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Gekko japonicus
The familiar house guardian that waits for insects on walls and street lamps in Japan. Needing neither heating nor UV light and content in a small enclosure, it is one of the easiest geckos to keep.
The Japanese gecko (Gekko japonicus) ranges across Honshu to Kyushu and is a familiar sight on house walls, windows, and around street lamps, where it waits for insects drawn to the light. Long valued for eating household pests, it is affectionately called yamori (house guardian). About 10-14 cm long, it has grey-brown skin covered in fine tubercles, vertical pupils, and adhesive toe pads that let it walk on walls and ceilings. Being nocturnal, it needs no basking or UV lighting and little supplemental heat; a small plastic case with some vertical decor is enough, making it one of the easiest geckos to keep. Mist once a day so it can lap water droplets, and offer live crickets or mealworms every few days. Though possibly an ancient introduction to Japan, it is unregulated and legal to keep; please do not release captives into the wild.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Japanese Gecko lives 5-10 years.
The Japanese Gecko grows to 10-14cm.
The ideal temperature for the Japanese Gecko is 20〜28℃. Ideal humidity is 50〜70%.
Origin
Japan (Honshu to Kyushu) and East Asia
Lifespan
5-10 years
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Gekko japonicus (Schlegel, 1836)
Authority databases: Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Considered to be prehistoric naturalization (possibly of exotic origin), but has been established in Japan for a long time, is not subject to regulation, and captive breeding and trade are legal. From the perspective of native ecosystem conservation, release of captive individuals into the wild should be avoided.
Sources: CITES Checklist (not listed) / Reptile Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
10-14cm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Insectivore (crickets, mealworms and other insects)
A small plastic case works; add vertical climbing decor
Nocturnal; room temperature is fine, basking/UV generally unnecessary
It can be kept at room temperature of 20-28°C with humidity around 50-70%. Avoid overheating in a closed room at the height of summer.
Mist once daily; it laps water droplets off surfaces
Feed live insects such as crickets or mealworms once every 2-3 days. Remove uneaten insects, as they can nibble on the gecko.
Do not release into the wild, to protect native ecosystems
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Japanese Gecko is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 50〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Japanese Gecko is 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Gecko typically reaches 10-14cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Gecko feeds on: Insectivore (crickets, mealworms and other insects). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Gecko varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 25, 2026