Arealty

 The standard Japanese rental contract runs two years, which does not suit everyone. Renters on a work assignment, students on exchange, or anyone testing out Tokyo before committing long-term often look specifically for short-term apartments in Shibuya instead. What Counts as "Short-Term" in This Market Weekly and monthly apartments These are fully furnished units rented on a rolling monthly basis, sometimes with a minimum stay of one week or one month. They typically include utilities and wifi in the rent, trading a higher per-month cost for zero setup and no long-term commitment. Fixed-term leases (3, 6, or 12 months) A step up from monthly apartments, these are standard leases with a shorter, fixed contract length instead of the usual two years. They may or may not come furnished, and terms vary more by individual landlord than with monthly apartment operators. Trade-Offs Compared to a Standard Two-Year Lease Short-term apartments in Shibuya almost always co...

 Finding a pet-friendly apartment in Tokyo is harder than finding one that simply allows tenants. Shibuya is no exception, but the ward does have a reasonable supply of pet-friendly buildings once you know what to filter for and what extra costs to expect. Why Pet Policies Are Stricter in Japan Many buildings in Tokyo, including in Shibuya, simply do not allow pets at all, largely due to building age, shared wall construction, and past disputes over noise or damage. Buildings that do allow pets usually spell out clear rules on the number, size, and type of animal permitted. What "Pet-Friendly" Usually Means in a Listing Size and breed restrictions Many pet-friendly buildings cap dog size, commonly allowing small to medium breeds only. Cats are generally more widely accepted than dogs, though building-specific rules always apply. Extra deposit or fees Pet-friendly units frequently carry an additional pet deposit on top of the standard security deposit, meant to c...

 One of the biggest concerns for foreign renters looking at Shibuya is the guarantor requirement. Traditionally, Japanese landlords wanted a local guarantor, usually a relative or close contact, who would be legally responsible for the rent if a tenant failed to pay. For newcomers to Japan, that requirement alone used to rule out a lot of otherwise good apartments. Why This Is Less of a Barrier Than It Used to Be Guarantor companies have become the norm Most landlords and agencies in Shibuya today accept a guarantor company (hoshou gaisha) instead of a personal guarantor. These companies charge a fee, typically 50 to 100 percent of one month's rent at contract signing, plus a smaller annual renewal fee, and take on the guarantor role in place of a relative or friend. Screening still applies A guarantor company does not mean approval is automatic. Applicants still go through a screening process that checks income, employment status, and visa type. Stable full-time employme...

 Not everyone moving to Tokyo wants to buy furniture and appliances for a two-year lease. For short stays, first-time movers, or anyone who just wants to skip the setup hassle, furnished apartments in Shibuya are one of the more practical ways to get settled quickly in one of the city's most central wards. What "Furnished" Actually Means in Japan Standard furnished units Most furnished apartments in Shibuya come with the essentials already installed: a bed, a small dining or work table, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and basic lighting and curtains. This is different from a fully unfurnished Japanese apartment, which often comes with nothing, not even light fixtures. Fully equipped or serviced units A smaller segment of the market goes further, adding kitchenware, a microwave, wifi, and sometimes weekly cleaning. These units cost more per month but remove almost all setup work, which suits renters staying under a year or those relocating for work on short no...