Sapporo

1. Rental Options in Sapporo

Sapporo offers a variety of rental options for short-term stays, ranging from traditional apartments to modern serviced accommodations. Here are the most common types:

a. Monthly/Weekly Apartments

• Monthly Mansions: Fully furnished apartments available for short-term stays (weekly or monthly). These are ideal for foreigners as they often don’t require long-term contracts or guarantors.
• Airbnb: Popular for short-term stays, offering a wide range of furnished apartments and houses.
• Serviced Apartments: These are fully furnished and include utilities, internet, and sometimes cleaning services. They are more expensive but convenient for foreigners.
• Share Houses: Shared living spaces with private rooms and communal areas. These are budget-friendly and great for meeting other residents.

b. Hotels with Monthly Plans

Many hotels in Sapporo offer discounted rates for long-term stays. These are convenient for those who prefer hotel amenities like housekeeping and concierge services.

c. Guesthouses/Hostels

Some guesthouses and hostels in Sapporo offer weekly or monthly rates. These are budget-friendly and often have a social atmosphere.

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2. Average Costs

The cost of rentals in Sapporo is generally lower than in cities like Tokyo or Osaka. However, prices vary depending on the type of accommodation, location, and amenities.

a. Monthly Mansions

• Studio apartment (1R or 1K): ¥50,000–¥80,000 per month
• Larger apartments (1LDK or 2LDK): ¥80,000–¥120,000 per month
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): ¥5,000–¥10,000 (often included in the rent for short-term stays)

b. Airbnb

• Weekly: ¥20,000–¥50,000
• Monthly: ¥80,000–¥150,000 (depending on location and size)

c. Serviced Apartments

• Studio: ¥100,000–¥200,000 per month (includes utilities and internet)
• Larger units: ¥150,000–¥300,000 per month

d. Share Houses

• Private room: ¥30,000–¥60,000 per month
• Utilities: Often included in the rent

e. Hotels with Monthly Plans

• Budget hotels: ¥80,000–¥120,000 per month
• Mid-range hotels: ¥120,000–¥200,000 per month

f. Guesthouses/Hostels

• Dormitory bed: ¥20,000–¥40,000 per month
• Private room: ¥40,000–¥70,000 per month

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3. Necessary Procedures for Short-Term Rentals

Renting in Japan can be complex, but short-term rentals are more straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

a. Documents Required

• Passport: Essential for identification.
• Visa: Ensure your visa allows for short-term stays (e.g., tourist visa, working holiday visa).
• Contact Information: A local phone number or email address is often required.

b. Payment

• Most short-term rentals require upfront payment for the entire stay.
• Payment methods: Credit card, bank transfer, or cash (depending on the provider).

c. Guarantor

• For short-term rentals like monthly mansions or Airbnb, a guarantor is usually not required.
• For longer-term leases, a guarantor or guarantor company may be necessary.

d. Key Money and Deposits

• Short-term rentals often waive key money (礼金, reikin) and deposits (敷金, shikikin).
• If required, deposits are usually refundable.

e. Rental Platforms

• Monthly Mansions: Check websites like Leopalace21, Monthly Apartments, or Sakura House.
• Airbnb: Widely used and foreigner-friendly.
• Real Estate Agencies: Some agencies specialize in short-term rentals for foreigners (e.g., Hokkaido Tracks, Japan Experience).

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4. Important Considerations

When choosing a rental in Sapporo, keep the following in mind:

a. Neighborhoods

• Susukino: Central entertainment district, great for nightlife and dining. Convenient but can be noisy.
• Odori: Central area with easy access to shopping, parks, and public transport.
• Sapporo Station Area: Ideal for commuters, with excellent transport links and amenities.
• Maruyama: A quieter, upscale residential area with parks and family-friendly vibes.
• Nakajima Park: A peaceful area near a large park, perfect for nature lovers.
• Kita Ward: Affordable and residential, but slightly farther from the city center.

b. Accessibility

• Proximity to subway stations (Namboku, Tozai, and Toho lines) is crucial for easy travel.
• Consider access to supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants.

c. Winter Considerations

• Sapporo experiences heavy snowfall in winter. Look for accommodations with good heating systems and snow-clearing services.
• Apartments with parking may charge extra for snow removal.

d. Language Barrier

• Many landlords and agencies may not speak English. Consider using foreigner-friendly platforms or hiring a bilingual real estate agent.

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5. Tips for Foreigners

Here are some practical tips to make your rental experience in Sapporo smoother:

a. Use Foreigner-Friendly Platforms

• Websites like Airbnb, Leopalace21, and GaijinPot cater to foreigners and simplify the rental process.

b. Book Early

• Sapporo is a popular destination, especially during the Snow Festival (February) and ski season. Book your accommodation well in advance.

c. Understand Japanese Rental Norms

• Shoes are not worn indoors. Ensure you follow this custom in your rental.
• Be mindful of noise levels, especially in apartments.

d. Check for Hidden Costs

• Confirm whether utilities, internet, and cleaning fees are included in the rent.
• Ask about cancellation policies for short-term stays.

e. Explore Local Resources

• Visit local tourist information centers for advice on neighborhoods and rental options.
• Join expat or foreigner groups on social media for recommendations and support.

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6. Useful Resources

• Leopalace21: https://www.leopalace21.com
• GaijinPot Housing: https://housing.gaijinpot.com
• Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com
• Hokkaido Tracks: https://www.hokkaidotracks.com

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By understanding the rental options, costs, and procedures, you can find a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Sapporo. Whether you're visiting for a week or a month, planning ahead and using the right resources will ensure a smooth experience. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city!