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Student Housing

Student Accommodation in Japan

Most international students in Japan live in private flats. University dormitories cost less but have few rooms. Start looking as soon as you are accepted. Money is in Japanese yen (JPY).

Housing Options

The two main choices for students in Japan.

Accommodation TypeAverage CostProsCons
University dormitory

Run by universities or local governments.

Ask your university

No deposit, key money or fee to renew your room

  • Cheaper than a flat.
  • Rooms may have furniture.
  • Easy to make friends.
  • Not enough rooms for everyone.
  • Rules such as a time you must be back at night.
  • Shared kitchen, toilet and bathroom.
Private flat

Where about 70% of international students live.

JPY 41,000 a month (student average rent)

Plus deposit, key money and agent fee

  • You set your own daily schedule.
  • Move-in costs paid in advance.
  • Contracts can be hard to understand.
  • You buy your own furniture.

How to Find a Place

After your letter of acceptance

  • Ask your university about dormitories.
  • Look online and in housing magazines.

Before you fly

  • Book a place, or a short stay until you find one.

After you move in

  • Register your address within 14 days of moving in.

Reliable Platforms

  • Your university's international student office

    The first place to ask about dormitories and flats.

  • Real estate agents

    Local agents in the area you want to live in.

Required Documents

For off-campus housing in Japan, you'll typically need to provide the following documents:

  • 1
    Joint guarantor or guarantee company

    Needed to rent most flats.

  • 2
    Residence card

    Your ID in Japan.

Costs to Plan For

Average rent paid by international students, per month.

Regional Cost Comparison

Higher Cost Regions

  • Tokyo

    Average studio: JPY 57,000 a month (average rent)

  • Kanto (the area around Tokyo)

    Average studio: JPY 51,000 a month (average rent)

Lower Cost Regions

  • Tohoku (northern Japan)

    Average studio: JPY 26,000 a month (average rent)

  • Kyushu

    Average studio: JPY 29,000 a month (average rent)

  • Chubu

    Average studio: JPY 30,000 a month (average rent)

  • Kinki

    Average studio: JPY 40,000 a month (average rent)

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Deposit (shiki-kin)

    Paid before you move in.

    A few months' rent

  • Key money (rei-kin)

    A gift to the landlord, paid before you move in.

    Set by the flat

  • Agent fee

    Paid before you move in.

    Set by the agent

  • Furniture

    Flats usually come empty.

Location Considerations

  • Station

    Rent depends on how popular the station is and how close the flat is to it.

  • Building age

    Rent also changes with the age of the building.

Tips

Ask your international student office about housing first.

Check rent and move-in costs together.

Check the travel time to your campus.

Keep quiet at night. Flats are close together.

Sort your rubbish by the local rules.

Common Questions

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