For expats & long-term stays
Living in Japan without relying on Japanese for every purchase
Fika by DesigNEST is
An interior design & styling service for people planning a relocation or long stay in Japan—
starting with Tokyo and across the country—or already living here and preferring English-language support.
Even if you are still living overseas, remote layout planning and furniture arrangements before you arrive
help keep travel to Japan as light as possible—and your preparations running smoothly.
Through online meetings, we provide one-stop support—from spatial design proposals such as Japandi and minimalism,
through layout planning and selecting furniture available to buy in Japan,
to construction and furniture ordering support, delivery coordination, and final setup.
Clear package pricing and deliverables at each step let you move the project forward with confidence.
Language
Project meetings and written updates are available in English. When makers or buildings communicate in Japanese, we summarize what you need to decide.
Scope
We design around typical Japanese rental constraints—dimensions, delivery routes, and building rules—and explain what to prioritize and where to compromise in clear, plain English.
Who it’s for
- Planning a relocation or long stay in Japan, and prefer English
- Already in Japan and want English help with furniture and ordering
- Need layout and sourcing before move-in or during a long absence
- Want a clear style direction such as Japandi or minimalism
On-site support before move-in or during absence (paid add-on)
Key holding, receiving deliveries, and liaison with makers or building management while you are not yet living in the home—or away for an extended period—are paid add-ons and are not included in fixed styling plans.
- Key holding and access coordination (by written agreement)
- Receiving furniture or parcels and attending deliveries
- Liaison with makers, couriers, and building management
- Scheduling delivery windows and sending progress updates
From ¥80,000 (incl. tax from ¥88,000) per project. Extra attendance from ¥15,000 (incl. tax ¥16,500) per visit. Final fee quoted to scope.
Construction work and defects remain with the contractor. For layout changes or full construction management, enquire via our interior design office site.
FAQ
- What is Fika by DesigNEST?
- Interior design & styling services for people planning a relocation or long stay in Japan—starting with Tokyo and across the country—or already living here and preferring English support. Remote layout planning and furniture arrangements before arrival help keep travel light and preparations smooth.
- Do you work with rental apartments?
- Yes. We design around typical Japanese rental rules: narrow entries, lift sizes, and no-drill policies where applicable. We flag what needs landlord approval before you order.
- Is everything in English?
- Your meetings and our project documents are in English. Third parties (buildings, some stores) may communicate in Japanese; we translate the decisions that affect your order.
- Can you proceed before I move in, or while I am away?
- Yes. Layout and sourcing can move forward remotely before you arrive. Key holding, receiving deliveries, and on-site liaison are paid add-ons and are not included in fixed styling plans.
- Are prices tax-included?
- Plan fees on this site are shown in JPY with the pre-tax amount first and Japanese consumption tax included below. If we show approximate amounts in other currencies, treat them as indicative only.
- Can you help with delivery and installation?
- Depending on your plan, we can coordinate ordering, lead times, and delivery windows. On-site styling, installation, or receiving while you are away may be optional—see each plan’s Included / Optional section.
- Which plans include in-person visits?
- Our Interior Finish + Furnishing (FF&E Design) package is built for hybrid online + on-site work where agreed. Fully online plans keep travel out of scope unless you add options.
Ready to plan your space? Start with a free consultation—we will match you to the right plan.