Foreigner-Friendly Apartments for Rent in Tokyo
Approx. 800,000Foreign residents in Tokyo (1st in Japan)
Approx. 20%Share of all foreign residents in Japan
Tokyo is home to approximately 800,000 foreign residents — the largest number of any prefecture in Japan, accounting for roughly 20% of the national total. The increase over the previous year alone exceeded 60,000 people, also the largest in the country, and the community here is the most diverse in Japan in terms of both nationality and residence status. With corporate headquarters, embassies, international schools and Japanese language schools all concentrated in the city, Tokyo offers the most developed environment in Japan whether you are coming to work or to study.
Best-Estate.jp is a rental site dedicated to foreign residents, available in seven languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Vietnamese and Portuguese. We list properties across major areas including Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Ueno, Takadanobaba, Kita-senju, Kamata and Kinshicho, and GTN (Global Trust Networks) supports you all the way — from arranging a guarantor company to signing your contract remotely before you arrive in Japan.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Number of Foreign Residents in Japan" (as of the end of 2025)
Average Rent in Tokyo for Foreigner-Friendly Apartments
Rent for foreigner-friendly rentals in Tokyo Metropolis varies by area as follows.
| Layout | Central | Inner suburbs | Tama area |
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| 1R / 1K | ¥75,000–115,000 | ¥55,000–85,000 | ¥60,000–65,000 |
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| 1LDK | ¥125,000–185,000 | ¥95,000–140,000 | ¥90,000–105,000 |
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| 2LDK | ¥175,000–260,000 | ¥130,000–195,000 | ¥115,000–145,000 |
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| 3LDK | ¥260,000–415,000 | ¥195,000–310,000 | ¥145,000–200,000 |
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Figures are a guide only. Actual rent varies with building age, distance from the station and facilities.
Compiled by Best-Estate.jp from at home co., ltd., "Rent Trends for Rental Apartments in Japan's Major Cities" (June 2026) and the Japan Property Management Association, "Trends in Average Rent by Layout" (July 2026 survey).
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8 Best Areas in Tokyo for Foreign Residents
ShinjukuOne of Japan's largest terminals and a multinational town
A world-class terminal where JR, private railway and subway lines all converge. Around Shin-Okubo you will find Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Nepalese communities, and this is one of the best-served areas in Tokyo for foreign-friendly restaurants, grocery stores and public services.
IkebukuroA Chinese community and a transport hub
A terminal served by the JR Yamanote and Saikyo lines, the Tobu Tojo Line and the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Chinese shops and services cluster around the north exit, and good access towards Saitama makes it easy to combine with cheaper neighboring areas when house hunting.
ShibuyaThe center of IT and startups
Home to IT companies, startups and foreign-affiliated firms, and popular with foreign engineers and designers. Redevelopment has improved the residential environment, making it a favorite for those who want to live close to work.
Roppongi & AzabuEmbassies and foreign-affiliated companies
Embassies and international companies cluster here, and access to English-speaking clinics and international schools is the best in Tokyo. There is also a wide choice of high-grade serviced apartments.
Ueno & OkachimachiNarita access and Asian communities
Directly connected to Narita Airport by the Keisei Skyliner. The Ameyoko area is lined with multinational restaurants and grocery stores, so it is easy to set up daily life even straight after arriving in Japan.
TakadanobabaJapanese language schools and student life
A student district close to Waseda University where Japanese language schools are concentrated. Communities from Myanmar and elsewhere are well established, and affordable student apartments and share houses are easy to find.
Kita-senjuFive lines and lower rent
A terminal served by five lines — the JR Joban Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Hibiya lines, Tobu and the Tsukuba Express — yet rent is a step below central Tokyo. Popular with those who want both access and affordability.
KamataClose to Haneda Airport with downtown living
About 10 minutes from Haneda Airport on the Keikyu Line, and chosen by frequent international travelers and airport staff. Well-developed shopping streets keep living costs down in this classic shitamachi district.
Major Train Lines in Tokyo
The lines most often chosen by foreign residents are the JR Yamanote Line, which loops around the major terminals, the Chuo Line Rapid, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Tozai and Hibiya lines, and private railways such as the Keio, Odakyu and Tokyu Toyoko / Den-en-toshi lines. Living on a private railway line within 30 minutes of the center is a well-established way to keep rent down. You can check the nearest station and walking time for each property in the "Access" section of its detail page.
Types of Rental Housing in Japan for Foreigners
Rental housing in Japan comes in four types, and the best choice depends on how long you are staying, your budget and the services you need. BEST-ESTATE.JP lists only properties whose owners welcome foreign tenants, whichever type you choose.
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Standard rental
The most common type of apartment or mansion. Furniture and appliances are not provided, so you will need to buy everything yourself. Contracts usually run for two years.
Advantages
- The widest choice of areas and layouts, with the most listings
- Excellent value if you plan to stay long term
Disadvantages
- Initial costs such as deposit and key money can be high
- A joint guarantor or guarantor company is usually required
- Buying furniture and appliances takes time and money
Furnished rental
Properties that come with the essentials already installed — bed, desk, refrigerator, washing machine and so on. The appeal is being able to start your new life with nothing but a suitcase.
Advantages
- No cost or hassle of buying furniture
- Electricity, gas, water and internet are often included in the rent
- Short contracts (from one month) suit sudden changes of plan
Disadvantages
- Monthly rent is 1.3–1.5 times higher than a standard rental
- Little freedom to choose your own interior
Share house
You have your own private bedroom but share the living room, kitchen and bathroom with other residents. Popular with younger people and students looking for international exchange.
Advantages
- Low initial costs — many properties have no deposit or key money
- Furnished, with utilities and Wi-Fi often included in the rent
- An easy way to build a multinational community
Disadvantages
- Privacy is harder to protect
- You need to adapt to shared living, including rules for common areas
Serviced apartment
Premium rentals with hotel-style services. Cleaning, a concierge and a fitness gym are often available, and they are used mainly by corporate expatriates.
Advantages
- High-quality furniture and services
- Hotel comfort combined with the privacy of a home
- Highly flexible contract terms
Disadvantages
- Expensive — typically ¥150,000–300,000 per month
Details may vary depending on the property and contract terms.
Documents and Initial Costs for Renting in Japan
When a foreign national signs a rental contract in Japan, the two things to prepare in advance are initial costs of four to six months' rent and the required documents, including your residence card. Check the breakdown and the document list below so that your contract goes smoothly.
Breakdown of Initial Costs When Renting in Japan (example: ¥80,000 rent)
Estimated total initial cost
Approx. ¥158,000–458,000
For a property renting at ¥80,000 per month
| Item | Guide | Example (rent ¥80,000) |
|---|
| Deposit (shikikin)Held as security for repairs; partly refunded when you move out. | 0–1 month's rent (tax exempt) | ¥0–80,000 |
|---|
| Key money (reikin)A gratuity to the landlord; not refunded. | 0–1 month's rent (tax exempt) | ¥0–80,000 |
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| Agency feeThe agent's commission; not refunded. | 1 month's rent + tax | ¥88,000 |
|---|
| Advance rentPro-rated rent for your move-in month plus the following month; not refunded. | 0–1 month's rent (tax exempt) | ¥0–80,000 |
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| Guarantor feeThe guarantor company's fee; not refunded. | 0.5–1 month's rent (tax exempt) | ¥40,000–80,000 |
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| Fire insuranceCompulsory insurance; not refunded. | ¥15,000–20,000 (tax exempt) | ¥15,000–20,000 |
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| Lock replacementA security measure; not refunded. | ¥15,000–30,000 | ¥15,000–30,000 |
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Deposit and key money may each run to two months for luxury or pet-friendly properties. The figures above assume a rent of ¥80,000. Agency fees may differ depending on the agent and the contract terms.
Documents Required to Rent an Apartment in Japan
Documents required from all foreign nationals
- PassportAs proof of identity
- Residence cardAs proof of lawful residence
- Certificate of employmentIssued by your employer
- Proof of incomeFor example, three months of payslips
- Japanese bank accountFor rent payments by direct debit
For foreign nationals already working in Japan.
Additional documents for students
- Student ID
- Admission letter
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of financial support from a relative
- Scholarship award certificate (if applicable)
Other items to prepare
- Personal seal (inkan / hanko)Needed to stamp the contract; a signature is sometimes accepted instead
- Japanese mobile phone numberAs an emergency contact
- Emergency contactName, address and phone number of a family member, friend or colleague living in Japan
Rules on translations
- Notarised translations are recommended for important documents
- Some agents accept English versions
- Remember to include translation fees in your initial costs
Who Pays for Restoration When You Move Out
Understanding who bears the cost of restoring the property is important if you want to avoid trouble when you move out. The Civil Code revision of April 2020 made it explicit that tenants are not liable for normal wear and tear or deterioration over time.
Paid by the landlord
Marks and stains that arise from ordinary living (deterioration over time)
For example: sun-faded wallpaper, dents in the floor from furniture
Paid by the tenant
Damage or stains caused deliberately or through carelessness
For example: cigarette tar stains, nail holes in walls, drink stains
Liability is judged according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Guidelines on Restoration Disputes". If you are unsure, refer to these guidelines.
BEST-ESTATE.JP explains every required document in seven languages (Japanese, English, Chinese Simplified and Traditional, Korean, Vietnamese and Portuguese), so you can complete the process with confidence even if your Japanese is limited.
How to Rent Without a Guarantor in Japan: 3 Options
For foreign nationals with no relatives in Japan, finding a joint guarantor is one of the biggest hurdles. There are three main solutions.
What is a joint guarantor?
Under a lease, a joint guarantor is a person who bears the same liability as the tenant if the tenant fails to meet their contractual obligations, such as paying rent or repairing the building. It is a system defined in the Civil Code.
Scope of liability (all of the following)
- Unpaid rent
- Common service and management fees
- Renewal fees
- Restoration costs
- Damages (for equipment broken deliberately or through negligence)
- Penalties for breach of contract
A joint guarantor differs from an ordinary guarantor: the landlord or management company may demand payment directly from the joint guarantor before approaching the tenant.
1
Use a guarantor companyGuarantor Company
This is now the most common route. For a set fee, a guarantor company takes on the role of your joint guarantor. In recent years the great majority of properties require a guarantor company even for Japanese tenants. Many of these companies are experienced in screening foreign applicants, which makes this a realistic option.
- Cost guide: 0.5–1 month's rent in the first year (¥40,000–80,000 on a rent of ¥80,000), then an annual renewal fee of around ¥10,000
- Screening criteria: based on your residence status, income, employer and contact details
GTN (Global Trust Networks), which operates BEST-ESTATE.JP, has specialized in supporting foreign residents for 19 years and has assisted more than 700,000 people in total. It offers support in up to 25 languages and handles roughly 110,000 guarantee contracts a year.
2
Choose UR rental housingUR Urban Renaissance Agency
Public rental housing managed by the Urban Renaissance Agency. Its main advantage is that no key money, agency fee, renewal fee or joint guarantor is required. Foreign nationals can sign on the same terms as Japanese tenants.
Advantages
- Lower initial costs — only a two-month deposit
- Openly welcoming to foreign tenants
Disadvantages
- Allocated first come, first served, with few vacancies in popular areas
- Many units are more than a 10-minute walk from the station, and some buildings are older
Income requirement: for a single applicant, monthly income of at least four times the rent, or savings of at least 100 times the rent.
3
Look for properties that need no guarantor
They are limited in number, but some landlords require neither a joint guarantor nor a guarantor company. Agents specializing in foreign residents often hold listings of this kind.
- Characteristics: rent may be set slightly higher than for comparable properties
- Recommended if: you are worried about failing screening, want to avoid guarantor fees, or have just arrived in Japan with no income history here
BEST-ESTATE.JP lets you search all three options on a single site. If you need help, contact the GTN team through our property request form.
FAQ: Renting an Apartment in Tokyo as a Foreigner
How can a foreigner rent a room in Tokyo without a guarantor?
In Tokyo, using a guarantor company is usually the smoothest option. Most listings on Best-Estate.jp can be covered by a GTN (Global Trust Networks) guarantee, so screening can proceed even if you have no relatives in Japan. UR rental housing is the next option to consider (the income standard is monthly income of at least four times the rent), followed by properties that require no guarantor at all.
How do I search for a property near a specific station in Tokyo?
On Best-Estate.jp you select a ward or city first, then check the nearest station in the "Access" section of each property page. Use the links below to go from a station to the matching ward or city.
If you already know the station or line you want, you can name it directly in our property request form.
Which is easier to live in for foreigners, Tokyo or Osaka?
Tokyo offers the widest choice of jobs in Japan, along with the largest number of English-speaking clinics, international schools and foreign-affiliated companies. On the other hand, rent and living costs are higher than in Osaka and other cities, so the same budget buys you less space. If career options are your top priority, Tokyo is the strongest choice.
Are there furnished rental properties in Tokyo?
Yes. Best-Estate.jp lists furnished properties mainly in central Tokyo, with rent typically ¥85,000–135,000 for a 1K and ¥135,000–205,000 for a 1LDK. They are popular with short-staying researchers and expatriates, and let you start living from your first day in Japan. Contact us through the property request form for details.
Are there real estate agents in Tokyo who provide service in English?
GTN (Global Trust Networks), which operates Best-Estate.jp, provides support in seven languages including English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Vietnamese and Portuguese. We can assist in your own language from the first enquiry through to signing, entirely online.
I want to attend a university in Tokyo. Which areas do you recommend?
Recommended areas by campus are as follows.
Where do I register my change of address in Tokyo?
You must register your residence at the ward or city office for your new address within 14 days of moving in, and your new address will be written on the back of your residence card. Most municipalities run multilingual consultation desks for foreign residents, so ask about these when you go.
Apartments for Foreigners in Tokyo by Property Type
Apartments for Foreigners in Tokyo by Popular Condition
