Renting Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments in Japan: What is Right for You?

If you are planning to move to Japan, apartment hunting can be a bit of a culture shock. In many Japanese apartments, "unfurnished" means exactly what it sounds like. You get four walls, a floor, and little else. There is no furniture, no appliances, and often no ceiling lights.

Should you rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment in Japan? The short answer is: furnished apartments are the smartest, stress-free choice for most foreigners, new arrivals, and mid-term residents. Unfurnished apartments are better suited if you plan to stay in Japan for several years and want to fully customize an empty space.

Here is a straightforward breakdown of what to expect and how to choose the right setup for your life in Japan.

What to Expect from Unfurnished Apartments

Unfurnished apartments are the standard in Japan. While they offer lower monthly rent over time and let you design the space to your liking, they come with significant challenges for foreigners:

• High Upfront Costs: You will need to buy everything from scratch, including a bed, fridge, washing machine, curtains, and even light fixtures.
• Hidden Fees: Expect to pay "key money" (a non-refundable gift to the landlord), agency fees, deposit, and lock exchange fees.
• Strict Requirements: You will almost always need a Japanese guarantor, high Japanese language skills, and a commitment to a standard two-year lease.

What to Expect from Furnished Apartments

Furnished apartments skip the hassle of buying heavy appliances and setting up utilities from scratch.

• Ultimate Convenience: You walk into a space that already has a bed, table, fridge, and basic appliances.
• Foreigner-Friendly: These apartments usually do not require a guarantor, making them much easier for expats to secure.
• Flexibility: Leases are often shorter or flexible, which is perfect if you are still adjusting to life in Japan or testing out a new neighborhood.

Summary: Furnished vs. Unfurnished

• Move-in Effort: Furnished is very low. Unfurnished is very high.
• Upfront Costs: Furnished is minimal. Unfurnished is high.
• Lease Length: Furnished is flexible. Unfurnished is usually 1 to 2 years.
• Guarantor: Furnished rarely needs one. Unfurnished almost always requires one.

Why Choose Cove Japan for Your Furnished Home?

If you want to skip the traditional renting hassle, Cove Japan provides the perfect solution for foreigners looking for modern, move-in-ready co-living spaces and apartments in Tokyo.

Here is why renting with Cove Japan makes settling in easy:

• Fully Furnished: All our apartments come with stylish furniture, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and essential appliances like a smart TV, washing machine, and complete kitchenware. You just need to bring your suitcase!
• No Guarantor and No Key Money: We remove the biggest barriers for foreigners. There are no expensive non-refundable gifts to the landlord and no need to find a local guarantor.
• Flexible Leases: Whether you need a place for a few months or a longer stay, Cove offers flexible contracts starting from just one month.
• English Support: Navigating Japanese real estate can be confusing, but our team provides full support in English from booking to move-out.
• All-Inclusive Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, and internet are included in your rent, so you do not have to worry about setting up accounts in Japanese.
• Prime Locations: Our apartments are located in highly connected Tokyo neighborhoods, giving you the best access to the city.

Finding a home in Japan does not have to be stressful. Focus on enjoying your new life in Tokyo while we handle the furniture, the utilities, and the paperwork.

Ready to find your perfect Tokyo home? Visit Cove Japan today to explore our available rooms and apartments!