A Complete Guide to Rental Offices in Japan
Rental offices in Japan have become an increasingly popular option for startups, SMEs, and international companies looking to establish a presence in the country. With the rise of the gig economy and the growing trend of remote work, the demand for flexible office solutions has surged. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to rental offices in Japan, addressing common questions and providing information on locations, resources, and rental procedures.
Why Do I Need a Rental Office in Japan? / Who Should Be Using a Rental Office?
1. Business Manager Visa Requirements
One of the primary reasons to consider renting an office in Japan is the necessity of a business manager visa. To qualify for this visa, you need to have a physical office space. Unfortunately, shared or virtual offices do not meet this requirement. Having a dedicated office space not only fulfills visa requirements but also provides a professional environment conducive to business operations.
2. Expanding Your Business in Japan
If you are looking to expand your business presence in Japan, having a rental office is crucial. It establishes a physical presence, which can be important for building trust with local clients and partners. A dedicated office space also facilitates better operational efficiency and team collaboration.
What is the Difference Between Rental Office & Co-working Spaces?
Rental offices and co-working spaces both offer flexible office solutions but cater to different needs:
– Rental Offices: These are private office spaces leased to a single tenant or company. They offer more privacy and are ideal for businesses that require a dedicated, secure workspace. Rental offices often come with long-term lease agreements.
– Co-working Spaces: These are shared workspaces where individuals or small teams can rent desks or private offices on a short-term basis. They are popular among freelancers, startups, and remote workers who need flexible, temporary workspace solutions.
What Should I Consider When Renting an Office in Japan?
Location
The location of your rental office is critical. It should be strategically situated relative to where your main business activities take place. Proximity to clients, partners, and transportation hubs can significantly impact your business operations. For instance, Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is an excellent choice for businesses that value accessibility and prestige. Tokyo Midtown offers direct access to Roppongi Station, making it highly convenient for commuting. The area is surrounded by luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and high-end retail stores, which can impress clients and partners. Additionally, the complex houses several multinational corporations, providing ample networking opportunities.
Pricing
Rental costs can vary widely depending on the city and the specific location within the city. It’s important to balance cost with the benefits offered by the location. Consider your budget and the value the office location brings to your business. For example, office spaces in Osaka Station City provide a central and accessible location with competitive pricing. Offices in this area start from approximately ¥50,000 per month for smaller units. Despite the lower cost, the area offers excellent amenities, including business lounges, conference rooms, and easy access to one of Japan’s major transportation hubs, Osaka Station. This balance of cost and convenience makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to minimize expenses while maintaining a central location.
Amenities and Services
Modern rental offices offer a range of amenities and services that can enhance productivity and convenience. These may include high-speed internet, meeting rooms, event spaces, kitchen facilities, and even wellness programs. Evaluate the amenities that are most important for your business needs. For instance, many rental offices in central Tokyo come equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as conference rooms, fitness centers, and high-speed internet, ensuring that businesses can operate smoothly and efficiently.
What are the Top Rental Office Locations?
Tokyo, being the business hub of Japan, offers a wide variety of rental offices catering to different business needs. Here are some prime locations:
1. Marunouchi
– Description: Marunouchi is Tokyo’s most prestigious business district, home to numerous multinational corporations and financial institutions.
– Pricing: Offices in the Otemachi Building start from approximately ¥150,000 per month for a small office space.
– Amenities: The building offers premium office facilities, including high-speed internet, conference rooms, a fitness center, and direct access to Otemachi Station, which connects to multiple subway lines. The prestigious address and modern infrastructure make it an ideal location for high-profile businesses.
– Finding office spaces in Marunouchi: Rental Office: On this website, you can find and inquire about rental office spaces in Marunouchi. They provide listings for offices of various different sizes, and in different buildings and areas to cater to your specific needs.
2. Shibuya
– Description: Known as Tokyo’s tech hub, Shibuya is ideal for startups and tech companies.
– Pricing: Rental spaces in Shibuya Hikarie start from around ¥120,000 per month for small offices.
– Amenities: Shibuya Hikarie offers modern office spaces with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and event spaces. The building is directly connected to Shibuya Station, providing excellent transportation links. Additionally, the vibrant neighborhood offers numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options, making it a popular choice for creative and tech businesses.
– Finding office spaces in Shibuya: Instant Offices: On this website, you can browse various different office spaces for rent in Shibuya. The website gives you an estimated price per individual as well the option to get a quote for your specific needs.
3. Shinjuku
– Description: A bustling commercial area with a mix of business and entertainment.
– Pricing: Office spaces in Shinjuku start from approximately ¥100,000 per month.
– Amenities: Shinjuku offers excellent transport links, diverse office options, and a lively business environment. It’s ideal for businesses that need easy access to both business and leisure facilities.
– Finding office spaces in Shinjuku: Regus: Here, you can inquire about various different office spaces for rent in Shinjuku from full-on office spaces to virtual offices and meeting rooms.
Other major cities in Japan also offer excellent rental office options. Here are our recommendations:
Osaka
1. Umeda
– Description: The central business district of Osaka, known for its modern office buildings and convenient location.
– Pricing: Offices in Grand Front Osaka start from approximately ¥80,000 per month for smaller spaces.
– Amenities: Grand Front Osaka offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, business lounges, and conference facilities. The location is highly convenient, being directly connected to Osaka Station and surrounded by retail, dining, and hotel options. The modern infrastructure and strategic location make it a prime choice for businesses.
– Finding an office in Umeda: ServCorp: on servcorp.com you can find many different office space offerings, linked is one of their offerings for office spaces in the Umeda Hilton Plaza West Office Tower. The website provides plenty of information about all its offerings where you can nail down pricing and find out what works best for you.
Kyoto
1. Shimogyo-ku
– Description: Central Kyoto with a mix of traditional and modern office spaces.
– Pricing: Office spaces in Shimogyo-ku start from approximately ¥40,000 per month.
– Amenities: Proximity to historical sites, modern office facilities, and a unique cultural atmosphere make Shimogyo-ku a compelling choice for businesses looking to balance traditional and contemporary influences.
– Resources for finding an office in Shimogyo-ku: OfficeHub is another rental office site. This website provides the most diverse options for offices in Shimogyo-ku with a detailed explanation of pricing for each listing. You can also search in and around Shimogyo-Ku if you looking for a more specific location for your office.
Fukuoka
1. Tenjin
– Description: The commercial heart of Fukuoka, ideal for businesses looking to establish a presence in Kyushu.
– Pricing: Office spaces in Tenjin start from approximately ¥45,000 per month.
– Amenities: Tenjin offers business support services, high-speed internet, and networking events, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to expand in the Kyushu region.
– Resources for finding office spaces in Tenjin: Just Fit Office: is another website you can use to find office spaces specifically in Fukuoka. On this website you’re able to use various search features to find specifically the office you’re looking for and will help you stay within your budget and desired location.
What are the Top Rental Sites?
If you are looking for an office outside of the locations described above, we recommend you use these sites as they have more extensive offerings that cover a larger base outside of just the typical business hubs in most cities.
1. Regus Japan
– Website: Regus Japan
– Description: Regus offers a wide range of flexible office solutions across multiple locations in Japan. You can browse available offices, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms.
2. Servcorp Japan
– Website: Servcorp Japan
– Description: Servcorp provides premium office spaces in prime locations across Japan. Their services include fully equipped offices, virtual offices, and meeting rooms.
3. Office Hub
– Website: Office Hub Japan
– Description: Office Hub specializes in finding flexible office spaces, including serviced offices and co-working spaces. They offer a user-friendly platform to search and compare options.
How Will the Rental Office Contract Look Like?
When renting an office in Japan, understanding the rental contract is crucial. Here are some key elements typically included in a rental contract:
1. Lease Term
– Standard lease terms are usually 2-3 years with an option to renew.
2. Rent and Security Deposit
– Rent is typically paid monthly, and a security deposit (shikikin) equivalent to 3-6 months’ rent is required.
3. Key Money
– An additional fee (reikin), often equivalent to 1-2 months’ rent, may be required as a non-refundable payment to the landlord.
Conclusion
Rental offices in Japan offer a versatile and practical solution for businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. By providing dedicated office spaces that meet business manager visa requirements, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a professional environment, rental offices play a crucial role in business expansion and success in Japan. The choice between rental offices and co-working spaces depends on your specific needs for privacy, security, and flexibility. Carefully considering factors such as location, pricing, and available amenities will help you find the ideal office space to support your business goals. Whether you opt for the prestigious Marunouchi, the tech-centric Shibuya, or the bustling Shinjuku, Japan’s major cities offer a wealth of options to suit diverse business requirements. By leveraging resources and platforms dedicated to office rentals, you can navigate the process smoothly and secure a space that aligns with your strategic vision.
