When staying in Japan, choosing between a hotel, a monthly apartment, or a rental apartment depends on factors such as the length of stay, location, and whether you have any roommates. This article will introduce the characteristics of each option based on the duration of your stay.

 

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Short Stays (Less than One Month): Hotels and Airbnb

Characteristics of Hotel Stays

Comfort and Convenience

Staying at hotels in Japan provides comfort and convenience, offering amenities such as daily housekeeping, room service, and often on-site restaurants. Additionally, facilities typically include towels, shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, and more. They are usually situated near major attractions and transportation hubs, making them ideal for tourists. They are usually situated near major attractions and transportation hubs, making them ideal for tourists.

Diverse Options

Japan boasts a wide array of hotel choices, ranging from luxurious five-star accommodations to budget-friendly business hotels, catering to various preferences and budgets.

Airbnb

Local Experience

With Airbnb, you can stay in distinctive, often residential properties, offering a more immersive local experience. This ranges from traditional Japanese houses (machiya) to contemporary apartments.

Flexibility

Airbnb accommodations often offer more kitchen facilities and spacious living areas compared to hotel rooms (though this varies by property), providing flexibility, especially for families or groups.

＊In hotels (excluding some extended-stay hotels) and Airbnb, you cannot obtain a resident registration.

Medium Stays (One Month to Less Than One Year): Monthly Apartments and Serviced Apartments

The appeal lies in the absence of initial costs such as key money or brokerage fees typically required for long-term contracts, as well as the lack of income screening. Additionally, with furniture, appliances, and internet included, one can immediately start living upon arrival.

Minimal upfront and exit costs, along with the absence of detailed contracts typically required in conventional leases, and the provision of furniture and appliances are common features. Guarantors are often unnecessary. However, the monthly rent may be higher compared to long-term apartment rentals.

Additionally, long-term apartment rentals may incur maintenance fees in addition to rent, while monthly apartment rents may include utilities and internet charges, so it's important to consider the overall cost.

In major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kobe, you can find monthly and serviced apartments that offer English support. In regional cities, however, such English-friendly accommodations are rare, making it challenging to secure non-hotel lodgings from abroad before arriving in Japan.

Furthermore, most monthly and serviced apartments in Japan are designed for single occupants. Two-bedroom or larger units with separate bedrooms are limited and rarely available.

In most cases, both serviced apartments and monthly apartments allow for resident registration.

Monthly Apartments

Cost-Effective

Monthly apartments offer a cost-effective option for stays of a few months. These furnished apartments usually include all the essentials, such as kitchenware, making them a convenient choice for longer stays. Additionally, utilities such as electricity, heating, and internet usage fees are often included in the rent, which is another feature. In most cases, bookings are available for a minimum rental period of one month or longer.

Homely Atmosphere

Choosing a monthly apartment provides a homely atmosphere where you can cook your own meals and experience life more like a local, offering a refreshing change from hotel accommodation.

Serviced Apartments

Hotel-Like Amenities

Serviced apartments combine the benefits of an apartment with the services of a hotel. They often include housekeeping, front desk service, and sometimes even amenities like gyms and pools. They also includes utilities such as electricity, heating, and internet usage fees in the rent, which is also a characteristic feature.

Ideal for Business Travelers

These are perfect for business travelers who need a comfortable place to stay for several months, providing both the space of an apartment and the services typically associated with hotels.

Long Stays (One Year or More): Rental Apartments

For long-term stays, conventional leases are generally more cost-effective. There are properties available both furnished and unfurnished, and in some cases, appliances may be included. When considering only the rent, long-term contracts are typically more economical compared to short-term ones.

Additionally, long-term leases offer several benefits, such as the ability to bring in furniture from overseas or purchase new items you like, allowing you to use and arrange your interior as you wish. You only pay for the utilities you use, and there is a wider selection of larger properties compared to short-term rentals.

Furnished Rental Apartments

Ready to Move In

Furnished rental apartments come fully equipped with all the necessary furniture and appliances, allowing you to move in with only your personal belongings. This is ideal for expatriates or long-term visitors who wish to avoid the hassle of buying furniture.

Flexible Leases

These apartments often offer flexible lease agreements, accommodating the needs of international residents who may not have fixed long-term plans.

Unfurnished Rental Apartments

Customization

Unfurnished apartments provide the opportunity to tailor your living space to your preferences. This is ideal for individuals planning an extended stay in Japan and seeking to create a personalized living environment.

Lower Monthly Costs

Although the initial setup costs may be higher due to the need to purchase furniture and appliances, the monthly rent for unfurnished apartments is generally lower compared to furnished ones. Some properties may come with appliances already installed.

Additionally, in the case of long-term rentals, it is often stipulated in the lease agreement that if you terminate the contract within the first year, you must pay a penalty equivalent to one month's rent for early termination. Therefore, long-term rental properties are recommended for those planning to stay for more than a year.

Utilities

For standard long-term rental properties, utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are not included in the rent. Therefore, you only pay for what you use, making it cost-effective.

Conclusion

Your choice of accommodation in Japan should be tailored to the duration of your stay and your personal preferences. Hotels and Airbnb are ideal for short stays, offering comfort and local experiences. For medium-term stays, monthly and serviced apartments strike a good balance between cost and convenience. For long-term stays, rental apartments, whether furnished or unfurnished, provide a homely atmosphere and the flexibility required for an extended period. By considering these options, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Japan.