Tokyo

1. Furnished Housing in Tokyo

What It Typically Includes

Furnished housing in Tokyo is designed to be move-in ready and usually includes:

• Furniture: Bed, sofa, dining table, chairs, and storage units.
• Appliances: Refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, air conditioner, and sometimes a TV.
• Kitchenware: Basic utensils, pots, pans, and dishes (in some cases).
• Utilities: Some furnished apartments may include utilities (electricity, water, gas, and internet) in the rent or as an additional fixed fee.
• Bedding: Some furnished apartments provide bedding, though this is less common.

Furnished apartments are often targeted at short-term residents, such as expatriates, students, or business travelers, and are typically available for flexible lease terms (e.g., monthly or quarterly).

Average Costs

Furnished apartments are generally more expensive than unfurnished ones due to the convenience they offer. Here’s a rough estimate of costs:

• Monthly Rent: ¥120,000–¥300,000+ depending on the size, location, and amenities.
• Deposit: Often lower than unfurnished apartments, typically 1–2 months’ rent.
• Key Money: May or may not be required (¥0–¥100,000).
• Service Fees: Some companies charge a service or cleaning fee upon move-in or move-out.

Rental Procedures

1. Search Platforms: Use websites like Sakura House, Oakhouse, or Airbnb for short-term furnished rentals. For longer stays, companies like Leopalace21 specialize in furnished apartments.
2. Documentation: Passport, visa/residence card, and proof of income or guarantor details may be required.
3. Lease Terms: Flexible leases are common, ranging from 1 month to 1 year.
4. Payment: Rent is often paid monthly, and some landlords may require upfront payment for the first month and a deposit.

Cultural/Local Considerations

• Target Audience: Furnished apartments are often marketed to foreigners, so they may be more accommodating to non-Japanese speakers.
• Higher Costs: While convenient, the higher rent may not be ideal for long-term stays.
• Limited Customization: You may not be allowed to make significant changes to the apartment (e.g., hanging pictures or rearranging furniture).

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2. Unfurnished Housing in Tokyo

What It Typically Includes

Unfurnished housing in Tokyo is the standard option for long-term residents and typically includes:

• Bare Essentials: Walls, flooring, and lighting fixtures.
• Appliances: Often only an air conditioner is provided. You’ll need to purchase or rent other appliances like a refrigerator, washing machine, and stove.
• Utilities: Not included in the rent; you’ll need to set up electricity, water, gas, and internet services yourself.

Unfurnished apartments are ideal for those planning to stay long-term and who want to personalize their living space.

Average Costs

Unfurnished apartments are more affordable than furnished ones, but initial setup costs can be high due to the need to purchase furniture and appliances. Here’s a breakdown:

• Monthly Rent: ¥70,000–¥200,000+ depending on size, location, and building age.
• Deposit: Typically 1–2 months’ rent.
• Key Money: A non-refundable "gift" to the landlord, usually 1–2 months’ rent.
• Agency Fee: Often 1 month’s rent (non-refundable).
• Initial Setup Costs: ¥100,000–¥300,000+ for furniture, appliances, and utility setup.

Rental Procedures

1. Search Platforms: Use websites like Suumo, Homes.co.jp, or Real Estate Japan. Real estate agencies are also common.
2. Documentation: Passport, visa/residence card, proof of income, and a guarantor (or guarantor company) are required.
3. Guarantor Requirement: Most landlords require a Japanese guarantor. If you don’t have one, you can use a guarantor company for a fee (usually 50–100% of one month’s rent).
4. Lease Terms: Standard leases are 2 years, with renewal fees (usually 1 month’s rent).
5. Payment: Initial costs can be 4–6 months’ rent upfront (including deposit, key money, and agency fees).

Cultural/Local Considerations

• Long-Term Commitment: Unfurnished apartments are better suited for those planning to stay in Tokyo for at least 1–2 years.
• Customization: You have more freedom to furnish and decorate the space to your liking.
• Language Barrier: Many landlords and real estate agents may not speak English, so it’s helpful to have a Japanese-speaking friend or hire a bilingual agent.
• Tatami Rooms: Some apartments may have traditional tatami mat flooring, which requires specific care and maintenance.

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3. Key Differences Between Furnished and Unfurnished Housing

| Aspect | Furnished | Unfurnished | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Target Audience | Short-term residents, expats, students | Long-term residents, families | | Monthly Rent | Higher | Lower | | Initial Costs | Lower | Higher (due to furniture and appliances)| | Lease Terms | Flexible (1 month–1 year) | Standard (2 years) | | Customization | Limited | Full freedom | | Utilities | Sometimes included | Not included | | Documentation | Simplified | More complex (guarantor required) |

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4. Factors to Consider When Deciding

Duration of Stay

• If you’re staying for less than a year, a furnished apartment is more practical.
• For stays longer than a year, an unfurnished apartment may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Budget

• Furnished apartments have higher monthly rents but lower upfront costs.
• Unfurnished apartments require significant initial investment but offer lower monthly rents.

Lifestyle

• If you prefer convenience and don’t want to deal with buying furniture or setting up utilities, go for a furnished apartment.
• If you want to personalize your space and plan to stay long-term, an unfurnished apartment is a better choice.

Language Skills

• Furnished apartments are often managed by companies that cater to foreigners, making the process easier for non-Japanese speakers.
• Renting an unfurnished apartment may require navigating Japanese-language contracts and communicating with landlords.

Location

• Furnished apartments are often located in central or expat-friendly areas.
• Unfurnished apartments are available throughout Tokyo, offering more variety in location and price.

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5. Tips for Renting in Tokyo

• Hire a Bilingual Agent: If you’re not fluent in Japanese, a bilingual real estate agent can help you navigate the process.
• Understand the Costs: Be prepared for high upfront costs, especially for unfurnished apartments.
• Inspect the Property: Always visit the apartment in person to check its condition and size, as photos can be misleading.
• Negotiate: While rare, some landlords may waive key money or reduce fees if you negotiate.
• Consider Share Houses: If you’re on a tight budget, share houses (e.g., Oakhouse) offer furnished rooms with shared facilities at lower costs.

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By carefully weighing your needs, budget, and duration of stay, you can choose the housing option that best suits your situation in Tokyo. Let me know if you need further assistance!