Quick Answer: 3-Minute Eligibility Check for Tokyo Apartments
Finding an apartment in Tokyo as a foreign student can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with language barriers, unfamiliar rental systems, and strict requirements. The good news is that furnished apartments offer a straightforward path that bypasses many traditional hurdles.
The short answer: YES, you can rent an apartment in Tokyo starting from 38,000円 per month with just 50,000円 initial cost, without needing a Japanese guarantor. NO, you don't need to commit to a long-term contract—1-month minimum stays are available.
Furnished apartments (家具家電付きワンルーム) have become increasingly popular among foreign students because they eliminate the three biggest barriers: high initial costs, guarantor requirements, and the need to purchase furniture. While traditional Japanese rentals average 78,000円 monthly plus 30-50万円 in upfront costs, furnished options can reduce your total move-in expenses by 70-80%.
The Simple Answer (YES or NO)
You're a good fit if:
- You're staying in Tokyo for 1 month to 1 year (short to medium-term)
- Your budget is limited (under 50,000円 monthly)
- You don't have a Japanese guarantor or want to avoid guarantor complications
- You need to move in quickly (within 1-2 weeks)
- You value privacy and want a fully private room rather than shared facilities
You're NOT a good fit if:
- You need a family-size apartment (2+ bedrooms)
- You want luxury amenities (gym, concierge, pool)
- You're over 50 years old (some properties have age restrictions 18-49)
- You prefer suburban areas far from central Tokyo
- You need pet-friendly housing (most furnished apartments don't allow pets)
The key difference between furnished apartments and traditional rentals is that furnished options prioritize convenience and low barriers to entry, while traditional rentals offer more space and customization but require significant upfront investment.
Before You Decide: What to Check First
Before committing to any housing option, verify these critical points:
Age Requirements: Most furnished apartment providers accept residents aged 18-49. If you're outside this range, you'll need to check alternative options like share houses or traditional rentals with flexible age policies.
Stay Duration: Furnished apartments typically require a 1-month minimum stay, making them ideal for language school students, exchange students, or those in Tokyo for research periods. If you're planning to stay 2+ years, compare the long-term costs against traditional rentals.
Budget Breakdown: Confirm you can afford both initial costs (typically 50,000円) and monthly expenses (rent 38,000円+ plus utilities 5,000-10,000円).
Documentation: Prepare your passport, student visa, university acceptance letter or enrollment certificate, and proof of financial support (scholarship letter or parental support statement).
Location Priority: Most furnished apartments are concentrated in central Tokyo areas (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ueno). If your university is in suburban areas, calculate commute time and transportation costs.
For foreign students who need a quick, affordable housing solution without the complexity of traditional Japanese rentals, furnished apartments offer a straightforward path. Tokyo furnished apartments from 38,000円/month, no deposit or key money【Cross One Room】 provides fully equipped private rooms with online contracts available, eliminating the need for office visits.
Easy Qualification Check
Understanding what's actually required versus what's perceived as mandatory can save you significant time and stress.
Requirements That Look Mandatory (But Aren't Always)
Guarantor Requirement: Traditional Japanese rentals typically require a Japanese guarantor—a person who agrees to pay your rent if you default. This has been the biggest barrier for foreign students. However, furnished apartments and share houses now commonly accept guarantor companies (保証会社) instead, which charge a one-time fee (typically 30-50% of one month's rent) to serve as your guarantor. This eliminates the need to find a Japanese friend or relative willing to take on this responsibility.
Credit Check: Traditional rentals often require Japanese credit history, which foreign students lack. Furnished apartments generally have more relaxed credit requirements since you're paying upfront and the property is already equipped with furnishings (reducing the risk of damage claims).
Long-Term Contract Commitment: While traditional Japanese rentals typically require 1-2 year contracts with renewal fees, furnished apartments offer 1-month minimum stays. This flexibility is particularly valuable for exchange students, language school students, or those unsure about their long-term plans.
In-Person Office Visit: Many furnished apartment providers now offer online contracts (WEB契約) with smart key systems, allowing you to complete the entire rental process remotely. Some properties still require in-person key pickup, but the trend is moving toward contactless move-in procedures.
Common Misconceptions About Tokyo Rentals
"All Tokyo apartments are expensive": The average Tokyo one-room apartment costs 78,000円 per month, but this figure includes high-end properties in premium locations. Furnished apartments in areas like Ikebukuro, Ueno, and eastern Tokyo districts start from 38,000円, offering 40-50% savings compared to the city-wide average.
"ワンルーム (one-room) means no privacy": The term ワンルーム can refer to both traditional one-room apartments (completely private) and share houses (private room with shared facilities). When searching, confirm whether the listing is 完全個室 (completely private room) or シェアハウス (share house). Furnished apartments typically offer 完全個室 with your own entrance, bathroom, and kitchen area.
"Tokyo has strict apartment regulations": Tokyo's 23 wards do have regulations requiring buildings with 10+ studio units under 30㎡ to include management services, but these regulations protect tenants by ensuring properties are properly maintained. Furnished apartment providers comply with these regulations, so you benefit from regular cleaning and management support.
"Foreign students can't rent without perfect Japanese": While some traditional rental agencies require Japanese proficiency, furnished apartment providers increasingly offer multilingual support (English, Chinese, Korean) and have experience working with international students. Documentation can usually be submitted in English with Japanese translations provided by the agency.
Best Options by Your Situation
Different housing types serve different needs. Here's how to match your priorities with the right option.
Short Stay / In a Hurry
Best Choice: Furnished apartments with 1-month minimum contracts
If you're arriving in Tokyo for a language program, exchange semester, or research visit, furnished apartments offer the fastest path to secure housing:
- Online contract available: Complete the entire process before arriving in Japan
- Smart key systems: Some properties allow contactless check-in without office visits
- Immediate availability: Many properties can accommodate move-ins within 3-7 days
- No furniture shopping: Walk in and start living immediately
Cost breakdown:
- Initial cost: 50,000円 (contract fee only)
- Monthly rent: 38,000円-65,000円 depending on location
- Utilities: 5,000-10,000円 per month
- Total first month: approximately 93,000-125,000円
Compare this to traditional rentals requiring 30-50万円 upfront (deposit, key money, agent fees, furniture costs), and the savings become clear—especially for short stays where you won't recoup the high initial investment.
Want to Minimize Hassle / Avoid Comparison Shopping
Best Choice: All-inclusive furnished apartment packages
If you're overwhelmed by the complexity of Japanese rental systems and want a simple, predictable solution:
- Fixed initial cost: 50,000円 (no hidden fees for cleaning, key money, or agent commissions)
- Furniture and appliances included: Bed, desk, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, air conditioning
- Clear pricing: Monthly rent is stated upfront with no negotiation needed
- Utilities often simplified: Some properties offer fixed utility fees or all-inclusive plans
This approach trades some potential cost savings (you might find a cheaper share house or suburban rental) for maximum convenience and certainty. For students focused on their studies rather than housing logistics, this trade-off is often worthwhile.
Safety First / Don't Want to Make Mistakes
Best Choice: Established companies with strong foreign student support
Rental scams and problematic landlords exist in every city, but you can minimize risks by choosing reputable providers:
- Established operators: Companies like Cross House have been operating share houses and furnished apartments since 2007, with thousands of satisfied tenants
- Transparent pricing: All costs stated clearly upfront with no surprise fees
- Convenient locations: Properties in well-connected areas (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro) near major train lines
- Management support: On-site or nearby management staff to address issues quickly
- Clear cancellation policies: Understand your rights if you need to move out early
Warning signs to avoid:
- Properties requiring large cash deposits without official receipts
- Landlords unwilling to provide written contracts
- Unclear pricing with "negotiable" fees
- Properties significantly below market rate (too good to be true)
- Lack of online presence or reviews
If You Don't Qualify: Alternative Options
Not everyone fits the furnished apartment profile. Here are alternatives organized by approach.
Direct Alternatives (Similar Approach)
Share Houses (30,000円+ monthly): Share houses offer even lower costs than furnished apartments but require accepting shared facilities (kitchen, bathroom, living room). Popular providers include Cross House (シェアハウス), Oak House, and Borderless House. These are best for social students who don't mind shared spaces and want to meet other residents.
Pros: Cheapest option (30,000-45,000円), built-in social network, utilities often included Cons: Limited privacy, shared facilities, potential conflicts with roommates
Monthly Mansions (週間・マンスリーマンション): Monthly mansions offer fully furnished apartments with flexible rental periods but at higher prices (typically 80,000-150,000円 per month). They're designed for business travelers and offer hotel-like convenience.
Pros: Very flexible (weekly or monthly), hotel-level cleanliness, no commitment Cons: Expensive, limited availability, often in business districts rather than residential areas
Suburbs (City Outskirts): Areas outside Tokyo's 23 wards (like Hachioji, Machida, or Saitama) offer lower rents (50,000-65,000円 for one-rooms) but require longer commutes (45-60 minutes to central Tokyo).
Pros: Lower rent, more space, quieter environment Cons: Long commute time, fewer amenities, potentially isolated from university community
Indirect Alternatives (Different Approach)
University Dormitories (学生寮): If your university offers dormitories, this is often the most affordable option (20,000-40,000円 per month) with built-in community support. However, availability is extremely limited, with long waitlists common.
Pros: Cheapest option, instant community, university support services Cons: Very limited availability, strict rules, less privacy, often far from campus
Homestay Programs: Living with a Japanese family offers cultural immersion plus housing (typically 60,000-90,000円 per month including meals). This works best for students prioritizing language learning and cultural experience over independence.
Pros: Cultural immersion, meals included, Japanese language practice, safe environment Cons: Limited privacy, house rules to follow, location dependent on host family
Subletting (又貸し): Some students leaving Japan sublet their apartments for the remaining contract period. This can offer good deals but involves legal gray areas and risks if the original landlord doesn't permit subletting.
Pros: Potentially good deals, already furnished, sometimes flexible timing Cons: Legal risks, no official contract, limited protection if disputes arise
When Staying Put Makes Sense
Before searching for new housing, consider whether moving actually benefits you:
You already have stable housing: If you're currently in a university dormitory or temporary housing that meets your needs, rushing to find a new place may not be necessary. Use your first month to explore neighborhoods and find the ideal location rather than settling quickly.
Moving costs exceed savings: Calculate total moving costs (transportation, initial fees, time spent searching) against potential savings. If you're only staying 2-3 months, the effort may not be worthwhile.
Familiar neighborhood advantages: If you've already established routines (grocery shopping, commute, friends nearby), these soft benefits have real value beyond just rent costs.
Important Notes (These Can Vary)
Housing regulations and policies in Japan can be complex and vary by property.
Age Restrictions: Many furnished apartment providers accept residents aged 18-49. This restriction relates to management requirements—properties targeting young professionals can streamline services. If you're over 50, focus on traditional rentals or share houses without age limits.
Two-Person Occupancy: Some furnished apartments allow couples or friends to share (2名入居可能), though this varies by property size. Confirm this explicitly if you plan to share—unauthorized additional residents can result in lease termination.
Management Requirements: Tokyo's 23 wards require different management standards based on building size:
- Under 30 units: Manager present 1 day/week minimum
- 30-50 units: Manager present 4 hours/day, 5 days/week minimum
- 50+ units: Manager present 8 hours/day, 5 days/week minimum
These requirements ensure your building is properly maintained, but they also affect management fees (typically 5,000-10,000円 monthly).
Contract Flexibility: While 1-month minimum stays are standard for furnished apartments, extending your contract is usually straightforward—contact management 30 days before your contract ends. However, breaking a contract early may incur penalties (typically 1 month's rent).
Utilities and Internet: Some properties include utilities and internet in the monthly rent, while others bill separately. Clarify this before signing:
- Included: Simpler budgeting, no setup hassle
- Separate billing: More transparent usage, potentially cheaper if you're rarely home
Summary: Your Next Step
After reviewing all options, here's how to move forward based on your priorities:
If you're staying short-term (1-6 months): Furnished apartments offer the best balance of cost, convenience, and flexibility. The 50,000円 initial cost is significantly lower than traditional rentals, and the 1-month minimum stay matches your timeline perfectly.
If you're budget-conscious (under 50,000円 monthly): Compare furnished apartments (38,000円+) with share houses (30,000円+). If you don't mind shared facilities, share houses offer slight savings. If you value privacy, the extra 8,000円 for a furnished private room is usually worth it.
If you're overwhelmed and need help: Don't hesitate to contact housing providers directly. Most offer free consultation services and can clarify requirements specific to foreign students. Email support is available in English, and they can guide you through documentation requirements.
Action steps:
- Confirm your eligibility: Check age (18-49), budget (can afford 50,000円 initial + 38,000円+ monthly), and stay duration (1 month minimum)
- Prepare documents: Passport, student visa, university enrollment proof, financial support documentation
- Research locations: Identify 2-3 neighborhoods near your university or within 30-minute commute
- Contact providers: Reach out to 2-3 furnished apartment providers to compare specific properties and availability
- Schedule viewings: If possible, schedule property viewings online or through video calls before arriving in Japan
For foreign students seeking hassle-free housing in Tokyo with minimal upfront costs and no guarantor requirements, furnished apartments provide a reliable solution. Furnished apartments in Tokyo from 38,000円/month, no deposit or key money required【Cross One Room】 offers online contracts and immediate availability, with properties in convenient locations throughout Tokyo's 23 wards.
The Japanese rental market can seem intimidating at first, but understanding your options and priorities makes the process manageable. Focus on what matters most to you—whether that's cost, convenience, location, or flexibility—and choose the housing type that aligns with those priorities. Thousands of foreign students successfully navigate Tokyo's rental market each year, and with the right information, you can too.