Where to Buy Furniture in Tokyo: A Complete Guide for New Residents

Finding the right furniture store in Tokyo can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve just moved into a new apartment and are starting from scratch. From large-scale department stores to local secondhand shops and online platforms, the city offers countless options for every budget, style, and lifestyle. This guide walks you through the best places to buy furniture in Tokyo, including local recommendations, delivery options, and budget-saving tips.

Understanding Furniture Shopping in Tokyo

Unlike many Western countries, most Tokyo apartments are unfurnished. That means you’ll likely need to purchase everything yourself — from beds and tables to kitchen appliances and storage units.

Before shopping, consider:

Room size: Tokyo apartments are often compact, so measure carefully before purchasing large items.
Delivery access: Some older buildings don’t have elevators or wide staircases, which can limit what you can bring inside.
Assembly and installation: Many stores offer assembly for an extra fee — a worthwhile investment if you’re not comfortable assembling furniture yourself.

Major Furniture Chains in Tokyo

IKEA Japan

Best for: Affordable, minimalist furniture and home essentials

IKEA has several branches around Tokyo — including in Shibuya, Tachikawa, and Funabashi. The Swedish retailer is a favorite among new expats for its budget-friendly designs and complete product range. Most items can be delivered and assembled for an extra fee, making it easy to furnish your home in one go.

Pro tip: Check the IKEA online store first — you can often order everything at once and schedule a single delivery.

Nitori

Best for: Japanese-style furniture and everyday home goods

Nitori is Japan’s equivalent of IKEA, but with more options tailored to Japanese living spaces. Its compact designs fit perfectly in smaller Tokyo apartments, and the quality is reliable for the price. You’ll find sofas, storage furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and even curtains in one place.

Stores are located in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, among others, and online shopping is also available.

Muji (無印良品)

Best for: Simple, natural, and high-quality designs

Muji is ideal if you prefer a minimalist aesthetic with warm tones and natural wood materials. While slightly pricier than Nitori, Muji’s furniture is durable and visually timeless. Popular items include modular shelving, oak beds, and folding tables.

Muji stores with furniture displays can be found in Yurakucho, Shinjuku, and Ginza. Larger branches often have interior consultation services for helping you design a cohesive room layout.

Francfranc

Best for: Trendy, stylish, and feminine interior designs

Francfranc offers colorful and chic furniture ideal for smaller urban spaces. While its furniture collection is not as extensive as IKEA or Nitori, it shines in design-forward items such as accent chairs, coffee tables, and lighting.

Stores are located across Tokyo, including Aoyama, Shibuya, and Kichijoji.

Loft and Tokyu Hands

Best for: Small storage, décor, and organization solutions

While these stores don’t specialize in large furniture, they’re excellent for home accessories, storage bins, and desk organizers. Both are lifesavers when decorating or optimizing compact Tokyo apartments.

Department Stores and Interior Boutiques

Mitsukoshi, Isetan, and Takashimaya

These high-end department stores feature premium furniture brands, imported collections, and custom-made interior options. You’ll find everything from Italian leather sofas to Japanese hinoki-wood tables.

If budget allows, visiting these stores’ home and interior floors can inspire your home’s aesthetic direction. Staff often speak some English and can arrange delivery and assembly.

Actus

Best for: Scandinavian and modern interior design enthusiasts

Actus focuses on elegant, design-oriented furniture from Japan and Europe. Their pieces emphasize craftsmanship and materials — perfect for long-term residents who want a refined home environment.

Locations include Aoyama and Futakotamagawa, both with showroom-style displays.

IDC Otsuka (大塚家具)

Best for: High-quality, luxury furniture collections

IDC Otsuka is one of Japan’s most famous furniture chains for high-end interiors. While prices are steep, the quality and service are exceptional. Their Shinjuku showroom showcases a massive selection of beds, sofas, and designer collections.

Budget-Friendly and Secondhand Options

Second Street and Hard Off

Best for: Used furniture and electronics at bargain prices

These two chains are among Tokyo’s most popular secondhand stores. You can find sofas, shelves, and even washing machines for a fraction of their new prices. Items vary by location, so visiting a few branches may help you find hidden gems.

Second Street often provides delivery (for a small fee) and sometimes buys back furniture if you’re leaving Japan.

Sayonara Sales (Community Groups)

If you’re on a tight budget or staying short-term, join Facebook groups like “Tokyo Sayonara Sales” or check Craigslist Japan. Expats leaving Tokyo often sell or even give away furniture, appliances, and décor items.

Be sure to confirm pick-up arrangements and inspect items before committing.

Recycle Shops (リサイクルショップ)

Small independent recycle shops can be found in most neighborhoods. While inventory changes daily, they’re great for discovering low-cost pieces, especially kitchen storage units, chairs, and tables. Look for stores near residential areas or train stations.

Online Furniture Shopping in Japan

Amazon Japan

Best for: Convenience and quick delivery

Amazon Japan offers a huge range of furniture, from budget-friendly basics to branded collections. Reviews and measurements are easily accessible, and shipping is fast.

Rakuten

Best for: Wide selection and cashback deals

Rakuten’s marketplace hosts thousands of Japanese and international furniture sellers. Prices range widely, so always read reviews and product details carefully.

Yahoo! Shopping and Mercari

Yahoo! Shopping works similarly to Rakuten, while Mercari is Japan’s popular resale app. On Mercari, you can find lightly used furniture and appliances at low prices, though you’ll need to handle shipping or pickup logistics.

Specialty Stores for Expats

Tokyo Interior

Offers both Western and Japanese-style furniture at moderate prices. Their larger stores in Odaiba and Machida have full showrooms and a strong focus on comfort and practicality.

IDC Otsuka’s “IDC Kids” Section

Families relocating to Tokyo can find quality children’s furniture here, including study desks and bunk beds designed for small rooms.

Delivery and Assembly Services

Most major stores offer home delivery for a fee — often around ¥3,000–¥8,000 depending on distance and item size. Assembly services are optional but highly recommended for large furniture.

If you buy from online marketplaces or sayonara sales, you can hire a moving or delivery service (like Yamato Transport’s TA-Q-BIN) to pick up and deliver items safely.

Tips for a Smooth Furniture Shopping Experience

Measure first: Tokyo apartments can have narrow doorways.
Plan your layout: Use free room-design tools from Nitori or Muji to visualize your space.
Check stock early: Some items may take weeks to arrive.
Combine deliveries: If possible, order from one retailer to save on delivery fees.
Keep receipts: Useful for warranty claims or reselling later.

Conclusion

Tokyo offers an incredible range of furniture options — from affordable chains like Nitori and IKEA to stylish brands like Muji and Francfranc, and even secondhand treasures at recycle shops. Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or upgrading your home, you’ll find stores to match your taste and budget. With careful planning and smart shopping, you can transform even the smallest Tokyo apartment into a comfortable, stylish home.

FAQs

What are the best places to buy affordable furniture in Tokyo?

For budget-friendly options, start with Nitori (Japan’s answer to IKEA), IKEA (Shibuya, Tachikawa, Funabashi), and secondhand chains like Second Street and Hard Off. Nitori and IKEA cover essentials—beds, sofas, storage, and décor—while secondhand shops can dramatically lower costs on bigger items like bookshelves, TV boards, and dining sets. Online, Rakuten and Amazon Japan offer frequent promotions and broad selection.

How do Japanese furniture sizes differ from Western standards?

Many Japanese apartments are compact, so furniture tends to be narrower, shorter, and lighter. Beds often come in semi-double sizes, sofas are shallower, and wardrobes may be modular rather than built-in. Always measure doorways, hallways, and elevator dimensions before purchasing to prevent delivery complications.

Can I get delivery and assembly, and how much does it cost?

Most large retailers (IKEA, Nitori, Muji) offer paid delivery and optional assembly. Typical delivery ranges from about ¥3,000–¥8,000 depending on distance and item size; assembly is an add-on per item or per hour. For marketplace purchases or sayonara sales, consider courier services like TA-Q-BIN (Yamato) that can pick up and deliver to your apartment for a reasonable fee.

Where can I find minimalist or design-forward furniture?

Try Muji for clean lines and natural wood, Actus for Scandinavian and modern pieces, and Francfranc for playful, on-trend designs. High-end selections and imported brands are available at department stores like Isetan, Mitsukoshi, and Takashimaya, as well as at IDC Otsuka showrooms.

Are there good secondhand options for furniture and appliances?

Yes. Second Street and Hard Off are reliable chains with rotating stock; local recycle shops (リサイクルショップ) can yield great deals on tables, storage units, and chairs. For peer-to-peer, check Mercari and expat groups such as “Tokyo Sayonara Sales” on Facebook. Verify condition, measurements, and pickup logistics before paying.

What should I check before buying furniture for a Tokyo apartment?

Measure everything: room dimensions, door widths, elevator size, and stairwell turns. Confirm building rules on delivery times and elevator reservations. Consider modular or foldable items for small spaces, and verify lead times—special orders may take weeks. Keep receipts for warranty, returns, or future resale.

How do returns and exchanges work?

Return policies vary by store. Big chains usually allow returns within a set window for unopened items, but assembled or custom orders may be nonreturnable. Keep original packaging and receipts. For marketplace and secondhand purchases, assume “final sale” unless the seller states otherwise.

Is Japanese-style storage different from what I’m used to?

Yes. Because closets can be small, Tokyo residents rely on vertical shelving, under-bed bins, and modular cube systems. Many stores sell stackable drawers sized to fit Japanese closets and balcony storage boxes. Consider furniture that doubles as storage—lift-up beds, ottomans, and bench seating.

How can I furnish quickly if I just moved in?

Create a priority list: mattress/bed, table/desk, chair, lighting, basic kitchen storage. Order from one retailer to consolidate delivery and reduce fees. Choose in-stock items or opt for “click & collect” where available. For stopgap solutions, consider folding beds, compact desks, and temporary racks while waiting for long-lead items.

What are typical lead times for delivery?

In-stock items can arrive within a few days, while bulky or custom pieces may take 2–6 weeks. During peak seasons (March–April moves, late summer), expect longer waits and book delivery slots early. If timing is critical, filter online listings by “in stock” and avoid made-to-order items.

How do I buy furniture online if I don’t read Japanese?

Most major retailers offer English-friendly interfaces or easily translatable pages. Use browser translation for Rakuten or Yahoo! Shopping and rely on product diagrams for dimensions. Check seller ratings, return policies, and shipping details. When in doubt, buy from well-known shops (Nitori, Muji, IKEA) to simplify after-sales support.

Can I outfit a small apartment without it feeling cramped?

Choose light-toned woods and neutral fabrics, scale down sofa depth, and prioritize leggy furniture to expose more floor. Mount shelves vertically, use mirrors to bounce light, and pick multiuse items (sofa bed, nesting tables). Sliding doors, folding tables, and wall-mounted racks help maintain circulation space.

Where can families find kid-friendly furniture?

Look at Nitori Kids sections, Muji for sturdy desks and bunk beds, and IDC Otsuka’s children’s ranges for long-lasting pieces. Opt for rounded corners, anti-tip hardware, and stain-resistant fabrics. Many bunk beds are designed with low ceilings in mind, making them suitable for Tokyo apartments.

Are there services that haul away old furniture?

Yes. Many delivery services offer removal for a fee when delivering new items. Municipal bulky waste collection (粗大ごみ) requires scheduling, prepaying via stickers, and placing items on the designated day. Some recycle shops will buy or collect resellable items—useful when moving out.

What’s the difference between department stores and specialty showrooms?

Department stores curate premium, brand-name collections with attentive service and custom options. Specialty showrooms like Actus and IDC Otsuka provide deeper displays of particular styles (Scandinavian, luxury, designer). Department stores are ideal for browsing a range of aesthetics in one place; showrooms help finalize high-quality, long-term pieces.

How can I save on delivery fees?

Bundle purchases from one retailer, opt for flat-rate campaigns, and consider self-assembly to reduce labor charges. If you own a compact van or can borrow one, same-day pickup can eliminate delivery costs at some stores—but confirm loading policies and parking options.

What should I know about assembly in Tokyo apartments?

Assembly is often straightforward but time-consuming in small spaces. Clear a work area and protect floors. If your building has noise restrictions, schedule assembly during permitted hours. For complex items (wardrobes, loft beds), paying for professional assembly can prevent damage and ensure stability.

Is it worth buying higher-quality furniture if I might move again?

If you expect multiple moves, prioritize durable, modular pieces that disassemble easily and survive tight stairwells. Invest in items that fit typical Tokyo dimensions (e.g., 60–90 cm shelving widths) and neutral styles that resell well. Balance quality with portability—solid wood is long-lasting but heavy; engineered wood is lighter but may have a shorter lifespan.

What are common pitfalls to avoid?

Avoid impulse purchases before measuring; ignoring elevator size and hallway turns can derail delivery. Don’t overlook lead times, return policies, and building rules. Beware ultra-cheap items with weak fasteners or thin boards if you plan to move often. For secondhand, inspect joints, finishes, and odors, and verify disassembly is possible.

How do I plan a cohesive look on a budget?

Pick a base palette (two neutrals + one accent) and stick to a single wood tone across major pieces. Use textiles—rugs, throws, cushions—to add character cheaply. Choose a hero item (e.g., a sofa) and build around its color and scale; let storage be minimal and unobtrusive to keep small rooms calm.

Where can I test mattresses and sofas in person?

Large branches of Nitori, Muji, Actus, and IDC Otsuka have floor models. Sit on sofas for seat depth and back height; check mattress firmness across Japanese labels (soft, medium, hard). If you’re sensitive to materials, confirm fabric composition and ask about removable covers for easy cleaning.

Are there renter-friendly upgrades that double as furniture?

Yes. Freestanding coat racks, shoe cabinets, and open shelving increase storage without drilling. Wheeled kitchen carts add counter space, and foldable dining sets tuck away when not in use. Use tension rods and pressure-mounted shelves for closets and entryways to avoid wall damage.

How can I resell furniture when I leave Japan?

List items on Mercari, Craigslist Japan, or Facebook community groups several weeks in advance. Include precise measurements, pickup location, elevator access details, and preferred dates. Clean and photograph items in natural light to maximize interest. Some stores (and Second Street) offer buyback on select categories, though payouts vary.

What’s a smart first-week shopping list?

Start with a mattress or futon, compact table/desk, ergonomic chair, lamp, basic shelving, clothes rack, laundry rack, and minimal kitchen storage. Add curtains early for privacy and insulation. From there, fill gaps with multifunctional pieces and décor once you’ve lived in the space and understand your patterns.

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