When searching for an apartment in Tokyo, one of the first decisions is whether to choose a furnished or unfurnished property.
A furnished apartment in Tokyo allows you to move in with fewer preparations. An unfurnished apartment may require more time and upfront spending, but it usually gives you greater freedom and may be more suitable for long-term living.
The better choice depends on your budget, length of stay and how much furniture you already own. This guide explains the differences so you can choose the right Tokyo apartment for rent.
What Is a Furnished Apartment?
A furnished apartment includes some of the furniture and appliances needed for daily life. The exact items vary by property, so renters should always check the inventory before applying.
A typical furnished rental in Tokyo may include:
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Bed and mattress
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Table, desk or chairs
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Refrigerator
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Microwave
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Washing machine
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Air conditioner
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Lighting
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Curtains
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Television
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Basic storage furniture
Some properties may also provide bedding, cookware, dishes and internet access. However, these items are not guaranteed simply because an apartment is advertised as furnished.
Furnished apartments are often marketed toward international students, foreign professionals, business travelers and people who need temporary accommodation.
What Is an Unfurnished Apartment?
An unfurnished apartment in Japan is usually more basic than some foreign renters expect.
In addition to having no bed, table or sofa, the apartment may not include:
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Refrigerator
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Washing machine
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Microwave
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Curtains
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Ceiling lights
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Cooking appliances
An air conditioner may already be installed, but this depends on the property. Built-in kitchen and bathroom fixtures are normally provided, while most movable furniture and appliances are the tenant’s responsibility.
Before renting an unfurnished apartment in Tokyo, check the listing carefully and ask which appliances will remain after the previous tenant moves out.
Advantages of a Furnished Apartment
You Can Move In Quickly
A furnished property is useful if you have recently arrived in Japan and need somewhere to live immediately.
You do not need to spend your first few days buying large appliances, arranging deliveries or assembling furniture. This makes renting in Tokyo as a foreigner much easier, especially if you are still learning how local services work.
Lower Setup Costs
Buying a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, lights and curtains can create a significant initial expense.
A furnished apartment allows you to avoid many of these purchases. It may be a practical choice if your moving budget is limited, even when the monthly rent is slightly higher.
Easier When Moving Out
Furniture and large appliances can be difficult to transport or discard in Japan. Disposal may require advance booking and additional fees.
With a furnished rental, most items remain in the apartment when your contract ends. This makes moving much simpler.
Suitable for Shorter Stays
A short-term furnished apartment in Tokyo can be useful for students, project-based employees and residents who are uncertain about their long-term plans.
However, always confirm the minimum contract period. Not every furnished property accepts stays of only a few months.
Disadvantages of a Furnished Apartment
Monthly Rent May Be Higher
The cost of furniture and appliances may be included in the monthly rent. Over a long rental period, this can make the total cost higher than furnishing an apartment yourself.
Limited Choice and Personalization
Furnished properties represent a smaller part of the regular rental market. You may have fewer choices in terms of location, building age, room layout and interior style.
You must also live with the furniture provided, even when it does not match your preferences.
Responsibility for Provided Items
Check whether you are responsible for damage to furniture or appliances. It is helpful to photograph existing marks, stains and defects when moving in.
You should also confirm who pays for repairs if an included appliance stops working during the tenancy.
Advantages of an Unfurnished Apartment
More Properties to Choose From
Most standard rental apartments in Japan are offered unfurnished. Choosing this option usually gives you access to a wider range of locations, layouts and rent levels.
This can make it easier to find a foreigner-friendly apartment in Tokyo that matches your commute and preferred neighborhood.
Better for Long-Term Living
If you plan to stay for several years, purchasing your own furniture may be more economical.
After the initial setup, you can continue using the same items without paying the higher monthly cost sometimes associated with furnished housing.
Greater Control Over Your Home
An unfurnished apartment allows you to select furniture that suits the room and your lifestyle.
You can choose your own mattress, desk, storage and appliances rather than relying on the items selected by the landlord.
Disadvantages of an Unfurnished Apartment
Higher Initial Spending
Moving into an empty apartment can require several purchases at the same time. This expense comes in addition to the deposit, key money, agency fee, guarantor fee and advance rent.
When calculating the cost of an apartment rental in Tokyo, include both the contract fees and the cost of preparing the room.
More Work Before Moving In
You may need to measure rooms, order appliances and coordinate several deliveries. Some items, including curtains and ceiling lights, may be necessary from the first day.
Furniture Disposal Can Be Complicated
When moving out, large items cannot normally be left inside the apartment or placed with ordinary household waste.
You may need to sell them, give them away, hire a collection service or arrange oversized-waste disposal through the local municipality.
Which Option Is Better for You?
A furnished apartment may be more suitable if:
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You have recently arrived in Japan
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You do not own furniture
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Your length of stay is uncertain
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You want to move in quickly
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You prefer a simpler moving process
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You have a limited setup budget
An unfurnished apartment may be better if:
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You plan to remain in Tokyo long term
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You already own furniture or appliances
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You want more rental options
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You prefer to design your own living space
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You are comfortable arranging deliveries and utilities
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You want to reduce your long-term housing cost
As a general guide, furnished housing offers convenience, while unfurnished housing offers greater choice and flexibility.
What to Check Before Renting a Furnished Apartment
Do not assume that every furnished property includes the same items. Before signing the contract, ask for a complete inventory.
Check:
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Which furniture and appliances are included
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Whether internet and utilities are included in the rent
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Who is responsible for appliance repairs
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Whether bedding and cookware are provided
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Whether items can be removed if you do not need them
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The condition of all furniture before moving in
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The minimum rental period
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Cleaning and replacement fees at move-out
Take photographs during the move-in inspection. This can help prevent disagreements about existing damage later.
What to Budget for an Unfurnished Apartment
If you choose an unfurnished property, prepare a list of essential items before moving.
Your first purchases may include:
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Bed and bedding
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Refrigerator
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Washing machine
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Microwave or rice cooker
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Curtains
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Ceiling lights
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Table and chairs
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Storage
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Cleaning supplies
You do not need to buy everything new. Secondhand stores, online marketplaces and furniture rental services can help reduce the cost of setting up an unfurnished Tokyo apartment.
Measure entrances, hallways and appliance spaces before ordering large items. Japanese apartments can have compact layouts, and not every refrigerator or washing machine will fit.
Other Costs to Compare
The furnished or unfurnished condition is only one part of the total rental cost.
Also compare:
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Monthly rent
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Building management fee
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Deposit and key money
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Agency fee
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Guarantor company fee
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Insurance
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Contract renewal fee
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Internet and utility costs
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Furniture delivery or disposal costs
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Move-out cleaning fees
A furnished property with fewer initial fees may be more affordable for a shorter stay. An unfurnished apartment with lower monthly rent may provide better value over several years.
Compare the total expected cost rather than rent alone.
Find the Right Tokyo Apartment with ARealty
It can be difficult for foreign renters to determine what is included in a Japanese rental property. Listing details may be limited, and furnished apartments can have different contract periods and conditions.
ARealty helps international residents search for foreigner-friendly apartments in Tokyo and other areas of Japan.
Our team can help you compare properties based on:
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Furnished or unfurnished condition
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Monthly rent and initial costs
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Expected length of stay
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Apartment size and layout
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Furniture and appliances included
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Distance from work, school or the nearest station
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Visa status and application requirements
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Preferred move-in date
Whether you want a furnished apartment for foreigners in Tokyo or an unfurnished home for long-term living, ARealty can help you identify suitable rental options and understand the application conditions.
Contact ARealty to begin your apartment search and find a home that fits your lifestyle, budget and moving plans.
Final Thoughts
A furnished apartment offers convenience, lower setup costs and an easier move. An unfurnished apartment provides more choices, greater personalization and potentially better value for long-term residents.
Before deciding, consider how long you expect to stay in Tokyo, how much you can spend at move-in and what you will do with your furniture when the lease ends.
The right choice is not simply the apartment with the lowest monthly rent. It is the option that gives you the best balance of convenience, flexibility and total cost throughout your stay in Tokyo.