What are monthly apartments? Why are they popular in Tokyo?

Monthly apartments are furnished, appliance-equipped properties for short-term stays that can be rented without a deposit, key money, or guarantor. In Tokyo's cities, wards, towns, and villages, they are chosen for a variety of purposes, such as for business trips, temporary housing, and student use, and are supported as a more flexible and convenient way of living than renting. There are also an increasing number of properties that offer weekly accommodation and campaigns, and their great appeal is that they are easy to search for and you can start living there immediately.

Differences and advantages from renting (no deposit, key money, guarantor, etc.)

A monthly apartment is a home that comes with furniture and appliances and is rented out for short-term stays of one week to several months. Unlike regular rental properties, a deposit, key money, or guarantor is often not required, and the biggest advantage is that there are many room types that you can move into immediately.

Furthermore, in many properties in Tokyo, internet and utility fees are often included in the rent, significantly reducing the initial burden of living in a new home. This is an attractive feature as it saves time and money as you don't need to purchase furniture and appliances every time you move.

Recently, there has been an increase in properties that offer weekly accommodation or campaigns for corporations, and they are attracting attention as a good value option for living. In particular, by using search sites, you can smoothly receive information on room facilities and rental conditions that suit your purpose and conditions, and efficiently search for property information.

Reasons why it is popular for short-term stays, temporary housing, and business trips

In Tokyo, the need for short-term stays due to business trips, transfers, and single-person transfers is increasing year by year. Monthly apartments are larger than hotels and come equipped with facilities such as kitchens and washing machines, and are considered to be comfortable even for long-term stays.

In addition, they are flexible enough to accommodate temporary housing during renovations or for those taking exams or entering higher education, making them ideal for those who want to quickly set up their living environment. Recently, services have emerged that offer flexible plans that can be selected according to the length of time, from weekly to monthly, and the options are expanding.

In popular areas of Tokyo, there are many monthly apartments with convenient furniture and appliances within walking distance of stations, and the number of searches tends to be very high. Some management companies have established a reliable management system in the form of a corporation, and they are popular with a wide range of generations as a home that combines ease of living with ease of contracting.

Search for monthly apartments in Tokyo by popular area

When searching for a monthly apartment in Tokyo, it is important to consider the location and the characteristics of the train line. Properties close to major stations tend to be highly convenient, while properties in the suburbs tend to have lower rents. Property trends by city, ward, town, or village, and differences in accessibility by train line are also important factors to consider when making a decision.

In this chapter, we will introduce the characteristics of each area and train line, and explain the key points to look for when finding the perfect property in Tokyo.

Features of properties near major stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro

If you are looking for a monthly apartment in central Tokyo, the first places to look are the major areas such as Shinjuku Ward, Shibuya Ward, and Toshima Ward (Ikebukuro). These areas are also popular for short-term stays due to their good accessibility and convenience. For example, around Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station, there are plenty of furnished and appliance-equipped weekly and monthly apartments within a five-minute walk from the station. There are also convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, ward-run facilities, and commercial buildings in the surrounding area, so you can start your life in Tokyo with peace of mind even if it is your first time living there.

In addition, the area centered on Ikebukuro Station is a crossroads for multiple train lines, making it easy to travel to various parts of Tokyo. It is also easily accessible from neighboring wards such as Chiyoda Ward, Bunkyo Ward, and Taito Ward, making it popular with students and people who are working away from home. Another feature is that it is easy to find affordable properties available for immediate occupancy and plans currently on sale.

The appeal of suburban areas such as Hachioji, Fuchu, and Machida

If you are looking for a relatively calm environment within Tokyo, we recommend suburban areas such as Hachioji, Fuchu, Machida, Kokubunji, and Chofu. In particular, cities such as Mitaka, Koganei, and Tachikawa are popular with families as they are easy to live in, with nature and urban functions coexisting.

In these areas, rent prices are kept low, and many properties have spacious floor plans and separate parking spaces, bathrooms, and toilets, making them excellent value for money. Even within 20 minutes of a station, there are plenty of properties that combine convenience and safety, such as those equipped with Wi-Fi, auto-locking systems, and elevators. Quiet and rich in nature, these areas are also suitable for teleworking and remote learning, so it is worth considering options in the suburbs, such as Hamura City and Kiyose City.

Search by line: Yamanote Line, Keio Line, Yurakucho Line, etc.

When searching for a property, it is important to consider not only "which area to live in" but also "which train line is convenient." Urban properties are concentrated along the Yamanote Line, and there are many locations that are convenient for business trips and sightseeing.

Meanwhile, along the Keio Line, Yurakucho Line, Toei Mita Line, Hibiya Line, and Marunouchi Line, you can find cheap monthly rental properties that balance the city center and suburbs. For example, there are many affordable and liveable areas along the lines of Oji Station (Kita Ward), Shinagawa Station, and Adachi Ward. Recently, many property search sites have a "search by line" function and a list display with transfer information, making it possible to efficiently search for monthly apartments along your desired commute route. We also recommend using the map search and site map on the top page, which can be searched from a smartphone or PC.

Weekly contracts are also available! Flexible contract styles are appealing

Tokyo's monthly apartments also have a wide selection of "weekly properties" that can be rented in units of one week. These properties offer a high degree of freedom in terms of the period of use, making them a great option for sudden business trips or temporary housing. There are also services that clearly state how to respond to requests and cancellations, making them a great option for people who change their plans frequently.

Here, we will take a closer look at the estimated fees for each contract period and the differences in contract methods.

Is it possible to rent for as little as one week? Estimated rental period and fees

Many monthly apartments can also be used as weekly apartments, and you can sign a lease for as little as one week (7 days). They are popular because they can accommodate short-term stays, are more spacious than hotels, and come equipped with furniture and appliances, making them easy to live in. Prices vary depending on the property, location, and time of year, but in Tokyo the average is around 20,000 to 50,000 yen per week. In many cases, utility fees such as electricity, water, gas, and internet are included, so you can use them without worrying about additional costs.

Furthermore, if you take advantage of the low-cost plans available during campaigns, you may be able to significantly reduce the daily cost. If you are concerned about cost, we recommend narrowing down your search to properties within 10 minutes of the station, with Wi-Fi, and available for immediate occupancy.

Property information sometimes includes specific prices such as "from 500 yen/day," making it easy to compare prices.

What is the difference between weekly and monthly?

The main difference between weekly and monthly plans is the length of the contract period and the fee structure. Weekend plans are designed for short-term use, and generally have a fee structure that includes cleaning fees and common area fees.

On the other hand, monthly plans, which are contracts for one month or more, tend to have cheaper monthly fees and may be subject to corporate contracts or long-term campaigns. Large companies operated by corporations offer a wide range of such plans, which are also suitable for business use and teleworking.

Recently, an increasing number of services have introduced flexible contract styles, such as the ability to change from weekly to monthly contracts, as well as instant booking and chat-based inquiry support on their websites, making contracting experiences easier and more comfortable.

Furniture and appliances included, ready to move in! Check out the popular facilities

It is standard for monthly apartments in Tokyo to come equipped with furniture and appliances. The convenience of being able to move in with just one suitcase is the reason why many people choose them.

In this chapter, we will introduce the specific facilities that are provided and the popular conditions that make them convenient and safe.

Basic facilities of the property (fridge, washing machine, bed, etc.)

The appeal of monthly apartments with furniture and appliances is that they offer comfortable rooms that allow you to start living immediately from the day you move in.

Basically, the apartment comes fully equipped with a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, bed, TV, table, etc., and may be offered as a set plan that also includes bedding and cooking utensils.

This means that you don't have to go to the trouble of buying appliances or waiting for delivery when you move, and it is flexible enough to accommodate sudden job transfers, training, and short-term stays. In addition, the details of the facilities are often listed in the information section of the property page, and it is common to check the posted information before making a selection. Many sites support search filters for "properties with facilities," so you can narrow down your search by the type of furniture and appliances you need, such as 1LDK or compact rooms, and so on.

Free Wi-Fi, auto-locking, and other convenient and safe facilities

In recent years, an increasing number of monthly apartments are equipped with free Wi-Fi and security features such as auto-locks and security cameras as standard features in addition to basic amenities. These are often found on women-only floors and in properties that are suitable for teleworking, providing a safe and secure living environment.

Furthermore, they are equipped with facilities to support a comfortable life for a longer period of time, such as delivery boxes, bathroom dryers, separate sinks, toilets, and bathrooms, and are popular with people who value comfort, cleanliness, and privacy. Each property has different requirements, such as non-smoking rooms and no pets, so it is a good idea to choose one that suits your needs. By choosing from the perspectives of "convenience" and "peace of mind," you can avoid stress and trouble during your stay and have a richer living experience.

Take advantage of campaigns and discount plans to save money

Tokyo's monthly apartments offer a wide range of campaigns that can reduce initial costs and low-cost plans for long-term contracts. For customers who are particularly concerned about cost, choosing a campaign property that meets your requirements can make it possible to live more reasonably than you could ever imagine.

What are the campaigns that can reduce initial costs?

Many monthly apartments have limited-time promotions where the deposit, key money, and brokerage fees are all free. This reduces the initial costs by tens of thousands of yen, making it a great benefit for short-term tenants, students, and people living alone.

There are also long-term stay campaigns such as "one month's rent free if you stay for a certain number of months or more," and if you choose wisely, you can find properties that cost as little as 500 yen per day. By using the search site's condition filtering function, you can efficiently find properties that meet the following criteria: "on sale," "0 yen initial cost," "under 500 yen," "1LDK type," etc.

Competition is particularly fierce in popular areas, such as within a 10-minute walk of a station in one of the 23 wards, and properties with low prices are first come, first served. We recommend that you carefully check the displayed conditions and overview and make inquiries early.

Benefits for corporate contracts and long-term users

When using monthly apartments for corporate business trips or training, choosing a property that accepts corporate contracts can provide various benefits, such as simplified contract procedures, room-by-room contracts or bulk bookings for multiple rooms, and monthly invoices.

In addition, many properties offer discounts on rent for long-term stays of three months or more, making it more economical and comfortable than staying in a hotel. Properties that cater to corporations in particular have a dedicated support system operated by a joint-stock company, making it a safe choice for business people.

Even for individual tenants, there may be "long-term discounts," "extension benefits," "flexible contract periods," and other benefits, so it's important to compare conditions before making your selection. If you want to get the best deal possible, check how to read the rent display and the details of the fee structure, and make sure to check the contract contents and payment terms.

The process for moving in and key points for searching properties

If you are looking for a monthly apartment in Tokyo, it is important to first understand how to search and the process for signing a contract. The process is simpler than a regular rental, but there are some points to know in advance to give you peace of mind.

This chapter explains the basic steps from property search to moving in.

How to search on the site and narrow your search criteria

You can easily find a monthly apartment by using a dedicated search site. Many sites allow you to specify the area, train line, station name, rent, layout, facilities, and other details, allowing you to efficiently narrow down the properties that fit your lifestyle and desired conditions.

For example, conditions such as "Free Wi-Fi," "Auto-lock," "Furniture and appliances included," and "Separate toilet and bathroom" are particularly popular, so it's useful to check these in the search filters. In addition, it is also effective to narrow down your search by conditions such as "Available for immediate occupancy" and "Campaign in progress." Another point is that you can select detailed conditions according to your purpose of use, such as "Weekly accommodation," "Corporate contracts available," "1LDK," "4 minutes or less from the station," and "10 minutes or less commuting distance."

You can also narrow your search to popular cities, wards, towns, and villages such as Ota Ward, Shinagawa Ward, Setagaya Ward, and Nakano Ward.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of dedicated apps that allow you to search and inquire from your smartphone, making it easy to search for properties in your spare time. The list display of search results and the property details are also easy to read, making it easy to use even for first-time users.

Is it safe without a viewing? From inquiry to contract

It is common for people to sign a contract and move into a monthly apartment without viewing the property. Especially for weekly or short-term contracts of less than one month, the mainstream style is to choose a room by referring to photos, facility overviews, and reviews.

Once you find a property that interests you, you can contact them using the inquiry form or phone number on the site to check availability and terms of the contract. Next, submit your identification and application form to proceed with the contract procedure.

In recent years, online contracts and electronic signatures have become more common, and some properties even allow you to hand over the keys online without meeting the person in person. We also cater to people who are moving to Tokyo from far away, and to companies who have a representative from a corporation handle the contract on your behalf. To give first-time users peace of mind, we recommend choosing a property with a clear management structure and a company with a reputation for politely handling inquiries even after signing a contract.

If you are unsure, be sure to read the FAQ section and terms of use.

Find the Tokyo monthly apartment that's right for you

There are many different types of monthly apartments in Tokyo, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs. By organizing your budget, period, area, layout, and preferences, you can find a home that you can live in comfortably. In this section, we will introduce tips on how to choose and recommended property types for each purpose.

Tips for choosing based on desired conditions (budget, period, area)

The first thing you should consider when choosing a monthly apartment is what is important to you.

For example, if you want to keep costs as low as possible, it is effective to choose suburban areas (such as Nerima, Itabashi, and Kita) or low-cost plans that are on sale. On the other hand, if you value convenience for commuting to work or school, it is ideal to look for properties with good conditions, such as those along the Toei Mita, Hibiya, and Marunouchi lines, and within an 8-minute walk from the station.

Additionally, the structure and travel time are also important criteria, such as 1LDK or one-room apartments, and whether the distance from the station is 4 or 6 minutes. Since the fee structure differs depending on the contract type, such as weekly contract, monthly fixed fee, or corporate support, be sure to search using specific conditions such as "recently built," "separate bathroom and toilet," "elevator available," and "non-smoking property." Using the smartphone-compatible search site, you can quickly find a room that meets your needs by using the narrowing down function from the list of conditions, transfer search, and map display functions.

Recommended property types for different purposes: business trips, students, temporary housing...

For business trips and training, monthly apartments that are available for corporate contracts and long-term use are perfect. Properties in business areas such as Ota, Chiyoda, and Shinagawa are particularly well-suited for teleworking, with internet access, desks, and quiet locations. Students and those preparing for exams should consider student areas and cities and towns with easy commutes, such as Bunkyo, Toshima, Suginami, and Nakano. Properties with furniture, utilities, and free Wi-Fi are popular with students who want to keep living costs down. There are also many properties that are women-only, have auto-locks, and have security cameras, making them ideal for crime prevention.

For those looking for temporary housing or preparing to move, properties with no deposit or key money, flexible contract periods, and immediate occupancy are convenient. Properties with minimalist facilities, non-smoking policies, and temporary luggage storage services are also popular. Some management companies offer reasonable plans where you can rent bedding for an additional 500 yen.

Summary | Now is the time to choose a monthly apartment in Tokyo

As we have seen, monthly apartments in Tokyo are extremely diverse in terms of location, facilities, and contract terms. In this day and age, where you can find the perfect property for your purpose, from short-term to long-term, business use, temporary housing, and student use, it is key to check the latest information and act early.

There is a growing demand for properties that come with furniture and appliances and are ready to move in.

There are an increasing number of cases where people suddenly need a place to live due to business trips, job transfers, temporary housing, etc. In this situation, properties that come with furniture and appliances, are available for immediate occupancy, have flexible contract periods, and do not require a security deposit or key money, are now essential options. In Tokyo, properties that offer both weekly and monthly rentals are appearing one after another, mainly in popular areas near stations such as Chuo Ward, Sumida Ward, Koto Ward, Shinagawa, Akihabara Station, and Ikebukuro Station. In particular, there are many websites that make it easy to search by line, such as the Hibiya Line, Marunouchi Line, and Toei Mita Line, making it easy to find a property that meets your requirements.

In addition, the all-in-one pricing system, which includes free internet, utilities included, non-smoking, separate toilet and bathroom, elevator, etc., is also gaining popularity. The fact that monthly living costs can be clearly calculated is the reason why it is supported by many users.

Narrow your search criteria to find the property that's right for you

When searching for a property, organizing your objectives and priorities in advance, such as the upper and lower limits of rent, floor plan (e.g. 1LDK or studio), walking distance (e.g. 3 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes), etc., will lead to more efficient searches. In addition, by utilizing the site's filters for specific conditions, such as campaigns, 500 yen bedding options, non-smoking rooms, immediate occupancy, women only, corporate contracts accepted, and reviews, it will be easier to find your ideal home.

The search function has also evolved year by year, with transfer information, map display, area list, line list, and city/ward/town/village display.

You can easily check it from your smartphone, so you can gather information even when you're on the move or in your free time. If you're starting a new life in Tokyo, start with a monthly apartment. You're sure to find a room that's "ready to move in right away," "low cost," and "equipped with comfortable facilities." Start your search now and find the property that's right for you.

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