What Is a Serviced Apartment in Japan?

A serviced apartment in Japan is a fully furnished private residence designed for foreigners, business travelers, and digital nomads who need a home in Japan without the standard rental hurdles. Unlike traditional Japanese rentals, serviced apartments require no key money, no guarantor, and no long-term lease. They typically include high-speed Wi-Fi, English-speaking support, and bookable from one month upward.

Here is what's included, how long you can stay, where to find them, and how they compare to hotels and traditional Tokyo rentals.

What's included in a serviced apartment in Tokyo?

A serviced apartment in Tokyo includes everything you need to live and work from day one. Below is what is typically provided at a Cove property in Tokyo.

In your unit:

• Furniture: bed, desk, wardrobe, and bedside table.
• Kitchenette: fridge, gas hob, microwave, and comprehensive kitchenware.
• Bathroom: private, with water heater.
• Appliances: smart TV, air conditioning, and an in-unit washer.
• Balcony with external window.

Service and support:

• High-speed Wi-Fi: up to 1 Gbps at Cove properties.
• 7 days a week English support: for booking, move-in, and any issue during your stay.
• All major repairs covered: no need to find a Japanese contractor or navigate paperwork in Japanese.
• No guarantor and no key money: the standard requirements at traditional Japanese rentals are removed entirely.

Serviced apartment vs hotel vs traditional Tokyo rental

A Tokyo serviced apartment fills the gap between hotels and traditional Japanese rentals.

Hotels are designed for short stays of a few nights. They become significantly more expensive when used for stays of one month or longer, and most do not offer kitchens or in-unit laundry.

Traditional Japanese rentals are the cheapest option for stays of two years or more. However, traditional rentals require key money (one to two months of rent, non-refundable), a Japanese guarantor, and an unfurnished apartment that the tenant sets up from scratch. The upfront costs and paperwork are difficult for most foreigners to navigate.

A serviced apartment is typically the most cost-effective and lowest-friction option for stays between one month and one year. Serviced apartments are fully furnished, require no key money or guarantor, and include English support throughout.

How long can you stay in a serviced apartment in Tokyo?

Most Tokyo serviced apartments accept stays from one month upward, with no maximum limit.

Stays under 30 days are generally only offered at aparthotels or extended-stay hotels, not true serviced apartments. There is no fixed-term lease and no renewal fee. You can extend or shorten your stay subject to availability.

Best areas for serviced apartments in Tokyo

Serviced apartments in Tokyo cluster in central and well-connected districts. Cove operates eight properties across five Tokyo wards, each with distinct character.

• Asakusa (Taito): Traditional Tokyo character near Senso-ji Temple. Connected by the Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tsukuba Express.
• Yoyogi (Shibuya): Central location between Shinjuku and Harajuku. A good fit for young professionals who want access to multiple commercial hubs.
• Ebisu (Shibuya): Walking distance to Shibuya with a quieter residential feel. Strong restaurant and cafe scene.
• Kiyosumi (Kōtō): Quiet and leafy, known for specialty coffee culture. Popular with remote workers.
• Kinshicho (Sumida): Affordable and well-connected. A practical pick for foreigners prioritizing value.

Cove also operates in Okachimachi, Komaba, and Senzoku. See all 8 Tokyo locations, or read our guide to the best places to live in Tokyo for foreigners.

Rent a serviced apartment in Tokyo with Cove

Cove operates serviced apartments across Tokyo, designed specifically for foreigners moving to Japan.

• No key money, no guarantor. Skip the standard hurdles of Japanese rentals. Book online with English support throughout.
• Fully furnished and move-in ready. Furniture, appliances, and kitchen essentials from day one.
• 7 days a week English support. For booking, move-in, and your entire stay.
• Flexible monthly contracts. Stay from one month upward. No 2-year lock-in.