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STAY
Updated on May 1st, 2024
Key Takeaways
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There are Pros&Cons depending on the accommodation type. Let's decide where to stay according to the lifestyle you want.
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Every area in Tokyo is safe and convenient, so you don't necessarily have to live in the center of Tokyo. If I were an overseas DN, I would stay in an area with a low rent rate with good access by train.
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Please note that there are various differences in rental standards between Japan and overseas.
Recommended Accommodation Services
Monthly Apartment
Leopalace21 is the largest monthly apartment service company in Japan and has a large number of properties. They offer comfortable and secure monthly rental apartments for foreigners. Their apartments are fully equipped and have everything you need, including internet connection, furniture, and a kitchen. There is also plenty of multilingual support, including English.
OAK House tends to have many properties with relatively new facilities and modern facilities. It is often located in urban areas and features a simple, modern design. There are also plenty of language support services for foreigners.
Hmlet Japan is a joint venture between Hmlet Pte. Ltd. (now Habyt Pte. Ltd.) and Mitsubishi Estate, one of Japan's leading developers. It specializes in providing rental accommodations for mid to long-term stays ranging from 1 month to 12 months, targeting primarily overseas digital nomads. Although the number of properties is limited, it is known for offering a selection of clean, newly built properties.
Home Sharing
If you use the Airbnb you all know, you can find many properties in Tokyo. Especially for short stays of 1 month or less, you will be able to find the easiest and most flexible place to stay. There is also a limited number of properties where you can stay for 1 month or more, but it is mandatory to conclude a rental agreement with the property owner.
Vrbo is also a famous vacation rental service provider along with Airbnb. Compared to Airbnb, there are many properties for multiple people, such as families, and properties for long-term stays.
Stay Japan is a private lodging site that mainly offers traditional Japanese culture and lifestyle experiences. They only introduce certified private lodging facilities that have permits and approvals from local governments, and they have many properties in the suburbs and regions of Tokyo. We recommend using it for a short period of time to experience traditional Japanese lifestyle and culture during your stay in Tokyo
Coliving
Sakura House is a company that provides share house services with properties in various locations, from central Tokyo to the suburbs. There are private rooms and rooms where a large number of people can live together. There is plenty of support for foreigners, and they also provide support during their stay and emergency response.
The Millennials is a shared office and co-location accommodation located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Shared offices provide a modern and comfortable working space. It is also fully equipped with facilities such as high-speed internet, printers, and meeting rooms. The lodging facility has compact yet functional private rooms called “SMART PODS,” and they feature simple and stylish interiors.
It is a monthly subscription service for housing where you can experience multi-site living. Electricity, gas, water, and internet charges are included in the price of each plan. No matter which house or room you choose, the monthly fee remains the same. There are various types of houses and rooms, such as urban houses, regional houses, private rooms, and dormitories, so you can choose according to your lifestyle.
Hotels
Expedia is widely used around the world, so it has multilingual support and a full range of international payment options. Also, discounts are sometimes applied when booking an airline ticket and a hotel as a set, so the bundle price is attractive.
Tripadvisor is rich in hotel reviews and ratings, and provides reliable information based on users' actual stay experiences. It is an important reference information for foreign travelers. Also, you can compare prices from multiple booking sites so you can find the best price.
Ikyu is a Japanese hotel reservation website specializing in luxury hotels and inns. It is suitable for foreign travelers seeking first-class services and amenities in Tokyo. You can get benefits by booking specific plans and accommodations.
FAQ
1. If I live in Tokyo, do I need to live in a central location such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza?
There's NO NEED for that! First, there are many trains in Tokyo, and you can easily get to the center of those cities. Also, even if it's not in the center of the city, there are always delicious restaurants and supermarkets and convenience stores that are convenient for living, so you don't have to worry about living at all. Furthermore, almost all areas are safe, so it's not scary to walk on the street at night. Personally, I think living in an area with a low rent rate in Tokyo is the smartest choice for reducing living expenses in Tokyo.
2. Which wards have high and low rents in Tokyo?
Wards with high rents :
Minato-ward, Shibuya-ward, Chiyoda-ward, Chuo-ward, Shinjuku-ward, Meguro-ward, Setagaya-ward, Bukyo-ward, Shinagawa-ward, Taito-ward
Wards with low rents :
Adachi-ward, Itabashi-ward, Edogawa-ward, Katsushika-ward, Nerima-ward, Ota-ward, Sumida-ward, Kita-ward, Arakawa-ward, Toshima-ward
3. What is the difference in floor plan notation between Japan and the US?
4. What are security deposits, key money, common service fees, and management fee that occur during a rental agreement?
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Security Deposit (敷金/Shikikin): Tenant's refundable payment for property damages or unpaid rent.
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Key Money (礼金/Reikin): One-time payment by tenant as gratitude upon lease signing.
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Common Area Fee (共益費): Tenant's charge for shared facility maintenance in condos or apartments.
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Management Fee (管理費): Tenant's monthly payment for property management costs.
These costs are only accrued for rental agreements and are not accrued for Hotels, Home Sharing, Monthly Apartment, Coliving.
5. Is there a way to check the accident property (fire, suicide, etc.)?
You can check it on the accident property information sharing website called
Be sure to check before booking a place to stay.
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