Objective To clarify the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population and determine the relationship between severity of renal dysfunction and risk of RLS as well as the impact of the disorder on mood and sleep disturbance, we conducted a questionnaire survey followed by face-to-face interviews with Japanese CKD patients. Methods We sent a questionnaire battery including demographics items, the National Institutes of Health/International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to eligible CKD patients (n =514) and age- and sex-matched controls (n =535). Structured interviews were performed for the diagnosis of RLS. Results The prevalence of positive RLS in the CKD subjects was significantly higher than that in the controls (3.5% vs. 1.5%, p =0.029). The proportion of renal failure (RF) in CKD subjects with RLS was significantly higher than in those without RLS, and multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of RLS symptoms was associated only with the existence of RF. In addition, the presence of both RLS and CKD was significantly associated with the presence of depression and sleep disturbance. Conclusions The risk of RLS in the CKD population was higher than that in the general population and increased with the progression of renal dysfunction. Additionally, the existence of RLS might play a role in an increased risk for developing depression and sleep disturbance in the CKD population.