Having a wide selection of airbnbs in Tokyo has gotten somewhat more difficult with the minpaku law having come into effect, reducing the airbnb listings by 80%!! On the plus side, Tokyo airbnbs that are still available are now officially registered. And there are quite the gems among the lot. Here are the best.
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Photo credit: Louie Martinez
What is Minpaku?
As with so many cities around the world, airbnb has had quite the (negative) impact on local housing markets. Oftentimes renters buy property to exclusively provide for short term rentals on airbnb, therefore taking up actual living space and changing neighbourhoods in the process.
Japan has had enough of this and passed the Minpaku law, which regulates house rental listings dramatically. It is said that at least 62K home listings have been erased from airbnb as a restult. Now don’t fret because while it dimishes your options, it made the entire thing safer.
Get $29 off when you sign up with Airbnb
Before, anyone could basically list their rooms on airbnb and while the platform constantly confirms they have plenty of control mechanisms in place, well, things aren’t so clear. Often, you had to be really quiet and sneaky about getting into your apartment as neighbours weren’t supposed to know.
And I speak from experience of ending up on a literal dumpster through my very second airbnb booking.
It was an old factory where wooden boxes were placed around heaps of discarded furniture, dolls and more (with the obligatory rats living in there) that served as my room. Russian mobsters came to visit and beat people up, too. (You can read about the story in my – German only – book.)
So in short, while it seems inconvenient at first, the law hopes to make things safer for travellers and living space more attainable for locals. I totally am behind that.
What to Consider Before Booking an Airbnb in Tokyo
- Read recent reviews – As with all bookings, it’s always best to read the reviews and do that with a bit grain of salt. Read both raving reviews as bad reviews and those in the middle. This way, you can get a clearer picture of what it is really like without being biased by otehr people’s possibly erroneous expectations.
- Communication – I recommend always getting in touch with the host first. If you book way in advance, there is no pressure to brook instantly and you can discuss any questions you may have in peace. Plus, they might send you an offer to block out the room while you decide. (Maybe even with a discount for longer stays. Don’t hesitate to ask.)
- Get $29 off – If you have never used airbnb before and want to sign up, hold it for a second. I have a voucher for you that let’s you get $29 off your first stay. Use this link.
- Portable wifi – All but one of the listed rooms/apartments for airbnbs in Tokyo have wifi. Some even their own portable wifi hotspot! If you do want to bring your own to stay covered and have access to maps, schedules and travel tips (on blogs like mine hehe), you can book your own hotspot online and have it delivered to your airbnb. Double check with your host, so they can accept it and put it in your room before you arrive.
- Set filters – The Tokyo airbnbs listed here vary quite a lot in price and location. If you have other specifics like non shared facilities, whether you want an apartment, etc, then set your airbnb filters accordingly. This way you can narrow down your choices to your preferences.
- City guide – I wrote about 100 things to do in Tokyo but if you want even more as well as short quick travel phrases, quick historical info and recommende restaurants, get a Lonely Planet Tokyo guide. Those are really extensive and super helpful! I used one to get oriented during my first trip as well.
Don’t forget: Travel insurance is key wherever you go. Get it to cover both health and travel insurance. Click to check rates.
How to Get Around Tokyo
Renting a car is only feasible if you are going on day trips from Tokyo. Otherwise, it’s best to get a one or multi day metro pass to really explore Tokyo. it gives you unlimited access to Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines (not JR) for the duration of your choosing.
You can also use your JR pass to get around Tokyo. Don’t forget to validate it at Ueno or Tokyo station before using it. If you want to get the most of it though, it’s best to use it for trips around the region of your choosing rather than within Tokyo if you walk a lot.
Listings for an Airbnb in Tokyo Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of the best areas in Tokyo to stay in thanks to its central location, proximity to nearby Shibuya and Harajuku and its izakayas Shinjuku Gyoen Park, (all walkable!) and gay district. There is easy access to JR lines, Tokyo Metro and Toei lines if you want to get further.
More tips: 100 Things to See in Tokyo
Stylish home in Shinjuku
If Ikea would pair with Japanese style, this would be the poster child for the exhibition rooms. What you get is a minimalist design with elegant bright wooden furniture and subdued colour splashes.
Sure, the room is small but the living space feels like you are right at home, all complete with couch, table, TV station and space to put your belongings.
The window is floor length and comes with curtains for its of light or blocking it out. Shinjuku station is 10 minutes away and Higashi Shinjuku Station only 3 minutes.
Special perks: Lift, TV, laundry machine, kitchen with electric stove, air conditioner, wifi
Long term stay: possible
Access: key box
Price: 40€/night (off season)
Homely Apartment in Shinjuku
Like the room before, this airbnb apartment in Shinjuku is offered by the same host. Communication with the host is easy; just get in touch if you have questions.
The location is pretty much the same but the living space is more generous, which reflects in the price. Since this apartment is bigger, there is a Queen bed suitable for two people as well as a double sofa bed for two more people to use.
Special perks: Lift, TV, laundry machine, kitchen with stove top, air conditioner, wifi
Access: key box
Price: $59/night (off season)
Instagram Haven in Shinjuku
If you are looking for an instagrammable place, this is it. I totally would love to move in here. The overall colour is a pastel apricot with tasteful minimalist details, such as woven baskets for towels, a simple hanger for your clothes and huge curtains for the big window.
The room is relatively small and layouts vary slightly depending on which one you snatch. However, you do have a table with chairs (at the proper height to work at too), a floor length mirror and your own bathroom. Note that there isn’t a lift.
Special perks: portable wifi, working table, kitchen space with microwave oven, air conditioner, gay friendly
Price: $75/night (off season)
Your Airbnb in Tokyo Shibuya
An airbnb in Shibuya is a great idea because it is not only central but one of the hippest areas to stay in.
Read this too: The Most Kawaii Shops in Shibuya and Harajuku
Room in Unique Share House
The word miraie translate to “future house” and that pretty much sums up this place. It offers a unique way of living together as a community and this way, you can fully experience Japan and mingle with locals.
It looks like a very open, lively home that feels very much down to earth with its wooden elements. The small house is a shared entirely, which includes, the open kitchen, guest bathroom and rooftop terrace. You will have your own private room to yourself, albeit tiny, with a low bed, as is typical in Japan.
Special perks: rooftop with whirlpool, Working space, laundry machine and dryer, shared kitchen, air conditioning, wifi, parking for a fee
Price: $70/night (off season)
Private Room in Shibuya
If you want a shibuya airbnb that’s super minimalist and barebones in style (very modern Japanese), then this is it. Walls are covered in a sleek blue and white with white bedsheets and floor length windows for best lighting.
The room is small at best but equipped with closet, table and chair. Kitchen and bathroom are communal. If you are located on an upper floor, a lift is available. To get to Shinjuku station, all it takes is an easy 15 minutes stroll.
Special perks: Working space, laundry machine and dryer, shared kitchen, air conditioning, wifi
Access: code lock
Price: $22/night (off season)
Cute room near Shinjuku
Even though the room is compact, it can host up to three people thanks to the double bed and extra mattress. There is a small working table as well as cupboard available. The tasteful room is complimented by whimsical but pretty decorative elements, such as a raincloud carpet and colourful chair.
While not super close to Shinjuku station, the next station is only a three minute walk away. However, the big bonus is that you are staying in a residential area, which means it’s quiet and you experience a less touristy side of Tokyo. There are more rooms available in the same buildings in case this one is already booked.
Special perks: Portable wifi, TV, working space, kitchen with electric stove, air conditioning
Price: $53/night (off season)
Apartment Hotel TASU TOCO
For a more unusual airbnb in Tokyo, check out this apartment hotel. With bare concrete walls and simple wooden furniture, the place manages to look more like an art space than a regular home and I am loving it! Colours are earthy with a lot of brown and green to add a touch of colour.
The entire space blends neatly with beds snugly in the corner on comfortable mats. (Typical Japanese tatami beds). There is a bench that stretches across an entire wall, which looks like the perfect reading spot. Plus, the owner runs a café downstairs, which is a big bonus for comfort.
Special perks: Whirlpool, TV, laundry machine and dryer, working space, air conditioning, wifi
Price: from $69/night (off season)
Listings for Airbnbs by Tokyo Station
Staying in the vicinity of Tokyo Station is a great perk if you are planning on leaving Tokyo for day trips or trips across Honshu island. Trains are constanty leaving, the area is fashionable and there are restaurants around.
Read this too: Best Place to Stay in Tokyo – Top 10 Hotels near Tokyo Station
Sleek Private Room in Central Tokyo Hostel
Don’t be scared off by the fact that this airbnb near Tokyo station calls itself a hostel. There are both mixed rooms as well as private rooms and the latter are stunning. You will have your own shower and toilet and wonderful views from the balcony.
Kikka hostel lies close to four stations that can take you all across Tokyo. Walking distance to Tokyo Station is 30 minutes; by car/taxi it is 10 minutes. Reception s pen 24hours, there is restaurant on the first floor and the basement houses an onsite bar. Note that there isn’t wifi nor a kitchen.
Special perks: Restaurant, bar, air conditioning, luggage storage
Price: from $86/night (off season)
Ginza Apartment
If you want to treat yourself to plenty of space and a glamorous airbnb near Tokyo Station, check out the one bedroom apartment with its 55 square metres. To Ginza‘s shopping streets, it’s only a 7 minute walk.
The room itself features a double bed and couch that can be unfolded to a double bed. There are sliding doors to separate the space if need be.
Special perks: Lift, working space, TV, laundry machine and dryer, proper kitchen with gas stove, air conditioner, wifi.
Access: key box
Price: from $130/night (off season)
Luxury Ginza Apartment
In case you are travelling with a buddy or partner, why not share a luxurious apartment in Tokyo? This listing comes with Queen size bed, living room an actual bath tub (rare in Tokyo) and is only a five minute walk to Ginza’s shopping streets.
The entire look of the apartment screams stylish stay and you have the entire fourth floor to yourself. For added comfort, the owner is only 30 minutes away in case you need assistance.
Special perks: Lift, working space, TV, laundry machine, kitchen, air conditioner, wifi
Price: from $264/night (off season)
Your Airbnb in Tokyo Asakusa
Asakusa is one of my favourite Tokyo districts and the Skytree Tower an iconic landmark that you should definitely visit. Sensoji Temple and the surrounding shopping arcades and traditional shops are always intriguing and the river promenade is one of the best sakura spots in Tokyo.
Read this too: What to Do in Asakusa
Room near Skytree and Asakusa
Good thing that you can rent a private room only a minute walk from Skytree! Your Asakusa accommodation is squeaky clean, pretty yet minimalist in decoration.
There are multiple rooms and bathrooms are shared with other house guests as is the kitchen an stylish common room. It basically feels like a home away from home.
Special perks: Working space, laundry machine, shared kitchen, air conditioning, wifi, parking available for a fee
Access: code lock
Price: from $35/night
Did you know? You can get an advance ticket to skip the lines at Skytree
Traditional Guest House near Asakusa
While the majority of listings on airbnb in Tokyo lean towards the modern and minimalist style, you can also find proper gems that take you back to a more traditional ryokan style living. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese guest house. Think tatami mats, low eating tables and (comfy) floor mattress sleeps.
This airbnb listing is actually a renovated old Japanese-style house that is over 90 years old! Asakusa is only a five minute walk away and Skytree is ten. You will have a private room and access to shared bathrooms, a living room and kitchen. Bedrooms don’t lock but lockers are provided.
Special perks: Free drinks, laundry machine, shared kitchen, air conditioning, wifi
Price: from $57/night
Great views over Skytree
At first glance, the wood panelled room reminded me of a Finnish sauna. It’s well lit too and very unique in its style. It’s very much compact but there is space for a bed, a small working table, cupboards and a little terrace. Plus, the 10th floor view over nearby lower buildings is great.
Shared facilities include kitchen and bathroom. Smoking is only allowed on the terrace. Rooms are non-smoking. Free tea and coffee are located in the living room/open kitchen area.
Special perks: Working space, rooftop, terrace, laundry machine, shared kitchen, air conditioning, wifi
Access: code lock
Price: $44/night
2 Bed Room Apartment
What I love about so many of these Tokyo airbnb listings is that portable wifi is often an option. If you don’t get a tourist sim card or portable wifi, you might end up hunting down a local Starbucks or train station for wifi accesses. But when you’re already lost, that’s even trickier.
Anyway, the apartment is located quiet Tateishi neighbourhood, which also houses plenty of smaller bars. The area has retained a Tokyo-during-the-40s feel. The 2-storey apartment itself has a natural feel to it on the first floor and turns more traditional on the second. It’s got plenty of space. (There is a big wardrobe even!)
Special perks: Pocket wifi, working space, TV, laundry machine, kitchen, air conditioning, luggage storage, reservation services
Access: key box
Price: $105/night
Cedar Apartment
Again, the apartment is held in stylish wooden furnishings and wall panels. It is pretty large in size considering Tokyo’s typical small living spaces and can host up to 7 people on 50 50 square metres! And it is cheaper, too!
Similar to the Tokyo apartment before, it is located in Tateishi and you can take ample advantage of the local bar scene. The apartment is located on the first floor.
Special perks: Pocket wifi, working space, TV, laundry machine, kitchen, air conditioning, luggage storage, reservation services
Access: key box
Price: $92/night
Which Airbnb in Tokyo appealed to you the most? Drop a comment below.
Image credit: Airbnb
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- Your Ultimate Otaku Guide To Tokyo
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