How to Book Temporary Accommodation Upon Arrival in Japan? (e.g., Short-term Apartments, Hotels)

Hello! Just arrived in Japan, and finding a place to stay is definitely a top priority. Don't worry, it's not complicated. Let me walk you through my experience and some tips from back in the day – you'll get it in no time.

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Just Arrived in Japan: Where to Stay Temporarily?

When you first land, you don't need a "permanent home" yet, but a "strategic base." This base lets you comfortably adjust to the time difference, get a phone plan, open a bank account, and most importantly – take your time finding a long-term apartment you love.

There are three main options, each with its pros and cons, depending on your needs and budget.

Option 1: Short-Term Apartments (Weekly/Monthly Mansion)

Think of this as a "move-in ready apartment." The biggest difference from a hotel is that it feels much more like "home."

• What's it like? It's a small apartment unit with a bedroom, a private bathroom, and crucially, usually a small kitchen equipped with a fridge, microwave, induction cooktop, and some basic pots, pans, and utensils. Furniture and appliances are generally included.

• Pros:

  • You can cook! This is huge. Eating out every day will destroy your budget. Cooking yourself saves a ton of money.
  • More space, better privacy. More spacious than similarly priced business hotels. It's entirely your own private space.
  • Strong sense of daily life. Helps you quickly experience what it's like to live independently in Japan.

• Cons:

  • Usually has a minimum stay period, like one week or one month.
  • Booking involves slightly more steps than a hotel; you might need to fill out some simple personal information forms.
  • Upfront costs might seem higher (e.g., paying one month's rent upfront), but the daily average can actually be more cost-effective.

• How to Book? These companies specialize in this and are very foreigner-friendly, often with English or Chinese websites:

  • Sakura House (サクラハウス): Very famous in the Tokyo area, specifically caters to foreigners. Simple procedures, multilingual staff, easy communication.
  • Leopalace21 (レオパレス21): A major nationwide chain. Huge inventory, available from big cities to smaller towns. Their short-term contracts are very flexible.
  • Airbnb: You're probably familiar with this. Many Japanese individual hosts offer monthly rentals here. Lots of choices; check reviews before deciding.

Option 2: Hotel

This is the most straightforward and hassle-free option, especially if you only plan to stay for a few days to a week or two.

• What's it like? A standard hotel room. Japanese business hotels (ビジネスホテル) are kings of value for money. Rooms are small but functional, clean, and safe.

• Pros:

  • Super easy booking. Book instantly on Booking.com, Agoda, or Japanese sites like Jalan or Rakuten Travel.
  • Flexible. Book by the day, extend or check out anytime.
  • Hassle-free. Daily cleaning; no need to worry about chores. Front desk handles package delivery/receipt and provides various assistance.

• Cons:

  • Can't cook. Daily food costs add up significantly.
  • Cramped space. Business hotel rooms are typically tiny; you might struggle to open two large suitcases.
  • Expensive. If staying longer (e.g., over two weeks), the total cost becomes much higher than a short-term apartment.

• How to Book?

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda
  • Japanese Platforms: Jalan (じゃらん), Rakuten Travel (楽天トラベル) - These often have deals on business hotels; worth checking.
  • Recommended Chains: APA Hotel, Toyoko Inn (東横イン), Dormy Inn. These are national staples, known for consistent quality and reasonable prices.

Option 3: Share House / Guesthouse

A fantastic option if you're on a tight budget and don't mind sharing common spaces.

• What's it like? You typically have your own small private room (just bed and desk), but the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and shower are shared with other residents in the building.

• Pros:

  • Cheap! This is the biggest advantage, saving you significant initial costs.
  • Meet people. Great for meeting people from all over the world. Very helpful if you're new to Japan and want to settle in quickly.
  • Has a kitchen. Like short-term apartments, you can cook for yourself.

• Cons:

  • Less privacy. Common areas are shared, after all.
  • Potential for noise. Neighbors' habits might affect you.
  • Need to help maintain shared spaces (though there's usually a cleaning roster).

• How to Book?

  • Oakhouse (オークハウス): One of Japan's largest share house companies.
  • Borderless House: Emphasizes international exchange, intentionally pairing Japanese and foreign residents.
  • Sakura House also offers a large number of share house options.

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Summary & Recommendations

To help you choose more easily, here's a quick comparison table:

My Advice (From Experience)

1. The "Combination" Strategy: If you're like I was, unfamiliar with everything, try this:

   • First 3-7 Days: Book a business hotel. Choose one near a major, well-connected station (like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno). Use these days to adjust to the time difference and handle the most critical tasks. The hotel's convenience will be a relief.
   • Next 1-2 Months: Move into a short-term apartment or share house. Once you're a bit settled, move into your pre-booked short-term place. This gives you a stable "base" to calmly search for your formal residence for the next year or two.

2. Location is Key: No matter which option you choose initially, prioritize a location with excellent transportation access, ideally near the JR Yamanote Line or a major subway line. This makes getting to the ward office (区役所), real estate agents, or just exploring much easier.

3. Book Ahead: Especially during peak seasons like the April school start/sakura season or the September/October enrollment/autumn foliage season, accommodation in Japan gets very tight. Book 1-2 months in advance.

Hope this info helps! Take it easy, one step at a time. Wishing you a smooth start to your new life in Japan!