Furnished Apartments in Tokyo With No Guarantor Required (2026)

The Japanese guarantor requirement is the single biggest barrier for foreigners renting in Tokyo. The good news: an entire segment of the market exists specifically for foreigners who need furnished housing without a Japanese guarantor.

Why the guarantor barrier exists

Traditional Japanese rental culture relies on a personal guarantor (hoshounin): a Japanese citizen who takes legal responsibility for your rent and behaviour. For a landlord dealing with a foreign tenant who may not speak Japanese and might leave after 1 to 2 years, the perceived risk is high.

The system has evolved. Guarantee companies (hoshougaisha) now substitute for personal guarantors in most modern properties. But even with a guarantee company, many landlords remain hesitant about foreign tenants.

The solution: operators who have pre-negotiated with landlords and built businesses around servicing expat tenants.

What furnished no-guarantor rentals actually offer

Operators specialising in foreign tenants typically provide:

• Leases without a personal Japanese guarantor
• Contracts available in English
• Flexible terms (often from 1 month minimum)
• Fully furnished units: bed, desk, sofa, fridge, washing machine, kitchen equipment
• Internet often included
• Utility setup handled by the operator

The trade-off: monthly rents are 10 to 20% higher than equivalent unfurnished units. The saving on move-in costs (no reikin, no agency fee) more than compensates in most cases.

Move-in costs: the real numbers

Furnished apartment with no reikin:

• Security deposit: 1 month (refundable)
• Administrative fee: 10,000 to 30,000 JPY
• First month rent
• Total: approximately 2 to 2.5 months of rent upfront

Standard Japanese apartment with reikin:

• Security deposit: 1 to 2 months (refundable)
• Key money (reikin): 1 to 2 months (non-refundable)
• Agency fee: 1 month
• Guarantee premium: 0.5 to 1 month
• Total: 4 to 6 months of rent upfront

For a 120,000 JPY/month apartment, the saving at move-in is 240,000 to 480,000 JPY.

Price ranges in Tokyo (2026)

Budget range (60,000 to 90,000 JPY/month):

• Studio 18 to 25 sqm
• Neighbourhoods: Adachi, Itabashi, northern suburbs
• Basic but functional furnishings
• Best for single professionals on a tight budget

Mid-range (90,000 to 150,000 JPY/month):

• 1K or 1DK 25 to 40 sqm
• Neighbourhoods: Shinjuku, Nakano, Koenji, Ikebukuro
• Full furnishings, internet usually included
• The most in-demand category for expat professionals

Upper range (150,000 to 250,000 JPY/month):

• 1LDK to 2LDK 40 to 60 sqm
• Neighbourhoods: Shibuya, Minato, Meguro
• Designer furniture, high-end appliances, sometimes concierge service
• For senior expats or couples

How to apply remotely

Most furnished apartment operators accept remote applications. The typical process:

1. Send your enquiry with: property type, budget, arrival date, expected duration, copy of passport and visa

2. Receive a shortlist of available properties with photos and floor plans

3. Video walkthrough via WhatsApp, Zoom or FaceTime with the property manager

4. Sign the lease remotely (email or DocuSign)

5. Transfer the security deposit from your home country

6. Keys available at airport pickup or in a secure key box

From first enquiry to confirmation: typically 3 to 10 days.

What to verify before signing

Early termination clause: ask exactly what the cost is if you leave after 3, 6, or 12 months. Some operators charge 1 to 2 months as a penalty for early exit.

What is included in the rent: electricity, gas, water, and internet are sometimes included, sometimes not. Confirm in writing.

Automatic renewal: many leases renew automatically at the anniversary date, sometimes with a renewal fee of 0.5 to 1 month. Note the date.

Cooking restrictions: some small studios contractually prohibit cooking strong-smelling food. Check this if you cook regularly.

The role of a property hunter

A property hunter in Tokyo has direct access to furnished inventory that is not fully listed on public platforms. Available properties in the right price range and location circulate in professional networks before appearing online, and the best ones disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

A hunter can shortlist options matching your criteria, arrange video tours, review the lease before you sign, and negotiate the entry costs.

Looking for a furnished apartment in Tokyo without a guarantor? Book a free consultation to see what is currently available.