6 weeks in Tokyo - Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
Tokyo is an amazing spot to do a combo remote work/vacation! While we’ve been to Japan a few times, I’ve always focused on getting out of Tokyo as quickly as possible with the aim to spend more time in smaller cities. Last summer I was able to spend 3 weeks there (with a work conference for 1 of the weeks) and just fell in love with Tokyo - I promise, it isn’t all crowds, lights, and noise. You can find just as many (if not more) quiet amazingly manicured parks and fun little shops in Tokyo as you can in smaller spots like Kyoto or Kanagawa. Here’s how we went about deciding our home away from home.
1. Determine Your Priorities
Before diving into the search, it’s essential to outline your priorities:
Location: Do you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city center or a quieter, more residential area?
Budget: How much are you willing to spend per month on accommodation?
Amenities: What are your must-haves? (e.g., wifi, kitchen, laundry facilities) - wifi is pretty much a given, though you may decide between a pocket wifi vs only access at home. Since we are traveling August/September, having a washing machine is essential - it is hot and steamy in Tokyo at this time.
Work Environment: Since you’ll be working remotely, a dedicated work area is helpful…unless you are like my sister and enjoy working from the couch with your laptop on your lap!
2. Neighborhoods to Consider
Tokyo is vast, and each neighborhood offers a unique vibe:
Shibuya: Known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and youth culture. Perfect if you love being in the heart of the action.
Shinjuku: A bustling area with a mix of skyscrapers, shopping, and entertainment. It’s also home to several coworking spaces.
Asakusa: Rich in traditional culture, with attractions like Senso-ji Temple. Ideal for a more laid-back experience.
Roppongi: An expat-friendly area with a mix of modern amenities and nightlife. Great for networking.
Daikanyama: A trendy, upscale area with chic cafes and boutiques. Perfect for a relaxed and stylish stay.
Image source: https://thetokyofiles.com/tokyo-neighborhood-map/
3. Accommodation Options
Airbnb, VRBO, etc.
These offer flexibility and a home-like atmosphere. Look for “monthly stay” discounts and ensure the place has all necessary amenities, especially reliable Wi-Fi. I have used Airbnb previously in Japan, but this was pre-pandemic. We did all hotels on our last 3 week stay, but chose a different option (below) for this trip.
Guesthouses and Share Houses
If you’re on a budget or looking to meet new people, guesthouses or share houses can be a great choice. They offer private rooms with shared common areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This isn’t something I’ve used in Japan, though I believe some have options for couples - at this time in my life, I prioritize having my own space.
Sakura House: Popular among long-term travelers and students, offering a variety of locations and housing styles.
Tokyo Sharehouse: A platform listing numerous share house options throughout the city.
Hotels with Extended Stay Options
Some hotels offer extended stay options with discounts for long-term guests. This can be a comfortable choice with the added benefits of hotel services (cleaning and often daily breakfast). This is what we did last trip and it worked out well.
Hotel MyStays: Has several locations in Tokyo, offering long-stay plans with amenities like kitchenette and laundry facilities.
Tokyu Stay: Known for their convenient locations and in-room washer/dryer.
Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments are a fantastic option if you want the convenience of hotel-like services with the comfort of a home. They come fully furnished with amenities like laundry, more stocked kitchen, and sometimes a gym and housekeeping options. We looked at a number of services to book this stay and more seem to be catering to or at least allowing non-corporate short term stays (minimum of 1 month). The ‘booking window’ is limited to somewhere between 3 months and 1 month before the date of arrival (depending on the site). The websites listed below are the 4 we used (and emailed with very helpful employees).
MetroResidences offers a variety of serviced apartments in Tokyo for extended stays. These apartments are furnished, have high-speed Wi-Fi, equipped kitchens, and most have laundry facilities. The vast majority are studio and one-bedroom. The search on metroresidences is a bit challenging to use, but the people respond very quickly to inquiry. The locations are strategically chosen, ensuring easy access to public transportation, shopping, and dining options. Please note that only the ‘instant book’ are those with up-to-date availability. The rest of the accommodations require them to check with the owners/company.
Hmlet Japan offers serviced apartments in Tokyo for extended stays with a focus on convenience and community. The all-inclusive plans cover utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and furnishings. They own all the properties they lease, so you can find the accurate availability on their site (in general). Hmlet also provides access to cultural experiences and networking events - though that is all info from their website and not something I have actually participated in, as we didn’t end up using their services. We did have a couple favorites among their properties and would have looked here if we didn’t get our first choice.
Weave Living Tokyo offers serviced apartments across various prime locations in Tokyo, such as Asakusa, Ueno, and Morishita. These apartments are designed for urban living with fully furnished units, high-speed Wi-Fi, and utilities included. They provide a blend of private and shared spaces. They also offer community events, but again, I can’t comment on those. Weave Living actually had a few of our favorites due to location, but we were won out by the next group.
Mori Living Serviced Apartments is branded as offering luxury serviced apartments in Tokyo. These fully furnished apartments come with comprehensive amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, housekeeping, and 24-hour English-speaking front desk assistance. Residents also enjoy access to Hills Spa facilities, which feature a gym, pool, and various wellness services (okay, this is partially what won us over). Additional perks include complimentary breakfast - and this was the main deciding factor. I know, how midwest of us, but Japanese breakfasts are absolutely amazing. This is no generic bagel and yogurt offering. They have the shortest booking window (1 month), so you have to be willing to gamble a bit. We did and got the building and unit we wanted - more on that in another post.
*links are for your convenience, no sponsorship.
Conclusion
Finding the right place to stay in Tokyo for six weeks requires a bit of research and planning, but the effort is well worth it. Whether you choose a lively neighborhood like Shibuya or a serene area like Asakusa, Tokyo offers something for everyone. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the unique experiences, and make your stay in Tokyo unforgettable.
