Key takeaways

• The four common student options are dormitories, guest houses, weekly apartments and homestays.
• At ISI, a guest house costs about ¥26,700 per week, a weekly apartment about ¥35,375 and a homestay about ¥54,750.
• Dormitories are usually the most affordable, and you do not need a guarantor.
• Many students move into a private apartment after a few months, where rent is often ¥30,000 to ¥80,000 per month.

About this guide: written by the LALALA Nihon team. LALALA Plus Co., Ltd. has helped students apply to Japanese language schools since 2009, and our counselors have helped more than 1,000 students. This guide on student housing is based on the official sources listed at the end and on the published information of our partner schools.

Finding a place to live is one of the first questions students ask, and the best choice depends on how long you will stay and how independent you want to be. This guide explains the four most common student options in Japan and gives price examples from ISI.

Photo: Jonas Gerlach on Unsplash.

1. Student dormitories

Dormitories are usually the most affordable option, and rooms are often single or double. They suit students who want a simple setup near the school, with no need to arrange a lease or a guarantor. At ISI, student dormitories start from ¥245,000 per term (about US$1,550 at ¥158 = US$1). Prices, room types and location differ by school and campus.

2. Guest houses

A guest house lets you live alongside people of different nationalities and occupations, often with a private room and shared kitchen or living areas. ISI lists guest house rooms from ¥106,800 for four weeks (about US$675), in single or double rooms. It is a good choice for short stays and for meeting people quickly.

3. Weekly apartments

Weekly apartments are furnished rooms you rent by the week or month without a long lease. ISI lists them from ¥141,500 for four weeks (about US$895), in single or double rooms. They suit students who want privacy and a short-term contract.

4. Homestay

With a homestay you live with a Japanese family, which gives you daily practice in Japanese and a close look at local life. ISI lists homestays from ¥219,000 for four weeks (about US$1,390). Meals are often part of the arrangement, but confirm what is included before you book.

Cost comparison: per week and for 12 weeks

To compare the options fairly, here are ISI's four-week prices converted to a weekly cost and to a 12-week stay.

Dormitories are priced per term, so ask the school how long a term is before you compare them with the weekly options. These are starting prices, and the exact cost depends on the room type and campus. US dollar amounts are estimates at about ¥158 = US$1.

Which option should you choose?

• For one to three months: a guest house, weekly apartment or homestay.
• For one year or more: a dormitory first, then consider renting your own apartment once you know the area.
• For maximum Japanese practice: a homestay.
• For the lowest upfront cost: a dormitory or a shared room.

Renting your own apartment

Many students move into a private apartment after a few months. Housing is usually the largest monthly cost, around ¥30,000 to ¥80,000, and initial costs such as a deposit and agent or guarantor fees can be significant. Read our guide to renting in Japan and our Tokyo neighborhoods guide before you sign anything.

What to check before you book

• The commute to your school, measured in minutes from the nearest station.
• What is included: utilities, internet, meals, bedding and cleaning.
• The cancellation and refund rules.
• Whether the room is single or shared.
• Whether the landlord or provider speaks your language.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Comparing a weekly price with a monthly or per-term price without converting them.
• Booking a long lease before you have seen the neighborhood and the commute.
• Not checking the refund rules if your visa or start date changes.

Costs to budget beyond rent

Price lists for housing usually cover the room only. Plan separately for utilities (electricity, gas and water), internet, bedding, daily supplies and travel from your home to school. In dormitories and guest houses some of these are included, so ask for a written list of what is covered. If you rent your own apartment later, add the monthly management fee and an emergency fund for repairs or a deposit.

Move-in checklist

• Take photos of the room when you arrive and report any damage right away.
• Learn the house rules, such as quiet hours, guests and shared kitchens.
• Register your address at the ward office within 14 days if you live in Japan for more than three months.
• Set up your phone and internet, and find the nearest supermarket and convenience store.

Daily life rules that surprise newcomers

Questions to ask your school or provider

• How far is the room from school, and which station is closest?
• What is included in the price, and what is extra?
• What is the cancellation and refund policy if my start date changes?
• Can I extend my stay or switch room types?

Frequently asked questions

Can the school arrange my housing?

Many schools offer or recommend accommodation. We can also help you compare options when you apply.

Do I need a guarantor?

For a private apartment you usually need a guarantor or a guarantor company. Dormitories, guest houses and homestays arranged through a school often do not.

Is accommodation included in tuition?

No. Tuition and accommodation are priced separately, so add accommodation to your budget. See our 2027 cost guide.

Related guides

• Cost of Living in Japan for International Students: 2027
• Cold Medicine in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Residents
• Study Abroad Costs for Japanese Students: A Budget Guide
• Japan Post Bank and ATMs: A Guide for Foreign Residents
• Japan Student Visa Guide: Requirements and Preparation
• IROHA Japanese Language School: Studying in Fukuoka

Sources and further reading

• ISI Japanese Language School: accommodation options and prices
• Our guide to renting and paying rent in Japan

Need help choosing a place to live? If you would like help choosing a school, see our 2027 cost guide, the April 2027 intake timeline, or book a free consultation with LALALA Nihon.