I moved to this apartment hoping for peace and quiet — not just for my body, but for my mind.
Many people dream of living in Japan — the safety, the cleanliness, the culture, the food.
But there’s one aspect of Japanese life that often goes unnoticed until you actually live here: noise in apartment buildings.
I’ve moved several times within Japan, always searching for a quiet place to live.
But even when I thought I’d found the perfect apartment, an unexpected problem disturbed my peace: noise.
Footsteps from Above, Thumping from Below
One time, I moved into a fairly new apartment building.
At first, everything seemed fine — until every night, I began to hear loud footsteps from the apartment above.
Then, around 3 AM, strange banging sounds started coming from below — deep, heavy thumps that would shake me awake.
Sleep became difficult, and eventually, the lack of rest started to affect my daily life.
Thin Walls, Thin Patience
In Japan, there’s a strong social expectation to be quiet and respectful to your neighbors.
But the reality is, many apartment buildings have poor sound insulation, especially those made of wood or lightweight steel.
Even with that cultural expectation, sound travels — footsteps, moving chairs, even everyday conversations can feel amplified.
I Called the Management… But Nothing Changed
Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore and called the property management company.
Their response?
“No one else has complained.”
I was shocked — but also realized, this might be a common experience in Japanese apartment living, and most people just put up with it.
The Truth Was in the Reviews
I searched the apartment building online and found reviews from other residents.
Comments like “You can hear everything from upstairs” and “Walls are too thin” came up multiple times.
To make things worse, when I moved in, there was a top-floor unit available, but I chose a cheaper mid-floor apartment to save money.
Now I know: the few thousand yen I saved was not worth the cost to my mental peace.
If You Want a Quiet Life in Japan, Check These First
From this experience, I’ve put together a few tips for anyone planning to rent an apartment in Japan:
✅ Before You Rent
- Search for reviews online (especially about noise)
- Look for buildings made with RC (reinforced concrete) construction
- If possible, choose a top-floor or corner unit
- Visit the apartment at different times of day to hear the real sound levels
- Check if the contract has a penalty for early cancellation (just in case)
Local Culture Matters Too
Japanese culture values harmony, but regional personalities can differ.
In the area I live now (a smaller city in the Kansai region), I’ve noticed that people tend to be quiet and avoid direct confrontation.
That may sound peaceful, but it can also mean that no one speaks up even when they’re bothered by something — like noise.
If you come from a place where people are more direct, this can feel frustrating at times.
Still, I believe it’s important to protect your own well-being.
You don’t have to endure everything in silence.
In Summary: You’re Not Being “Too Sensitive”
If you find yourself bothered by noise, you might worry that you’re being too sensitive.
But wanting a peaceful, comfortable home is completely valid — and it’s something you’re allowed to prioritize.
When looking for a place to live in Japan, take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to spend a little more for your peace of mind.
This experience reminded me that peace of mind isn’t just about silence — it’s about feeling safe, heard, and at home.
I hope my experience helps you avoid the same mistake — and find the quiet home you deserve.
