Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Monthly Furnished Apartment in Tokyo
Finding a monthly furnished apartment in Tokyo doesn't have to be complicated. The key is understanding whether you match the criteria for furnished studio apartments, which offer the most cost-effective solution for stays of one month or longer.
For solo travelers, students, or professionals aged 18-49 looking for monthly accommodation in Tokyo, furnished studios provide an ideal combination: initial costs from ¥50,000, monthly rent starting at ¥38,000, and locations within 20 minutes of major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. No guarantor is required—only an emergency contact.
However, furnished studios aren't for everyone. If you're over 50, traveling with family, or need pet-friendly accommodation, you'll need to explore alternatives like serviced apartments, share houses, or traditional rental properties.
This guide will help you determine your best option based on your specific situation, clarify common misconceptions about requirements, and show you the next steps to secure your Tokyo accommodation.
Quick Decision: YES or NO for Furnished Studios
Here's how to know if furnished studios are right for you:
YES - Furnished studios are ideal if you:
- Are aged 18-49 years old
- Need accommodation for 1 month or longer
- Are traveling solo (couples can also find suitable options from ¥78,000/month)
- Can pay ¥50,000 initial cost and ¥38,000+ monthly rent
- Don't need a guarantor (emergency contact is sufficient)
- Want to be within 20 minutes of Tokyo's major stations
NO - Consider alternatives if you:
- Are 50 years or older (outside target age range)
- Are traveling with family or multiple people
- Own pets and need pet-friendly housing
- Require long-term residence (2+ years) with full ownership of furnishings
The decision often comes down to these basic criteria. If you match the YES conditions, furnished studios offer unbeatable value in Tokyo's expensive housing market.
Requirements to Check First
Before making your final decision, verify these key conditions:
Age requirement: 18-49 years old. This is a firm requirement for most furnished studio services.
Duration: Available from 1 month. Unlike traditional rentals that typically require 2-year contracts, furnished studios accommodate shorter stays while still being cost-effective for longer periods.
Occupancy: Primarily designed for solo living. However, couple options are available starting from ¥78,000/month with appropriate furnishings like beds and washing machines. Always confirm specific property capacity before applying.
Guarantor: Not required. You only need to provide an emergency contact, making furnished studios accessible to international residents, students, and those without established networks in Japan.
Area: Primarily central Tokyo's 23 wards, with good access to major stations. Properties are strategically located within 20 minutes of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Shinagawa, and Yokohama.
If you meet these conditions, furnished studios in Tokyo offer remarkable value compared to traditional rentals, which typically require ¥300,000-500,000 in initial costs alone.
Ready to explore furnished studio options in Tokyo? With locations across central Tokyo's 23 wards, initial costs from just ¥50,000, and monthly rent starting at ¥38,000, you can secure quality accommodation without the massive upfront investment required by traditional rentals. 家具家電付き、池袋エリア3.8万円〜【クロスワンルーム】
Simple Condition Check
Many people have misconceptions about what's required to rent a furnished apartment in Tokyo. Let's clarify what actually varies versus what seems mandatory.
Conditions That Seem Required (But Actually Vary)
These conditions often appear mandatory, but they differ significantly between furnished studios and traditional rentals:
Guarantor: NOT required for furnished studios. You only need to provide an emergency contact. Traditional rentals typically require a Japanese guarantor or expensive guarantor company services, creating barriers for international residents and newcomers.
Initial cost: Furnished studios start from ¥50,000 without deposit or key money. Traditional rentals in Tokyo typically demand ¥300,000-500,000 upfront, including deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), agent fees, and advance rent.
Minimum area standards: Tokyo's 23 wards each set different minimum area requirements for studio apartments. For example, Minato ward requires 25㎡ minimum, while Shinjuku requires 28㎡. Furnished studio services ensure their properties meet these legal standards, so you don't need to verify this yourself.
Contract period: Furnished studios are available from 1 month onwards, offering flexibility for temporary assignments, training periods, or試験的 trials of Tokyo living. Traditional rentals usually require 2-year contracts with penalties for early termination.
Common Misconceptions
Let's address the most frequent misunderstandings:
"Furnished = everything included" - FALSE. While basic furniture and appliances are provided (bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, desk, chair, storage), bedding sets may cost an additional ¥1,000/month in some properties. Always confirm what's included versus what costs extra.
"Initial cost ¥50,000 = no add-ons" - FALSE. While the base initial cost is low, some properties have additional rental fees for items like bedding sets or mattresses. Always request a complete breakdown before signing.
"Studio = tiny" - FALSE. Tokyo has legal minimum area standards. Minato ward requires at least 25㎡, Shinjuku requires 28㎡, and other wards have similar regulations. Furnished studios meet these requirements, providing livable space that's far from cramped.
"Short-term = expensive" - FALSE. Despite offering 1-month+ contracts, furnished studios start at ¥38,000/month—often cheaper than traditional rentals when you factor in furniture costs and flexibility. Traditional "short-term" options like serviced apartments can cost ¥100,000-150,000/month.
Recommended Patterns by Condition
Your ideal housing option depends on your specific situation. Here are the most common patterns and their best solutions.
Short Stay / Urgent Need
If you need to move in within 1-2 months for a temporary assignment, training program, or short-term project:
Furnished studio benefits:
- Available from 1 month with flexible contracts
- From ¥38,000/month with ¥50,000 initial cost
- Fully furnished and ready for immediate occupancy
- Many properties available for same-week move-in
- Prime locations within 20 minutes to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Shinagawa, and Yokohama
- No guarantor needed—emergency contact only
This option works particularly well for corporate training assignments, academic research stays, or trial periods while job hunting in Tokyo.
Minimize Hassle / Skip Comparison Shopping
If you want to avoid the stress of property hunting, furniture shopping, and complex moving logistics:
Furnished studio benefits:
- Fully equipped units eliminate furniture/appliance shopping
- Save ¥100,000+ on furniture and appliances, plus delivery and assembly hassle
- Simple contract process with clear, fixed costs
- Complete property search online, with viewing appointments available
- Light luggage requirements enable simple single-person box moving
Compare this to traditional rentals, which require researching and purchasing refrigerators (¥30,000-50,000), washing machines (¥30,000-50,000), beds (¥20,000-50,000), and countless smaller items—each requiring delivery coordination and assembly.
Peace of Mind Priority / Avoid Mistakes
If you prioritize reliability, support systems, and minimizing risk:
Option comparison:
Traditional rental: ¥300,000-500,000 initial cost, but offers support from major management companies and the widest property selection. Best for long-term residents who value established support systems.
Serviced apartment: From ¥100,000 initial cost, ¥100,000-150,000/month, short-term contracts available, furnished, with comprehensive operator support. Ideal for corporate relocations with generous budgets.
Furnished studio: Operator (Cross House) has extensive share house experience and adequate support systems for furnished apartments. From ¥50,000 initial cost and ¥38,000/month. Best balance of affordability and support for solo residents.
For those seeking peace of mind on a budget, furnished studios offer a middle ground—more support than finding a random cheap apartment, but far more affordable than serviced apartments.
Looking for a hassle-free move to Tokyo? Skip the furniture shopping, reduce your initial costs from ¥300,000+ to just ¥50,000, and move into a fully equipped studio within 20 minutes of major Tokyo stations. No guarantor required. 敷礼・仲介手数料0円、家具付き3.8万円〜【クロスワンルーム】
Alternatives If You Don't Match
If furnished studios don't fit your situation, here are your alternatives.
Direct Alternatives (Similar Options)
These options serve similar needs through similar means:
Share house: ¥30,000-60,000/month with utilities included, private room available, common spaces for socializing. Ideal for those prioritizing community and rock-bottom costs. Trade-off: shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Regular studio rental: ¥73,000-76,000/month in areas like Higashi-Jujo (15㎡ studios), with some no-deposit/no-key-money options and occasional furnished properties. Suitable for those wanting traditional rental contracts and property choice.
Similar services: Some operators offer ¥30,000 initial cost, furnished apartments with Wi-Fi, and free room transfers within their network. Worth comparing for slightly different locations or contract terms.
Indirect Alternatives (Different Approach)
These options use completely different approaches to meet your accommodation needs:
Serviced apartment: From ¥100,000 initial cost, ¥100,000-150,000/month, short-term contracts available, furnished, comprehensive support including concierge services. Best for corporate relocations or those with larger budgets seeking hotel-like amenities.
Weekly apartment: Weekly contracts available, furnished, ideal for very short stays (1-4 weeks). More expensive per month than furnished studios but more flexible for ultra-short durations.
Business hotel: Daily rates, maximum flexibility, but expensive for extended stays (¥150,000-300,000/month). Only viable for stays under one week or if your company covers accommodation.
When Status Quo Makes Sense
Sometimes not moving is the best choice:
Commutable from family home: If you can reach your Tokyo workplace or school from your current residence within a reasonable time, zero rent and initial cost make this the most economical option.
Company dormitory available: If your employer provides accommodation—even if not ideal—it's usually the most cost-effective choice and eliminates housing search stress.
Training under 1 week: For very short corporate training stays, business hotels offer simpler booking processes and more flexibility than monthly rentals.
Important Caveats (These Vary)
Several factors vary by property, timing, and individual circumstances. Always verify these details before signing:
Rent: Starts from ¥38,000 but varies significantly by location and facilities. Properties in Ikebukuro area may start at ¥38,000, while Shibuya and Shinjuku areas typically begin around ¥60,000+.
Initial cost: ¥50,000 is the base, but additional items like bedding sets (¥1,000/month) or mattress rental can increase monthly costs. Always request a complete breakdown.
Contract period: 1 month+ contracts are available, but some properties may have early termination fees if you leave before a minimum period (typically 6 months). Confirm cancellation terms upfront.
Couple occupancy: Available in select properties starting from ¥78,000/month, but availability varies. Not all furnished studios accommodate two people, so verify before applying.
Pets: Generally not allowed in budget furnished studios. Pet-friendly properties exist but require separate confirmation and typically cost more. Don't assume pet acceptance.
Summary: Your Next Step
Now that you understand the options, here's what to do:
If you match furnished studio criteria:
- Search furnished studio listings in your preferred Tokyo area
- Inquire about specific properties that interest you
- Schedule viewings to confirm condition and location
- Prepare required documents (ID, income proof, emergency contact)
- Apply and complete the contract process
If you don't match:
- Review the alternatives section above
- Consider share houses for maximum affordability
- Explore traditional rentals if you need long-term stability
- Check serviced apartments if you have a larger budget and want full support
If urgent:
- Inquire immediately to check availability
- Book viewing appointments for this week
- Prepare your documents in advance
- Be ready to make a decision quickly—good properties in central Tokyo move fast
If comparing options:
- Request information packages from multiple services
- Compare total costs (initial + monthly × duration)
- Factor in your time and hassle tolerance
- Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value when you account for location, commute time, and quality of life
The key to finding your ideal monthly accommodation in Tokyo is matching the option to your specific situation, verifying all costs upfront, and acting decisively once you've found a good fit.