In this installment of the “what can you rent” series, let’s take a virtual tour around Japan to see what you can rent outside Tokyo for about $500 (¥57,000) or less a month. And, of course, no one likes to pay high move-in costs, so the examples below all feature apartments that don’t charge key money, a deposit, and agency fees.
The main takeaway here is that $500 will get you a little bit more space in some cities than others, but in general, you will pay less per sqm for an apartment in Sapporo, Osaka, and Nagoya than in Tokyo. So, for example, you might expect to squeeze yourself into 15-sqm of space for an apartment at this price point in Tokyo, while in regional cities, you’ll get on average 5-sqm (54-sqft) more of space (not to mention fee WiFi, furniture, and even new (2017 or 2018) construction, in some cases!).
Sapporo Apartments for Rent
Furnished studio apartment for rent in Sapporo
- Where: Kita Ni Yon Jou Station (6 min-walk) on the Namboku line in Kita Ward.
- Total Monthly Cost: ¥50,540 ($447)/month
- Key Money: None
- Deposit: None
- Agency Fee: none
- Size: 23.18 m² (224-sqft)
- Floor: 2nd floor in 2-story building
- Notes: Possible to pay some fees with a credit card (please inquire for details). Sunny, south-facing furnished apartment with loft-style bed. Unlimited Internet for an additional ¥2,268 per month.
Chiba Apartments for Rent
Furnished apartment for rent in Chiba – Room-sharing (2 people) ok!
- Where: Keisei Okubo Station (13 min-walk) on the Keisei Main line, about an hour commute to Tokyo Station.
- Total Monthly Cost: ¥58,540 ($517)/month
- Key Money: None
- Deposit: None
- Agency Fee: none
- Size: 21.11 m² (227-sqft)
- Floor: 2nd floor in 3-story building
- Notes: Room sharing (up to 2 people) ok! Built in 2016. Credit card payment for some fees available. A/C installed, furnished, washing machine, toilet separate from bathroom.
Yokosuka Apartments for Rent
Furnished studio apartment for rent in Yokosuka
- Where: Keikyu Nagasawa Station (11 min-walk) on the Keikyu Kurihama line. Yokosuka is perhaps most well-known for being the headquarters of the US Navy’s 7th fleet, and on Real Estate Japan is one of the more popular searches for people looking for apartments in Kanagawa prefecture.
- Total Monthly Cost: ¥45,500 ($402)/month
- Key Money: None
- Deposit: None
- Agency Fee: none
- Size: 19.87 m² (214-sqft)
- Floor: 1st floor in 2-story building
- Notes: Lofted bed-style studio apartment. Some fees payable with a credit card. Short-term rental available!
Osaka Apartments for Rent
Brand new studio apartment for rent near Shouji Station – WiFi included in rent!
- Where: Shouji Station (6-min walk) on the Sennichimae subway line.
- Total Monthly Cost: ¥55,825 ($494)/month
- Key Money: None
- Deposit: None
- Agency Fee: none
- Size: 21.97 m² (224-sqft)
- Floor: 2nd floor in 3-story building
- Notes: Built in 2018. Big windows, an actual closet (!), A/C installed and WiFi included in rent. Good shopping and restaurants near the station.
Nagoya Apartments for Rent
Furnished studio apartment for rent near Nakajima Stn – 10-min direct ride to Nagoya Station
- Where: Nakajima Station (9-min walk) and Minami Arako Station (10-min walk) on the Aonami line, about 10-min direct ride to Nagoya Station. Excellent location!
- Total Monthly Cost: ¥53,040 ($470)/month
- Key Money: None
- Deposit: None
- Agency Fee: none
- Size: 20.81 m² (224-sqft)
- Floor: 2nd floor in 3-story building
- Notes: Bright, clean and functional lofted bed-style studio apartment. A/C, washing machine, fridge and WiFi installed. Short-term is not available.
Tokyo Apartments
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Lead photo: Furnished apartment, Real Estate Japan