For four years of student living, there is no need to buy every refrigerator, washing machine and desk new. Here is how to combine new, used and rental items while making smart use of Kyoto reuse shops.
Starting university already brings deposits, key money, moving, textbooks and a computer. Buying all furniture and appliances new at once pushes upfront costs even higher.
But “used” is not automatically right for everything.Refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, desks and shelves are easy to consider used; bedding and items where hygiene or safety matters are often better bought new—a practical way to divide the choices.
Most undergraduate programs last four years, sometimes six depending on program and path, and you may leave Kyoto afterward for work or further study. It can be more rational to buy what performs well for your student years than expensive items meant to last indefinitely.
Refrigerators, washing machines, TVs and air conditioners are covered by Japan’s Home Appliance Recycling Act and cannot simply be discarded like ordinary bulky waste. Kyoto City explains that these four categories must be recycled through legally designated methods such as retailer collection.
When buying, ask whether the shop may buy it back at graduation or arrange collection. That can reduce hassle four years later.
Around Kyoto University—Hyakumanben, Tanaka, Ichijoji and nearby—reuse shops sell furniture and appliances for students. In spring, graduating students sell while freshmen buy, so inventory turns over quickly.
| Item | Suitability for used | What to inspect |
|---|---|---|
| 冷蔵庫 | ◎ | Year, capacity, door direction, unusual noise, warranty, delivery route |
| 洗濯機 | ◎ | Year, capacity, water inlet/drain parts, operation check, installation service |
| Microwave | ◎ | Interior condition, power, turntable, operation warranty |
| Desk / bookshelf / rack | ◎ | Dimensions, stability, ability to disassemble and deliver |
| TV / monitor | ○ | Screen uniformity, ports, remote, right size |
| Rice cooker / kettle | ○ | Condition of inner pot, seals, cord and other wear parts |
Bedding that touches your body directly, such as mattresses, pillows and futonsis often better bought new for hygiene. Very old appliances should be compared on power use and failure risk too—“used = cheap” is not enough.
For heat-producing appliances such as electric heaters, and safety-critical items like extension cords and power strips, there is no need to force a used purchase if condition is uncertain.
Inventory changes daily. Especially for large items such as refrigerators, washing machines and desks, confirm before visiting:stock, delivery fees, installation, warranty, and buyback/collection at graduation.
13-1 Tanaka Monzencho, Sakyo Ward. A student-neighborhood reuse shop buying and selling furniture and appliances; an easy first stop around Kyoto University Yoshida Campus.
Check store information →62 Ichijoji Miyano-Higashicho, Sakyo Ward. Handles home appliances such as refrigerators, washers and microwaves plus furniture, with delivery and installation for large items.
View official website →744-35 Higashiimakojicho, Kamigyo Ward. Buys and sells appliances, furniture, musical instruments and bicycles; convenient from Doshisha and Ritsumeikan areas.
View official website →77 Nishinokyo Higashinakaaicho, Nakagyo Ward. A reuse shop for household appliances, furniture and daily goods, described by its site as a “student-support garage store.”
View official website →74-2 Saiin Nishi-Kaigawacho, Ukyo Ward. A large store where you can browse furniture, home appliances and digital electronics together; close to Kyoto University of Foreign Studies and Kyoto Koka Women’s University.
View official website →49 Kitano Kobaicho, Kita Ward. A full-range reuse store carrying furniture and appliances; a good option around Ritsumeikan Kinugasa and Kitano-Hakubaicho.
View official store page →5-50-50 Fukakusa Nishiuracho, Fushimi Ward, within walking distance of Fujinomori Station. Good for PCs, audio, digital and small appliances, and convenient for Ryukoku Fukakusa students.
View official online/store information →| University / campus | Easy places to start |
|---|---|
| Kyoto University Yoshida | Gakusei Recycle, Kyoto Recycle Ark |
| Kyoto University of the Arts | Kyoto Recycle Ark, Gakusei Recycle |
| Kyoto Institute of Technology | Kyoto Recycle Ark |
| Doshisha University Imadegawa | Better Days, 2nd Street Kyoto Hakubaicho |
| Ryukoku University Fukakusa | HARD OFF Kyoto Fujinomori |
| Kyoto University of Foreign Studies / Kyoto Koka Women’s University | Kyoto Recycle Okoku, Arcus Circus |
A refrigerator can be ¥5,000 cheaper in-store but more expensive overall if delivery and installation are high. For student furniture and appliances, compare more than sticker price:“buy it, move it, and dispose of it four years later.”
Doshisha Co-op also presents “purchase or rental” as options for new student furniture and appliances. Rental can lower upfront costs, and some services handle installation and collection at graduation.
For example,buy the refrigerator and washer used, bedding new, and rent furniture you need only briefly—that combination is perfectly reasonable. You do not need one store or one purchasing method for everything.
Store information checked October 2, 2026. Stock, hours, delivery/installation, warranties and buyback conditions may change; confirm with each store before use.