Types of Professional Cleaning Services in Japan
Japan has a well-developed professional cleaning industry with services ranging from routine home cleaning to specialised industrial-level deep cleans. Understanding what's available helps you choose the right service for your needs.
Routine Home Cleaning (家事代行, Kajidaiko)
Kajidaiko services send domestic helpers to your home on a scheduled or one-time basis to handle general cleaning, laundry, and tidying. These are not deep-cleaning specialists — think of them as professional housekeepers. Popular chains include Duskin Merry Maid, CaSy, and Taskaji. Many now offer English booking interfaces.
Deep Cleaning Services (ハウスクリーニング, Hausu Kurīningu)
Hausu Kurīningu companies specialise in thorough, professional-grade cleaning of specific appliances or entire homes. Common offerings include:
- Air conditioner (エアコン) cleaning — interior coil and filter cleaning, vital in Japan where AC units run year-round
- Range hood (換気扇) degreasing
- Bathroom and toilet deep cleans
- Full apartment cleaning for move-in or move-out (引越しクリーニング)
- Water-area (水回り, mizumawari) package: kitchen, bath, toilet, and sink combined
End-of-Tenancy Cleaning (退去時クリーニング)
When moving out of a Japanese apartment, tenants are typically required by the lease agreement to return the unit to its original condition. Many landlords and real estate agencies arrange professional cleaning and deduct costs from the security deposit. Understanding your rights under Japan's Guideline for Disputes on Housing Rentals (住宅紛争防止条例) is important — tenants are generally not responsible for normal wear and tear.
How to Find and Book a Service
Online Platforms
- Curama (くらしのマーケット) — Japan's largest home services marketplace, similar to Angie's List. Listings include customer reviews, photos, and pricing. An English version is available at curama.jp.
- Amazon Home Services (Amazonホームサービス) — available in major cities; book directly through Amazon with transparent pricing.
- Duskin — one of Japan's most established professional cleaning franchises, with English customer support available.
What to Prepare Before Booking
- Know your apartment size in square meters (平米, heibei) — most pricing is based on floor area.
- List the specific areas or appliances you want cleaned.
- Check whether the service provides its own cleaning supplies or expects you to supply them.
- Confirm whether you need to be home during the cleaning.
What to Expect on the Day
Japanese cleaning professionals are known for their thoroughness and punctuality. Here's what a typical visit looks like:
- Technicians arrive on time and often in uniform with company identification.
- They will remove shoes at the entrance and wear indoor slippers or protective footwear.
- Specialist equipment is brought by the technicians — no need to provide anything unless specified.
- Upon completion, a checklist or work report (作業報告書) is usually provided.
- Payment is typically made after the service by cash or card, depending on the company.
Approximate Price Ranges
| Service | Approximate Cost (¥) |
|---|---|
| Air conditioner cleaning (wall unit) | ¥8,000 – ¥15,000 |
| Range hood deep clean | ¥12,000 – ¥20,000 |
| Bathroom deep clean | ¥15,000 – ¥25,000 |
| 1LDK apartment full clean | ¥30,000 – ¥60,000 |
| Move-out cleaning (1K/1DK) | ¥25,000 – ¥45,000 |
Prices vary by region, company, and scope of work. Urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka tend to be at the higher end.
Language Tips for Non-Japanese Speakers
- Platforms like Curama and Amazon Home Services offer English booking flows.
- Prepare a simple note in Japanese explaining any specific concerns or areas to prioritize — translation apps work well for this.
- International-friendly services (外国人対応, gaikokujin taiō) are increasingly common in major cities.