Why furnished apartments in Japan are the easiest housing option for foreigners? Everything you need to know – 2026 Complete guide
Moving to Japan is exciting, but finding a place to live can quickly become overwhelming. Between language barriers, guarantor requirements, security deposits, and buying furniture from scratch, renting a traditional apartment isn’t always the easiest option. That’s why furnished apartments in Japan have become one of the most popular housing choices for international students, digital nomads, expatriates, and professionals relocating to the country.
Unlike traditional rentals, furnished apartments allow you to move in almost immediately. Most already include essential furniture, appliances, internet, and sometimes even utilities, making them ideal if you’re arriving from overseas with only a few suitcases.
Whether you’re staying for a semester, a working holiday, or starting a new career in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or anywhere else in Japan, this guide explains everything you need to know before choosing a furnished apartment.
Why furnished apartments in Japan are becoming the first choice for foreigners?
Japan welcomes hundreds of thousands of international residents every year. Students, working holiday participants, researchers, remote workers, and skilled professionals all face the same challenge shortly after arriving: finding accommodation quickly.
Traditional Japanese apartments often require several upfront costs, including:
- Security deposit
- Key money
- Agency fees
- Guarantor
- Furniture purchases
- Utility setup
- Internet installation
These requirements can easily delay your move by several weeks while significantly increasing your initial budget.
Furnished apartments in Japan eliminate many of these obstacles by offering homes that are already ready to live in from day one.
Instead of spending your first weeks shopping for furniture, arranging deliveries, and waiting for internet installation, you can simply unpack your luggage and begin enjoying your new life in Japan.
For foreigners who value convenience and flexibility, that’s a major advantage.
Who should choose furnished apartments in Japan?
Not every renter has the same needs. Fortunately, furnished apartments in Japan are suitable for a wide range of international residents.
International students
Students often arrive just days before classes begin and rarely have time to furnish an apartment from scratch.
A furnished apartment lets them settle in immediately and focus on university life instead of shopping for furniture.
It’s also much easier when returning home after graduation, since there’s nothing to sell before leaving Japan.
Working holiday visa holders
Working holiday participants frequently change cities or jobs during their stay.
Flexible rental periods make furnished apartments an ideal option for this lifestyle.
Digital nomads
Remote workers prioritize convenience, reliable internet, and move-in-ready housing.
Many furnished apartments are designed specifically for this type of tenant.
Professionals relocating to Japan
Employees transferred by multinational companies often need accommodation before deciding where they’ll live permanently.
A furnished apartment provides a comfortable temporary solution while exploring different neighborhoods.
Business travelers
Consultants, researchers, and professionals on medium-term assignments often prefer furnished apartments over hotels because they offer:
- More space
- Greater privacy
- Lower long-term costs
- A real home environment
What is usually included in furnished apartments in Japan?
One of the biggest advantages of furnished apartments in Japan is that everything you need for daily life is already waiting for you. Instead of spending days shopping for furniture or scheduling appliance deliveries, you can settle in immediately after moving in.
While every property is different, most furnished apartments provide all the essentials needed for a comfortable stay.
Bedroom furniture
The bedroom is typically fully equipped, allowing you to sleep comfortably from your very first night.
You’ll usually find:
- Bed frame
- Mattress
- Closet or wardrobe
- Desk
- Chair
- Curtains
- Ceiling lights
- Air conditioner
Some premium apartments may also include bedside tables, additional storage, or a sofa.
Kitchen appliances
Most furnished apartments come with a functional kitchen that’s ready to use.
Common appliances include:
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Electric kettle
- Induction cooktop or gas stove
- Range hood
Some apartments also provide basic cookware and kitchen utensils, although this varies by provider.
Laundry equipment
Buying a washing machine can be both expensive and inconvenient, especially for short-term residents.
Most furnished apartments in Japan already include a washing machine, allowing tenants to do laundry from day one without any additional expense.
Dryers are less common, as many Japanese homes use indoor drying racks or balconies.
Internet and utilities
Internet availability depends on the property.
Many modern furnished apartments now offer:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
Sometimes these services are included in the monthly rent, while in other cases they’re billed separately. Always check what’s included before signing your lease to avoid unexpected costs.
Bedding and household essentials
Not every furnished apartment provides bedding, towels, or kitchenware.
Some providers include:
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Bed sheets
- Plates
- Glasses
- Pots and pans
- Cleaning supplies
Others leave these items for tenants to purchase themselves.
If you’re arriving directly from overseas, it’s worth confirming exactly what’s included so you know what to pack.
The biggest advantages of furnished apartments in Japan
There are many reasons why international residents choose furnished apartments in Japan over traditional rentals. For many newcomers, convenience alone is enough to justify the slightly higher monthly rent.
Move in immediately
The biggest advantage is simplicity.
After landing in Japan, you don’t have to spend several days buying furniture, waiting for deliveries, or setting up utilities. Your apartment is ready as soon as you receive the keys.
This saves valuable time during what is often one of the busiest periods of your relocation.
Save thousands on furniture
Furnishing an empty apartment can quickly become expensive.
Even buying basic items such as a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, desk, and curtains can cost well over ¥200,000.
With furnished apartments in Japan, these expenses are already covered, making your move significantly more affordable.
Lower upfront costs
Many furnished apartments also reduce the amount of money required before moving in.
Depending on the provider, you may benefit from:
- No key money
- Lower deposits
- No furniture purchases
- Fewer installation fees
- Simplified utility setup
For foreigners arriving with a limited budget, reducing initial expenses can make relocating much less stressful.
Flexible lease terms
Traditional apartments often require contracts of two years or longer.
Many furnished apartments offer much greater flexibility, with lease durations ranging from one month to a full year or more.
This makes them ideal for:
- Exchange students
- Working holiday participants
- Interns
- Researchers
- Remote workers
- People relocating before finding permanent housing
Perfect for first-time residents
If you’ve never lived in Japan before, a furnished apartment removes many of the uncertainties associated with renting.
You can focus on settling into your new school, job, or daily routine instead of worrying about buying furniture, arranging internet installation, or navigating unfamiliar utility contracts.
For many foreigners, it’s simply the easiest way to begin a new life in Japan.
How much do furnished apartments in Japan cost?
The cost of furnished apartments in Japan varies depending on several factors, including the city, neighborhood, apartment size, lease duration, and services included in the rent.
In general, furnished apartments have a higher monthly rent than unfurnished apartments. However, they often save you money overall by eliminating large upfront expenses such as buying furniture, paying key money, or setting up utilities.
Here’s a general price range you can expect.
| Apartment type | Average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Small furnished studio | ¥70,000 to ¥120,000 |
| One-bedroom furnished apartment | ¥100,000 to ¥180,000+ |
| Premium furnished apartment | ¥180,000 to ¥300,000+ |
In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, prices are generally higher than in smaller cities. Apartments located close to train stations or business districts also tend to command higher rents.
Although the monthly rent may seem more expensive at first glance, remember to consider the total cost of moving.
For example, renting an unfurnished apartment may require additional expenses such as:
- Purchasing furniture
- Buying household appliances
- Internet installation fees
- Utility setup costs
- Delivery charges
- Furniture disposal costs when moving out
When these costs are taken into account, furnished apartments in Japan are often the more economical option, especially for stays of less than one year.
Furnished apartments vs traditional apartments in Japan
Many foreigners hesitate between choosing a furnished apartment or a traditional Japanese rental. The right choice depends on your budget, the length of your stay, and how much flexibility you need.
Here’s a comparison of the two options.
| Feature | Furnished apartment | Traditional apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Move-in ready | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Furniture included | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Appliances included | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually not |
| Flexible lease | ✅ Often available | ❌ Rare |
| Upfront costs | Lower | Higher |
| Furniture purchase required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best for foreigners | ✅ Excellent | ⚠ Depends on the landlord |
| Best for short-term stays | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Not ideal |
| Best for long-term residents | Good | Excellent |
Traditional apartments can become more cost-effective if you plan to stay in Japan for several years. However, for students, expatriates, and professionals staying for only a few months or one to two years, furnished apartments in Japan usually provide much greater convenience.
If you’re still unsure which option fits your situation, read our complete comparison between traditional and furnished apartments in Japan.
How to find furnished apartments in Japan
Finding furnished apartments in Japan has become much easier in recent years, especially thanks to platforms that specialize in helping international residents.
However, not every listing is equally foreigner-friendly. Before signing a lease, it’s important to understand what services are included and whether the apartment matches your needs.
Here are the steps to follow.
Decide how long you’ll stay
Your planned length of stay will determine which type of lease is most suitable.
For example:
- Less than 3 months
- 3 to 12 months
- More than one year
Some furnished apartments are specifically designed for short-term stays, while others are better suited to long-term residents.
Choose the right neighborhood
Location has a major impact on both your budget and daily life.
Before selecting an apartment, consider:
- Commute time
- Access to public transportation
- Nearby supermarkets
- Universities
- Coworking spaces
- Hospitals
- Entertainment areas
Living slightly farther from the city center can often reduce your monthly rent without significantly increasing your commute.
Compare what’s included
Never assume that every furnished apartment offers the same amenities.
Always verify whether the apartment includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Utilities
- Washing machine
- Bedding
- Kitchenware
- Air conditioning
- Cleaning service
- Maintenance support
A slightly higher monthly rent may actually represent better value if more services are included.
Check the total move-in cost
Some apartments advertise a low monthly rent but charge significant move-in fees.
Before making your decision, ask for a complete breakdown of all costs, including:
- Deposit
- Agency fee
- Cleaning fee
- Utility fees
- Administrative fees
- Contract renewal fees
Looking at the total cost rather than just the rent will help you make a more informed decision.
Choose a platform that supports foreigners
Language barriers remain one of the biggest challenges when renting in Japan.
Platforms designed for international residents often provide:
- English-language support
- Online booking
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible lease options
- Assistance before and after arrival
Why Enkostay makes finding furnished apartments in Japan easier
Finding reliable furnished apartments in Japan can be challenging, especially if you’re searching from overseas.
Many rental platforms are designed primarily for Japanese residents, making the process more complicated for international students and professionals.
Enkostay simplifies the experience by offering a platform built specifically for foreigners relocating to Japan.
With Enkostay, you can browse a wide range of fully furnished apartments before you arrive, compare properties online, and choose accommodation that matches both your budget and your lifestyle.
Depending on the property, you’ll benefit from features such as:
- Fully furnished apartments
- Flexible lease options
- Transparent pricing
- Foreigner-friendly booking process
- English-language support
- Housing in popular cities and neighborhoods
Whether you’re moving for university, work, or a working holiday, Enkostay helps remove many of the barriers traditionally associated with renting in Japan.
Instead of spending your first weeks navigating unfamiliar rental procedures, you can focus on settling into your new life from day one.
Frequently asked questions about furnished apartments in Japan
Are furnished apartments common in Japan?
Yes. While traditional unfurnished apartments remain the most common option for Japanese residents, furnished apartments have become increasingly popular among international students, expatriates, digital nomads, and business travelers.
Are utilities usually included?
It depends on the property.
Some furnished apartments in Japan include electricity, water, gas, and internet in the monthly rent, while others charge these separately.
Always check the listing before signing a lease.
Can foreigners rent furnished apartments in Japan?
Absolutely.
Many furnished apartments are specifically designed for international residents and offer a much simpler rental process than traditional apartments.
Some providers also offer English-language support and online booking.
Are furnished apartments more expensive?
Monthly rent is generally higher than for unfurnished apartments.
However, because furniture, appliances, and sometimes utilities are already included, the overall cost can be lower, particularly for stays of less than a year.
Can I rent a furnished apartment before arriving in Japan?
Yes.
Many providers allow you to complete the booking process online, making it possible to secure accommodation before your flight.
This is often the most convenient option for foreigners relocating to Japan.
Final thoughts
For many international residents, furnished apartments in Japan offer the simplest and most convenient way to start a new life in the country.
Instead of dealing with the high upfront costs and administrative hurdles often associated with traditional rentals, you can move into a fully equipped home from day one and focus on what really matters, whether that’s starting university, beginning a new job, or exploring your new surroundings.
While they may come with a slightly higher monthly rent, furnished apartments often provide better overall value by saving you time, reducing initial expenses, and offering greater flexibility.
If you’re planning your move, comparing different properties and understanding what’s included in the rent will help you find the option that best suits your needs.
Ready to find your new home in Japan?
Browse Enkostay’s selection of furnished apartments in Japan and discover fully equipped, foreigner-friendly housing designed to make your relocation as smooth as possible.
