Tokyo is one of the most populated cities on the planet, and finding an apartment here can be as competitive as it is unique. Understanding information such as apartment size, how renting works and the relevant costs is essential for: expat navigating a foreign housing market; Locals finding the best value in such a competitive market; and investors to evaluate rental income potential in Tokyo.
Tokyo has a unique housing landscape with compact apartments due to the limited space and high demand which leads to significant variation in price due to neighborhood, apartment cost and accessibility to the city.
From cozy studio apartments to spacious 3-bedroom rentals in Tokyo, there are a variety of options depending on your budget, lifestyle and needs.
Average Apartment Sizes in Tokyo
Apartments in Tokyo are usually found as studios, up to 3 or 4 bedrooms. This can vary dependent on the location with space being at a premium in central locations such as Mianto-Ku and Shinjuku-Ku. The sizes can be bellow 20 Square Meters for studios to over 150 Square Meters for the most luxuries properties with multiple spacious rooms
Apartments in Tokyo can be measured in square meters or tatami mats. Most modern apartments are now measured in square meters as it is easier for more people to understand. The latter version of measuring, tatami mats, is an older traditional way of measuring property with one tatami matt being 1.65 square meter. This was due to tatami mats being widely used as the preferred flooring throughout Japanese history, leading to them becoming the standard unit for measuring room size.
Japanese House and Apartment room and layout labeling:
- R = Room.
- K = Kitchen.
- DK = kitchen and dining area.
- LDK = Living, Kitchen and dining area.
- 1 = the number represents the amount of rooms.
For example:
- 1R = One room apartment with kitchen living and sleeping usually in the same room. It has one main room.
- 1K = one room apartment with the kitchen usually separate. It has 1 main room and usually a sperate small kitchen area
- 1DK = kitchen and dining space is separate to the bedroom. It has 2 main rooms.
- 1LDK = A living room is incorporated meaning to the kitchen and dining space. It also has 2 main room, usually larger than a 1DK
- 2LDK and 3LDK = An apartment with 2 or 3 bedrooms respectively as well as a separate living, dining and kitchen space. Sometimes has another room for a kitchen and more than one bathroom.
The 3D floorplan on the left is a 1K short term, fully furnished rental available at KensPlace. A short-term apartment rental is a great choice when you need more flexibility. The 2LDK floor plan on the right is a luxury apartment available at Housing Japan in the exclusive ‘The Roppongi Tokyo Club Residence Minato, Tokyo’ which is for sale here. Buying luxury apartment mean you have private access to some of the best amenities’ which can be extremely convenient.
Rental Costs in Tokyo
The rental costs for an apartment in Tokyo can vary a very large amount depending on the location. The more desirable properties in central Tokyo can cost over ¥1,000,000 a month for a central location, multiple large rooms and great amenities. Most livable apartments will cost over ¥200,000 a month while still making compromises on location, size and other factors.
The most desirable places to rent in Tokyo would be in Minato-Ku, Chiyoda-Ku, Chuo-Ku, Shinjuku-Ku and Shibuya-Ku. This is due to the City Center location with proximity to the business hubs, Luxury residential areas and great connections. This makes these areas great to rent for Expat.
Older buildings with smaller apartments are commonly referred to as apāto (アパート) (short for “apartment”), while newer, modern buildings featuring larger and more luxurious apartments are called manshon (マンション) (derived from “mansion”). Naturally, manshons offer more comfort and amenities, often coming with a higher rental price tag.
Tips for finding an apartment
Finding the right apartment to rent or buy can be daunting with so many options out there, that’s why housing Japan is the perfect choice when looking for luxury apartments for sale, luxury apartments to rent long term or luxury apartments to rent short term. We offer legal support with completing all contracts as well as ongoing assistance for moving in and beyond.
see this guide to renting in Japan to help you through the rental process -> here
How to maximize Tokyo Apartment space
Living in Tokyo can mean adapting to more compact spaces, but by using cleverly designed furniture even the smaller homes can feel functional and inviting.
Investing in multifunctional furniture such as sofa beds or storge ottomans and utilizing vertical space for storage with shelves and hooks while embracing minimalism helping to de-cluttering are just a few ways to maximize space. Incorporating mirrors to create an illusion of depth, using lightweight curtains to enhance the amount of natural light and adding portable and foldable furniture that can be stowed are also practical solutions.
Drawing inspiration from Japanese design—focusing on simplicity and functionality—can transform small apartments into serene and efficient living spaces.
One great way to get furniture that will fit the aesthetic and design of Japanese apartments is to use a Japanese companies. They will understand how to utilize the space in the most effective way. Some great Japanese High-end Homeware and Furniture companies include:
- karimoku-case – high-end Japanese furniture brand that caters to design-conscious urban customers who value quality craftsmanship, natural materials, and timeless modernist aesthetics inspired by both Japanese and Danish design traditions.
- a.flat – targets nature-loving customers seeking comfortable, customizable furniture with resort-inspired aesthetics and a 100-color fabric selection system.
- Momo Natural is a traditional Japanese furniture manufacturer that focuses on creating timeless, approachable pieces for customers who value authentic craftsmanship and natural materials rooted in their Okayama heritage.
External Storage Options
There are some great external storage options to help maximize your space. You can store extra items that you don’t need in the apartment, but you can still access it easily if you have too much to fit into the apartment. One said company is TrunkRoom Tokyo. It is also a great option when moving between apartments and can also work long term.
See the TrunkRoom Tokyo Japanese website -> Here
TrunkRoom Tokyo English Website -> Here
Conclusion
Tokyo apartments have a unique appeal, with great space utilization. Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, efficient public transportation, and cultural charm make it an exciting place to live. With the right approach, you can find an apartment that fits your needs and enjoy all the incredible opportunities this dynamic city has to offer. Using the right rental agent is vital to finding the right Tokyo Apartment making Housing Japan the perfect pick for short- and long-term apartments to rent.
FAQ’s
Can you rent a house in Japan as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can rent houses in Japan. However, some landlords may require a guarantor or prefer tenants who use real estate agencies familiar with assisting non-Japanese residents, Such as Housing Japan.
What is a 1K apartment in Japan?
A 1K apartment typically consists of one main room for living and sleeping, along with a small separate kitchen area and a bathroom. The kitchen is usually partitioned by a door, but in smaller layouts, it may be in the same room without a door.
What does 3LDK mean?
A 3LDK apartment has three bedrooms, a combined living and dining area, and a kitchen. These apartments are usually spacious and ideal for families or individuals seeking more room.
How long does it take to rent a house in Japan?
Renting a house in Japan usually takes 1-4 weeks. This depends on factors like finding a guarantor, submitting paperwork, and completing the approval process with the landlord.
