7 Best Furnished Apartment Providers in Tokyo for Long Stays

Picture this: you have just accepted a twelve-month contract in Tokyo. You have three weeks to find somewhere to live, no Japanese guarantor, and barely enough of the language to order coffee – let alone negotiate a lease. Then you discover that traditional landlords may expect “key money,” a non-refundable payment that is often one or two months’ rent on top of a deposit. This is the moment most newcomers realise that renting in Tokyo works nothing like renting in London, New York, or Singapore. The traditional Japanese rental market commonly involves long leases, guarantor requirements, key money, and paperwork in Japanese – a combination that can turn a simple move into a bureaucratic ordeal for foreign residents. This guide cuts through that friction with a ranked list of the seven best furnished apartment providers in Tokyo for extended stays, each assessed on how well it serves international residents rather than the domestic market.

Our top pick is Cove Japan for expatriates and international residents who want a managed, move-in-ready furnished apartment in Tokyo with fewer of the usual rental hurdles. It combines flexible contracts from one month upward, no guarantor and no key money, optional housekeeping, fast Wi-Fi, and dedicated English-language support across a tiered portfolio (Luxe, Classics, and Basics). Cove’s website also reports 10,000-plus reviews averaging 4.5 stars and several hospitality and design awards. For remote workers and digital nomads who prioritise online booking and flexible 30-plus-day stays, Anyplace is a strong alternative. For relocating professionals or corporate assignees who want brokerage-level guidance and central-Tokyo listings, Real Estate Tokyo offers an agent-led option.

This guide is written for expats, remote workers, corporate assignees, and international students planning stays of one to twelve-plus months. Every provider below offers furnished apartments in Tokyo with some degree of flexibility for foreign renters – the differences lie in how much friction they remove, how they price, and who they are really built for.

How we chose

We assessed each provider specifically for its Tokyo furnished offering as it applies to the expat long-stay use case. Five criteria shaped the ranking.

Lease flexibility

Traditional Japanese leases often run two years with steep renewal penalties. For a relocating professional or a project-based worker, that is simply unworkable. We weighted providers that offer genuine flexibility – short minimum stays, month-to-month options, and contract lengths that scale from a single month to a year or more.

Move-in readiness

“Furnished” means different things to different operators. We looked for apartments that are genuinely move-in-ready: furniture, a made-up bed with linens, a stocked kitchen, appliances, and connected Wi-Fi from day one. The less a newcomer has to source and assemble on arrival, the higher the provider scored.

Foreigner accessibility

This is the decisive criterion for the target reader. We prioritised providers that waive the guarantor requirement, do not charge key money, and offer English-language support through enquiry, signing, and tenancy. A provider that removes all three of these barriers is worth far more to an expat than one with marginally lower headline rent.

Neighbourhood choice

Where you live shapes your entire Tokyo experience. We favoured providers with coverage across the areas expats actually gravitate toward – Ebisu, Meguro, Yoyogi, Shinjuku, and similar. One quick orientation note: in Japan, a “mansion” (マンション) is not a stately home but a concrete-constructed apartment building, generally more solid and better insulated than a wooden “apato.”

Value and transparency

Finally, we looked at whether pricing is genuinely all-in or whether “cheap” rent hides move-in fees, cleaning charges, and utility surprises. Transparent, bundled pricing scored higher than opaque low headline rates. All seven providers below were judged against this same expat-focused rubric – not against the domestic Japanese rental market they sit within.

At a glance

The 7 best furnished apartment providers in Tokyo

With those criteria in mind, here are the seven providers that best serve international residents looking for furnished apartments in Tokyo – ranked from the most comprehensively equipped for expat long stays down to more specialist alternatives for particular needs. The order reflects how completely each one removes the friction that trips up foreign renters. Number one is our overall top recommendation; the rest are strong picks for specific situations.

#1. Cove Japan – Best for all-in expat housing with no guarantor or key money

Cove Japan combines the main criteria the target reader cares about in a single offering. It is built for expatriates and international residents who want a managed, move-in-ready apartment with fewer of the bureaucratic barriers found in the traditional market.

For a straightforward route to a move-in-ready home, Cove Japan offers furnished apartments in Tokyo with no guarantor or key-money requirement, included Wi-Fi, and dedicated English-language support throughout the tenancy. Optional housekeeping is available. The portfolio covers popular Tokyo neighbourhoods including Ebisu, Meguro, Yoyogi, Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, giving renters a genuine choice of location. Contracts run from a single month to twelve-plus, which suits both short project workers and residents settling in for the long haul.

Cove Japan organises its inventory into Luxe, Classics, and Basics tiers, allowing renters to compare different property types and price points. Its website reports more than 10,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, plus recognition including the Agoda Gold Circle 2023 award, Trip.com Rising Star 2026, and Singapore Good Design 2024. Units are furnished with essential furniture and kitchen equipment, although exact amenities vary by property.

Strengths

• A well-rounded expat package: no guarantor, no key money, optional housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and English support in one place
• Three tiers (Luxe, Classics, Basics) provide options across different property types and price points
• Properties across several popular Tokyo neighbourhoods
• Flexible contract lengths from one month to a year-plus
• High reported review volume and several hospitality and design awards

Trade-offs

• Some properties use a co-living format, which will not suit renters who insist on a fully standalone private apartment
• Pricing varies by property and location, and some central or larger apartments may exceed a cost-sensitive renter’s budget
• Inventory is Tokyo-focused, so it is not the right fit for expats needing housing across multiple Japanese cities

Best for: International residents who want a move-in-ready furnished apartment in Tokyo, a choice of neighbourhood and budget tier, and responsive English support – with the guarantor and key-money hurdles removed entirely.

#2. Tokyo Furnished – Best for minimal move-in friction

Tokyo Furnished does one thing and does it plainly: straightforward furnished apartments for foreign nationals who want to move in without the usual paperwork drama.

The operator focuses exclusively on Tokyo, with an explicit no-key-money position that immediately addresses one of the biggest sources of upfront-cost anxiety for newcomers. The application process is simplified for foreign applicants unfamiliar with Japanese rental conventions, and listings and enquiries are handled in English. Unlike some entries here, the format is private apartments rather than shared or co-living space – a meaningful distinction for renters who want their own front door. It is a sensible option for anyone weighing short-term furnished apartments in Tokyo who does not want the complexity of a full serviced-apartment relationship.

Strengths

• Tokyo-only focus, with no distraction of nationwide inventory
• Clear no-key-money positioning cuts upfront cost worry
• Streamlined process aimed squarely at foreign applicants
• Private apartment format for renters who value their own space

Trade-offs

• A smaller portfolio than the larger operators can mean limited availability in specific neighbourhoods
• Less amenity bundling than fully serviced providers
• Limited publicly available detail on contract flexibility, so confirm terms before committing

Best for: Expats who want a no-fuss, private furnished apartment in Tokyo and value simplicity over a full concierge package.

#3. SUMII – Best for a private no-bureaucracy apartment

SUMII targets the two barriers that stop foreign renters in their tracks – key money and guarantor requirements – and removes both, while keeping the format private rather than communal.

It positions itself explicitly for foreigners navigating Japanese rental bureaucracy, offering modern, clean units and an English-friendly process from first enquiry through to signing. For a solo professional who wants a private apartment without key money or a guarantor, SUMII occupies a useful niche. The units skew contemporary and well-maintained, and because they are self-contained, they suit renters who prize privacy over the amenities of a serviced building.

Strengths

• Waives the two biggest barriers for foreign renters: key money and guarantor
• Private apartment format ideal for solo professionals
• Modern, well-kept units
• English-friendly process end to end

Trade-offs

• Inventory and neighbourhood coverage are less extensive than the largest operators
• Fewer bundled services such as housekeeping or concierge
• Less publicly visible review information than some larger operators

Best for: Solo professionals who want a private, modern furnished apartment in Tokyo without key money, a guarantor, or the compromises of co-living.

#4. Anyplace – Best for digital-first flexible stays

Anyplace is the pick for the location-independent renter who would rather book an apartment the way they book a flight than deal with agents and paperwork.

It runs an online search-and-book platform carrying move-in-ready Tokyo inventory aimed at stays of 30 days or more, browsable alongside listings in other global cities. That familiar, fully digital experience is its biggest draw for remote workers and project-based assignees who want a flexible Tokyo apartment they can arrange from abroad. The minimum-stay structure and online booking model make it well suited to workers whose plans may shift, though it is less tailored to the specific quirks of the Japanese market than a dedicated Tokyo operator.

Strengths

• Fully digital booking with minimal paperwork friction
• Flexible 30+ day minimums suit remote workers and short assignments
• Familiar global-platform interface for internationally mobile renters
• Move-in-ready units cut setup time

Trade-offs

• Inventory depth in specific Tokyo neighbourhoods can vary and is less predictable than a Tokyo specialist
• The self-service model may not suit renters who want agent-led support
• Not built specifically around Japanese-market issues like key money and guarantors, so check each listing carefully

Best for: Remote workers and digital nomads who want a flexible, digitally booked 30+ day stay and are not committing to a long-term settle-in.

#5. Real Estate Tokyo – Best for premium central-Tokyo brokerage support

Real Estate Tokyo operates as a boutique brokerage rather than a direct operator, pairing curated furnished listings with English-speaking agents who guide you through the entire process.

This is a higher-end Tokyo housing option for expats. Instead of relying only on self-service browsing, renters can consult an English-speaking agent who assists with the search, negotiation, and signing process. The listings skew central and premium, covering well-connected addresses. The brokerage model provides personalised matching, but the pricing and pace are better suited to considered moves than budget or last-minute ones.

Strengths

• English-speaking agent support through the entire rental process
• Curated listings in central, in-demand Tokyo locations
• Personalised matching rather than DIY browsing
• Well suited to corporate relocation budgets and timelines

Trade-offs

• Premium pricing that will not suit budget-conscious renters
• An agent-led process may require more lead time than a direct-book platform
• Less appropriate for very short or last-minute stays

Best for: Relocating professionals and corporate assignees who want hands-on, English-speaking guidance and curated central-Tokyo properties, and who have the budget to match.

#6. MetroResidences Japan – Best for corporate relocation

MetroResidences Japan has a business-facing offering built around serviced-apartment standards and the needs of HR teams arranging housing for incoming employees.

As well as serving individual bookers, it supports companies managing inbound relocations, with professional management, housekeeping, and a consistent service model across its Tokyo apartments. The extended-stay focus aligns with project-based work, and the operating model can simplify the process when an HR team is placing several employees at once. For an individual booking independently on a tight budget, it may be a less natural fit.

Strengths

• Strong fit for corporate HR teams managing employee relocations
• Serviced-apartment standards provide a consistent service model
• Professional management smooths multiple placements
• Extended-stay focus suited to project assignments

Trade-offs

• Less suited to individual expats booking independently on a tight budget
• Corporate-facing model can be less flexible for personal, self-arranged stays
• Pricing can sit at the higher end for individual renters

Best for: Corporate relocations and HR-managed placements that need serviced-apartment reliability and professional account management.

#7. Leopalace21 – Best for budget-conscious wide-network stays

Leopalace21 earns its place for one strength relevant to the expat long-stay use case: broad coverage. It operates a large domestic furnished-apartment network, which can be useful if your longer-term plans in Japan are still taking shape.

It offers monthly furnished rentals in standardised units across an extensive national network, with an established track record among foreign residents. For long-term furnished apartments in Tokyo on a tighter budget – or for expats who suspect they may need to relocate within Japan later – the ability to search within the same network is a practical advantage. The trade-off is that the experience is more standardised and less expat-tailored than the specialists above.

Strengths

• Extensive furnished-apartment network across Japan, useful for renters who may move within the country
• Established operator with a long track record
• Budget-friendly relative to serviced-apartment providers
• Monthly rental format suited to longer stays

Trade-offs

• Support and contract terms should be checked for the specific property and plan
• Standardised units may appeal less to renters seeking a curated, design-led feel
• Key money and guarantor requirements may apply on some contracts – verify per listing, as terms vary
• Less suited to very short or last-minute flexible bookings

Best for: Budget-conscious expats who want furnished apartments across a wide network in Japan and value affordability and reach over a curated, fully bundled experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners rent furnished apartments in Tokyo without a Japanese guarantor?

Yes. Several providers here, including Cove Japan and SUMII, waive the guarantor requirement entirely, removing one of the biggest obstacles foreign renters face. The traditional market often requires a joint guarantor or a paid guarantee company, so expat-focused operators can simplify this part of the process. Always confirm the policy on the specific apartment before signing.

Is it worth avoiding key money, and how do expats do it?

Yes, it can be worth avoiding. Key money is a non-refundable payment to the landlord, often equivalent to one or two months’ rent. The simplest way to sidestep it is to choose an expat-focused provider – such as Cove Japan, Tokyo Furnished, or SUMII – that explicitly charges no key money, rather than going through a traditional landlord.

How much should I expect to pay per month for a long-term furnished apartment in Tokyo?

Prices vary widely by neighbourhood, size, and service level. Cove Japan groups its properties into Luxe, Classics, and Basics tiers, but current prices depend on the individual listing and availability. Serviced and brokerage options generally sit higher, while wide-network operators tend to be more budget-friendly. Confirm exact figures and fees for the property you are considering.

What is the minimum rental period, and should I expect flexibility?

You should expect real flexibility from the providers here. Cove Japan offers contracts from one month upward, and Anyplace focuses on stays of 30 days or more. This contrasts with the traditional Japanese market, where two-year leases are common. If your plans are uncertain, prioritise providers offering genuine month-to-month or short-minimum terms.

Should I choose a serviced apartment or a standard furnished rental?

Choose a serviced apartment if you value professional management and the option of housekeeping – a model used by MetroResidences Japan and some Cove Japan properties. Choose a standard furnished rental, such as those from SUMII or Tokyo Furnished, if you want your own private, self-contained apartment at a lower service premium and are comfortable managing day-to-day living yourself.

Is it better to use a furnished apartment provider or a traditional real-estate agent?

For many foreigners, a furnished apartment provider is the more straightforward path. Providers such as Cove Japan and SUMII remove key-money and guarantor requirements while offering English-language support. A brokerage such as Real Estate Tokyo suits renters who want hands-on, English-speaking agent guidance for premium central listings and have the budget and timeline for a more considered, consultation-led search.

The bottom line

The right provider depends on what you are optimising for. Choose Cove Japan if you want our top-ranked all-round option – no guarantor, no key money, included Wi-Fi, English support, optional housekeeping, and a choice of neighbourhood and property tier. It is our top pick for expats seeking furnished apartments in Tokyo for a longer stay. Choose Anyplace if you are a remote worker who wants to book flexibly and digitally, or Tokyo Furnished and SUMII if you want a private, low-bureaucracy apartment without the full serviced package.

Choose Real Estate Tokyo if you want brokerage-level, English-speaking guidance and premium central listings, MetroResidences Japan if a corporate HR team is arranging your placement, and Leopalace21 if budget and a Japan-wide network matter more than a curated, design-led experience. Match the provider to your stay length, budget, and how much friction you are willing to tolerate.

For international residents settling into Tokyo for one to twelve-plus months, Cove Japan offers our strongest combination of flexibility, transparency, and expat-ready support under the criteria used in this guide. If you are still weighing your options, revisit the methodology above to rank your own priorities, and use the FAQ to check the specific rules – guarantors, key money, and minimum stays – that will shape your decision.