Tokyo is a sprawling neon metropolis that offers an unmatched blend of futuristic technology and deep tradition. For digital nomads and expats, the city provides endless exploration, from the frantic energy of Shibuya Crossing to the quiet temples of Yanaka. However, the traditional rental market is arguably the most difficult in the world for foreigners, characterized by "Key Money" (non-refundable gift money to landlords), "Guarantors" (Japanese co-signers), and 2-year lock-in contracts.
Coliving is the "cheat code" for this specific struggle. These operators provide fully furnished apartments that bypass the need for guarantors and key money entirely. They offer English-speaking support, instant community, and flexible monthly contracts that allow you to move in with just a suitcase.
While rent in Tokyo is high, the "Coliving Premium" here buys you access to the city without the crushing initial startup costs (which can often equal 5-6 months of rent). The list below covers the top operators you need to know.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Tokyo Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- Hmlet: A premium, design-led coliving brand with modern apartments in central districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku.
- Cove: A tech-enabled operator offering stylish, flexible living spaces with a strong focus on community app integration.
- MetroResidences: A corporate-focused operator providing high-quality serviced apartments for business travelers.
- Borderless House: A unique cultural exchange concept that mandates a 50/50 split of locals and foreigners in every house.
- Oakhouse: The giant of the industry, famous for its massive "Social Residences" with gyms, theaters, and coworking spaces.
- Goodroom Residence: A "subscription living" service that renovates hotels and apartments for long-term monthly stays.
- Come on UP: A boutique share house operator focusing on personal growth and close-knit community vibes.
- Uninest Student Residences: A high-end student housing brand (Hakusan House) offering meals and strong security.
- TokyoBeta: An incredibly affordable share house operator with hundreds of locations in residential neighborhoods.
- Dash Living: A Hong Kong-based giant offering digital-first booking for apartments in Ryogoku and Osaki.
- West Tokyo Housing: A budget-friendly option for the western suburbs, known for zero key money and older, spacious units.
- Sakura House: The veteran operator for foreigners, offering thousands of rooms with no guarantors required.
- TheSqua.re: A luxury serviced apartment booking platform catering to high-net-worth executives.
- Uhomes: A global student housing marketplace that aggregates listings for international students in Tokyo.
- Outsite: The global nomad standard (operating via partner networks and waitlists for upcoming Tokyo locations).
Hmlet
Hmlet is a premium coliving brand that originated in Singapore and has expanded aggressively into Tokyo's most desirable neighborhoods. They specialize in modern, design-forward apartments that remove the friction of traditional Japanese renting. It is ideal for professionals who want a stylish, hassle-free home in the city center without paying "key money."
Location: Located in vibrant central districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku. These prime spots put you within walking distance of Tokyo’s best dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Website: https://www.hmlet.com/ja-jp
Pricing: Premium rates range from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000+ per month. This all-inclusive fee covers rent, utilities, and access to their high-end facilities.
Deposit: A standard 1-month security deposit is required. This is significantly lower than the 4-6 months of upfront fees typical of traditional Japanese rentals.
Rental Terms: Flexible monthly contracts cater to both short-term projects and long-term stays. You can move in and out with ease, perfect for dynamic expat lifestyles.
Amenities: Includes stylish furnished rooms, community lounges, and rooftop terraces. A dedicated community manager organizes weekly social events to help residents connect.
Cove
Cove is a tech-first coliving operator that aims to make renting as easy as ordering food. They focus on "living-ready" homes that are aesthetically pleasing and functional. Their app allows you to manage everything from viewing to billing, appealing to a younger, tech-savvy demographic.
Location: Focuses on hip, residential neighborhoods like Setagaya and Meguro. These areas offer a trendy yet livable atmosphere popular with young creatives.
Website: https://cove.sg/en-jp
Pricing: Positioned in the Mid-to-High Range, competitive for furnished apartments. Utilities and Wi-Fi are often bundled into a single, predictable monthly payment.
Deposit: Minimal deposit requirements. They aim to lower entry barriers, often asking only for a small security deposit or booking fee.
Rental Terms: Highly flexible terms designed for modern mobility. Lease extensions and transfers between properties are streamlined for convenience.
Amenities: Features high-speed Wi-Fi, regular housekeeping services, and fully equipped kitchens. A tenant app handles maintenance tickets and community chats.
MetroResidences
MetroResidences bridges the gap between a hotel and a rental apartment. They cater primarily to the corporate market, offering high-standard serviced apartments that are vetted for quality. It is the go-to option for business travelers who need a reliable, professional environment to work and sleep.
Location: Concentrated in major business hubs like Minato-ku and Chuo-ku. Strategic locations near Roppongi and Tokyo Station minimize commute times for executives.
Pricing: Corporate rates apply, often dynamic based on stay length. While premium, they offer significant savings compared to extended hotel stays.
Deposit: Varies by contract type. Corporate bookings may waive deposits entirely, while individual stays typically require a credit card guarantee.
Rental Terms: Monthly terms tailored for 1-6 month corporate assignments. Billing is simplified to make expense reporting easy for business travelers.
Amenities: Includes weekly housekeeping, professional check-in support, and work-ready desks. Premium linens and fully equipped kitchens come standard.
Borderless House
Borderless House has a strict but brilliant policy: every share house must have a 50% Japanese and 50% foreigner ratio. This creates an authentic environment for cultural exchange and language learning. It is the antithesis of the "gaijin bubble," forcing you to interact with locals daily.
Location: City-wide presence with dozens of houses. Locations are scattered across residential areas like Shimokitazawa, Koenji, and Nihonbashi.
Website: https://www.borderless-house.com
Pricing: Affordable at ¥60,000 - ¥90,000 per month. This offers exceptional value given the included cultural immersion programs and community features.
Deposit: A fixed management fee or deposit of ¥30,000 - ¥50,000 is required. This reasonable amount secures your room and covers administrative costs.
Rental Terms: Minimum stay is usually 1 month. The application includes a screening process to ensure residents are genuinely interested in community engagement.
Amenities: Shared living rooms are designed for socializing. The real perk is the language exchange programs and organized group trips that facilitate deep cultural connection.
Oakhouse
Oakhouse is the giant of the Japanese share house industry. They are famous for their "Social Residences"—massive complexes that feel more like luxury dorms for adults. These buildings often house 50-200 people and feature amenities you would never find in a regular apartment, like gyms, theater rooms, and coworking spaces.
Location: Properties span the Greater Tokyo Area, from central hubs to suburbs like Kichijoji. This wide network allows you to choose between city convenience and suburban space.
Website: https://www.oakhouse.jp/en
Pricing: Ranging from ¥70,000 to ¥120,000 per month. Prices vary significantly based on the "Social Residence" tier and proximity to the Yamanote line.
Deposit: A Contract Fee of approx. ¥50,000 applies. They famously charge no key money, no gift money, and no guarantor fees, saving you thousands.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms allow for easy relocation. You can transfer between Oakhouse properties, making it easy to change neighborhoods without breaking a lease.
Amenities: Social Residences feature luxury amenities like gyms, soundproof music studios, and coworking libraries. On-site cafes and shared bicycles are also common.
Goodroom Residence
Goodroom provides a "Subscription Living" service. They partner with hotels and apartment complexes to offer long-term monthly stays at fixed rates. It is perfect for those who want the cleanliness and services of a hotel but the price stability of a rental.
Location: Activates underutilized properties across various districts. Locations are often strategically situated near major train stations for maximum convenience.
Website: https://livingpass.goodrooms.jp/en
Pricing: Operates on a Subscription Model (¥80,000 - ¥150,000+). A single monthly fee covers your rent, utilities, and often cleaning services.
Deposit: Minimal to none. The subscription nature of the service eliminates the need for the heavy rental deposits found in the traditional market.
Rental Terms: Monthly subscriptions offer high flexibility. You can start or stop your stay with relatively short notice, ideal for uncertain schedules.
Amenities: Residents enjoy hotel-grade amenities like gyms and saunas in converted properties, along with shared kitchen access in select units.
Come on UP
Come on UP is a boutique operator that focuses on the human element of share houses. Their houses are smaller and more intimate, often renovated with a unique, warm aesthetic. They emphasize personal growth and deep connections between housemates, rather than just cheap rent.
Location: Found in desirable residential hubs like Ebisu and Shibuya. They also operate in quieter family neighborhoods for a more relaxed pace of life.
Website: https://www.comeonup-house.com/en
Pricing: Competitive rates of ¥70,000 - ¥100,000 per month. Pricing is fair considering the high quality of renovation and intimate management style.
Deposit: Standard 1-month rent deposit. This secures the room and covers any potential damages to the high-quality interiors.
Rental Terms: Long-term residents are preferred. They prioritize applicants who want to settle in and actively contribute to the house culture over time.
Amenities: Houses feature renovated interiors with character and large shared kitchens. The primary amenity is the facilitated, close-knit community atmosphere.
Uninest Student Residences
Uninest (specifically their Hakusan House) is a premium student housing brand. It caters to international students who want safety, community, and convenience. Unlike older dorms, this is a modern facility with 24/7 staff, security, and high-end common areas.
Location: Located in Bunkyo-ku (Hakusan), a quiet academic district. It is conveniently near Toyo University and the University of Tokyo.
Website: https://unineststudents.jp
Pricing: Student Premium rates apply. While higher than basic dorms, the price includes utilities, internet, and access to top-tier facilities.
Deposit: A Registration Fee is required to book. This standard booking fee secures your room for the upcoming semester.
Rental Terms: Semester-based contracts. Terms are aligned with the university academic calendar, providing stability for the duration of your studies.
Amenities: Facilities include a roof terrace, cinema room, and study rooms. The building is staffed 24/7, and optional meal plans are available.
TokyoBeta
TokyoBeta is a massive operator of budget-friendly share houses. They manage hundreds of "Series" houses (e.g., Tokyo Beta #152) across the city. Their selling point is affordability and simplicity—they take standard residential homes and convert them into functional share houses with low rents.
Location: Everywhere. With hundreds of houses, they have a massive footprint in Tokyo's residential suburbs, typically a 10-15 minute walk from stations.
Website: https://tokyobeta.jp
Pricing: Extremely Budget-Friendly (¥30,000 - ¥60,000 per month). This is one of the most affordable ways to secure a private room in Tokyo.
Deposit: None/Minimal. They focus on low initial costs to make housing accessible for young people, foreigners, and those on a tight budget.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms allow for easy move-in and move-out. The process is designed for a transient workforce needing immediate housing.
Amenities: Basic but functional. Includes shared kitchens, shower units, Wi-Fi, and furnished rooms equipped with a bed and fridge.
Dash Living
Dash Living is a major Hong Kong-based operator that has entered the Tokyo market. They focus on "Generation Nomad," offering a completely digital rental experience. Their properties in Tokyo (like Dash Living Ryogoku) are modern, stylish, and can be booked entirely online without meeting an agent.
Location: Strategic locations in Ryogoku, Osaki, and Shinjuku. These spots offer excellent connectivity to both business districts and cultural hotspots.
Website: https://www.dash.co
Pricing: Mid-Range. Pricing is competitive for fully serviced, modern apartments in central areas, offering good value for the convenience.
Deposit: None/Low. They leverage technology to reduce risk, often waiving traditional deposits for digital contracts and credit card payments.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms (1 month+). Perfect for digital nomads who want a "plug and play" apartment without long-term commitments.
Amenities: Residents get access to Dash events and perks like gym memberships. Apartments feature fully furnished interiors and coworking benefits.
West Tokyo Housing
West Tokyo Housing is a niche operator catering to budget-conscious foreigners. As the name suggests, they focus on the western suburbs of Tokyo. Their apartments are often older but spacious and incredibly cheap. The owner is famous for being foreigner-friendly and flexible.
Location: Focuses on the Western Suburbs like Fuchu, Koganei, and Kokubunji. These areas offer a relaxed lifestyle, albeit with a longer commute to central Tokyo.
Website: Search via Facebook or local classifieds. They rely on word-of-mouth and direct listings rather than a corporate portal.
Pricing: Very Cheap. You can often find entire spacious apartments here for the price of a small room in Shinjuku, offering immense value.
Deposit: None. Famous for their "No Key Money, No Guarantor, No Agency Fee" policy, making it incredibly accessible for newcomers.
Rental Terms: Flexible. The owner is known for being understanding of the needs of English teachers and students, often allowing flexible lease durations.
Amenities: Buildings are older but functional. Units often include basic furniture, washing machines, and internet, covering all essentials.
Sakura House
Sakura House is the veteran of the industry. For over 20 years, they have been the first stop for foreigners arriving in Tokyo. They manage over 1,000 properties, ranging from share houses to private apartments and guest houses. While the decor can be dated, their reliability and foreigner-friendly support are unmatched.
Location: Everywhere. They manage buildings in almost every major ward, from Shinjuku to Asakusa, giving you vast options.
Website: https://www.sakura-house.com
Pricing: Affordable to Mid-Range. Prices are all-inclusive of utilities, making monthly budgeting very simple and predictable.
Deposit: Partial. A reservation fee (often ¥20,000) is required, which is partially used as a deposit. Crucially, there is no key money.
Rental Terms: Minimum 1 month. You can stay for a month or years. They are very accustomed to short-term stays and easy move-outs.
Amenities: Residents enjoy resident events (Sakura parties) and multilingual support. Rooms are fully furnished, often with bedding included.
TheSqua.re
TheSqua.re is a global marketplace for luxury serviced apartments. In Tokyo, they curate high-end units for business executives and relocating families. These are not share houses; they are premium, private residences with concierge services, located in the city's most exclusive towers.
Location: Prime real estate in Roppongi, Otemachi, and Ginza. These locations cater specifically to the financial and diplomatic sectors.
Website: https://www.thesqua.re
Pricing: Luxury rates apply. Expect to pay premium prices commensurate with 5-star hotel living and top-tier service.
Deposit: Credit Card Guarantee. This is standard for the luxury serviced apartment sector, replacing cash deposits.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Tailored for corporate relocation packages, accommodating stays ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Amenities: Includes concierge services, airport transfers, and housekeeping. Units feature gyms and fully equipped gourmet kitchens.
Uhomes
Uhomes is a global booking platform specifically for student housing. They do not own buildings but aggregate listings from major operators (like Uninest) and independent landlords who accept students. It is a powerful search engine for international students looking to compare options near their specific university.
Location: City-wide coverage. You can search by university (e.g., "Near Waseda" or "Near Keio") to find housing that minimizes your commute.
Website: https://www.uhomes.com
Pricing: Variable. The platform aggregates options ranging from budget dorms to luxury student apartments, fitting various budgets.
Deposit: Varies by property. The platform clearly outlines the deposit rules for each specific listing to avoid surprises.
Rental Terms: Academic Year. Listings are generally tailored to semester or full-year student contracts to align with university schedules.
Amenities: Varies by property. Platform filters allow you to search for specific needs like "Gym," "Ensuite," or "Study Room."
Outsite
Outsite is the global standard for productive nomads. Note: As of early 2026, Outsite typically operates in Tokyo via Partner Networks or waitlists for upcoming locations rather than a permanent flagship building. However, they are a key resource for members looking for vetted, work-ready environments in the city.
Location: Partner Locations. Usually situated in central, convenient districts like Shibuya or Minato-ku, vetted for safety and convenience.
Website: https://www.outsite.co
Pricing: Member Rates. Pricing reflects the premium assurance of workspace quality, community access, and vetted standards.
Deposit: Minimal. Bookings via the platform generally require a booking hold rather than a landlord deposit, easing cash flow.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Designed for mid-term stays (1-3 months), perfect for nomads visiting on standard tourist visas.
Amenities: The core promise is verified high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces, and access to the global member directory for networking.
To choose the right space in Tokyo, align with your vibe:
- For the Socialite: Oakhouse or Borderless House offer the most intense and rewarding social environments.
- For the Professional: Hmlet or MetroResidences offer stylish, private, and hassle-free apartments.
- For the Budget: TokyoBeta or West Tokyo Housing are the best ways to save money in an expensive city.
- For the Student: Uninest offers a safe, high-end campus feel in the middle of the city.
Insider Tip: Beware the commute. Tokyo trains are incredibly efficient but famously crowded (200% capacity) during rush hour (8:00-9:00 AM). If you work in Shibuya, try to live on a direct line like the Den-en-toshi or Toyoko line, or better yet, choose a coliving space within cycling distance to avoid the "sushi roll" experience.
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