Tokyo Housing Tips for International Students

Arriving in Tokyo as an international student is like stepping into a new chapter of life—full of excitement, endless convenience stores, and a skyline that never seems to sleep. But between getting your student ID and learning how to refill your IC card, there’s one task that often brings more stress than it should: finding a place to live.

If you’re new to Japan, or even if you've been here for a few months, the rental system can feel confusing and, at times, overwhelming. But don’t worry—many students have walked this path before you, and with a little guidance, you’ll be able to settle into a space you can call home.

Here are the top things every international student should know before looking for housing in Tokyo.

1. Know What to Expect From the Rental System

In Japan, renting an apartment comes with some unfamiliar terms and costs. It’s not just about paying rent every month—there’s often a big upfront cost when you move in. These may include:

• Key Money (Reikin 礼金): A “thank you” gift to the landlord. This is not returned when you leave.

• Security Deposit (Shikikin 敷金): Usually one month’s rent, refundable if there's no damage.

• Agency Fee: Payment to the real estate agent, often equal to one month’s rent.

• First Month’s Rent: Often paid in advance.

• Guarantor Requirement: A co-signer who is responsible if you can’t pay rent. If you don’t have a guarantor, don’t worry—many apartments accept guarantor companies, and real estate agencies can help set that up.

This can all add up to 4–6 months’ worth of rent, so be prepared. Fortunately, more and more places are offering no key money or no deposit options—especially for students.

2. Don’t Let the Language Barrier Get in Your Way

Let’s be honest—Japanese rental contracts can be intimidating, even for locals. For international students, not being fluent in Japanese can make it hard to understand the conditions, fees, or even basic terms like “garbage rules” or “no pets.”

That’s why it’s so important to work with a real estate agency that supports English (or your preferred language) and understands the needs of international students. A good agency will help translate the important points of the contract, explain your responsibilities as a tenant, and even offer after-move-in support.

3. Location Matters, But Don’t Obsess Over Living in the City Center

Tokyo is huge and incredibly well-connected by trains and subways. While it’s tempting to live as close to central Tokyo as possible, you don’t need to be next to Shibuya or Shinjuku to have a good experience. In fact, choosing a slightly less central area can mean:

• Lower rent

• A quieter, more relaxed lifestyle

• Bigger rooms or newer buildings for the same price

Most importantly, choose a location based on your commute time, budget, and how you want to live. Tokyo’s train system is reliable, and even a 30–40 minute ride can be easy once you get used to it.

4. Decide Between Furnished and Unfurnished Early

Most traditional apartments in Japan are unfurnished, meaning you’ll need to buy everything from a bed to a fridge—and even curtains. If you’re staying long-term, this can be a good investment. But if you’re only here for a year or less, you might prefer:

• Furnished apartments

• Monthly rentals

• Shared houses (share houses)

These are more flexible, often include utilities, and are great for short-term stays or those who don’t want to commit to furniture shopping.

5. Have Your Documents Ready

You’ll usually need the following to rent an apartment:

• Passport

• Residence Card (在留カード)

• Certificate of Enrollment (from your school)

• Bank account details

• Emergency contact in Japan (sometimes required)

If you’re applying before arriving in Japan, some agencies can help you pre-book or reserve an apartment. Others may need you to be physically present. Always check ahead and give yourself time to prepare.

6. Watch Out for "Too Good to Be True" Offers

Some online listings look amazing—huge rooms, cheap rent, perfect location. But in reality, they could be outdated listings, or the price may not include extra fees. Always ask for the total monthly cost, including:

• Rent

• Maintenance fees

• Utilities (if not included)

A trustworthy agent will help you understand the full picture and won’t pressure you into signing something you’re unsure about.

7. Start Your Search Early

Apartments in Tokyo move fast—especially around school terms (April and October). Start looking 1–2 months before your planned move-in date, especially if you want a specific location or furnished room.

Many agencies now offer online consultations and virtual viewings, so you don’t need to wait until you arrive in Japan to begin your search.

Final Thoughts: Take It One Step at a Time

Yes, the process may seem complicated now—but thousands of international students find great housing in Tokyo every year, and you will too. The key is knowing what to expect, asking the right questions, and finding the right people to guide you.

Whether you’re coming for a language course, undergrad, master’s, or PhD program, having a comfortable and safe place to live makes all the difference. It’s not just a roof over your head—it’s your own space to breathe, grow, and thrive in this incredible city.

If you're not sure where to start, many student-friendly agencies like First Step Co., Ltd. offer free consultations and housing support tailored specifically to international students.

Your new life in Tokyo is just around the corner—let's make sure you start it off right.

-Mashrif