Accommodation in Japan
For first time visitors, it can be very difficult to find accommodation in Japan. The questions most students will be asking when choosing the accommodation are:
- What types of accommodation are there in Japan?
- How far is to school?
- What type of rooms are there?
- Do I have privacy?
- What facilities does each room have?
- Are there any meals included?
- How much is the rent?
- Do I need to pay for the utilities on top of the rent?
- How safe is the accommodation?
Below is a brief guide to student accommodations in Japan. Hope it can help answer some of your questions.
Student Hall of residence
School-owned hall of residence The residences are for all the students studying at that school. They are located either within walking distance or 30 minutes train commuting distance. Schools with halls of residence are very limited in Japan and are very popular with the students. The residence is divided between men and women by floors. Ladies only residences are also available. You can either choose to share or have your own room. The kitchens and bathrooms are shared among students. Ensuite rooms are also available in some residences. |
Single Ensuit, Single, Twin, Triple
Bed with Mattress, Desk and Chair, Closet, Shelves, Air Condition, Fridge Shared Lounge, Kitchen, Bathroom, Toilet, Washing Machine No Autolock door with a key. House managers and security onsite. CCTV. Starting from ¥76,000 for 4-week twin room inc Electricity, Gas, Water, WiFi
Tip: Cheaper rates apply when booking for a longer period, for all room types. |
Corporate-owned hall of residence The residences are for both Japanese and international students. There are many residences around Tokyo and are near the Universities. The residence is divided between men and women by floors. Ladies only residence are also available. The rooms are all single ensuite. A large kitchen is shared among students. Breakfast and dinner are provided in some residences. Great news for those who are not too keen on cooking, it’s the perfect place for you. You will no longer have to live on pot noodles! |
Single Ensuit
Bed with Mattress, Desk and Chair, Closet, Shelves, Air Condition, Fridge, Internal-phone, Shoe-shelf Shared Lounge, Kitchen, Washing Machine Breakfast + Dinner starting from ¥22,000 per month inc VAT. Autolock door with a key. House managers and security onsite 24/7. CCTV. Starting from ¥68,000 per month inc Electricity, Gas, Water, WiFi
Tip: The further away from central Tokyo, the cheaper the rent is. |
Homestay
The student would be living with a Japanese family and live as part of the family. You can learn Japanese culture and experience the Japanese way of living. You will be able to communicate with the family in English, so you will not at all feel isolated. You will have your own room and share a dining/sitting room, bathroom with the family. You can choose to have Breakfast and Dinner or Breakfast only. There are plenty of opportunities to taste the real Japanese homemade cuisines. |
Single
Bed with Bedding, Desk and Chair, Closet, Air Condition Shared Dining/Sitting room, Kitchen, Bathroom, Toilet, Washing Machine Breakfast and Dinner or Breakfast only Autolock door with a key. The family is your main contact 24/7. Starting from ¥15,000 per week with Breakfast only, inc Electricity, Gas, Water, WiFi
Tip: A great experience for both young and mature students. Short stays up to 12 weeks. |
Shared House
The house is shared by Japanese and International students and professional people. A great environment for making friends with people from various backgrounds. You will have your own room. The bathrooms and toilets are allocated to each floor. All the facility is provided, so all you need is to move in and start the living. |
Single
Bed with Mattress, Desk and Chair, Closet, Air Condition, Fridge, TV, Allocated shoe shelf and Kitchen shelf Shared Lounge, Kitchen, Bathroom, Toilet, Washing Machine No Code entry. House managers visit by rotation. CCTV. Starting from ¥45,000 per month inc Electricity, Gas, Water, WiFi
Tip: Cheaper rates apply when booking for a longer period. |
Serviced Apartment
It is a fully furnished studio with fitted kitchen, and you will have total privacy. Located in the city centre, so that restaurants, shops and transport links are within walking distance. With just your suitcase, move in and start living. |
Single Ensuite with Mini Kitchen
Bed with Bedding, Desk and Chair, Closet, Air Condition, Cookware, Tableware, Microwave, TV Shared Washing Machine No Autolock door with intercom. The service provider is your main contact 24/7. Starting from ¥25,000 per week inc Electricity, Gas, Water, WiFi
Tip 1: Cheaper rates apply for a longer period in some apartments. Tip 2: There are serviced apartments advertised on worldwide online accommodation services. However, you may find that there are more apartments advertised on Japanese accommodation providers. Therefore, it is advisable to book through those accommodation providers in Japan. They often offer special deals by season. |
Private Apartment
The apartment is an unfurnished studio, and you will have total privacy. Unfurnished means that you will need to provide your own furnishings such as bed and furniture. You will also need electrical appliances such as Gas/HI cooker, fridge, washing machine, AC and TV. |
Single Ensuite with Kitchen
May have Air Condition No sharing No Autolock door with intercom. The estate agent/landlord is your main contact 24/7. Starting from approx ¥60,000 per month.
Tip 1: Many Japanese students live in an unfurnished studio. So looking around the University town is the way to find one at a reasonable price. Tip 2: The further away from big cities and the station, the cheaper the rent is. It may be cheaper to rent a bigger apartment with your friends to share the cost. Tip 3: Electrical appliances and furniture can be purchased at second-hand shops. Japanese students often give away used items at the end of their studies. Items are usually in good condition and are sold at a reduced price. |
Pathway Japan has loads of information and more tips on accommodation in Japan. You are always welcome to contact us and ask any questions.