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How-toHow international students can find a room in Tokyo
The short answer
Students have small incomes, so regular apartments are hard to get. Start in a school dormitory or a share house, then move to an apartment after six months to a year.
Why screening is hard
Government data shows that rent guarantee companies tend to approve international students less often (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). Proving income is hard and the residence period is often short.
Your options
| Option | Move-in cost | Screening | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| School dormitory or school-arranged room | Low | Almost none | Just arrived |
| Share house | Low. Many rooms need no deposit or key money (Oakhouse) | Easy | Making friends, saving money. See share houses |
| Regular apartment with a guarantee company | High (4–6 months' rent) | Strict | Living here 6+ months with proof of income |
Documents for an apartment
- Residence card and passport
- Student ID or certificate of enrollment
- Bank balance certificate or proof of money from family
- A Japanese phone number. See SIM without a credit card.
- An emergency contact. Ask your school or someone you know in Japan early.
Don't get tricked
- Never pay before you see a contract. Be careful with "move in today, cash only" offers on social media.
- Living in a room rented under someone else's name (subletting) can get you evicted.
- Check cleaning and repair charges for moving out before you sign.
Next step
Your first 30 days as a student: checklist
The first thing to do is register your address at the ward office, within 14 days of moving in. Until you do, insurance and a bank...
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