Rules on Trash, Noise, and Shared Housing

In Japan, how you put out trash and other rules for daily life vary depending on where you live and the building you live in.

To prevent trouble, check these as soon as you move in.

Trash

Each city, town, or ward has its own rules, such as:

• How to sort trash
• Which days to put it out
• Where to put it out
• Designated trash bags
• How to apply for bulky waste collection

These are not necessarily the same as another municipality's rules.

Bulky waste

Furniture and large items often cannot simply be put out at the regular trash collection point.

You apply through your municipality's bulky waste reception service and similar.

Noise

In shared housing (apartment buildings), sound can travel to neighboring or upstairs/downstairs rooms.

Especially at night and early morning, be considerate about things such as:

• Loud voices
• TV or music
• Washing machines or vacuum cleaners
• Footsteps
• Phone calls or online calls

Shared areas

Shared areas such as hallways, stairs, entrances, and trash collection points have rules that vary by building.

There are also safety-related rules, such as not placing objects in evacuation routes.

Pets, smoking, and bicycles

For pets, smoking, and bicycle parking, check your rental contract and the building's management regulations.

If a problem occurs

First, consult your management company or landlord.

Going directly to the other person's room can sometimes make a problem worse, so if you feel it is dangerous, do not force yourself to deal with it directly.

What you can check next

• Finding housing in Japan
• Rental contracts and the money you need at the start
• Moving out of rental housing

Main places to check

• Your municipality
• Management company
• Landlord

Last checked: August 2026