For expats relocating to Tokyo or looking for a comfortable place to live until their household goods arrive by sea, serviced apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, daily or weekly housekeeping service, and Wi-Fi provide a pleasant environment to get used to the city.
While most residents only stay for a month or two, some serviced apartments attract longer-term tenants. Most of the premier serviced apartments in Tokyo require a minimum of a one-month stay.
The leading global provider of high-end serviced apartments is Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), which markets their properties via separate brands, including Ascott, Citadines, Oakwood, Somerset, and lyf. Other firms have similar properties, including other global players as well as a few local companies. Below are several options to consider.
1. Ascott
Under the flagship Ascott brand, there is the Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo in Otemachi, one of the most central business centers in Tokyo. It is only a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station.
A variety of floorplans are available, from 38 square meters (409 square feet) studio apartments to the 163 square meters (1,755 square feet) “Marunouchi Suite,” which is suitable for a family of up to six.
Get more information about Ascott here.
2. Citadines
ASR also operates the Citadines brand, under which there are two properties in Tokyo, both located in Shinjuku, near the world’s busiest train station.
If you are looking for a comfortable place to live within minutes of Shinjuku’s famous nightlife district, then check out Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo in Kabuki-cho. This property has ten types of floor plans, but there are only a few apartments suitable for a maximum of 3 people.
Get more information about Citadines here.
A little bit removed from the nightlife district but still, only a short walk from the center of the action is Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo. This property has four separate floor plans, but each unit is limited to a maximum of only two occupants.
3. Oakwood
The long-time market-leading brand Oakwood is also part of the ASR network and offers ten separate properties scattered around some of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in Tokyo.
A few of these properties, including Aoyama, Azabu, Azabu-Juban, Minami Azabu, Roppongi, and Shirokane, are located in neighborhoods where expat families like to live.
Thus, if you’re planning a longer-term lease nearby, opting for a short-term stay at one of these Oakwood properties with up to 3 bedrooms could make the transition to living in Tokyo a little easier for your family.
Oakwood is known for its high quality, privacy, and comfort.
For more information, follow these links:
- Oakwood Apartments Shirokane Tokyo
- Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Azabu Tokyo
- Oakwood Premier Tokyo
- Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown
- Oakwood Residence Aoyama Tokyo
- Oakwood Residence Azabujyuban Tokyo
- Oakwood Residence Roppongi T-Cube Tokyo
- Oakwood Residence Shinagawa Tokyo
4. Somerset
Somerset is another ASR brand in high demand.
If you are looking for a comfortable place to live just minutes from the renowned Ginza shopping district, then check out Somerset Ginza East Tokyo.
This property has four types of floor plans, but each unit is limited to a maximum of only two occupants. For more information, follow this link.
Nestled in the famous residential neighborhood of Takanawa, Somerset Shinagawa Tokyo is still only a short walk from busy Shinagawa Station, which is near a large and growing business district and includes a bullet train stop.
Although it rarely becomes available, this property has a 2-bedroom penthouse that can accommodate a family of six. There are also nine other floorplans available.
For more information, follow this link.
5. lyf
ASR’s lyf brand has been designed for digital nomads. Its debut property in Tokyo, lyf Ginza Tokyo, is conveniently located near Ginza, Tokyo Station, and Nihonbashi.
While most of the rooms at lyf Ginza Tokyo tend to be rather compact, a few can accommodate up to three people.
For more information, follow this link.
6. Imperial Hotel
In addition to the main hotel, the Imperial Hotel in Uchisaiwaicho near Ginza has published plans to make certain rooms available in increments of either 5 or 30 days from March 31 to June 29, 2024.
For the smallest 30 square meter (323 square feet) studio apartment, the fee for 5 days is 175,000 yen ($1,170 or $234 per night).
There are several other options for larger rooms. The most spacious suite, a 105 square meter penthouse apartment, costs 1.1 million yen ($7,350 or $1,470 per night) for a five night stay. Subsequent nights are charged at a premium significantly higher than the initial rate for 5 nights-in-a-row. However, up to two “free” parking spots are included in the cost of any suite.
For the smallest 30 square meter (323 square feet) studio apartment, the fee for one month or 30 consecutive days is 480,000 yen ($3,200 or $107 per night). There are several other options for larger rooms. The most spacious suite, a 105 square meter penthouse apartment, costs 2,424,000 yen ($16,190 or $540 per night) for a 30 night stay. Up to two “free” parking spots are, however, included in the cost of any suite.
Consult here for more details.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Serviced Apartment in Tokyo
When choosing a serviced apartment in Tokyo, it is essential to consider many factors such as location, floorplan, availability, and budget. If you have children, it’s generally best to start by selecting a property that allows for an easy school commute.
Serviced apartments offer a wide variety of amenities. Most have some English language concierge service. Many provide on-site dining. Some have gym facilities, and a few even have indoor swimming pools. Some properties have integrated business center facilities. Some are pet-friendly, as well.
Demand for serviced apartments in Tokyo tends to be very high, and supply is quite limited. Thus, to the greatest extent possible, it is advisable to make reservations far in advance.
Cost
Serviced apartments in Tokyo are, understandably, not inexpensive. While rent will vary depending upon location, floorplan, age of the property, and availability, prices start at around 250,000 yen (approximately US $1,667) per month for a studio apartment and well over 1.5 million yen ($9,975) per month for the most spacious properties with two or three bedrooms.
Less Expensive Alternatives
Many major travel sites, Airbnb and Vrbo, offer various properties suitable for medium-term stays.
Ready to find your perfect home-away-from-home in Tokyo? Our team is here to help you navigate through the best-serviced apartment options to fit your needs. Contact us today to start your hassle-free living experience in the heart of the city!
