This Month's Picks

No Key Money, No Deposit, No Agency Fee Apartments in Tokyo

In this month’s installment of the “no key money, no deposit, no agency fee apartment” series, we feature mid-range apartments in popular locations around Tokyo from Shinjuku to Asakusa.

In Japan, agents consider the next few months, from around mid-October to December to be a quiet season, when there is not a lot of demand from people moving to new jobs or schools. As a tenant, this means that this is a great time to move!

As we’ve explained in other posts (Upfront costs of renting an apartment in Japan, How to avoid hidden fees when renting an apartment in Japan), the move-in costs in Japan are much higher than in most countries. Together (key money, deposit, and agency fees) can add three-months’ rent to your expenses. If you look for an apartment without these costs you will definitely lower your upfront cash outlay.

We currently list over 1,300 properties in Tokyo’s 23 Wards with no deposit, no key money, no agency fee required. You can see the full list here.

For a list of properties in other parts of Japan, please go here. We currently list over 4,000 properties throughout Japan that don’t charge a deposit, key money, or agency fee.

If you are looking for short-term rentals in Tokyo, please see this list: Short-Term Apartments for Rent in Tokyo

Below are examples of affordable and conveniently located apartments that don’t charge these upfront fees.

Furnished Studio Apartment for Rent in Shinjuku

Furnished studio apartment for rent near Nishi Shinjuku Gochoume Station on the Toei Oedo Line. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: Excellent location in Nishi (West) Shinjuku near the New National Theater and just west of the skyscraper district, 4-min walk from Nishi Shinjuku Gochoume Station on the Toei Oedo line.

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥161,400 ($1443)/month
  • Size: 25.65-sqm (276-sqft)
  • Floor: 8th floor in 12-story building
  • Notes: Convenient access to everything in Shinjuku. Easy ride to Shibuya. Furnished apartment with WiFi. Short-term stay available. Credit card payment available.

New Furnished Studio Apartment One Stop From Shinjuku – No Guarantor Required

Brand new (2017) furnished studio apartment for rent near Sasazuka Station, one stop from Shinjuku. Will be available October 22nd. We recommend inquiring now to arrange a room view. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: Excellent location, 11-min walk from Sasazuka Station on the Keio line, 5-min direct ride to Shinjuku.

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥99,000 ($885)/month
  • Size: 17.45-sqm (188-sqft)
  • Floor: 1st floor in 2-story building
  • Notes: This is a brand new building in a residential area with parks nearby. This unit will be available October 22nd. Furnished with bed, desk, A/C, TV, microwave, fridge, washing machine, etc. Unlimited WiFi included. No guarantor required.

Studio Apartment For Rent in Asakusa — One Month’s Rent Cash Back Campaign

New (2016) studio apartment for rent near two stations 10-min walk from Asakusa Stn (Tsukuba Express) and 11-min walk from Minowa Stn on Hibiya Line. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: Asakusa is a traditional neighborhood chock full of small shops selling traditional foods, confectionary, souveniers, and housewares, but also plenty of modern shopping, including Don Quixote. Also busy and touristy because it is home to one of Tokyo’s most famous temples (Sensoji) and not far from Ueno Park and the museum district.

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥105,879 ($947)/month
  • Size: 25.73-sqm (277-sqft)
  • Floor: 10th- floor in 10-story building
  • Notes: New (2016) construction. Pets negotiable. This unit is available through the GPM Housing Service and qualifies for the one month’s rent cash back campaign if you sign a lease with a start date of October 31st or earlier. Please inquire for details.

Studio Apartment For Rent Toritsu Daigaku — Five Stops From Shibuya

Studio apartment for rent, 7-min walk from Toritsu Daigaku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko line, 5-stops from Shibuya. Qualifies for the one month’s rent cash back campaign. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: Toritsu Daigaku is a leafy and quiet residential neighborhood with lots of good budget restaurants, and only five stops from Shibuya.

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥127,823 ($1143)/month
  • Size: 25.16-sqm (277-sqft)
  • Floor: 2nd- floor in 7-story building
  • Notes: This unit is available through the GPM Housing Service and qualifies for the one month’s rent cash back campaign if you sign a lease with a start date of October 31st or earlier. Please inquire for details.

Studio Apartment For Rent in Nakano Sakaue – Three Stops from Shinjuku

Furnished studio apartment for rent, 5-min walk from Nakano Sakaue Station on the Toei Oedo line, 3 stops from Shinjuku. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: Nakano Sakaue is a quiet residential area within an easy commute to Shinjuku. There are a lot of shopping and budget and chain restaurants near the station.

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥89,000 ($796)/month
  • Size: 20-sqm (215-sqft)
  • Floor: 1st- floor in 2-story building
  • Notes: Short-term available and room sharing (up to two people) possible. Bi-lingual support after you move in.

Useful Vocabulary

If you are going to a bricks-and-mortar agency, here is some vocabulary that may help you in your search.

No deposit: shikikin-nashi (敷金なし) or shikikin-zero 敷金ゼロ

No key moneyreikin-nashi (礼金なし) or shikikin-zero (礼金ゼロ)

Intermediary (Agency)chūkai (仲介)

Feetesūryō (手数料)

No agency feechūkai tesūryō-nashi

Propertybukken (物件)

I’m looking for a “no key money” property:

Reikin-nashi no bukken wo sagashite imasu. (礼金なしの物件を探しています。)

You may also be interested in: Moving in Japan Made Easy with the GaijinPot Moving Service


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