Short Term Housing Options in Japan for Foreigners

Finding a place to stay in Japan as a foreigner can feel overwhelming, especially if you only need housing for a few weeks or months. Whether you are relocating for work, studying Japanese, or simply exploring life in Japan before committing to a long-term lease, short term housing offers the flexibility and convenience you need. This guide covers every major option available, from monthly apartments to share houses and serviced residences, so you can make an informed decision.

For a broader overview of the housing landscape, check out our complete guide to finding housing in Japan.

Why Short Term Housing Makes Sense for Foreigners

Traditional Japanese rental contracts come with notoriously high upfront costs. Between key money, security deposits, agency fees, and guarantor charges, moving into a standard apartment in Tokyo can easily cost between 990,000 and 2,000,000 yen before you even pay your first month of rent. Short term housing options slash these initial expenses by 75 to 90 percent, with typical move-in costs ranging from just 150,000 to 200,000 yen.

Beyond the financial advantage, short term rentals eliminate many of the barriers that foreigners face. Most do not require a Japanese guarantor, contracts are available in English, and many platforms allow you to complete the entire application process online. If you are still settling into your new life, this flexibility is invaluable. You can learn more about managing your finances during this transition in our banking and finance guide.

Monthly Apartments (Mansuri Manshon)

Monthly apartments, sometimes called weekly mansions or monthly mansions, are the most popular short term housing choice for foreigners in Japan. These are fully furnished, self-contained apartments that you can rent for periods ranging from one month to one year.

What makes monthly apartments stand out is their all-inclusive nature. Most come equipped with a bed, desk, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, air conditioner, and basic kitchen utensils. Utilities and internet fees are typically included in the rent, though some properties set a cap on utility usage and charge extra if you exceed it.

The monthly rent for a furnished short term apartment typically runs 20 to 50 percent higher than an unfurnished long-term lease in the same area. However, when you factor in the dramatically lower upfront costs and the convenience of a fully furnished space, the total expense for stays under one year is almost always lower than a traditional rental. For a detailed breakdown of living expenses, see our cost of living guide.

Popular platforms for monthly apartments include Apartment Japan, Plaza Homes, and wagaya Japan. You can also find helpful comparisons on Living in Nihon's housing guide.

Share Houses and Guest Houses

Share houses are the modern evolution of what were once called gaijin houses. These properties give you a private bedroom within a larger residence, while common areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room are shared with other tenants. They have become multicultural environments where both Japanese and foreign residents live together.

The biggest advantage of share houses is affordability. Monthly rent in Tokyo ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 yen per person for a shared apartment, making them the most budget-friendly option. Many share houses also include utilities in the rent and require minimal deposits.

Guest houses, a closely related option, tend to be older buildings that have been converted into shared living spaces for foreigners. They typically provide a furnished private room with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, and many include free internet. While the buildings may not be the newest, they are generally well-maintained and perfectly functional.

Some of the largest share house operators include Oakhouse, Borderless House, and Bamboo House. For more on living with others in Japan, visit For Work in Japan's housing and living infrastructure guide. If you want to expand your social circle, our guide to making friends in Japan has practical tips.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments sit at the premium end of the short term housing spectrum. These fully furnished units come with hotel-like amenities such as regular cleaning, concierge services, a front desk, and sometimes even a gym or communal lounge. They are most commonly found in major business districts in Tokyo, Osaka, and other large cities.

Monthly rent for serviced apartments ranges from around 200,000 to 500,000 yen or more, depending on the location and size. While significantly more expensive than other options, they are ideal for corporate relocations, executives on assignment, or anyone who values a hassle-free living experience with professional support.

Well-known serviced apartment providers include Oakwood, Fraser Residence, and Blueground. For information on popular neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Minato, read our transportation guide to understand commute options from different areas.

Vacation Rentals and Minpaku

Since Japan legalized private lodging under the Minpaku Law, vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb have become a viable short term option. However, there are important restrictions to know. Properties operating under the Minpaku Law are limited to 180 rental days per year, and they are not intended as permanent housing for visa holders.

Vacation rentals work best for stays of a few days to a few weeks, particularly if you want to experience living in a residential neighborhood rather than a hotel district. Prices vary widely depending on the location, size, and season, but they can be competitive with budget hotels for families or groups. The Japan Guide vacation rental page provides a helpful overview of the current rules.

Comparison of Short Term Housing Options

How to Choose the Right Option

Your ideal short term housing depends on several factors. Consider your budget first. If you need to keep costs low, share houses offer the best value at 50,000 to 100,000 yen per month. If you have a generous relocation package, serviced apartments provide maximum comfort. Monthly apartments hit the sweet spot for most foreigners, offering privacy and convenience at moderate prices.

Next, think about your length of stay. For anything under a month, vacation rentals or serviced apartments may be your only options. For stays of one to twelve months, monthly apartments and share houses give you the best combination of value and flexibility.

Location matters too. Short term housing options are most abundant in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities. If you are moving to Japan for work, prioritize housing near your office or along convenient train lines.

Finally, consider your social preferences. If you want to meet people and practice Japanese, a share house puts you in a built-in community. If you prefer solitude after a long day, a private monthly apartment or serviced apartment is the better fit. For tips on adapting to life in Japan, explore our daily life guide.

Top Platforms for Finding Short Term Housing

Several online platforms cater specifically to foreigners looking for short term housing in Japan. GaijinPot Apartments is one of the most established, with English-language listings and an easy application process. OYO LIFE allows fully online contract signing with no deposit, key money, or commission fees, and you can move in the day after signing.

Other reliable platforms include wagaya Japan, which offers multilingual support, and Best-Estate.jp, Japan's largest foreigner-friendly rental listing site. Matcha also maintains an excellent list of foreigner-friendly rental sites.

For IT professionals considering a move to Japan, Ittenshoku provides career transition resources that can complement your housing search with job placement support.

Tips for a Smooth Move-In

Prepare your documents before you start searching. Most short term housing providers will need a copy of your passport, visa, and sometimes proof of employment or enrollment. Having these ready speeds up the process considerably.

Read the contract carefully, especially regarding early termination. Many monthly apartments operate on a prepaid system where the entire duration's rent is paid upfront. Leaving early may mean forfeiting unused rent. Ask about cancellation policies before signing.

Check utility caps. While most short term rentals include utilities, some set limits. If you run the air conditioner heavily in summer or the heater in winter, you could face extra charges.

Finally, take photos of the apartment when you move in. This protects you from unfair damage claims when you leave. For more practical advice on daily life logistics, visit our complete guide to daily life in Japan.

Conclusion

Short term housing in Japan gives foreigners a flexible, affordable entry point into Japanese life without the burden of traditional lease requirements. Whether you choose a cozy share house for its community atmosphere, a monthly apartment for its balance of privacy and value, or a serviced apartment for premium comfort, there is an option that fits your needs and budget. Start your search early, compare platforms, and do not hesitate to reach out to providers in English. Your perfect temporary home in Japan is waiting.