Longer term stays- tourist status?

[J-popsy]

(I thought it a better forum to post on than the Travelling one)
I've been wondering about rental options for longer term stays as a tourist (on a visa exempt passport) and doing 'visa-runs' before each 3 month maximum stay expires.

Are there legit landlords/agencies who rent for longer periods such as for 6 or 12 months to tourists at the rates residents/workers would be charged, even if advance down payments longer than usual are required, for example?

Or would a tourist be limited to renting via sites such as vrbo or airbnb or similar tourist portals? Rental rates for monthly periods on sites such as airbnb are usually lower pro rata for the longer periods than a typical tourist stay of a few days or for stays less than one month.

In addition, can 'visa runs' with airport immigration be a obstacle, even if one can prove finances to support oneself?

 

[thomas]

Are there legit landlords/agencies who rent for longer periods such as for 6 or 12 months to tourists at the rates residents/workers would be charged, even if advance down payments longer than usual are required, for example?

No.

The problem is that regular apartment leases are designed for residents, not tourists. To rent, you need a residence status (work visa, student visa, etc.), a zairyū card (residence card), and usually a guarantor. No landlord or real estate agent will compromise on that. As a tourist, you might be able to rent weekly or monthly mansions ("gaijin houses"). They vary in price and in amenities. I stayed in such a place when I arrived in Japan.

Practical  Guesthouses in Japan

One of the most convenient and affordable ways to find short- and long-term accommodation in Japan is through guesthouses, also often referred to as "gaijin houses". Gaijin (外人, a controversial term translated as "outsider" or foreigner) is misleading, as quite a lot of residents in guest houses...

• JREF
• 2 Mar 2013
• 5.00 star(s) 1 ratings
• Category: Practical

 

[J-popsy]

Thanks Thomas for that input and the post link. I wasn't aware of such. I'll look into whether such can be rented without having to share spaces with strangers, just a place to oneself.

Does anyone have any experience or idea about the visa run query?

 

[mdchachi]

I have heard about people doing visa runs but I don't know how long you can do that before immigration decides you're trying to skirt the law. Certainly a couple times should be fine.

 

[thomas]

I remember the case of a British teacher who was denied entry to Japan on his second visa run to Seoul. That was in 2004. Of course, he wasn't supposed to work on a tourist visa, either.

 

[Majestic]

No hard data, but I think you are taking a big chance if you try to do this more than once. And even the first time, expect some questions.