Short-Term Housing Options for Foreigners in Japan

Finding short-term housing in Japan can be surprisingly difficult for foreigners. Most standard rental apartments require two-year contracts, guarantor companies, and high upfront fees—making them impractical for stays under one year.

This guide explains the realistic short-term housing options available to foreigners in Japan, who each option is best for, and the hidden trade-offs you should know before choosing.

What Counts as “Short-Term” Housing in Japan?

In Japan, short-term housing usually means:

• 1 week to 12 months

• Furnished or semi-furnished

• Flexible contracts

• Higher monthly cost, lower commitment

These options prioritize convenience over long-term savings.

1. Monthly Apartments (マンスリーマンション)

Monthly apartments are the most popular short-term option for foreigners.

Key Features

• Fully furnished

• Utilities and internet included

• No key money or deposit (usually)

• Contracts from 1 month+

Typical Cost

• ¥120,000–¥250,000/month (Tokyo)

• Cheaper outside major cities

Anonymized case:
A newly arrived engineer stayed 3 months in a monthly apartment near Ueno while job hunting, avoiding long-term contract pressure.

Best for:
First arrivals, job seekers, temporary assignments.

2. Share Houses

Share houses are common among students and young professionals.

Key Features

• Private bedroom, shared kitchen/bath

• Furnished

• Flexible contracts (1–3 months)

• Multinational environment

Typical Cost

• ¥40,000–¥80,000/month

Downsides

• Less privacy

• Noise issues

• Rules vary widely by operator

Best for:
Students, working holiday visa holders, budget-conscious renters.

3. Guesthouses & Budget Residences

These are long-stay versions of hostels.

Key Features

• Furnished

• Weekly or monthly payment

• Minimal paperwork

Typical Cost

• ¥60,000–¥120,000/month

Downsides

• Very small rooms

• Shared facilities

• Limited storage

Best for:
Ultra-short stays, minimalists, transitional periods.

4. Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments combine hotels with residential living.

Key Features

• Hotel-style services

• Weekly cleaning

• Fully furnished

• English support

Typical Cost

• ¥200,000–¥400,000/month

Anonymized case:
A senior manager on a 2-month assignment chose a serviced apartment to avoid setup and language issues.

Best for:
Corporate assignments, high budgets, zero-hassle living.

5. Airbnb & Vacation Rentals (With Limits)

Airbnb is legal in Japan—but tightly regulated.

Important Restrictions

• Hosts must be registered

• Many listings disappear suddenly

• Long stays may be canceled

Typical Cost

• Highly variable

• Often more expensive than monthly apartments

Best for:
Short stays under 1 month, backup option only.

6. Company-Provided Housing

Some employers offer temporary housing support.

Possible Forms

• Company dormitories

• Subsidized monthly apartments

• Short-term rent reimbursement

Always confirm:

• Length limits

• Move-out rules

• Furniture ownership

Best for:
New hires, trainees, corporate transfers.

Cost Comparison Overview

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

• Booking Airbnb for long stays without backup

• Assuming short-term housing is “cheap”

• Ignoring location and commute

• Not checking contract minimums

• Confusing “monthly” with “30 days free cancellation”

How to Choose the Right Option

Ask yourself:

• How long am I staying?

• Do I need privacy?

• Do I speak Japanese?

• Is this temporary or transitional?

• What’s my real budget ceiling?

Short-term housing is about reducing friction, not minimizing cost.

Final Thoughts

Short-term housing in Japan is limited but manageable if you understand the system. Monthly apartments and share houses remain the most realistic choices for most foreigners, while serviced apartments suit corporate needs.

The key is to treat short-term housing as a temporary bridge, not a permanent solution.

Related Posts:

• How to Rent an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner: 2026 Guide

• Key Money (Reikin) in Japan: What Foreign Renters Should Know

• Best Cities in Japan for Foreigners to Live (2026 Guide)

• Guarantor Companies Explained for Foreign Renters in Japan

• No-Key-Money Apartments in Japan: Where to Find Them

Tools you can use for check:

• Do I Risk Visa Rejection?

• Can I Change Jobs on My Visa?

• Am I Close to Permanent Residency?

• Can I Apply for a Japanese Visa?

• Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points Calculator

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