Where to Stay in Tokyo
Serviced Apartments vs Hotels & Airbnb for Foreign Visitors
Discover the pros and cons. Ideal for foreign travelers and expats.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
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.”
Experience the Difference with MetroResidences Japan
Join thousands of satisfied international guests who’ve found their perfect Tokyo home
Updated: April 2025 *Pricing data reflects current market rates for Tokyo’s 23 wards