirm the exact timeline and method with the host.
Still have questions?
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