Thinking about living in Tokyo for a while? If you’re planning on staying for longer than a week or two, you may be wondering what the process is to arrange for long-term accommodations (1–12 months or more). Not to worry! Even if you don’t speak Japanese, there are several companies in Tokyo that can place you in foreign-friendly housing. So read on to find out where you can start your search as well as important advice on WiFi and housing that you may not yet have considered. In this article we cover:
Housing considerations for WiFi
Apartments vs. Guest Houses
List of rental agencies for foreigners
While there is a traditional real estate rental market that most Japanese and many long-term expatriate residents go through to secure accommodation, it can be a time-consuming process that not only requires Japanese fluency, but mandates that one have a guarantor (a sponsor), a Japanese national with good credentials who is willing to sign off on the lease. Not to mention the fact that many landlords will not accept a rental term of less than 2 years! So for those planning to stay for a few months or perhaps even a year, this can be quite inconvenient. There’s also the possibility that if you’re coming to Tokyo on a teaching Visa or a working holiday Visa, that your employer will offer you accommodations, but beware–with these so-called “convenience” contracts often come 12-months of overly inflated prices (e.g., rent, furnishings, utilities, WiFi).
A Warning about Housing with Free WiFi in Tokyo
There are many options out there for you if you’re coming to stay in Tokyo. Once you decide what your budget is, you can begin choosing what kind of living arrangements you prefer. It’s important to note that even in places that offer free WiFi, the quality of your connection may suffer. Typically, the free WiFi available is very poor. This is because budget options such as guest houses and dormitories often have seven or more people using a single WiFi hotspot (often each with multiple devices), causing extremely slow connections and sometimes even outages. Of course, there are variables such as the quality and location of the router, as well as the web-surfing habits of the other housemates, but generally connections are unreliable at best in these housing environments. You also need to consider that if you don’t speak the language you’re basically a lingual fish out of water. Having private access to WiFi in Tokyo is your lifeline for solving day-to-day problems, connecting with friends, and staying sane when you don’t understand what anyone’s saying. We would go so far as to say for foreigners first arriving in Tokyo, having adequate Internet access during your stay is absolutely essential.
Housing in Tokyo: Apartments vs. Guest Houses
If you aren’t looking to sign a long-term lease, the two main options for housing in Tokyo are 1) short-term apartment rentals (often furnished) and 2) guest houses (usually referred to as “share houses” in Japanese).
Tokyo Apartment Rentals Offer Privacy
If you like your privacy, short-term apartments leased out by any of the many Japanese apartment rental companies may be your best option. Such rentals run the gamut from tiny, empty “studio” apartments with a one-burner stove and a small bathroom to palatial three-bedroom “mansion” apartments on the 15th floor of a high-rise condo tower that are fully furnished with luxury furniture and a scenic view of the Tokyo skyline.
Tokyo Guest Houses Offer Social Opportunities
If you’re looking to save money or just want to live in a community, guest houses may be a good choice. They are typically single houses with a number of individual rooms for rent with shared common areas. Some rooms are even set up for multiple people, similar to youth hostels in Europe. Guest houses can be a great way to meet people from all over the world as well as Japanese locals with whom you can form great friendships while exploring Tokyo. What they lack in awesome views is more than made up for by very reasonable prices and the support of the people around you.
Tokyo Apartment Rental Agencies and Guesthouses
Modern Living Tokyo
Modern Living Tokyo uses a “Western” leasing model,” providing beautiful guesthouses/share houses, and apartments in most major areas of Tokyo. All of their Guesthouse rooms are set up like private apartments with locking doors and shared spaces. If you are looking for an English-friendly, flexible leasing system, this is one you should definitely check out.
Minimini
Minimini is a traditional Japanese real-estate agency, but they do offer services in multiple languages including English. If you are planning to stay for quite a while, you will at least be able to communicate with the rental agent in your native language. Keep in mind that they are a traditional Japanese agency, though, and their contracts and policies will reflect that. For those who hope to be plugged in quickly and easily, please take note: Getting Internet service at an apartment or house rented this way will require you to sign separate contracts with both an Internet service provider and the company that provides the actual wire to your apartment, which can take a minimum of a week to install.
Borderless House
Borderless House is a company that offers guest houses around Japan. Their specific focus is on allowing foreigners and Japanese to live together, building global understanding and international community. They require a minimum one-month stay in all properties, but there are no fixed lease terms. For the digitally minded, don’t worry–they provide WiFi in all of the houses.
Sakura House
Sakura House (not to be confused with Sakura Mobile) is a real estate management company that offers flexible housing arrangements in 130 locations across Tokyo. They have guest houses, apartments, and dormitories (just like when you were in school!) and all can be rented for as short a period as one month. All utilities are included in the monthly fee and there is free WiFi available at all properties.
J & F Plaza
J & F Plaza manages guest houses and apartments marketed to foreigners living in the Tokyo area. They have five different guest house locations and both furnished and unfurnished apartments available around Tokyo. All rooms and apartments can be rented for a minimum of one month and have free Internet available.
Plaza Homes
Plaza Homes focuses on luxury rental properties across Tokyo, including prime locations like Hiroo and Minami-Azabu. If looking for a place for you and your family to stay where you will be quite comfortable, Plaza Homes can provide what you are looking for. Though each property is obviously different and you will have to look for one that best meets your needs, one thing remains consistent: Most properties managed by Plaza Homes require a long-term lease. You will also have to arrange for your own Internet service at their properties.
Final Considerations for Housing & WiFi in Tokyo
As mentioned before, access to WiFi in Tokyo is essential to when living in the city as a foreigner; and if you plan to bring your computer, iPad or smartphone, then it’s time to start researching which data options are best for your needs. Also, beware that if you plan to go the route of communal housing WiFi will often be spotty, which can be a nuisance. Lastly, you can’t take your housing WiFi with you once you start exploring the city or during your daily commute to work. Sakura Mobile offers affordable options whether you’re interested in short-term options or monthly plans. Welcome to Japan and Good Luck!
