Genkan connects international clients with local professionals across Japan. We handle the communication in English so you can get things done — whether you're buying property, renovating a house, or just need a tree trimmed.
If you're not Japanese, getting anything done in Japan is hard. Finding a reliable contractor, filing taxes, cleaning a property you bought remotely, getting a quote that isn't inflated because you're foreign — it all requires knowing the right people, speaking the language, and understanding how things work locally.
Intermediaries exist, but most charge thousands of dollars upfront before anything happens. Some add markups on top of markups. Others simply don't respond.
Genkan is a platform that connects you directly with licensed professionals across Japan. Real estate agents, gardeners, handymen, tax advisors, movers, cleaners — across all 47 prefectures.
You tell us what you need. We find the right professional. You get a quote in English, at the same price a local would pay. No upfront fees, no middleman markup.
For professionals who don't speak English, Genkan handles the communication between you and them — so you're never stuck with Google Translate on a ¥2 million renovation.
We don't charge you to access the directory or use our tools. We don't take a cut from the professional's price. We make money through a small platform fee on completed transactions — which means we're only successful when you are.
Every professional on Genkan is checked for ratings, reviews, and service quality before they appear on the platform.
You should pay what a local pays. Not a "foreigner price." We show you what services actually cost in Japan.
Most professionals in Japan don't speak English — and that's fine. Genkan handles communication so both sides understand each other.
Our free tools — hazard scores, neighbourhood analysis, akiya bank directories — help you make informed decisions before spending a yen.
You work directly with the person doing the job. We connect you and step aside — unless you need us to translate.
Tell us what you need and we'll match you with the right professional in Japan.