Furnished Apartments in Tokyo: What to Expect

If you’re moving to Tokyo and looking for a hassle-free living solution, a furnished apartment can be a great choice. Especially for expats, short-term visitors, digital nomads, or international students, renting a place that comes with furniture, appliances, and sometimes even cutlery can save time, money, and effort.

But what exactly is a furnished apartment in Tokyo? What’s included? How much does it cost? And how do you find one that fits your lifestyle?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

1. What Is a Furnished Apartment in Tokyo?

In Tokyo, a furnished apartment refers to a rental unit that comes with essential furniture and appliances already installed. This can range from basic items like a bed and fridge to fully serviced apartments with everything down to pots, pans, and a vacuum cleaner.

The level of furnishing depends on the type of apartment you choose. Some are minimalist and designed for temporary stays, while others resemble hotel suites with full amenities.

2. Who Are Furnished Apartments For?

Furnished apartments are ideal for:

• Short-term expats or consultants (1–6 months)

• Students studying abroad in Tokyo

• Digital nomads or remote workers passing through Japan

• Tourists staying for extended periods

• New arrivals who want to settle in quickly before finding a long-term home

They’re also useful for anyone who doesn’t want to go through the hassle and cost of buying, assembling, and eventually disposing of furniture.

3. What’s Typically Included?

Here’s what you can generally expect in a furnished apartment:

️ Furniture:

• Bed (single or double)

• Table and chairs

• Desk (in many cases)

• Wardrobe or clothing rack

• Curtains or blinds

Appliances:

• Refrigerator

• Microwave

• Washing machine

• Air conditioner

• Rice cooker (common in Japan)

• Electric stove or IH cooker

• Vacuum cleaner (often)

Utilities:

• Internet (Wi-Fi) often included

• TV (basic channels or smart TV)

• Utility setup (some apartments include electricity, water, and gas)

Extras (in serviced apartments):

• Kitchenware (plates, utensils, pans)

• Towels, linens

• Iron and ironing board

• Weekly cleaning (in high-end properties)

Note: Not all furnished apartments include everything listed above. Always ask for an inventory before signing.

4. Types of Furnished Apartments in Tokyo

1. Serviced Apartments

These are professionally managed units similar to hotel rooms but with more space. They include cleaning services, 24-hour support, and often a front desk.

Best for: Business travelers, diplomats, high-income expats.

Monthly cost: ¥200,000–¥600,000+

2. Monthly Apartments

These are often managed by private agencies. They are furnished and designed for stays of 1 month or more.

Best for: Students, interns, remote workers.

Monthly cost: ¥120,000–¥250,000

3. Share Houses (Private Room)

Private rooms in shared houses come furnished with a bed and desk. Bathrooms and kitchens are communal.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers or students.

Monthly cost: ¥50,000–¥100,000

4. Furnished Airbnbs (Licensed)

These are short-term rentals that can sometimes be booked monthly if licensed under the “minpaku” law.

Best for: Tourists or short-term digital nomads.

Monthly cost: ¥100,000–¥350,000 (varies widely)

5. Pros of Renting a Furnished Apartment

• ✅ Move-in ready – no need to buy furniture or appliances

• ✅ Flexible lease terms – often available by month

• ✅ Ideal for foreigners – agencies are usually English-friendly

• ✅ No need to set up utilities – often included

• ✅ Lower upfront costs – no key money or deposit in many cases

6. Cons and Considerations

• ❌ Higher rent – You’re paying for convenience

• ❌ Less customization – You can’t choose your own furniture

• ❌ Limited availability – Especially during peak seasons (spring/fall)

• ❌ Not always pet-friendly

• ❌ May lack official residence registration (important for visa holders)

7. Average Costs by Type

8. Where to Find Furnished Apartments

English-Friendly Platforms:

• Sakura House: Monthly furnished rooms and apartments for foreigners

• Oakhouse: Share houses and apartments

• Monthly Apartment Tokyo: Corporate and short-stay units

• Tokyo Furnished: Mid-range and upscale furnished units

• Village House: Some furnished long-term options

• Airbnb: Only use licensed hosts for stays over 30 days

Japanese Platforms (require language skills):

• SUUMO (スーモ)

• HOME’S (ホームズ)

• CHINTAI (チンタイ)

9. Lease Terms and Requirements

Unlike long-term contracts that require:

• Guarantor

• Key money

• Two-year commitment

…most furnished apartments allow for:

• Monthly contracts

• No guarantor

• Credit card payments

• Online booking

You’ll usually need:

• Passport

• Valid visa (for longer stays)

• Credit card

Some landlords may request emergency contact information in Japan.

10. Can I Register My Address?

To register for residency (住民票), national health insurance, or a bank account, you need a valid, long-term residential address.

Not all furnished apartments allow registration, especially:

• Airbnb-type units

• Weekly/monthly mansions designed for tourists

If official registration is important to you, confirm with the landlord or agency beforehand.

11. Tips for a Smooth Move-In

• ✅ Confirm what’s included: Ask for an itemized list of furniture and appliances.

• ✅ Check internet speed: Especially if you’re working remotely.

• ✅ Understand cleaning rules: Some apartments charge end-of-stay cleaning fees.

• ✅ Look at cancellation policies: Especially for monthly rentals.

• ✅ Visit if possible: Photos can be misleading—especially for older buildings.

12. Long-Term Furnished Options?

Yes, though rarer, some agencies offer fully furnished long-term contracts (1 year or more). They target:

• Foreign executives

• Relocation packages

• Medical interns or researchers

Expect higher rent than unfurnished apartments, but these can offer convenience for those staying 12–24 months.

13. Alternatives: Rent Furniture Separately

If you find a good apartment that’s unfurnished but want convenience, you can rent furniture monthly from services like:

• CLAS

• AirRoom

• Tokyo Rent All

This gives you flexibility with longer-term contracts while avoiding large purchases.

14. Are Furnished Apartments Worth It?

They’re worth it if:

• You’re staying less than a year

• You don’t want to deal with buying and disposing of furniture

• You want a simple, foreigner-friendly solution

• You value time and convenience over cost

But if:

• You’re on a tight budget

• You’re staying multiple years

• You want to decorate and furnish your space

…then you may be better off with an unfurnished, long-term lease.

Final Thoughts

Furnished apartments in Tokyo offer a flexible, low-stress solution for newcomers and short-term residents. With everything from basic setups to luxury serviced suites, there’s something for every lifestyle and budget.

Before committing, make sure you:

• Compare agencies

• Understand all fees

• Check what’s included

• Confirm if address registration is possible

Whether you’re staying for a few months or planning a year-long adventure, a furnished apartment can help you hit the ground running and focus on enjoying your Tokyo experience.

Suggested Next Articles

• Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals in Tokyo

• How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo as a Foreigner

• Tokyo Neighborhood Guide for Expats

• Budgeting for Your First Year in Japan

• Furnishing a Tokyo Apartment on a Budget