Apartment in Tokyo | Real Estate in Japan

Tokyo has been attracting all kinds of people from all over the world and  has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, which resulted in an explosion of Tokyo’s population and ranking top in the world according to Bloomberg. More and more people from both inside and outside of Japan are expected to dive into this gigantic city and this trend will not end soon.

Despite the fact that Tokyo has a wide range of living options and millions of buildings, it is not easy for foreigners to find a place to live. Unlike most countries, the process is way more complicated and there are many things to prepare and rules to follow.

But do not worry! This article will help you understand the Japanese system and teach you how to handle it.

Type of apartments in Tokyo

Apartments

It is absolutely true there is a large number of apartments in Tokyo, giving us a wide range of options. You can also decorate the room the way you like and have privacy. This is how most people live in Tokyo

Although this is the most common way to live, it is also the hardest way to start living in Tokyo because renting one is a long way to go. 

5% of all properties are open for foreign people and even if you find an available one, a strict contract and very complicated process will be waiting for you. On top of this, the excessive initial move-in cost boosts up its difficulty.

A key to ease the throughout process is using a proper agent who offers comprehensive services.

Monthly/Service-apartment

While normal apartments require at least two years contract and are not furnished, with a monthly apartment’s company, you can rent a fully furnished room for as short as two weeks with a much easier and less process.

Since there won’t be any upfront cost or need to buy furniture, the rent is usually more expensive. If you think privacy and flexibility an important factor, then this option can be for you.

Share House

Sharehouse in Japan usually comes with furnished private/dormitory rooms and a lounge area where residents can interact with each other. A large-scale share house accommodates more than 200 people while a small one starts with a few people. 

What to share is normally kitchen, restrooms, and shower rooms though some share houses have all of them in each room. 

Unlike normal apartments, a contract can start from a month and the upfront cost is much lower. Not only is the share house contract foreign-friendly, but residents of them are very friendly so you might be able to befriend them easily.

Short term or Long term? | Apartments in Tokyo

A typical home with a short-term lease is a monthly apartment or sharehouse, but now there are many other options, such as Airbnb. These are recommended accommodations depending on the length of your stay.

What is the average rent for an apartment in Tokyo

As of 2021, an average studio apartment costs 92,100 yen.

Many factors such as location, layout, and security have a great effect on the rent. Generally, the closer the apartment is to the central; especially inside the Yamanote line, the more expensive the rent gets.

The Average rent for an apartment

The average monthly rent for a single room (1K and 1R) is approximately 92,100 yen (utilities and internet are not included). If you want to rent a family-size (four people) apartment, the average monthly rent goes up to about 260,000 yen. The most expensive ward is Minato where the average monthly rent for a family-size apartment hits more than 850,0000 yen. 

The average rent for a Monthly/Sercvice-apartment

The average rent for a monthly apartment in Tokyo is normally 1.5 ~2.0 times as expensive as a normal apartment, ranging from 100,000 yen to 150,000 (utilities and internet are usually included). Although it sounds pricy, if you stay temporary, this option is not bad at all considering the initial cost for an apartment.

The average rent for a Share house

This is the cheapest way to live. The average rent is between 55,000 yen and 60,000 (utilities and internet include,d) and the initial cost is much lower than apartments.

Some share houses are so foreign-friendly that you can even get a discount on the rent as long as you have a foreign-passport.

How much is the initial move-in cost for an apartment in Tokyo?

Apartment

Tokyo’s rent can’t be said reasonable, to make matters worse, the initial move-in cost is not cheap, either.

Not only does an average apartment contract require you to pay 4.5 ~5 times the actual rent as the upfront cost, but furniture, electronics, and anything you need will add up the total move-in cost.

If you need to buy everyrything for the room, the expected cost for it will be at least 150,000 yen.

Monthly apartment/ share house

Although the upfront cost varies depending on the companies, many of them set it between 30,000 yen and 50,000 yen for insurance, maintenance, and agency fee. Some companies do not even charge the upfront cost. Luckily, rooms are usually furnished so the cost for it won’t be necessary.

Can we avoid the initial move-in cost?

Except for living in a share house or monthly apartment, there are several possible ways to avoid the initial cost. 

Find no upfront cost apartment

Although the number of apartments with no upfront-cost policy is limited, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any. However, note that these apartments are more likely to have a catch such as a more strict cancellation policy, inconvenient location, or shabby equipment. Go for the viewing before making a contract.

Lower-priced insurance company

You will need to have fire insurance to rent an apartment, and the price varies depending on the company.

In most cases, real estate agents suggest to you some insurance companies when making a contract but there might be cheaper insurance companies. Finding one yourself can lower the insurance cost.  

Get used-furniture

Buying new furniture is never cheap. Even with the Japanese most popular/ low-priced furniture company Nitori, you should expect a minimum of 150,000 yen for a studio-size room.

If you do not want to spend this much, go to a recycling shop or second-hand shop where you will get furniture at a much lower price. Since Japanese people like brand-new products, you might find good quality furniture at a very reasonable price. 

Guest houses

This is not an apartment but guest houses can be an option if you stay in Japan for less than 3 months. One night stay is about 2,500 to 3,000 yen.

Many guesthouses are located in the central area where the average rent can hit the highest in Tokyo so this is worth it if you prioritize convenience. Also, you will get to meet many people from all over the world and can make friends.

How to rent an apartment in Tokyo ?

As with other countries, the main process basically consists of three parts; find an apartment, make a contract, and pay the upfront cost.

However, there are many complicated rules to follow and many things to prepare such as a guarantor. If you want to know more, please hit this link.

How to pay the rent for an apartment in Japan?

Paying the rent is not everyone’s favorite thing but knowing how-to will ease your stress.

To pay the rent, several ways are available; bank transfer, automatic withdrawal, convenience store, credit card, and paying directly the agent. There are pros and cons of these ways but the most recommended way is automatic withdrawal because you do not have to worry about forgetting to pay the rent every month.

Things you should know when renting an apartment in Tokyo

Season

Since Japanese school and company year usually ends in March and begins in April, more people change their apartments between January and March and you will possibly get more options. 

However, on the negative side, this is also when real estate agents get the busiest of the year. It is easily predictable that they have to take care of more customers during this period, which results in a less smooth process. You might have to wait for a week to go on the viewing of the apartment and the stressful contact can get even more stressful.

Moreover, if you want to use a moving company, the price during this time will be set around 1.5 higher than the normal price.

Discrimination

Japanese are often said very kind but this is not applied when it comes to renting an apartment. Many agents are reluctant to deal with foreign customers and shockingly, only five percent of properties are open for non-Japanese people.

The main reason for this is that when lending properties to foreigners they think more problems caused by languages or cultural differences are more likely to happen. They also have to go through the more complicated procedures with foreign customers.

Share houses or monthly apartments are opener to anyone and most of them welcome foreign customers.

Utility and internet

Unlike share houses or monthly apartments which these fees are already included in the rent, you have to make a contract with utility companies (internet if necessary) yourselfif you will move into an apartment. There are many companies you can pick from but it’d be safer to ask the real estate agent if you are not confident in Japanese.

Moving out of an apartment in Tokyo

When moving out, the first thing you should do is tell your agent when your move-out date is.  It is very important to check your lease contract but one month’s notice is the most common.

After getting rid of every single stuff in your room and cancel the utilities and internet, you return the key to the agent and it’s all done

Though the deposit is supposed to be paid back to you, in most cases, it will be offset with a cleaning fee. Keep in mind that you’ll possibly be required to pay to make up for damages you made such as stains or holes. I recommend you clean before you leave so as to lower the cleaning cost.

Apartments in Tokyo

Although the move-in process in Japan can be such stressful work, it does not mean you cannot overcome it. Knowing what you will need and what is going to happen are a key to go through the process and if you are not confident in Japanese, do not take unnecessary risks.

There are also foreign-friendly agents and always consider share houses or monthly apartments as alternatives.