How to Use Jimoty (ジモティー) in Japan: Free Classifieds Guide for Foreigners [2026]
Zero fees. No shipping. Local pickup. The complete English guide to selling furniture and large items on Japan's Craigslist.
Quick Answer
Jimoty is a free local classifieds app (zero seller fees). Best for furniture, appliances, and items too large to ship. Buyers pick up from your location and pay cash on the spot. You need a Japanese phone number to register.
What Is Jimoty? (Japan's Craigslist/Gumtree)
ジモティー (Jimoty) is Japan's largest free local classifieds platform with over 30 million registered users. Unlike Mercari, there is no shipping — buyers come to you and pick up the item in person.
The name comes from 地元 (jimoto), meaning "local." That's exactly what it is: a platform for exchanging goods within your community.
Why Foreigners Should Know About Jimoty
- ✓Zero fees: Mercari charges 10%. Jimoty charges nothing.
- ✓No shipping headache: Perfect for heavy/large items (furniture, washing machines, bikes).
- ✓Free items section: Many foreigners list items as "free" when moving out (無料 = muryo).
- ✓Fast transactions: Cash on pickup means no waiting for payment.
How to Register
Download the ジモティー app (iOS / Android).
Tap 会員登録 (kaiin touroku = register).
Enter your Japanese phone number — you will receive an SMS code.
Set a username (ニックネーム) and password.
Set your region (地域) — select your prefecture and city.
Note: A Japanese SIM card phone number is required. Foreign SIM cards may not receive Japanese SMS verification codes.
How to Post an Item (With Japanese Templates)
Tap 出品 (shuppin = post item). Fill in:
- タイトル (title) — item name
- カテゴリ (category) — select from list
- 金額 (kinjo = price) — enter 0 for free
- 説明文 (description)
- 写真 (photos) — up to 10
- 受渡し場所 (handover location) — your nearest station or area
Template 1: Furniture
【商品名】IKEA ダイニングテーブル（4人掛け）
【状態】使用感あり・傷なし
【引渡し場所】〇〇駅 or 自宅（△△市）
【引渡し日時】平日・週末ともに応相談
【価格】3,000円
【備考】自家用車での引き取り可能な方限定
Template 2: Free Item (移住・引越し用)
【無料】帰国のため全て差し上げます
冷蔵庫・電子レンジ・掃除機など
引き取りに来てくれる方に無料でお譲りします。
引渡し場所：〇〇駅周辺
日時：〇月〇日〜〇日の間で調整可
Safety Tips for In-Person Meetups
Jimoty vs Mercari — When to Use Which
| Feature | Mercari | Jimoty |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 10% commission | Free (zero fees) |
| Delivery | Shipped (Japan Post / Yamato) | Local pickup only |
| Anonymous | Yes (anonymous shipping) | No (meetup required) |
| Best for | Clothes, books, small items | Furniture, appliances, bikes |
| Payment | In-app (credit card, pay-pay) | Cash or bank transfer at meetup |
| Registration | Phone number + ID | Phone number only |
Copy-Paste Japanese Templates
Reply to inquiry (when someone asks if available):
(Mada zaiko arimasu. Itsu tori ni koraremasuka?) = "Still available. When can you come to pick it up?"
Meetup arrangement:
(On [date] at [time], how about meeting in front of the [station] ticket gates?)
Related Tools
FAQ
Q: Is Jimoty free to use?
Yes, Jimoty is completely free for sellers. There are no listing fees, no commissions, and no payment processing — buyers pay you directly in cash or bank transfer during the meetup.
Q: Can foreigners use Jimoty?
Yes. You need a Japanese phone number to register. The app is in Japanese but this guide provides English step-by-step instructions and copy-paste Japanese templates for communication.
Q: Is Jimoty safe for meetups?
Generally yes, but follow standard safety practices: meet in public places (convenience stores, station entrances), daytime only, and bring a friend if possible. Avoid sharing your home address in initial messages.
Q: What is the difference between Jimoty and Mercari?
Mercari uses shipped delivery (Japan Post, Yamato) and charges 10% commission. Jimoty is local pickup only, zero fees, and best for furniture, appliances, and items too large or heavy to ship affordably.
Q: What can I sell on Jimoty?
Furniture, appliances, bicycles, cars, free items, and anything else you can hand over locally. Jimoty also has sections for part-time jobs, events, and housing — not just items.