kitsunaguEnglish-speaking real estate lawyers in Japan
This page lists law firms in Japan that handle real estate and show signs of working in English. Use the map and the list to find a firm near you, narrow the search by area, and open a firm's page to see its languages, contact details and website. It is a starting point for foreign residents, tenants, buyers and investors who need advice on property in English.
What a real estate lawyer can help with
- Buying and selling homes, land and investment property
- Reviewing purchase and lease contracts
- Disputes with landlords, tenants or neighbours
- Deposits and move-out charges
- Requests to leave a rented home
- Defects found after a purchase, and unclear ownership
Before you contact a firm
- Ask whether you can work with them fully in English, including calls, emails and documents
- Ask how they charge for a first consultation, and how fees are worked out after that
- Ask whether they offer consultations online or by phone if you cannot visit the office
- Ask whether they handle your side of the deal, as a tenant, landlord, buyer or seller
- Have the contract, the agent's paperwork, photos of the property and your messages with the other side to hand
How our listings work
Every firm in this directory is registered with a Japanese bar association, and our list is built from the bar association's registry. We include the firms that show signs of offering their services in English. kitsunagu is a directory, not a referral service: we do not recommend one firm over another, so check the details directly with the firm before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lawyer here review a contract before I sign?
Ask the firm when you book. If they accept documents in advance, send the contract ahead of the consultation and ask whether they can review it in English.
Do all these lawyers speak English?
Every firm listed here shows signs of working in English, but how much varies from firm to firm. Before you book, ask who will handle your case and how they will communicate with you.
Is it free to use kitsunagu?
Yes. Searching the directory is free. You contact firms directly, and any fees are agreed between you and the firm.