Finding month-to-month furnished rentals in Osaka & Yokohama: 2026
This concise guide helps expats and medium-term travelers find month-to-month furnished rentals (マンスリーマンション and serviced housing) in Osaka and Yokohama. It covers where to search, typical costs and contract features, regulatory checks, recommended neighborhoods, practical booking tips, and alternatives to consider.
Overview: What "month-to-month" furnished rentals mean in Japan
In Japan, month-to-month furnished options are often marketed as "monthly mansions" (マンスリーマンション) or serviced apartments. These are designed for stays from one month upward and typically include furniture, bedding, a kitchen, and sometimes utilities and internet bundled into a single monthly fee. Some operators provide hotel-like services; others resemble compact long-stay apartments with simplified contracts [3][4].
Where to search: specialist providers, share-house operators, and portals
Search strategies that work well in 2026:
Specialist monthly-rental providers: Companies such as Sakura House and Oakhouse specialize in furnished monthly rentals and share-houses; Leopalace and other corporate operators also list short-stay units with English support [2][3].
Share-house operators: If you want lower cost and community living, share-houses (common kitchens/bathrooms) are a good option for 1–6 months—operators usually handle contracts and utilities.
Mainstream portals with monthly filters: Use GaijinPot Apartments, Realestate.co.jp and major portals that allow short-term or monthly filters to compare availability and fees [2][5].
Local real-estate agents: For customized searches—especially in Osaka—local agents can source furnished units not listed online.
When comparing listings, check the minimum stay, cancellation policy, and exactly which services are included in the monthly fee [2][5].
Costs, fees and typical contract elements
Expect a pricing structure that differs from standard two-year leases:
Monthly rent: Often higher per-month than a fixed-term lease because of flexibility. Corporate-style monthly rentals frequently bundle utilities and internet.
Included fees: Some providers include electricity, gas, water, and Wi‑Fi; independent landlords might require you to set up utilities separately.
One-off charges: Cleaning fee, key/administrative fee, and sometimes a short-stay premium. Refundable deposits are less common with corporate monthly rentals, but check each contract.
Insurance: Short-term property or liability insurance is often advised and sometimes required by the operator.
Always request a full breakdown of move-in costs so you can compare true move-in expense between providers [2][3][5].
Legal and administrative checkpoints
Regulatory and administrative points to confirm before booking:
Minpaku/private lodging rules: Commercial hosts and platforms must follow Japan’s private lodging (minpaku) rules and local registration where applicable. For short-term rentals operated as private lodging, check that the host is registered/operating legally [1].
Resident registration (juminhyo): If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must register your address at the local ward or city office after moving in—this is separate from immigration/visa requirements [4].
Contract language and termination: Get key terms in English if needed (minimum stay, termination notice, cleaning policy, liability for damages).
Best neighborhoods for month-to-month stays
Neighborhood choice balances commute, cost, and lifestyle. Typical picks:
Osaka: Umeda (Kita) for transport and shopping convenience; Namba (Minami) for nightlife and direct transit; Tennoji for centrality and good rail links; Osaka Bay/Tenpozan for newer furnished buildings and quieter evenings.
Yokohama: Yokohama Station area for transit links to Tokyo and regional trains; Minato Mirai for modern apartments and waterfront views; Kannai and Sakuragicho for a central, walkable base near offices and attractions.
For families or quieter longer stays, target neighborhoods one or two stations out from the major hubs to reduce cost while keeping good access [4][5].
Booking checklist and practical tips
Before you commit, use this checklist:
Confirm total move-in cost (first month, fees, insurance, utilities if separate).
Ask about included services (cleaning frequency, linen changes, internet speed).
Check cancellation and extension terms—flexible extension options are useful for uncertain plans.
Prepare documents: passport, visa/residence card if applicable, emergency contact, and a local contact if you have one.
On move-in: inspect the unit, photograph pre-existing damage, confirm Wi‑Fi and appliances work.
For stays >90 days: register your address at the ward office within the required timeframe [4].
Alternatives and a sample decision timeline
If you need more flexibility or different service levels:
Weekly hotels: Good for the first 1–2 weeks while you tour monthly options.
Serviced apartments: Higher cost, hotel-like services and reliable billing—good for corporate stays [3].
Guesthouses and share-houses: Lower cost and social settings, ideal for 1–6 months.
Sample timeline: book a refundable weekly hotel for arrival, book viewings or hold a monthly unit online for 1–2 weeks while you arrive and inspect, then confirm a one-month start date with a possible extension clause. Compare total costs and legal registration steps before finalizing [2][5].
Bottom line
Month-to-month furnished rentals in Osaka and Yokohama are easier to find in 2026 thanks to specialist operators and better English listings. Compare total move-in costs, confirm minpaku/registration compliance where relevant, and pick a neighborhood that balances commute and cost. Use share-houses or serviced apartments as alternatives depending on your budget and service needs [1][2][3][4][5].
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