Coming to Tokyo for Language School, University Exchange or an Internship? Here’s What You’ll Actually Need (Besides a Suitcase)

Summer in Tokyo is a busy season.

Language schools start new terms, universities welcome exchange students, and interns suddenly realise they should probably figure out where they’re going to sleep before booking flights.

You’d be surprised how many people have everything planned…

Except the accommodation.

“I’ll just book something when I arrive.”

You can.

You can also spend your first week dragging two suitcases around Tokyo while every reasonably priced room disappears.

September is one of the busiest moving periods, especially for:

• Exchange students
• Japanese language students
• Research interns
• Embassy interns
• Corporate trainees

Booking early usually means more room choices, better prices, and less panic.

You probably don’t need a two-year apartment lease.

If you’re staying for:

• 6 weeks
• 2 months
• One semester
• A 6-month internship

…a traditional apartment is often more paperwork than it’s worth.

Many international students are surprised by requirements like:

• Japanese guarantor
• Huge initial fees
• Buying furniture
• Setting up utilities

For a temporary stay, furnished accommodation designed for short- and medium-term residents is often much simpler.

“How far is it from my university?”

Honestly…

One of the most common questions we receive isn’t about the room.

It’s:

“How long will my commute be?”

Nobody dreams of spending 90 minutes changing trains every morning.

Whether you’re studying in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro or attending a language school elsewhere in Tokyo, checking commute time before booking can make a huge difference to your daily life.

Working remotely during your internship?

Many internships today are hybrid.

That means your room isn’t just somewhere to sleep, it’s also your office.

Before booking anywhere, it’s worth checking:

• Wi-Fi availability
• Desk space
• Quiet environment
• Shared space rules
• Working hours if you’ll have overseas meetings

Future-you on a Zoom call will appreciate it.

“Can I book before coming to Japan?”

Yes.

Many international students arrange accommodation while they’re still overseas.

You don’t necessarily need:

• A Japanese guarantor
• A Japanese bank account
• To be physically in Japan

Sorting accommodation before arrival means one less thing to worry about after a long flight.

Tokyo is exciting enough already.

Your first few weeks will be full of new experiences.

Learning train lines.

Getting lost anyway.

Accidentally buying the wrong rubbish bags.

Finding accommodation shouldn’t be the stressful part.

Whether you’re coming for university, language school, research, or an internship, planning ahead gives you more time to enjoy everything else Tokyo has to offer.

Looking for student or internship accommodation in Tokyo?

SAKURA HOUSE offers furnished rooms for short- and long-term stays throughout Tokyo, with flexible contracts suitable for international students, interns, researchers and young professionals.

Browse available rooms and find one that fits your commute, budget and stay period!