Is it Possible to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo for One Month?
Renting an apartment in Tokyo for one month is possible with short-term, furnished housing designed for stays longer than a week, but shorter than a typical long-term lease. These rentals are often called “monthly apartments” and are popular with those who need flexibility and want to avoid the complexity of Japan’s standard rental system.
Short-Term, Not a Standard Lease
Unlike regular apartments in Japan—which usually require a 1–2 year contract, a guarantor, and large upfront fees—one-month rentals are time-limited and flexible. Your stay period is typically fixed at 30 days or longer, with no long-term commitment.
Fully Furnished and Ready to Live In
Most one-month apartments in Tokyo come fully furnished, including:
- Bed, desk, and storage
- Kitchen appliances, refrigerator, and basic cookware
- Washing machine
- Utilities and internet either included or easy to arrange (check what each provider includes)
This lets you move in without buying furniture, although some providers ask you to open the electricity, gas and water accounts yourself.
Designed for Non-Japanese Residents
One-month apartment rentals are often foreigner-friendly, with:
- Simple contracts
- English support
- No Japanese guarantor required in many cases
Monthly rentals are commonly used by business travelers, digital nomads, students, and people relocating to Japan who need temporary housing while searching for a long-term place.
No Long-Term Visa Required
Most one-month apartment rentals do not require a long-term visa. Travelers on tourist visas, business visas, working holiday visas, or student visas can usually apply, as long as they meet basic identity requirements.
No Japanese Guarantor Needed
One of the biggest barriers to renting in Japan is the requirement for a Japanese guarantor. Monthly apartments typically do not require a guarantor, making them accessible to foreigners who have just arrived in Japan.
Simple Documentation
The application process is straightforward. In most cases, you only need:
- A passport
- Basic personal information
- Your planned stay dates
Japanese language ability is usually not required, and many providers offer English-language contracts and support.
Designed for Short-Term Foreign Residents
Monthly apartments are made with short-term residents in mind, so landlords are more flexible about nationality, length of stay, and procedural technicalities. This makes one-month rentals one of the most practical housing options for foreigners staying in Tokyo temporarily.
Overall, renting an apartment in Tokyo for one month is not only possible for foreigners—it is often the easiest and most realistic way to secure private housing for a short stay in the city.
Average Cost of Renting an Apartment in Tokyo for One Month
The cost of renting an apartment in Tokyo for one month varies depending on location, room size, and building type, but monthly rentals are generally more expensive than long-term leases on a per-month basis due to their flexibility and furnished setup.
Typical Price Range
For a one-month stay in Tokyo, most furnished monthly apartments fall within the following range:
- Budget options: ¥120,000–¥160,000 per month
- Mid-range apartments: ¥160,000–¥220,000 per month
- Central Tokyo or larger units: ¥220,000–¥300,000+ per month
Apartments closer to major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station tend to be at the higher end of the range.
Why Monthly Rentals Cost More Than Regular Apartments
While a standard long-term apartment in Tokyo may have a lower base rent, moving itself often requires high upfront costs such as deposits, key money, agent fees, and utility setup. Monthly apartments eliminate these expenses, which is why they are often more cost-effective for stays of one month despite the higher monthly rate.
In summary, renting an apartment in Tokyo for one month typically costs more upfront than long-term housing, but offers simplicity, predictability, and convenience—key advantages for those staying short term in Tokyo and Japan. For rent levels by neighborhood, see our average rent in Tokyo guide.
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Best Areas in Tokyo for One-Month Apartment Rentals
Choosing the right area in Tokyo for a one-month stay depends on your purpose of visit, commute needs, and budget. Monthly apartments are widely available across the city, but some areas are especially popular with short-term foreign residents.
Shinjuku and Shibuya
Shinjuku and Shibuya are among the most convenient areas for short stays. They offer excellent train access, vibrant city life, and a wide range of restaurants and shops. These areas are ideal for first-time visitors who want to fully experience central Tokyo, though rent tends to be higher.
Tokyo Station and Central Areas
Neighborhoods around Tokyo Station and Ginza are popular with business travelers. These areas provide easy access to office districts via major public transit, including the Shinkansen and airports, making them practical for short-term professional stays.
Ikebukuro and Ueno
Ikebukuro and Ueno offer a good balance of affordability and accessibility. Both areas are well-connected by multiple train and subway lines, and often have more reasonably priced monthly apartments compared to the more central districts.
Residential Areas with Good Train Access
Areas slightly outside the city center, such as Nakano, Kichijoji, and parts of Setagaya, are popular with longer one-month stays. These neighborhoods offer a quieter living environment while still providing easy access to central Tokyo within 20–30 minutes by train.
For one-month apartment rentals, the best area is often one that combines direct train access, reasonable rent, and everyday convenience, rather than simply being in the city center.
Monthly Apartments vs Other Short-Term Housing Options in Tokyo
When staying in Tokyo for one month, there are several short-term housing options available. Monthly apartments are often chosen because they offer the best balance of cost, comfort, and flexibility compared to other alternatives.
Monthly Apartments
Monthly apartments are designed specifically for stays of one month or longer. They are fully furnished and private. Some include utilities and internet in the rent, while others bill them separately, so compare the total monthly cost. Compared to hotels, they offer more space and a home-like environment, making them suitable for work and daily living.
Hotels
Hotels are easy to book and widely available, but they are usually the most expensive option for a one-month stay. Limited space, lack of kitchen facilities, and higher daily rates make hotels less practical for longer stays.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
Airbnb-style rentals can be an option, but availability in Tokyo is limited due to regulations. Prices vary widely, and quality is inconsistent. Long stays may also require separate utility payments or cleaning fees.
Weekly Apartments
Weekly apartments are similar to monthly apartments but are priced for shorter stays. While flexible, they often cost more per day and are less cost-effective for a full month compared to monthly rentals. If you only need a week or two, see our guide to weekly apartments in Tokyo.
Overall, for a stay of a month or longer in Tokyo, monthly apartments offer the most predictable pricing. They also have fewer restrictions and better living conditions than other short-term housing options.
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Why XROSS HOUSE Is a Popular Choice for One-Month Apartment Rentals in Tokyo
XROSS HOUSE rents furnished apartments in Tokyo to foreign residents, with a minimum stay of one month. Each apartment comes with a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, air conditioner, desk and storage (equipment varies slightly by property), so you can start living there from day one.
- Short commitment: the minimum stay is one month. To leave, give one month's notice, and there is no early termination penalty.
- Any visa status: students, working holiday participants, employees and tourist (short-term stay) visa holders can all apply.
- Online from abroad: you can view rooms online and sign the contract online before you arrive. Move-in is possible from about 7 days after you apply.
- Clear move-in costs: a flat registration fee instead of a deposit and an agency fee.
You do not need a personal guarantor in Japan. For an individual contract, you normally join a rent guarantee company instead, and its initial and monthly guarantee fees are charged separately from the move-in costs. If you pay everything from the move-in costs to the move-out costs in one lump sum when you move in, joining a guarantee company is not required.
Utilities work in one of two ways, and you choose before moving in. Either the electricity, gas and water contracts are in your name and a partner company opens them for you at no charge, with support in several languages, or you take our flat-rate utility plan, where XROSS HOUSE holds the contracts and you pay one fixed amount each month. Internet is arranged separately, for example with our mobile Wi-Fi rental for residents. When you leave, a fixed move-out administration fee applies, and it is shown in your estimate before you sign.
What Makes XROSS HOUSE Different
- Experience with foreign residents: more than 50,000 people have lived in our properties, in 11 prefectures across Japan.
- Free moves between our properties: if your plans change, you can move to another XROSS HOUSE property, even in another prefecture, with no moving fee from us and no new move-in fee. If you joined a guarantee company, it re-screens you and charges its own fee.
- Coming back later: if you return within one year of moving out, the move-in fee is waived.
- Help in your language: our team answers in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and more, from your first question to move-out.
| Option for one month in Tokyo | Minimum stay | Kitchen and laundry | Upfront costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | 1 night | Rarely | None, but the highest total for 30 nights |
| Weekly apartment | About 1 week | Usually | Cleaning fee; higher daily rate |
| Monthly apartment (general) | About 1 month | Yes | Varies by provider |
| XROSS HOUSE furnished apartment | 1 month | Yes | Flat registration fee; no deposit or agency fee |
| Standard lease | Usually 2 years | Unfurnished | Key money, deposit, agency fee and furniture |
For a wider comparison of stay lengths, read our guide to short-term rentals in Japan.
FAQ: Renting an Apartment in Tokyo for One Month
Can I rent an apartment in Tokyo for exactly one month?
Yes. Monthly apartments in Tokyo are built for stays of about one month or longer, so a single month is a normal booking rather than a special request. At XROSS HOUSE the minimum stay is one month, and you can extend month by month instead of signing a two-year lease.
How much does a one-month apartment in Tokyo cost?
For a furnished monthly apartment, most budgets fall between about ¥120,000 and ¥300,000 a month, depending on the area, the size and whether utilities are included. Central areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo Station sit at the top of that range. Add the move-in fee, so compare the total cost for your whole stay, not only the monthly rent.
Is a monthly apartment cheaper than a hotel for a month in Tokyo?
Usually, yes. A hotel charges a nightly rate, so 30 nights adds up quickly, and you rarely get a kitchen or a washing machine. A monthly apartment gives you more space and lets you cook, which also cuts your food costs.
Which area of Tokyo is best for a one-month stay?
It depends on where you need to be each day. Shinjuku and Shibuya suit first-time visitors, the Tokyo Station area suits business trips, and Ikebukuro, Ueno or Nakano offer lower rent with fast train access. Pick a place on a direct train line to your office or school.
What documents do I need to rent a monthly apartment in Tokyo?
At XROSS HOUSE you need your passport, a photo of your face, an emergency contact in your home country and your basic personal details. The same list applies to every visa status, including tourist (short-term stay) visas. How long you may stay in Japan is decided by your visa, so check that with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or your embassy.
Do I need a guarantor for a one-month apartment in Tokyo?
Not a personal guarantor. At XROSS HOUSE an individual contract normally uses a rent guarantee company, with initial and monthly guarantee fees charged separately. If you pay all costs from move-in to move-out in one lump sum at the start, you do not need to join a guarantee company.
How soon can I move in after applying?
At XROSS HOUSE you can move in from about 7 days after you apply. You can also apply about one month before your move-in date without paying rent for the empty period, which helps if you are arranging housing from overseas.
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Summary: Monthly Apartments in Tokyo
For stays of a month or longer, renting an apartment in Tokyo on a monthly basis is a practical and flexible housing option for many foreigners. Monthly apartments offer furnished rooms, simple contracts, and predictable costs without the requirements of long-term leases. For short through mid-term stays that require comfort and convenience, services like XROSS HOUSE provide an easy and reliable solution for living in Tokyo on a one-month basis.
