Where to stay in Tokyo: Hotel vs. Traditional Rental vs. Furnished Apartment
Choosing where to stay in Tokyo is about more than finding a place to sleep. Your accommodation can shape your entire experience of the city, from how comfortably you settle in to how easily you enjoy everyday life.
Whether you're visiting for a few weeks, relocating for work or planning an extended stay, there are three main options to consider: hotels, traditional apartment rentals and furnished apartments.
Each offers a different experience, but which one is right for you?
In this guide, we'll compare their main advantages and considerations to help you find the best accommodation for your stay in Tokyo.
Staying in a Hotel in Tokyo
Hotels are one of the most convenient accommodation options, particularly for short holidays and business trips. With reception services, housekeeping and convenient locations, you can arrive and start exploring without worrying about organising a household.
The advantages
Convenience and services: Many hotels offer housekeeping, reception assistance, luggage storage and additional facilities such as restaurants or gyms.
Great for short stays: You don't need to arrange furniture, appliances or household essentials.
Central locations: Tokyo has hotels throughout popular areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Tokyo Station, making it easy to explore the city.
Things to consider
Hotel rooms, particularly in central Tokyo, can be relatively compact. Kitchen facilities and storage may also be limited, making longer stays less comfortable.
Nightly rates can add up over several weeks or months, depending on the location and season.
Best for: Short holidays, business trips and travellers who prioritise convenience and hotel services.
Renting a Traditional Apartment in Tokyo
If you're planning to live in Tokyo for a longer period, renting a traditional residential apartment may be worth considering.
Unlike hotels, traditional rentals are designed for everyday living. They offer more independence and the opportunity to establish your own routine, but the process often requires more preparation.
The advantages
A space of your own: Enjoy your own kitchen, bathroom and living area, with the freedom to organise your space.
Everyday independence: Having your own facilities makes it easier to cook, work from home and maintain your usual routines.
Suitable for long-term living: Traditional rentals are generally designed for people planning to establish a more permanent home in Japan.
Things to consider
Initial costs
Renting an apartment in Japan can involve several upfront payments in addition to monthly rent, including:
Shikikin (敷金): A security deposit.
Reikin (礼金): A non-refundable payment to the landlord, required by some properties.
Agency fees: A commission paid to the real estate agency.
Guarantor fees: Costs associated with a guarantor or guarantee company.
Other expenses, such as fire insurance and advance rent, may also apply.
Furniture and appliances
Many traditional rental apartments are unfurnished. You'll likely need to purchase essentials such as a bed, sofa, refrigerator and washing machine, which can take time and add to your initial expenses.
Application requirements
The rental process typically involves an application and screening process. Depending on the property, you may need documentation such as a residence card, proof of income, an emergency contact or a guarantor.
Requirements vary, and some landlords have additional conditions for international applicants.
Best for: People planning to settle in Tokyo long term who are comfortable managing the rental process and furnishing their own home.
Staying in a Furnished Apartment in Tokyo
A furnished apartment combines the independence of residential living with the convenience of a move-in-ready space.
Instead of purchasing furniture and setting up a household from scratch, you can move into an apartment that already has the essentials in place.
This makes furnished apartments particularly appealing to people relocating to Tokyo, international professionals, students and anyone planning an extended stay.
The advantages
Move in with the essentials already in place
Depending on the property, furnished apartments may include a bed, sofa, dining furniture, kitchen appliances and everyday household essentials. You can settle in without spending your first days shopping for basic necessities.
A more comfortable everyday routine
With your own living space and kitchen, you can prepare meals, work from home, do laundry and enjoy a more residential experience than a typical hotel room.
Flexibility for different lengths of stay
Depending on the provider, furnished apartments can accommodate both short- and long-term stays. This is particularly useful if you're relocating for work or need somewhere comfortable while making longer-term plans.
A balance between convenience and independence
You get the freedom of having your own home without many of the practical challenges of setting up an unfurnished apartment.
Things to consider
Not all furnished apartments offer the same arrangements, so it's important to check:
Monthly pricing: Rates may be higher than comparable unfurnished rentals, but furniture and appliances can reduce your initial setup expenses.
What's included: Furniture, kitchenware, utilities, internet and cleaning arrangements vary by provider.
Contract conditions: Minimum stays, extensions, deposits and cancellation policies differ between properties.
Best for: People relocating to Tokyo, remote workers, international professionals, students and travellers looking for a comfortable, ready-to-live-in space.
Hotel vs. Traditional Rental vs. Furnished Apartment: At a Glance
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your priorities. Hotels offer convenience, traditional rentals provide a more permanent residential arrangement, and furnished apartments offer a balance of flexibility, comfort and independence.
Find Your Home in Tokyo with SUMII
At SUMII, we believe settling into a new city should feel comfortable and effortless.
We offer all-in pricing for thoughtfully furnished apartments in some of Tokyo's most desirable neighbourhoods, with options for both short- and long-term stays.
Enjoy the independence of your own space, the convenience of a furnished home and the opportunity to experience Tokyo beyond the usual tourist destinations.
Looking for a place to stay in Tokyo that feels like home?
Explore our available apartments at livesumii.com and discover a more comfortable way to stay in the city.
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