Should I rent a Furnished or Unfurnished Apartment?

 

Furnished or Unfurnished Apartments in Tokyo: Which Is the Better Choice?

 

When renting an apartment in Tokyo, many tenants—especially foreigners or first-time renters—often face the same question:

Should you choose a furnished apartment or an unfurnished one?

 

Both options have clear differences in terms of cost, convenience, and lifestyle. In this article, we explain the key differences and help you decide which type of apartment is more suitable for your situation.

 

1.    Key Differences Between Furnished and Unfurnished Apartments

 

Furnished Apartments (Around 5% of the apartments on the market)

A furnished apartment usually means that basic furniture and home appliances are already provided when you move in. This often includes:

 

* Furniture such as a bed, table, chairs, and wardrobe

* Home appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave

* Daily necessities like curtains and lighting

 

The biggest advantage of a furnished apartment is that you can move in immediately with minimal preparation.

 

Recommended for:

* Short-term stays in Tokyo

* People coming to Japan for work or study for the first time

* Tenants who want to save time and effort when moving in

 

Things to consider:

 

* Furniture style and quality cannot usually be chosen

* Rent may be slightly higher than unfurnished apartments

* Less flexibility for personal interior preferences

Unfurnished Apartments (Around 95% of the apartments on the market)

An unfurnished apartment is delivered with **only fixed facilities and basic equipment**, such as:

* Air conditioner

* Bathroom and toilet

* Built-in kitchen units

 

No movable furniture or home appliances are included. Tenants need to prepare all necessary items by themselves after moving in.

 

Advantages:

* Freedom to choose furniture and arrange the space as you like

* Furniture and appliances belong to you

* More suitable for long-term living

* The long-term cost is cheaper

 

Points to keep in mind:

* The cost of purchasing furniture and appliances

* More time needed before the apartment is fully furnished

 

2.    Which Option Is Right for You?

There is no single “correct” choice. The best option depends on your stay length and lifestyle.

 

●Short-term stay (less than one year):

  → Furnished apartments are usually more convenient

●Long-term stay or planning to settle in Tokyo:

  → Unfurnished apartments offer more flexibility and value

●Want a smooth and quick move-in:

  → Furnished apartments are recommended

●Care about personal style and living comfort:

  → Unfurnished apartments may be a better fit

3. Reality Check: Most Apartments in Tokyo Are Unfurnished

One important point that many overseas renters did not know is that:

About 95% of rental apartments in Japan are unfurnished.

This means that furnished apartments are not just a slightly upgraded option that can be easily arranged by paying a little extra rent. In reality, furnished properties are limited in number and usually offered only by specific management companies.

Simply increasing your budget does not guarantee that a furnished apartment will be available in your desired area, building, or layout.

Why Are Furnished Apartments More Expensive?

Furnished apartments are generally significantly higher in monthly rent

• More expensive in initial move-in costs
• Limited in choice compared to standard rentals
  
  

For example, within the same building, a normal unfurnished unit may rent for ¥100,000, while a furnished unit offered by another landlord can cost ¥130,000 or more per month.

In addition, furnished apartments often come with higher deposits, service fees, or contract-related costs.

Because of this, furnished apartments are best viewed as a special category, not the mainstream of the Japanese rental market.

 

3.   Conclusion

When renting an apartment in Tokyo, choosing between furnished and unfurnished options depends on your 【length of stay, budget, and lifestyle needs】

Understanding the differences in advance can help you avoid unexpected costs and make your move to Tokyo more comfortable.

Before signing a contract, it is always recommended to confirm what furniture and appliances are included, as well as any related costs.