Written by Patrick Balfe
Researched by Greg Lane
Rather than squeezing onto a peak-hour train in the height of summer, staying at an Airbnb is a good way to experience Tokyo like a local. Living like a local comes with a learning curve, though.
What’s the best train line? What counts as burnable trash? What’s the difference between Shibuya and Shibuya Ward? Is a 60-minute train ride into the city doable? Without the bells and whistles of a hotel or ryokan, these are some of the trade-offs of getting to know the city better.
If you’re considering an Airbnb for your next stay, let us show you how to avoid a vacation-rental regret.
Why it’s important to get the right Airbnb
The accommodation you choose will color your experience of any city. In the same way you might regret booking a hotel in a dank part of town, choosing the wrong Airbnb for your trip could make things more challenging than they need to be.
If you’re looking at a longer stay or traveling with a group, Airbnbs can work out more affordable. But, choosing the right neighborhood, right-sized property, and knowing what else to look for in an Airbnb in Tokyo will make all the difference to your experience.
Common mistakes
Location, location, location.
Tokyo is a big city with a complex subway system, and understanding how to get from A to B is a challenge for even some of the most experienced locals. Just ask our editor about the time her data got throttled, and she had to navigate old-school style.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb, chances are you’re going to be in a slightly more residential part of the city, which could mean a slightly more complicated commute, or longer walk to the train station to get where you’re going.
Look up the transport options
When you’re picking where to stay, first check the distance to the nearest train station or bus stop.
Second, check whether that station is on a line that you’re likely to use frequently, according to your travel plans.
For instance, if you plan to spend a lot of time in and around Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku, staying near the Yamanote Line will make things easier.
Conversely, if you’re planning to spend more time around Asakusa, Tsukiji Fish Market, or Tokyo Skytree, you might be better off staying near the Toei Asakusa Line.
If you don’t know where you want to go, pick something central.
Another thing to note is that if you see Shibuya or Shinjuku mentioned on an Airbnb listing, it might not mean what you think …
Shibuya Ward and Shinjuku Ward are two of Tokyo’s 23 wards, and each of them has a bunch of smaller neighborhoods within them, including the areas around Shibuya and Shinjuku stations. Double-check the closest train stations to make sure the property location is what you had in mind.
As an example, you could technically be staying in Shibuya Ward, but your closest station is actually something random a 30-minute walk from Shinjuku. There are lots of cases like that.
Areas to avoid
Tokyo is generally pretty safe, no matter where you go, but depending on your individual tastes, you might want to avoid some areas more than others.
If you’re looking to experience Tokyo’s nightlife, consider apartments near Dogenzaka, Kabukichō, or Roppongi. Similarly, neighborhoods slightly further out of the city, like Kichijōji, are great for families wanting to visit the Ghibli Museum or local parks, but maybe a bit out of the way for a younger group of travelers (*coughs in millennial*).
If you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring central Tokyo, then, at the very least, you’ll want to stay within 20-25 minutes of the main attractions, to avoid long commute times.
Areas like Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba definitely have their advantages, but chances are you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time on the train if you’re planning to be in the city regularly! And those commuter trains …
Areas to book
If you want a good combination of neighborhood living and accessibility to major attractions and transport hubs, consider some of the neighborhoods on the outskirts of where you’re planning to spend your time.
For instance, places like Tomigaya are actually walking distance to the middle of Shibuya, but feel just like a quiet residential neighborhood. Neighborhoods like Nakano and Kōenji near Shinjuku, or Shiba Kōen, Ueno, and Meguro also have a good combination of easy access to local hubs and a laid-back, neighborhood energy.
Does size matter?
As you probably know by now, size can be at a premium in Tokyo compared to what you might be familiar with. A 25-square-meter, single-room apartment is pretty standard. Sure, if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, that is doable. But if you’re traveling as a group, you’ll need more space.
Depending on how intimate you are with your travel crew, sleeping arrangements could also be high on the priority list. Some listings that say they sleep 10 may only have one or two bedrooms.
It’s not uncommon, particularly in older houses, for families to sleep together in a tatami room. So, if you prefer your privacy, check the number of rooms. You may also want to confirm if the beds are Western-style beds or floor futons.
Things to look for
We always ask three questions when looking at Airbnb listings in Tokyo:
- Is it near a grocery store?
- Does it have bicycles?
- What random cool stuff does it come with?
If you’re staying in an Airbnb, you might be planning on eating at home from time to time, so you’ll want to make sure you’re reasonably close to a decent grocery store or convenience store.
Convenience stores and even grocery stores are pretty much everywhere in the inner city, but the further out of the city you get, the more likely you are to want a car or at least a bike to access your closest lemon sour or fried chicken.
Good grocery stores to keep an eye out for are Ozeki, Odakyu OX, Aeon, My Basket, Maruetsu, and Life. As a decent backup option, aim for somewhere near a 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart for any supplies you might need.
If your Airbnb is a longer walk to the closest station than you might like, check if the property comes with bikes. Bicycles will make the trip to the local station a lot easier, or you could even use them as your main means of transportation.
Part of the fun of staying in an Airbnb is seeing how the locals live. Keep an eye out for stuff that you probably don’t get at home, like a kotatsu (low table with a blanket and heater) for staying warm in the winter, or a takoyaki-maker for a cooking party at home.
FAQs
Is Airbnb in Japan safe?
Strict short-term rental laws in Japan make Airbnbs a safe and reliable choice, but if you want to have extra peace of mind, it’s recommended to check recent reviews and keep an eye out for highly-experienced Superhosts. If you’re worried about communication, it might also be good to confirm that your host is comfortable answering questions in English.
What is the hot-spring tax?
If your Airbnb has natural hot-spring water (more likely in hot-spring towns than central Tokyo), your host may charge a hot-spring tax in addition to consumption tax, and any applicable accommodation or tourist taxes. This is a tax that property owners or managers pay directly to the local government.
Do I need to provide my passport?
Yes. The regulatory crackdown on short-term rentals in Japan requires that Airbnb properties be licensed, display a registration number, and comply with local laws. Part of this regulation says that hosts must request guest information, which means that if you’re not a Japanese resident, hosts will likely request a copy of your passport.
Do I need to sign a lease agreement?
Some hosts or property owners may ask you to sign a separate lease agreement if you are staying for a month or more, especially if the length of stay is outside the scope of regular short-term rental regulations. Use your discretion and check directly with Airbnb if you’re unsure of anything.
Why is there a two-day minimum?
In Japan, hosts can only Airbnb their property for up to 180 days per year unless they’re in what’s called “special zones.” In these special zones, hosts can rent out their properties for more days per year, but a two-night minimum stay is required per booking.
Do I need to give a five-star rating?
Some hosts may try to encourage you to give a five-star rating, but you should give a rating that you think is fair.
While we do our best to make sure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
