Tomakomai: real estate guide

Tomakomai has a population of about 163,000 and about 92,000 households. Jobs in manufacturing, the port and logistics are stable, and many people look for a place here because of a job transfer or because they are working away from their family. Rent levels differ between the east, the city center and the west of the city, and even for the same 2LDK the difference can be ¥10,000 to ¥20,000. This article explains how to think about each district and the points people often overlook when renting in Tomakomai.

How to choose a district

Rents move with land prices. In the 2026 official land price survey, residential land in the city ranges from ¥830 to ¥49,800 per m², and this gap shows up directly as a difference in rent.

A realistic approach is the east if you work at a factory in the Tomakomai East (Tomato) area or Numanohata, and the city center to the west if you work at the paper mill or the port. Getting around the city takes 15 to 25 minutes by car, so the choice comes down to whether rent or commuting time matters more.

Searching by layout

Living alone (1K, 1DK, 1LDK)

Most tenants are people working away from their family and students. In the city center (Omotemachi, Wakakusacho, Omachi), the station and supermarkets are close, so you can live without a car. The east has many newer properties, but you will need a car for both shopping and commuting. To keep winter heating costs down, a middle unit is better than a corner unit, and the second floor or higher is better than the first.

2LDK

This is the most common layout for married couples, other couples, and single people who want more space. In Tomakomai, people tend to choose by storage and parking rather than by number of rooms.

3LDK and family layouts

People often choose this layout by school district. The east (Numanohata, Takuyu, Hokuei) has new elementary and junior high schools, and families with children concentrate there. Whether you can get parking for two cars is often the deciding factor.

Rented houses (detached houses for rent)

A certain number of people search for “Tomakomai rented house” or “detached house for rent.” Reasons include wanting a garden, wanting to keep pets, having a lot of belongings, or not wanting to worry about noise. There are not many, but they come up mainly as older houses in the west and the city center. Single-story rented houses are especially popular and are taken quickly.

Common conditions in Tomakomai

Pets allowed

Pay attention to the details of the conditions. They differ by property, for example “one small dog only,” “no cats” or “up to 10 kg.” Also check in the contract whether the security deposit is increased (one extra month) and how much restoration is required when you move out. If you have several pets, looking for a rented house is more realistic.

Parking

One space per unit is standard, but there may be no space for a second car. If your car is tall, check the limits for covered or mechanical parking. For winter snow clearing, in some properties the management company clears the grounds, and in others the tenants do it.

Internet

More properties now include free internet. However, if the line is shared by all units, speeds may drop in the evening. If you work from home, check how the connection works.

Five things to check when viewing

1. Type of heating: Kerosene central heating, or gas or electric. With kerosene, the payment method depends on whether the tank is shared or for your unit only
2. Windows: Double glazing, or inner windows. Old single-pane windows directly affect winter condensation and heating costs
3. Protecting pipes from freezing: Where the water drain valve is and how to use it. You need it when you leave the home empty for a long time
4. Where snow goes and snow clearing: Where the snow from the parking area is pushed. At properties with small grounds, one parking space may become unusable in winter
5. Noise: Footsteps carry on the second floor of wooden apartment buildings. If possible, look again in the evening

Steps for renting

1. Decide your conditions (maximum rent, district, layout, number of parking spaces, move-in date)
2. View properties (3 or 4 a day is realistic)
3. Apply and pass the tenant screening (proof of income, employer, joint guarantor or guarantee company)
4. Sign the contract (explanation of important matters (jūyō jikō setsumei), exchange of contracts, payment of move-in costs)
5. Receive the keys and arrange electricity, gas, water and kerosene

In Tomakomai, properties move during the job transfer seasons (February to April, and September). The clearer your conditions are, the more choices you will have if you start early.

Rent or buy?

Housing prices in Tomakomai are lower than in Sapporo, and rent and mortgage payments can be close. For example, if you buy land in the west and build, or buy a used house, there are cases where the monthly payment is not much different from rent. If you expect to live here for a long time, it is worth calculating the option of buying at least once.

Banana House has its head office in Honkocho, Tomakomai, and mainly handles sales. We also accept consultations about the rental conditions you are looking for, or if you are “not sure whether to rent or buy.” Please tell us your preferred district, layout and budget.

Related articles: Buying a used house or single-story home in Tomakomai / Land prices in Tomakomai / Real estate information for Tomakomai

This page was machine-translated. The Japanese original prevails.