Relocating to Tokyo? How to Find the Right Temporary Housing Before You Arrive

When you’re assigned to relocate to Tokyo, one of the first challenges you’ll face is figuring out where to live after you arrive. Japan’s rental market has its own unique hurdles — key money, security deposits, and guarantor requirements — making it far from easy for foreigners to secure a long-term lease right away.

In practice, it’s not uncommon for the move-in process to take anywhere from several weeks to over a month, which is why arranging temporary housing before you leave your home country is essential for a smooth start to your new life.

This guide offers a comprehensive comparison of the temporary housing options available in Tokyo — including serviced apartments, monthly apartments, and hotels — along with typical costs, tips for choosing the right area, and a step-by-step process for booking before you arrive. Whether you’re moving to Tokyo for the first time or returning for another assignment, this guide will help you find the temporary home that’s right for you.

Why Temporary Housing Matters When Relocating to Tokyo

Many people assume they’ll be able to move straight into permanent housing as soon as they arrive in Tokyo. In reality, however, finding and securing a long-term rental in Tokyo takes far more time and effort than most expect.

Japan’s rental market operates under a set of rules that are quite different from those in other countries. Upfront costs alone — including “shikikin” (security deposit) and “reikin” (key money) — can easily amount to four to six months’ rent, and most properties also require either a personal guarantor or enrollment with a guarantor company.

On top of that, a survey by Japan’s Ministry of Justice found that roughly 40% of foreign residents have been refused housing simply because of their nationality. From the initial search to signing a lease, the entire process typically takes anywhere from several weeks to over a month.

This is exactly why securing temporary housing before you travel is the crucial first step toward a smooth relocation.

Having a temporary base not only gives you the time you need to search for the right permanent home — it also allows you to take care of essential administrative tasks at a manageable pace, such as registering your address at the local ward office, updating your residence card, and opening a bank account. Just as importantly, it helps you avoid the pressure of rushing into a lease with unfavorable terms.

Types of Temporary Housing Available in Tokyo

Temporary housing options in Tokyo generally fall into five main categories: serviced apartments, monthly apartments (known in Japanese as “monthly mansions”), hotels and extended-stay hotels, Airbnb and vacation rentals, and share houses and guest houses.

Each type differs significantly in terms of monthly cost, minimum contract length, amenities, and support services, so the best choice depends on your length of stay, budget, family situation, and lifestyle.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the features, typical pricing, advantages, and drawbacks of each option — so you can determine which type is the best fit for your needs.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are accommodation facilities designed for medium- to long-term stays, combining the convenience of a hotel with the comfort of a real home. Units come fully equipped as standard with furniture such as beds, sofas, and desks, as well as a kitchen (complete with cookware and tableware), a washing machine, Wi-Fi, and cable TV — meaning you can start your everyday life the moment you arrive with nothing more than a suitcase.

What sets serviced apartments apart most is the hotel-caliber services that you simply won’t find in a regular rental. These typically include regular housekeeping (with linen and towel changes), a bilingual front desk and concierge, and 24-hour security — allowing foreign residents who aren’t yet comfortable with Japanese to live stress-free. Depending on the property, you may also have access to shared facilities such as a fitness gym, residents’ lounge, breakfast service, and business center.

Serviced apartments also offer considerable flexibility on the contract side. Most accept stays ranging from as short as one night to long-term leases of a year or more. There’s no need for the security deposit, key money, or agency fees that come with a standard Japanese rental, and utilities and internet are generally included in the rent — significantly reducing your upfront costs. In central Tokyo (Minato, Shibuya, Shinjuku wards, etc.), monthly rates typically range from around ¥150,000 to ¥600,000, though luxury-class properties can exceed ¥1,000,000 per month.

That said, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Monthly rent tends to be higher than a regular apartment of the same size, and properties in popular areas or during peak seasons fill up quickly — making early booking essential. Additionally, since the furniture and appliances are provided by the property, there’s limited scope to personalize the interior to your own taste.

With these characteristics in mind, serviced apartments are particularly well suited to the following types of residents:

 
Extended Stay Finder lets you search a wide selection of serviced apartments across Tokyo by area, length of stay, and budget, with a dedicated advisor supporting you from property selection through to booking confirmation. Some listings even feature 360° photos so you can preview the interior before you travel, giving you peace of mind when choosing your accommodation from abroad.

Monthly Apartments (Monthly Mansions)

A monthly apartment is a type of short-term furnished rental in Japan that can be contracted on a month-by-month basis. It’s a housing category unique to Japan, sitting somewhere between a standard rental property and a serviced apartment. Units come equipped with everyday essentials — a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, and air conditioner — so, much like a serviced apartment, you can start cooking and doing laundry from day one.

The biggest advantage on the contract and cost side is the low upfront expense. A typical Tokyo rental requires four to six months’ rent in security deposits, key money, and agency fees, but monthly apartments generally waive all of these.

In most cases, the only costs at the time of contract are the rent for your entire stay (paid in advance), an administrative fee (around ¥10,000), and a move-out cleaning fee (roughly ¥10,000 to ¥30,000). Utilities — water, gas, and electricity — are almost always included in the rent as a fixed charge, so there’s no need to set up utility accounts yourself. The majority of properties also come with Wi-Fi as standard.

Pricing varies significantly depending on the area and unit layout. For a studio or 1K in central Tokyo (Minato, Shibuya, Shinjuku wards, etc.), the typical range is around ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 per month, while properties in suburban areas or older buildings can be found for ¥50,000 to ¥80,000. Compared with serviced apartments at ¥150,000 to ¥600,000 per month, monthly apartments are generally 30 to 50 percent cheaper for an equivalent size and location.

The critical difference from serviced apartments, however, is the absence of hotel-style services. There is no regular housekeeping — no room cleaning or linen changes — so you’ll need to handle cleaning and laundry on your own. Bilingual front desks and concierges are generally not available either; during your stay, support is typically limited to the management company’s phone or email helpline. Some operators do offer foreign-language assistance, but the languages available and service hours vary by property, so it’s important to check before signing a contract.

Another point to watch is that properties advertising “utilities included” may set a daily usage cap (for example, the equivalent of ¥800 per day), with overage charges applied if you exceed it. At move-out, you’ll be expected to return the unit to its original condition, and if there is significant soiling or damage, additional cleaning or repair fees may be charged. It’s a good idea to photograph the condition of the unit when you move in.

Taking all of these characteristics together, monthly apartments are best suited to the following types of residents:

 
When compared with serviced apartments, the level of service and the cost savings are essentially a trade-off. One practical strategy is to start with a serviced apartment right after arrival — when everything about life in Japan is still unfamiliar — and then transition to a monthly apartment once you’ve found your footing.

Hotels and Extended-Stay Hotels

A hotel is the lowest-barrier temporary housing option, offering the certainty that you’ll have a roof over your head from your very first night in Tokyo. All you need is a passport and a credit card to book and check in — there are no lease agreements to sign and no guarantors to arrange. Front desks operate around 24 hours, and daily housekeeping including bed-making and towel changes means you don’t have to spend any time setting up your living environment during those hectic first days.

Hotels in Tokyo broadly fall into two types. The first is the conventional business hotel or city hotel. Nationwide chains such as Toyoko Inn, APA Hotel, and Dormy Inn typically charge around ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 per night, and booking a weekly plan (seven nights or more) or a monthly plan (30 nights or more) can bring discounts of up to roughly 15 percent.

That said, rooms are generally compact — around 15 to 20 square meters — and don’t come with an in-room kitchen or washing machine. Meals will depend on eating out or convenience stores, and laundry means using the hotel’s coin-operated machines (around ¥500 to ¥700 per load) or an outside laundromat.

The second type is the extended-stay hotel — sometimes called an apartment hotel — a category that has been growing rapidly in recent years. The defining feature is that every room includes a kitchen (with an IH cooktop, cookware, and tableware) and a washer-dryer. Because you can cook and do laundry without leaving your room, food and laundry costs drop significantly compared with a business hotel. Units are also more spacious — typically 25 to 50 square meters — and with a dining table and work desk included, the living experience is closer to that of a monthly apartment.

The greatest advantage of a hotel stay is the unmatched flexibility of nightly booking. While monthly apartments and serviced apartments usually require a minimum contract of around 30 days, a hotel lets you stay for as few or as many nights as you like. If your arrival date is uncertain or you want to check out early after viewing a permanent apartment, you can adjust your dates freely within the hotel’s cancellation policy.

On the other hand, the longer you stay, the less favorable the cost equation becomes. If you were to stay at a business hotel at ¥8,000 per night for 30 days, accommodation alone would reach ¥240,000 per month. Add in food costs — which can easily exceed ¥100,000 a month when eating out — plus laundry expenses (¥5,000 to ¥8,000 per month), and the total cost significantly surpasses that of a serviced apartment or monthly apartment.

Business hotel rooms are also designed for short stays, so storage space is limited, and keeping luggage for an extended period can start to feel cramped. Another important consideration for expatriates who need to complete administrative procedures is that most hotels do not allow you to register a residential address (jūminhyō).

With all of this in mind, hotels are best suited to the following types of visitors:

 
If your stay is likely to extend beyond one month, it’s worth considering a switch to a serviced apartment or monthly apartment for better cost efficiency and livability. A popular approach among relocating professionals is to spend the first few days to one week in a hotel, using that time to view serviced apartments and get the contract process underway — a step-by-step strategy that combines the best of both options.

Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals — best known through platforms like Airbnb — are a form of accommodation where you rent a privately owned house or apartment unit on a short- to medium-term basis. If you choose a listing that comes with a kitchen and washing machine, you can enjoy a “live like a local” experience, and many properties offer monthly discounts for bookings of 28 days or longer.

It’s important to note, however, that under Japan’s Private Lodging Business Act (minpaku law), which took effect in 2018, each property is limited to a maximum of 180 operating days per year. Within Tokyo’s 23 wards, individual municipalities impose additional restrictions on top of this, meaning some listings stop accepting reservations during the autumn and winter months. This inconsistency in supply is something to be particularly mindful of when you’re booking for relocation purposes.

Cost-wise, a studio to one-bedroom unit in central Tokyo typically runs between ¥100,000 and ¥300,000 per month, but keep in mind that cleaning fees and service charges are added on top, so the final amount you pay can end up noticeably higher than the listed price.

The biggest drawback for relocation use is the inconsistency of support and quality. Communication with hosts is generally message-based, and there’s no guarantee of an immediate response to late-night emergencies or equipment breakdowns. There are also cases where the actual room doesn’t match the listing photos, which makes this option riskier for anyone relocating to Tokyo for the first time.

 
For first-time relocators to Tokyo or families with children, a serviced apartment — with its established quality control and support systems — is the safer and more reliable choice.

Share Houses and Guest Houses

Share houses and guest houses are the most affordable option among the five types of temporary housing. You secure either a private room or a shared dormitory-style room while sharing communal facilities — kitchen, bathroom, and washing machine — with other residents.

Share houses generally operate on a monthly rental contract (and often allow residential address registration), while guest houses are closer in nature to short-term lodging. In Tokyo, however, the line between the two is often blurred, so it’s important to check the contract terms for each property individually.

Monthly costs range from ¥30,000 to ¥80,000 (including utilities and Wi-Fi) — significantly lower than any other option — and there are no security deposits, key money, or guarantor requirements. Operators with experience hosting foreign residents often offer English-language support, online contracts, and passport-only move-in, making it possible to complete the contract before you leave your home country and move in the day you arrive.

Some properties are built around the concept of a “half Japanese, half international” resident mix, and the chance to share everyday tips and local knowledge through the community is another appealing feature.

On the other hand, it’s important to understand the trade-offs: even private rooms tend to have thin walls and limited privacy, bathrooms and toilets are shared, and share houses are generally not set up to accommodate families.

 
For corporate expatriates and families, share houses are generally not a good fit due to the limited privacy and space. A serviced apartment is a far more suitable choice for those needs.

How to Choose the Right Temporary Housing: Key Factors to Consider

The best temporary housing option is determined by a combination of five key factors: length of stay, budget, location, amenities, and who you’re traveling with. In this section, we’ll break down the key considerations for each.

Length of Stay

The most cost-effective choice changes entirely depending on how long you plan to stay.

For short stays (one night to two weeks), a hotel is the most practical option. You can book by the night with no upfront costs or contract paperwork, making it easy to adapt on the spot to flight changes or shifting plans. However, the per-night cost is the highest of all options, so once you go beyond two weeks, a hotel starts to feel increasingly expensive.

For medium-term stays (one to three months), a monthly apartment or serviced apartment becomes the more cost-effective choice. Because pricing is based on a fixed monthly rate, the per-day cost drops the longer you stay — coming in well below the roughly ¥240,000 you’d spend on 30 nights in a business hotel. If post-arrival support is your priority, a serviced apartment is the better pick; if keeping costs down matters most, a monthly apartment is the way to go.

For longer stays (three months or more), the advantages of a serviced apartment become even more pronounced. Monthly discounts are commonly offered for extended contracts, and the ongoing benefits of housekeeping and bilingual concierge support make an increasingly meaningful difference to your quality of life the longer your stay continues.

Below is a summary of the recommended housing type for each length of stay.

Budget and Cost Breakdown

Comparing monthly rent alone can lead to unexpected expenses. It’s essential to base your decision on the total monthly cost — factoring in upfront fees, utilities, food, and laundry.

For hotels (business hotels), accommodation costs are compounded by eating-out-heavy food expenses (¥80,000 to ¥120,000 per month) and laundry charges, pushing the monthly total to ¥330,000 to ¥580,000. While there are zero upfront costs, the running expenses are by far the highest of any option.

Monthly apartments carry a rent of ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 per month, with only an administrative fee and cleaning charge (totaling around ¥20,000 to ¥40,000) on top. Because units come with a kitchen and in-room washing machine, you can keep food and laundry costs down, bringing the monthly total to roughly ¥140,000 to ¥280,000 — often less than half that of a hotel.

Serviced apartments range from ¥150,000 to ¥600,000 per month, but utilities, Wi-Fi, and housekeeping are all included, and upfront costs are essentially zero. At the mid-range price point of around ¥300,000 per month, the total cost is comparable to — or even lower than — a hotel, while providing a far more comfortable living environment and a full suite of support services.

For Airbnb and share houses, please refer to the comparison table. The table below summarizes the estimated total monthly cost and key expense breakdown for all five housing types.

Location and Access

The basic rule for choosing a location is to prioritize areas from which you can reach your workplace within 30 minutes and with no more than one transfer. During Tokyo’s morning rush hour, congestion rates on some train lines reach 150 to 180 percent, and every additional transfer adds significantly to the physical strain.

Here’s a quick overview of what each area offers. Roppongi and Azabu have the most extensive English-friendly infrastructure, making them ideal for first-time residents who want to establish a daily routine primarily in English.

Shinagawa and Meguro are roughly 15 minutes from Haneda Airport with direct Shinkansen (bullet train) access, making them a popular choice for business professionals who travel frequently.

Shinjuku and Shibuya offer the broadest transit coverage across the city, making them effective as a “scouting base” even when your workplace hasn’t been finalized.

Asakusa and Ueno offer more affordable rents with good access to Narita Airport, while Ginza and Nihonbashi are within walking distance of Tokyo Station — ideal for those working in the Marunouchi and Otemachi business districts.

When choosing a location, it’s also worth checking proximity to your local ward office (you’re required to submit a move-in notification within 14 days of arrival), supermarkets, and English-speaking medical clinics. Having these nearby will make your post-arrival life setup significantly smoother.

Extended Stay Finder offers an area-based search function for serviced apartments, allowing you to narrow down options simply by entering your nearest work station or preferred neighborhood. Each listing includes walking time from the closest station and details about nearby facilities, so you can thoroughly evaluate the suitability of a location even before you arrive in Japan.

Amenities and Services

The amenities and services you should check can be organized into four categories.

In terms of basic amenities, four items become especially important for stays of one month or longer: a kitchen (stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, and cookware), an in-room washing machine, air conditioning, and adequate storage space.

Regarding your work environment, even when a listing says “Wi-Fi included,” actual connection speeds vary widely from property to property. If you’ll be working from home frequently, aim for a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps and confirm this in advance, along with whether a proper work desk and chair are provided.

Lifestyle support services represent the single biggest differentiator between serviced apartments and every other housing type. If a bilingual concierge is on site, you can get help in English with everything from booking a doctor’s appointment to understanding garbage disposal rules. For anyone who isn’t confident in Japanese, the presence or absence of this kind of support makes a dramatic difference to the stress levels of your first month.

Shared facilities such as a fitness gym and parcel lockers aren’t essentials, but a complimentary gym saves you ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 a month in sports club fees, and a parcel locker is invaluable for receiving deliveries when you’re out.

The table below provides a side-by-side overview of the amenities and services available across each housing type.

Who You’re Traveling With

The makeup of your traveling party changes the priority you should place on unit layout and amenities.

If you’re coming alone, all five housing types are viable and can be narrowed down using the four criteria discussed above. As a general rule: choose a share house if cost is your priority, a serviced apartment if support matters most, and a hotel if flexibility is key.

For couples or partners, a minimum of a 1LDK (one bedroom plus living-dining-kitchen, around 30 to 40 square meters) is recommended, and a 1LDK serviced apartment or monthly apartment is usually the best match. An added benefit is that splitting the cost between two people often brings the per-person expense below what a single occupant would pay.

For families with children, a minimum of a 2LDK (50 square meters or more) with a full-size kitchen and an in-room washer-dryer is essential. A serviced apartment is the most suitable option, thanks to the support available through bilingual concierges — including help with arranging hospital visits.

If you’re bringing a pet, keep in mind that pet-friendly properties make up only around 10 to 15 percent of the market. Apply a pet-friendly filter at the search stage and confirm size restrictions and any additional fees well in advance.

For group business trips, booking a two- or three-bedroom serviced apartment under a corporate contract can reduce costs significantly compared with reserving individual hotel rooms for each person.

The more complex your requirements, the greater the overall advantage of a serviced apartment — where amenities, spacious layouts, and bilingual support come together in a single package.

 

Comparison Table: Temporary Housing Options at a Glance

So far, we’ve covered the types of temporary housing available in Tokyo and the five key factors for making your decision: length of stay, budget, location, amenities, and who you’re traveling with.

Here, we’ve consolidated all of that information into a single comparison table. The housing types are arranged across the columns and the key criteria — cost, contract terms, amenities, support, and ideal user profile — are listed down the rows. Simply read down the column that matches your priorities and the best option for your situation will quickly become clear.

 

Best Areas in Tokyo for Temporary Stays

Here, we spotlight five areas that are particularly popular with medium- to long-term residents, covering each area’s defining characteristics, transit access, everyday infrastructure, and the type of resident it’s best suited to.

What all five areas share in common is convenient access to Tokyo’s major business hubs, nearby English-friendly everyday amenities, and a strong supply of serviced apartments and monthly apartments.

Roppongi & Azabu

The Roppongi and Azabu area sits at the heart of Minato Ward and is the most internationally oriented neighborhood in Tokyo. Minato Ward is home to more than 20,000 foreign residents — the highest number of any of Tokyo’s 23 wards. Around 50 embassies are concentrated in the area, and the large population of diplomats, expatriates, and their families has created an environment where English is widely understood in virtually every aspect of daily life.

Anchored by large-scale mixed-use complexes such as Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, the area is defined by an integrated urban structure that blends offices, retail, and residences. Its greatest appeal is the sheer convenience of being able to handle work, shopping, and healthcare all within walking distance.

【Transit Access】
Roppongi Station is served by two lines — the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Toei Oedo Line — while Azabu-Juban Station provides access to the Namboku Line and the Oedo Line.

【Everyday Infrastructure (English-Friendly)】
What truly sets this area apart is the depth of infrastructure that allows you to manage everyday life entirely in English.

Shopping
Several international supermarkets specializing in imported foods are within walking distance. National Azabu (in Minami-Azabu) stocks ingredients and seasonings from around the world year-round and is a go-to grocery destination for the area’s foreign residents. Nissin World Delicatessen (in Higashi-Azabu) spans three floors, offering not only food but also household goods and kitchenware. Add in premium-quality supermarkets such as Seijo Ishii and Meidi-Ya scattered throughout the neighborhood, and you’ll never struggle with everyday shopping.

Healthcare
English-speaking clinics and hospitals are concentrated in this area. Tokyo Midtown Clinic (directly connected to Roppongi Station), Nishiazabu International Clinic (in Nishi-Azabu), National Medical Clinic (in Minami-Azabu), and Azabu Juban Clinic (in Azabu-Juban) cover a wide range of specialties — from internal medicine and pediatrics to dentistry — all available in English.

International Schools
For families relocating with children, the area also offers excellent access to international schools — one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure for accompanying dependents.

【Who This Area Is Best For】
Corporate expatriates and diplomats benefit from a fully English-supported environment and a strong supply of high-grade properties that accommodate corporate contracts.

Families relocating with children will find international schools, English-speaking pediatricians, and international supermarkets all within walking distance.

First-time relocators who aren’t confident in Japanese will find the greatest peace of mind here — in what is widely regarded as Tokyo’s most “livable in English” neighborhood.

Commuters to Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Toranomon can reach these business districts within 15 minutes via the Hibiya Line.

Shinagawa & Meguro

The Shinagawa and Meguro area is one of the most popular neighborhoods among business professionals, offering the rare combination of exceptional transit connectivity and a calm residential atmosphere. Shinagawa Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train), and the Keikyu Line connects to Haneda Airport in as little as 11 minutes, while the Narita Express reaches Narita Airport in around 70 minutes — giving the area an overwhelming advantage as a hub for both domestic and international travel.

Just a short walk from Meguro Station, the quiet residential neighborhoods of Naka-Meguro and Jiyugaoka open up, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of an urban center alongside a peaceful living environment. It’s also worth noting that the Takanawa Gateway City redevelopment on the north side of Shinagawa Station — which entered full operation in 2025–2026 — is expected to further elevate the area’s international appeal and residential attractiveness going forward.

【Transit Access】
Shinagawa Station is served by six lines, including the JR Yamanote Line, Tokaido Line, Tokaido Shinkansen, and Keikyu Line. Meguro Station offers four lines: the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyu Meguro Line, Toei Mita Line, and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.

【Everyday Infrastructure】
Shopping
Shinagawa Station itself houses a range of supermarkets and restaurants, making it easy to pick up groceries efficiently on the way home. While the area has fewer international supermarkets than Roppongi and Azabu, basic needs for imported foods and ingredients can still be met.

Healthcare
NTT Medical Center Tokyo has a dedicated international medical division staffed with English-speaking doctors and interpreters, as well as a 24-hour English-support ward. The hospital covers a broad spectrum of specialties — from internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics to psychiatry — providing considerable peace of mind for foreign residents.

Education
Although international schools are less concentrated within walking distance compared with the Roppongi and Azabu area, several are easily reachable by train or school bus.

【Who This Area Is Best For】
Business professionals who travel frequently will benefit from Shinagawa Station’s single-station access to the Shinkansen, Haneda Airport, and Narita Airport.

Those working in Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, or Otemachi enjoy a commute of roughly 10 minutes by JR.

Couples and families who value a tranquil living environment will appreciate the Meguro side of the area, which is known for its greenery and strong safety record.

Those seeking a balance of cost and convenience can secure rents lower than Roppongi and Azabu while enjoying equal or even superior transit access.
 

Shinjuku & Shibuya

The Shinjuku and Shibuya area is Tokyo’s largest transportation hub, making it the top choice for residents whose overriding priority is being able to get anywhere in the city. Shinjuku Station is served by more than ten lines — including JR, Odakyu, Keio, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway — while Shibuya Station connects eight lines spanning JR, Tokyu, Tokyo Metro, and the Keio Inokashira Line.

It’s worth noting that the bustling commercial districts directly around the stations can be noisy well into the late hours. However, stepping just 10 to 15 minutes on foot into neighborhoods such as Yoyogi, Tomigaya, Shoto, or Nishi-Shinjuku 5-chome reveals quiet residential streets where convenience and livability come together.

【Transit Access】
The area’s greatest strength is its unrivaled coverage — you can reach virtually anywhere in central Tokyo with zero to one transfer in under 30 minutes. Shinjuku Station also serves as a gateway to western Tokyo (Nakano, Kichijoji, Hachioji), making it a highly capable location for those who frequently visit clients in the suburbs.

【Everyday Infrastructure】
Shopping
In terms of commercial facilities, this area ranks first among the five neighborhoods featured here. Large-scale mixed-use complexes provide everything you need for daily grocery shopping, though there are no international supermarkets within walking distance. For imported foods, stores such as Seijo Ishii will cover your basic needs.

Healthcare
Shinjuku Ward is home to Tokyo Medical University Hospital (in Nishi-Shinjuku) and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (in Wakamatsu-Kawada), the latter being an internationally oriented hospital with a well-established system for accepting foreign patients. While English-speaking clinics are not as densely concentrated as in Roppongi and Azabu, the interpreter support available at these major hospitals makes it perfectly possible to receive medical care without difficulty.

Education
International schools are not clustered within walking distance, but several are accessible by train or bus. For families with children, it’s important to confirm school commute routes in advance.

【Who This Area Is Best For】
Those who need to travel widely across Tokyo will benefit from the ability to reach virtually anywhere in the city within 30 minutes.

Those working in or around Shibuya can commute on foot or by bicycle.

Those who value dining, shopping, and nightlife will find an abundance of late-night restaurants and entertainment options.

First-time visitors to Tokyo who haven’t yet decided on a residential area can take advantage of the broadest transit coverage in the city to explore and identify the best neighborhood while they stay.

Asakusa & Ueno

The Asakusa and Ueno area is located in Taito Ward and is a historically rich neighborhood that retains the distinctive character of Tokyo’s “shitamachi” — the traditional downtown. Iconic landmarks such as Senso-ji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise-dori shopping street, Ueno Park, the National Museum, and Ameyoko market are all concentrated here, yet step into a side street and you’ll find old-fashioned shopping arcades and family-run restaurants lining a warm, welcoming living environment.

The area’s standout feature is that it offers the most affordable rent of the five central neighborhoods highlighted in this guide, while also providing direct access to Narita Airport. In recent years, the nearby Kuramae district has earned the nickname “the Brooklyn of Tokyo,” drawing attention as a fashionable shitamachi area where creative studios, designer workshops, and stylish cafés have been steadily gathering.

【Transit Access】
Ueno Station is served by the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Joban Line, Utsunomiya Line, Takasaki Line, Tohoku Shinkansen, and Joetsu Shinkansen, as well as the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines. Keisei Ueno Station also provides access to the Keisei Skyliner. Asakusa Station connects the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and the Tobu Skytree Line.

The area’s greatest transit advantage is the speed of access to Narita Airport. The Keisei Skyliner takes just around 41 minutes from Keisei Ueno Station to Narita Airport Terminal 2, or roughly 36 minutes from Nippori Station (one stop from Ueno) — making it the fastest route from central Tokyo to Narita. For anyone who uses Narita Airport frequently for international business trips or return visits home, this level of access is a significant edge that no other area can match.

On the other hand, reaching Shibuya or Shinjuku takes 25 to 30 minutes — somewhat longer than from Shinagawa or Roppongi. If your daily commute is primarily to major business districts on Tokyo’s west side, the additional travel time is worth factoring in.

【Everyday Infrastructure】
Shopping
Ameyoko (short for Ameya-Yokocho) in Ueno is a lively market where food, clothing, and everyday goods are available at reasonable prices, making it ideal for daily grocery runs. Several affordable supermarkets are scattered around Asakusa as well, helping to keep day-to-day living costs low. While there are no international supermarkets of the kind found in Roppongi and Azabu, imported food shops can be found near Akihabara and Okachimachi — just two stops from Ueno on the JR Yamanote Line — covering basic needs for overseas ingredients.

Healthcare
The number of English-speaking clinics in Taito Ward has been growing. That said, the area does not have a large hospital with a dedicated international medical division like those in Roppongi, Azabu, or Shinagawa. For specialized treatment, residents typically head to hospitals near Tokyo Station (seven minutes from Ueno by JR) or toward Roppongi (around 25 minutes via the Hibiya Line).

Culture and Leisure
Ueno Park is home to a remarkable concentration of Japan’s leading cultural institutions, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and Ueno Zoo. In Asakusa, you can experience traditional Japanese culture up close through Senso-ji’s year-round ceremonies, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, and the Sanja Matsuri. For anyone who wants to live immersed in the most authentically “Japanese” side of Tokyo, there is no better location.

【Who This Area Is Best For】
Budget-conscious singles, international students, and working-holiday visitors can enjoy central-city living at the lowest cost of the five featured areas.

Those who frequently use Narita Airport benefit from the Skyliner’s roughly 41-minute journey — the fastest connection from central Tokyo. This makes the area ideal for those with regular international business travel or frequent return trips home via Narita.

Those who want to experience traditional Japanese culture and shitamachi living will find that temple festivals, Ueno Park, Ameyoko, and the Kuramae craft scene weave cultural experiences into everyday life in a way no other area in Tokyo can offer.

Commuters to Tokyo Station and Otemachi enjoy excellent access to the eastern business districts, with Ueno to Tokyo Station taking just seven minutes on the JR Yamanote Line.

Ginza & Nihonbashi

The Ginza and Nihonbashi area is the closest residential base to Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, and Otemachi — the ultimate “live where you work” location. For those assigned to financial, legal, consulting, or trading firms headquartered in Marunouchi and Otemachi, this is the only area where you can reduce your commute to virtually zero.

【Transit Access】
Ginza Station is served by three Tokyo Metro lines — the Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines — while Nihonbashi Station connects the Ginza Line, Tozai Line, and Toei Asakusa Line. Tokyo Station (with access to all JR lines and the Shinkansen) is also within walking distance. The ability to walk to both the Shinkansen and the Narita Express is an advantage unique to Ginza and Nihonbashi — a counterpart to Shinagawa’s strength of Shinkansen plus Haneda Airport access.

【Everyday Infrastructure】
Shopping
The basement food halls of Ginza’s department stores offer an excellent selection of high-quality prepared foods and fresh ingredients, making them ideal for a lifestyle that blends home cooking with ready-made meals. For everyday groceries, the Tsukiji Outer Market stands out with its unrivaled freshness and variety.

Healthcare
St. Luke’s International Hospital has a dedicated team of English-speaking doctors and a designated reception desk for international patients. It covers a comprehensive range of specialties — internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and emergency care — and is one of the most trusted medical institutions among Tokyo’s foreign residents.

Culture and Leisure
Within walking distance you’ll find Kabukiza Theatre, the Artizon Museum, and Tokyo International Forum, while the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Hama-rikyu Gardens offer easy opportunities to unwind.

【Who This Area Is Best For】
Those working in Marunouchi, Otemachi, or Yaesu can reach the office within a 10-minute walk.

Corporate expatriates using high-grade serviced apartments on a company contract will find a concentration of global brands such as Ascott and Oakwood in this area.

Those who frequently use both the Shinkansen and Narita Airport benefit from direct access to Tokyo Station on foot.

Those who place a high priority on quality healthcare access will appreciate the proximity of St. Luke’s International Hospital, located within walking distance or a short ride away.
 

Step-by-Step: How to Secure Temporary Housing Before You Arrive

There are four steps that anyone relocating to Japan can follow to secure temporary housing they can comfortably settle into from the very first day.

The most common mistake is waiting until after you arrive to start looking for a place to stay. Popular serviced apartments and well-located monthly apartments in Tokyo see demand spike during March and April (Japan’s “new life” season) and again in September and October (the autumn transfer season), and it’s not unusual for desirable properties to be fully booked a month in advance.

Here are the four steps for securing temporary housing before you leave your home country.

Step 1: Define Your Needs (1–2 Months Before Arrival)

Before you begin searching for properties, work through the following eight items. Starting your search with vague requirements risks discovering a mismatch after you arrive — such as “there’s no kitchen” or “the property doesn’t allow pets.”

【Length of stay】
Pin down your arrival date and expected move-out date. If the end date is uncertain, set a range — for example, “minimum of X days to a maximum of X months.” For stays of two weeks or less, a hotel is the natural choice; for one to six months, a serviced apartment or monthly apartment; and for six months or more, it’s worth considering a transition to a long-term rental.

【Budget】
Set your budget not just on monthly rent, but on the total monthly cost including utilities, Wi-Fi, and management fees. If you’ll be on a corporate contract, confirm your company’s housing allowance cap in advance.

【Area and workplace】
Starting from the nearest station to your office, narrow down areas that are within a 30- to 45-minute door-to-door commute. Ideally, the route should involve no more than one transfer.

【Layout and size】
As a guideline, a studio or 1K (20 to 25 square meters) suits a single occupant, a 1LDK (30 to 40 square meters) or larger works for couples, and families with children should aim for a 2LDK (50 square meters or more). If you’ll be working from home frequently, choose a layout that provides dedicated desk space.

【Essential amenities】
Clearly identify the amenities you can’t do without — a kitchen, in-room washing machine, bathtub, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and so on. If you need housekeeping, your candidates will be serviced apartments or hotel-type accommodations.

【Contract type】
Determine whether you’ll be signing an individual contract or a corporate contract. For corporate contracts, confirm whether invoice-based payment is available and whether the lease can be signed under the company’s name. If you need to register a residential address (jūminhyō), make sure you choose a housing type that permits registration.

【Co-occupants and special requirements】
If you’re bringing a pet, start narrowing options early — pet-friendly properties account for only around 10 to 15 percent of the market. For families with children, check whether a crib can be arranged, and if you’ll have a car, confirm parking availability.

【Language support】
If you plan to live entirely in English, verify that the lease agreement, move-in guide, and emergency contacts are all provided in English.

Step 2: Research and Compare Options

Use the eight items from Step 1 as search filters to narrow your options down to a shortlist of three to five properties.

【Choosing the Right Search Platform】
The most efficient approach is to use two to three sites in combination, depending on your needs. Specialist serviced-apartment sites tend to feature properties that support corporate contracts, offer bilingual assistance, and provide virtual-tour viewing — making them the best fit for expatriates and corporate users.

Monthly-apartment and furnished-rental portals are geared toward budget-conscious singles and medium-term residents, and make it easy to find properties that require no guarantor and accept credit card payment. General rental listing sites offer the largest number of properties, but the vast majority are standard two-year leases, so you’ll need to apply filters for “short-term contracts available” and “furnished” to narrow the results.

Share-house specialist sites cater to budget-focused singles, with English-language support, no guarantor requirement, and fully online contracts as standard features.

7 Comparison Criteria

Once you’ve gathered your candidate properties, list them side by side in a spreadsheet and compare them across the following seven criteria.

1）Total monthly cost
Compare on an all-in basis that includes utilities, Wi-Fi, management fees, and cleaning charges. Note that some monthly apartments set a daily cap on utility usage, so confirm how overages are handled.

2）Upfront costs
Serviced apartments and hotel-type accommodations generally charge zero upfront, while monthly apartments typically incur a cleaning fee of around ¥20,000 to ¥40,000. For a fair comparison, prorate the upfront costs across your stay and calculate the “effective monthly rate.”

3）Location and commute time
Use Google Maps with the condition “arrive by 8:30 a.m. on a weekday” to check realistic travel times that factor in transfers.

4）Contract flexibility
Confirm whether extensions are possible, what penalties apply for early termination, and how much notice is required before move-out. If your length of stay is uncertain, prioritize properties that allow departure with 30 days’ notice and no penalty.

5）Amenity and service fit
Cross-reference each property against the list of essential amenities you created in Step 1. For Wi-Fi, if you’ll be working from home, verify in advance that download speeds meet a minimum benchmark of 100 Mbps.

6）Reviews and reputation
Check Google Maps reviews and communities such as Reddit’s r/japanlife for insights on the quality of English-speaking staff, how quickly maintenance issues are resolved, and whether any unexpected charges were added at move-out.

7）Red flags
Remove the following types of properties from your shortlist, or at the very least investigate further before proceeding: photos that don’t match the floor plan; an opaque pricing structure with no breakdown provided; a deposit of three or more months’ rent demanded before signing the contract; refusal to offer a virtual viewing with a suggestion to “come and see it in person”; no reviews on Google Maps and an unverifiable address.

As a final filter, eliminate any property that fails to meet all three of these baseline conditions: total monthly cost within budget, commute time of 45 minutes or less, and every essential amenity accounted for. Then rank the remaining candidates by contract flexibility and review scores to arrive at a shortlist of three to five properties.

Making the Most of Virtual Viewings

To ease the anxiety of not being able to see a property in person before you travel, take full advantage of 360-degree VR tours or live viewings via Zoom or Google Meet. The five points to check are ceiling height, storage depth, natural light, the size of the kitchen and bathroom, and the condition of shared areas. During a live viewing, ask the host to turn on the taps so you can gauge water pressure, and to open a window so you can assess the level of outside noise.

Step 3: Book and Confirm Your Stay

Select your top choice from the shortlist and complete the entire process — inquiry, contract, payment, and confirmation — so that you’re ready to move in the moment you arrive.

【Inquiry (contact your top two to three choices simultaneously)】
The seven pieces of information you should include are: full name (as shown on your passport), nationality, arrival and departure dates, preferred room type and number of occupants, contract type (individual or corporate), budget, and any special requirements (pets, parking, etc.). If you don’t receive a reply within 48 hours, follow up by phone or another channel. Response speed is a reliable indicator of the level of support you can expect.

【Reviewing the Estimate and Negotiating】
There are six items to verify on the estimate you receive.

#	Item to Confirm	What to Check
1	Total Monthly Cost	Sum of rent + utilities + Wi-Fi + management fee + cleaning fee. Compare the all-in figure, not just the listed rent.
2	Utility Cap	Confirm whether utilities are fully included or subject to a monthly cap (e.g., ¥12,000). Any excess is charged at actual cost.
3	Cancellation Policy	A common structure: free cancellation 30+ days before check-in, 50% refund at 14 days, no refund thereafter. Verify the exact terms.
4	Early Termination	Check the required notice period (typically 30 days) and whether a penalty fee applies for ending the contract early.
5	Deposit Refund	Confirm the refund timeline (usually 1–2 months after move-out) and what deductions may be applied (cleaning, repairs, etc.).
6	Corporate Contract Requirements	For company-sponsored stays: confirm invoice issuance, Japan Qualified Invoice System (インボイス制度) compliance, and payment terms (e.g., Net 30).

 
As a negotiation tip, contracts of three months or more can often secure a long-term discount of 10 to 15 percent, and special rates during off-peak periods are also common.

【Signing the Contract】
Online completion via electronic signature services such as DocuSign is now the norm. The standard set of documents required includes a copy of your passport, proof of residence status (such as a Certificate of Eligibility), a certificate of employment or employment contract, and an emergency contact. Always confirm whether an English-language version of the contract is available, and pay particular attention to the notice period for termination, your obligation to restore the unit to its original condition, any prohibited activities, and the terms for renewal.

【Payment and Receiving Your Confirmation】
The three main payment methods are international bank transfer, credit card, and corporate invoice. The booking confirmation you receive after payment is complete will include the property name, address (in both Japanese and English), room number, check-in date and time with instructions, emergency contact details, and Wi-Fi information. Since this document can serve as proof of accommodation during immigration, it’s wise to have both a printed copy and an offline backup saved to your device.

Step 4: Prepare for Arrival

Once the contract is complete, finalize your preparations so you can hit the ground running from day one. Organize your to-do list into two phases: tasks to complete before departure and tasks to handle after you arrive.

【Pre-Departure Tasks (Two Weeks Before Arrival Through the Day Before)】

Category	What to Do
Final Document Check	Keep your passport, visa, COE, booking confirmation, and employment certificate in both printed and PDF formats. Your booking confirmation serves as proof of accommodation at immigration.
Final Contact with Property	Reconfirm your check-in date and time, flight details, and key collection method (front desk, key box, or in-person handover). Also confirm whether late-night arrival is accepted.
Airport-to-Property Access	Research the route, travel time, and last-train schedule in advance. For large luggage, consider airport delivery services (Yamato, Sagawa) or a limousine taxi.
Mobile Connectivity	Purchase and activate a Japan-compatible SIM card or eSIM before departure so you have access to maps, translation apps, and messaging from the moment you land.
Essential Items Checklist	Prepare prescription medications, multiple credit cards, and Japanese yen in cash (around ¥30,000–¥50,000). A power plug adapter is not needed — Japan uses Type A, the same as North America.

 
【Post-Arrival Tasks (First One to Two Weeks)】

Priority	Task	Deadline / Timeframe
Highest	Submit a move-in notification at your local ward office. Bring your residence card and passport.	Within 14 days of arrival (legal requirement)
Highest	Confirm receipt of your My Number notification. It will be mailed to your registered address after submitting the move-in notification.	2–3 weeks after registration
High	Open a bank account. Japan Post Bank is the most accessible option for new arrivals.	After address registration is complete
High	Sign up for a mobile phone plan (budget SIM or major carrier contract).	Easier after opening a bank account
Medium	Enroll in National Health Insurance if your stay exceeds three months.	Can be processed at the ward office together with the move-in notification
Medium	Explore your neighborhood — locate the nearest supermarket, convenience store, clinic, and police box.	First few days after move-in

 

 

Why Serviced Apartments Are the Best Choice for Relocating to Tokyo

When searching for temporary housing for a corporate transfer, relocation, or extended business trip to Tokyo, the reasons why serviced apartments are the best fit for a first-time stay in the city come down to four key points.

These are: a move-in-ready setup that lets you start living from the day you arrive, the combination of hotel-quality service with the comfort of a real home, flexible contracts that accommodate uncertain schedules, and bilingual support that removes the language barrier.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Move-In Ready with Everything You Need

The single greatest strength of a serviced apartment is that you can arrive with just a suitcase and start living a normal life that very day. With a standard rental, you need to source all of your own furniture, appliances, kitchenware, and bedding — and waiting for delivery and installation typically takes several days to a week.

In a serviced apartment, everything you need for daily life — furniture, appliances, cookware, bedding, and Wi-Fi — is already set up and waiting. The moment you check in, you can start cooking, doing laundry, and getting to work.

This move-in readiness is especially valuable for transferees given short notice with little time to prepare, families with children who need to establish a stable living environment as quickly as possible, and anyone who needs a bridge home while they search for a permanent property.

Hotel-Like Services with the Comfort of Home

A serviced apartment is a hybrid form of accommodation that brings together the convenience of a hotel and the livability of a residential apartment.

You enjoy hotel-caliber services — regular housekeeping, a concierge, and 24-hour security — while also having the comforts of a real home: cooking in a full kitchen, using an in-room washing machine, and working remotely in a spacious layout with separate living and sleeping areas. Many properties also allow residential address registration, making it possible to complete administrative procedures as well.

Flexible Contracts for Uncertain Timelines

During an international assignment or extended business trip, it’s not uncommon for plans to change along the way. Project extensions, an earlier-than-expected return, a shift in when family members will join you — there are many variables that are difficult to predict.

Standard rental properties in Japan typically require a two-year lease, and early termination generally incurs a penalty of one month’s rent. Share houses offer month-to-month flexibility but come with constraints on privacy and space.

Serviced apartments can be contracted from as short as one month and extended on a monthly basis, making it easy to adapt as your circumstances evolve.

Under corporate contracts, extensions and reductions can often be adjusted on an estimate basis, making it easier to maintain budget flexibility from an expense-management perspective as well.

Bilingual Support for a Stress-Free Experience

For foreigners living in Japan for the first time, one of the biggest sources of stress is the language barrier. Understanding the terms of a contract, reporting a maintenance issue, checking garbage disposal rules, communicating with neighbors — Japanese becomes an obstacle in virtually every aspect of daily life.

At serviced apartments — particularly those operated by global brands or companies specializing in foreign residents — the entire process can be handled in English, from pre-move-in inquiries, estimates, and contract signing through to troubleshooting and lifestyle consultations during your stay and final settlement and procedures at move-out. English-language contracts are available in the majority of cases, allowing you to read and fully understand the terms before you sign.

Beyond that, whenever day-to-day issues arise, you can consult the front desk or concierge in English — whether it’s booking a doctor’s appointment, requesting redelivery of a parcel, or confirming ward office procedures in advance. Even situations that would normally require Japanese are covered.

Monthly apartments and share houses can also be contracted in English through English-language platforms, but the level of support after move-in varies depending on the property and management company. In this respect, a serviced apartment — where consistent English-language support is guaranteed from before you move in through to after you move out — is the most reassuring choice for anyone who isn’t confident in Japanese.

Find Your Temporary Home in Tokyo with Extended Stay Finder

Image Source：Extended Stay Finder

By now, the comparison table, area guide, and four-step process have given you a clear picture of what to look for, where to look, and how to go about it. Here, we introduce Extended Stay Finder — a platform that lets you put those criteria directly to work in finding the right property.

What is Extended Stay Finder?

Extended Stay Finder is a search and booking platform specializing in serviced apartments, primarily in Tokyo, operated by Asahi Homes Co., Ltd. As the pioneer that first introduced serviced apartments to Japan, the company brings over 50 years of experience and has helped arrange accommodations for a cumulative total of approximately 100,000 residents.

The platform’s listings cover central Tokyo — including Roppongi and Azabu, Akasaka and Nagatacho, Tokyo and Otemachi, Shinagawa and Meguro, Shinjuku and Shibuya, Ginza and Nihonbashi, and Odaiba and Toyosu — as well as properties in Yokohama, Kawasaki, and the Kansai region. It serves a wide range of stay purposes, from extended business trips, temporary return visits, and workcations to study-abroad stays.

Every listed property is managed by a vetted and reliable operator, ensuring that cleanliness, safety, and amenity quality are maintained above a consistent standard.

How Extended Stay Finder Helps You

Simply enter your preferred area and length of stay to see a list of matching properties, then narrow the results further by budget, layout, amenities, and other detailed criteria. Each property page clearly states the rent, amenities, nearest station, and maximum occupancy. Submit an inquiry through the form, and a dedicated advisor will respond by email with availability and a cost estimate.

The dedicated advisor selects the best-matched candidates based on your requirements and provides a side-by-side comparison covering property name, rent, amenities, and area characteristics. This support is especially reassuring for time-pressed transferees and first-time visitors who are unfamiliar with Japan’s real estate market.

Contracts are provided in English, and bilingual staff walk you through the terms, so you can sign with a full and accurate understanding of every clause.

Whether you prefer to handle the search, comparison, and booking entirely on your own or leave the uncertain parts to a dedicated advisor, the choice is yours. It’s this flexibility that has made Extended Stay Finder a trusted resource for everyone from first-time Tokyo relocators to seasoned HR professionals.

FAQ: Temporary Housing in Tokyo

Here, we’ve compiled the questions most frequently asked by foreigners considering temporary housing in Tokyo.

Q1: How far in advance should I book temporary housing in Tokyo?

The recommended lead time is one and a half to two months before arrival. During peak seasons you should allow even longer, and in urgent situations a minimum of two weeks is needed. The ideal timing varies significantly depending on the type of accommodation and your intended move-in date.

During the regular season (May to June and November to January), start your property search four to six weeks before arrival — roughly one to one and a half months ahead — and aim to confirm your booking three to four weeks out. Demand is relatively moderate during these periods, and even popular areas tend to have a reasonable range of options available. For serviced apartments, if there is availability it’s sometimes possible to go from initial inquiry to signed contract in under a week, but factoring in time for comparison and deliberation, allowing three to four weeks is recommended.

During peak season (March to April and September to October), it is strongly recommended that you begin your search two to three months before arrival. March and April mark the start of Japan’s new fiscal and academic year — the season of new hires, corporate transfers, and school enrollments — making it the tightest period across Tokyo’s entire housing market. September and October bring the autumn round of personnel transfers, which coincides with the start of a new financial year for many overseas companies (with October arrivals), pushing demand for foreigner-oriented serviced apartments to its highest point. It’s not unusual for popular properties to be fully booked one to two months in advance during these periods, so early action is essential.

For last-minute transfers or short business trips (within two weeks), some serviced apartments and extended-stay hotels can accommodate bookings made just a few days to one week in advance, provided availability exists. However, your choices in terms of area and layout will be significantly limited, so shift your priority order to location first, amenities second, and budget third, and be clear about where you’re willing to compromise before you begin searching.

Q2: Can I book temporary housing in Tokyo without speaking Japanese?

It is entirely possible to book, sign a contract for, and move into temporary housing in Tokyo without speaking any Japanese. That said, the extent to which you can complete the entire process in English alone varies significantly depending on the type of accommodation.

Serviced apartments receive the highest rating for English support. The vast majority of properties allow you to handle every step in English — from the initial inquiry and contract signing through to check-in, troubleshooting during your stay, and check-out. English-language contracts are provided as standard, making this the most English-accessible option among the five types.

Hotels and extended-stay hotels rate well to excellent. Most properties have front-desk staff who can communicate in English. International chains and hotels with a high volume of foreign guests offer particularly strong support, though English proficiency can vary at smaller domestic business hotel chains.

Share houses and guest houses rate as good. Major operators with an established track record of hosting foreign residents offer English-language websites, contracts, and move-in guides. Smaller facilities, however, may operate in Japanese only, so it’s worth confirming before you book.

Monthly apartments rate as fair to good. Contracts can often be completed in English when arranged through platforms targeting foreign residents, but the level of post-move-in support varies depending on the management company.

Airbnb rates as fair. The platform itself supports multiple languages, but individual hosts’ English ability varies widely. Look for hosts who clearly state “English OK” in their profile or reviews.

Q3: What documents do I need to rent temporary housing as a foreigner?

The documents required vary considerably depending on the type of accommodation. Serviced apartments and extended-stay hotels require the least paperwork, while monthly apartments — which are closer to a standard rental — tend to require comparatively more.

Below is a checklist of documents you should prepare before you travel.

Document	Serviced Apartment	Monthly Apartment	Share House	Standard Rental
Passport Copy	●	●	●	●
Residence Card / COE	△	●	△	●
Proof of Income / Employment Certificate	—	●	—	●
Guarantor / Guarantor Company	—	△	—	●
Credit Card	●	△	△	—
Emergency Contact	●	●	●	●
Certificate of Residence (住民票)	—	—	—	●
Personal Seal (Inkan)	—	—	—	△
● = Required   △ = May be required (depends on provider)   — = Not required

Q4: Is it cheaper to stay in a hotel or a serviced apartment for one month?

For stays of one month or longer, a serviced apartment works out cheaper than a hotel on a total-cost basis in the majority of cases. However, depending on the length of stay, the grade of property, and your lifestyle, the equation can sometimes tip the other way — which is why it’s important to compare not just accommodation costs but the total cost of living.

【Decision Flowchart】
Staying two weeks or less — A hotel is the best option, offering flexibility and zero upfront costs.

Staying two weeks to one month and not cooking — An extended-stay hotel or a business hotel with a monthly plan is the most practical choice.

Staying one month or more, cooking for yourself, and working from home — A serviced apartment is the most economical and comfortable option overall.

Staying one month or more with budget as the top priority — A monthly apartment offers the lowest cost, though services are minimal.

Families or multiple occupants — A serviced apartment or a 2LDK monthly apartment is the strongest option, with a per-person cost that is significantly more favorable.

Q5: What is the average cost of temporary housing in Tokyo?

Monthly costs range widely — from as low as ¥50,000 to well over ¥1,000,000 — depending on the type of accommodation, area, layout, and services included. Understanding the price range that matches your specific requirements is the first step toward setting a realistic budget.

【Budget Guide by Price Range】

Monthly Budget (Total Cost)	Recommended Type	What to Expect
¥50,000 – ¥80,000	Share House (Private Room)	Central to semi-central Tokyo. Private room 6–10 m². Shared kitchen and bathroom. Utilities and Wi-Fi included.
¥80,000 – ¥150,000	Premium Share House / Monthly Apartment (Suburban 1R)	Larger private room or a self-contained studio in outer wards. Utilities included or capped. More personal space and privacy.
¥150,000 – ¥300,000	Monthly Apartment (Central 1R–1K) / Extended Stay Hotel / Entry-Level Serviced Apartment	Full kitchen, in-unit washer, 20–30 m². Wi-Fi included. A good balance of cost, comfort, and independence.
¥300,000 – ¥500,000	Serviced Apartment (Studio–1LDK, Prime Location)	30–45 m² in central Tokyo. Regular housekeeping, concierge, and full English support. Ideal for business professionals.
¥500,000 – ¥1,000,000+	Premium Serviced Apartment (2LDK+, Minato Ward, etc.)	50–100 m²+. Full-service amenities including gym, lounge, and dedicated concierge. Best suited for corporate contracts and families.

 

Summary

Finding temporary housing in Tokyo can seem daunting given the sheer number of options, but with the right information and a clear process, you can secure a comfortable home before you arrive — even from overseas.

The starting point is understanding your housing options. Serviced apartments offer English-language support and all-inclusive pricing, making them the least stressful choice. Monthly apartments deliver strong value for money, while share houses appeal with low costs and flexible contracts. Matching these options against your own priorities is the first step.

Next, choose your area. Roppongi and Azabu offer a premium, internationally oriented environment. Shinjuku and Shibuya serve as versatile transportation hubs. Shinagawa and Meguro combine easy Haneda Airport access with a calm residential feel. Using a 30- to 45-minute commute from your workplace as a benchmark will help you narrow things down quickly.

Once your requirements are set, the most efficient next step is to use Extended Stay Finder. Backed by over 50 years of experience, the platform’s bilingual advisors provide end-to-end support in English — from understanding your needs and recommending properties through to contract signing and move-in assistance.

Tokyo is one of the safest, best-connected, and most culinarily rich cities in the world. Take the time to prepare your temporary housing carefully, and you’ll be ready to enjoy everything Tokyo has to offer from the very first day you arrive.