Student housing in Japan
How student housing works in Japan, including providers, queues, deposits, contracts and practical risks to check before signing.
Read the complete Japan study abroad guide.
Housing
University and student dormitories can be easier for a new arrival because they often reduce the guarantor and large-upfront-payment problem, but availability and prices vary by institution. Apply early if your university offers a place.
In the private market, initial costs can include a security deposit, key money (reikin), real-estate-agent commission and guarantor-company fees. Contracts and furnishing levels vary, so check exactly what is included before signing.
The official JASSO survey gives average monthly rent of about JPY 41,000 nationally and JPY 57,000 in Tokyo, with lower averages in several regional areas. Those are useful planning benchmarks, not guaranteed market prices for a particular neighbourhood.
Source: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/accomodation/
Common questions
What should international students know about housing in Japan?
Dorms can reduce upfront costs; private leases may add deposits, key money, agency fees and a guarantor.