10 Surprising Things You Can Rent in Japan

If there’s one thing Japan does exceptionally well, it’s making life both more convenient and more quirky.

Beyond the usual apartments, cars or party venues, there’s a whole world of rental services that range from practical to downright surprising. Curious about what’s possible? Here are 10 unusual things you can rent in Japan that you probably never thought of before.

1. Suitcase Rental

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Perfect for infrequent travelers who don’t want to waste limited storage space in their Tokyo apartment. Choose from a range of suitcase sizes, styles, and brands. Select your preference and required dates, and the case will be delivered straight to your door.

Price: From ¥3,780〜

2. Middle-Aged Man Rental

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Yes, you read that right. For just ¥1,000, you can hire a man between the ages of 45 and 55 for almost any purpose. Previous requests have included chatting, listening to complaints, filling in as a sports buddy and even being a camping companion

Price: ¥1,000 per hour

3. Christmas Tree Rental

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Want to celebrate Christmas in Tokyo without worrying about storage? You can rent a fully decorated artificial tree, complete with ornaments and LED lights. It’s delivered to your door, shipping included and collected after the season is over.

Price: From ¥15,000〜

4. Apology Service

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Need to say “I’m sorry” but can’t quite face it yourself? In Japan, you can actually rent a professional to apologize on your behalf. Services range from face-to-face meetings to phone calls and even heartfelt letters—whether it’s for a customer, a neighbor or even an ex.

Price: ¥10,000–¥20,000

5. Baby Goods Rental

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Babies grow quickly, and their needs change just as fast. Instead of buying new gear every few months, parents in Japan can rent cribs, high chairs, strollers and even baby monitors. Many services include delivery and assembly too.

Price: From ¥5,000〜

6. Wedding Dress Rental

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Why buy an expensive gown you’ll only wear once? In Japan, renting a wedding dress is a popular, eco-friendly option. Dresses are professionally cleaned and ready for another bride to love. Shoes and accessories can also be added to the package.

Price: ¥33,000–¥400,000

7. Furniture Rental

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Moving into a new apartment or staying short-term in Tokyo? Renting furniture can be far more affordable than buying everything new. From complete room packages to individual items like beds and cushions, you can even buy the pieces later at a reduced price if you fall in love with them.

Price: Packages from ¥5,000–¥90,000

8. DIY Tool Rental

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Do you have a project in mind, but don’t have the tools? Stores like Kohnan offer tool rental with interchangeable heads, including drill drivers, saws and vibration drills. With 30 stores across Tokyo, it’s a budget-friendly way to get the job done.

Price: ¥330–¥1,320

9. Allotment Garden Rental

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For city dwellers craving a bit of green, joining a community garden with allotment rentals is a fantastic escape. Share Batake sites provide seeds, fertilizers and tools, so you can just show up and start planting. This is a perfect hobby for Tokyoites missing the countryside.

Price: ¥6,000–¥9,000

10. Wedding Guest Rental

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Worried your side of the wedding hall will look a little empty? You can actually rent wedding guests in Japan! They’ll attend, smile and even give a heartfelt speech for an additional fee. A very Japanese twist on ensuring your big day looks picture-perfect.

Price: ¥20,000–¥30,000

Japan’s unique approach to problem-solving: why buy when you can borrow? If you’re living in Japan or just visiting, keep these unusual rentals in mind—you never know when you might need them.