Where to Stay in Tokyo

Serviced Apartments vs Hotels & Airbnb for Foreign Visitors

Discover the pros and cons. Ideal for foreign travelers and expats.

With the growing number of international travelers and expats coming to Tokyo, choosing the right place to stay has become a critical decision.

Whether you’re here for a few days, weeks, or several months, understanding the differences between accommodation options—city hotels, business hotels, vacation rentals, and serviced apartments—can help you make a smart and comfortable choice.

1. City Hotels: Comfort Comes at a Cost

¥30,000-100,000+/night

Features:

Convenient central locations near stations
English-speaking staff
Full amenities and room service

Best for:

Short-term stays
Business travelers or tourists who prioritize convenience

Drawbacks:

Premium pricing, especially in central Tokyo locations
Rooms are small and lack kitchen facilities
Additional charges for extra services

2. Business Hotels: Budget-Friendly but Cramped

¥13,000-25,000/night

Features:

Available throughout Japan’s urban centers
Quick check-in/check-out process
Basic amenities included

Best for:

Solo travelers
Short business trips

Drawbacks:

Compact rooms with minimal space
No kitchen; not ideal for long stays
Limited foreign language support

3. Vacation Rentals (e.g., Airbnb): Local Immersion

¥12,000-30,000/night

Features:

Whole apartment or house rental
Local neighborhood experience
Chance to interact with hosts

Best for:

Families or groups
Travelers looking to experience Japanese lifestyle

Drawbacks:

Risk of unlicensed or illegal properties
Varying cleanliness and maintenance quality
Poor customer support in case of trouble

4. Serviced Apartments in Tokyo (MetroResidences Japan)

Monthly Pricing from ¥200,000（¥6,600~/night）

Features:

Fully furnished with appliances, ready to move in
Monthly pricing includes utilities and Wi-Fi
Corporate billing and credit card support available
Cleaning services and bilingual customer support
All properties are legally registered and safe

Why Choose MetroResidences Japan:

The best of both rental housing and hotels
Dozens of listings across Tokyo’s 23 wards
Flexible stay terms starting from just one month
Popular among businesspeople, expats, and students
Highly rated by past guests

Best for:

Stays of one month or longer
Those who want to save on living costs without sacrificing comfort
Remote workers, international employees, and study-abroad students in Tokyo

For Balance, Serviced Apartment Is The New Smart Option For You

Choosing where to stay in Tokyo can define your overall experience in Japan.
You may want to cut costs—but not at the expense of comfort or safety. If you’re looking for a secure, fully-equipped space that feels like home, MetroResidences Japan’s Tokyo serviced apartments are an excellent choice.

Real Reviews from MetroResidences Japan Guests

★★★★★

“Very smooth move-in process, great English-speaking support team, and clean apartments in good neighborhoods! Highly recommended for foreigners staying in Tokyo.”

★★★★★

“This was my third time using MetroResidences and I’m always satisfied. The room is well-equipped and customer support is fast and helpful.”

★★★★

“The location is super convenient but the noise levels from the highway disrupted our sleep and the WiFi connection was poor. I would stay with MetroResidences again but in another apartment.”

★★★★★

“Very convenient location and the Help Desk answered very fast my emails. I would recommend it for sure.”