Renting an apartment in Tokyo as a foreigner: rents and costs in 2026

Rents in Tokyo's 23 wards rose 6.0% in one year. In such a tight market, renting an apartment means knowing the prices, the move-in costs and what landlords expect. Here are the essentials for a foreign tenant.

How much does it cost to rent in Tokyo in 2026?

In the third quarter of 2026, Savills recorded these average rents (Real Estate Asia, citing Savills):

As a rough guide, 40 m² at the average rent of the 23 wards comes to about ¥196,000 a month (40 × ¥4,909). The actual price depends on the neighbourhood, the age of the building and the distance to the station.

Move-in costs to budget for

Renting through a traditional agency involves several fees, which often add up to two months' rent or more (japan-guide.com).

• Holding deposit (tetsukekin): paid when you apply, often one month's rent, and refunded after signing.
• Security deposit (shikikin): often several months' rent, returned when you leave, minus repair costs.
• Key money (reikin): paid to the landlord, non-refundable, up to several months' rent.
• Agency fee (chūkai tesuryō): one month's rent at most, non-refundable.

Include these amounts in your relocation budget from the start. They often cost more than the move itself.

What landlords expect

With a traditional agency, a lease usually runs for at least two years. A guarantor who co-signs is often required, normally a Japanese national with a stable income. The agency may also ask about your financial situation (japan-guide.com).

For a newcomer, several obstacles add up:

• some landlords are reluctant to rent to someone who does not speak Japanese;
• some agencies turn down residents who are not permanent residents;
• a two-year lease does not always fit a shorter assignment.

Companies that specialise in renting to foreigners, especially in Tokyo, offer shorter leases, lower fees and furnished apartments.

Rent or buy?

From April to September 2026, a new apartment in the 23 wards cost ¥179.25 million on average, up 34.7% in a year (Nippon.com / Jiji Press). At these prices, renting remains the most flexible option for a stay of a few years.

Still thinking about buying? Read our guide to buying property in Japan as a foreigner.

After signing: the next formalities

Once your address is settled, you have 14 days to register it at city hall (Toshima City). When you move in, also find your evacuation site and check when the building was built. Our earthquake preparedness guide explains why.

The following steps are in our guide to moving to Tokyo.

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