This guide is specifically designed for international, exchange, and private university students looking for quality housing in Tokyo. If you're planning to study in Tokyo and want more than just basic accommodation prioritizing safety, modern apartments, and reliable commutes over budget dormitory life - this guide will help you choose the right neighborhood.

We're focusing on apartments in the ¥100,000-¥150,000+ monthly rent range, which offer significantly better living conditions, safety features, and approval rates for foreign students. These areas aren't just about proximity to campus - they're about creating a comfortable, secure foundation for your student life in Tokyo. As a foreigner-friendly agency, we understand that approval success matters as much as location, and we'll show you areas where both factors align in your favor.

What "Good Student Areas" Really Mean in Tokyo

Many students make the mistake of choosing areas based solely on rent price or distance to campus. While budget matters, focusing only on the cheapest options often leads to rejection, unsafe neighborhoods, or exhausting commutes that impact your studies and quality of life.

When we recommend student areas, we evaluate them based on criteria that actually affect your daily experience and approval chances. Easy access to major universities through train lines with direct routes or minimal transfers saves time and stress during exam periods. Most importantly, these areas have apartment buildings with established histories of approving foreign students, which dramatically increases your chances of securing your preferred home.

The ¥100,000+ rent range typically gets you a 1K, 1DK, or compact 1LDK apartment with modern amenities, proper security features like auto-lock, and landlords who are experienced with international tenants. This price point represents the sweet spot where comfort, safety, and approval probability all align favorably for foreign students.

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Ebisu and Meguro: Balanced Lifestyle with Excellent Access

Best for: Students at Keio, Sophia, Aoyama Gakuin, or those balancing part-time work with studies

Ebisu and Meguro offer a clean, residential atmosphere with a distinctly international feel. These neighborhoods attract young professionals and students who value quality of life, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.

Commute considerations: Students attending Keio University's Mita Campus can reach campus in approximately 20 minutes via the Yamanote Line. Sophia University students have about a 25-minute commute through direct train connections. The excellent transport links also make internships and part-time jobs in central Tokyo easily accessible.

Why students consistently choose Ebisu and Meguro goes beyond simple convenience. These areas feel genuinely safe at night, which matters enormously for students returning from late study sessions or social events. The neighborhoods feature modern low-rise apartment buildings that maintain high approval rates for foreign students. Daily life is comfortable with abundant cafes for study sessions, well-stocked supermarkets, fitness facilities, and everything you need within walking distance. The international character of these neighborhoods also means you'll find English-speaking services and a diverse community.

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Sendagaya and Yoyogi: University-Centered and Calm

Best for: Waseda students, Sophia students, and those attending art or language schools

Sendagaya and Yoyogi occupy a perfect position - close to major universities but removed from the chaos of nearby Shinjuku. These quiet, student-friendly residential areas have a strong academic presence without the noise and crowds of commercial districts.

Commute considerations: Waseda University students enjoy remarkably short commutes of just 10-20 minutes, allowing you to maximize sleep and study time. Sophia University is approximately 15 minutes away via direct connections. The area's central location also provides easy access to multiple campuses and cultural institutions.

Students gravitate toward Sendagaya and Yoyogi for several compelling reasons. The strong student presence in these neighborhoods creates a supportive community atmosphere where you'll naturally meet fellow students. Short commute times mean more time for studies, part-time work, or social activities. Most importantly, these areas are notably safer and calmer than the Shinjuku side, offering residential tranquility while maintaining excellent urban access. Landlords in these areas are accustomed to student tenants and generally have straightforward approval processes for international students with proper documentation.

Nakameguro: Comfortable and International

Best for: ICU students, Keio students, Aoyama Gakuin students, and exchange students seeking quality housing

Nakameguro has earned its reputation as one of Tokyo's most stylish and livable neighborhoods. The area attracts an international community and offers a relaxed atmosphere along the Meguro River, with trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops creating a vibrant yet manageable environment.

Commute considerations: Students at Keio's Mita Campus have approximately 20-25 minute commutes via the Tokyu Toyoko Line and connections. Aoyama Gakuin students can reach campus in about 20 minutes. The area's position on the Tokyu Toyoko Line provides excellent access to Shibuya and Yokohama as well.

What makes Nakameguro particularly attractive to students is the high quality of apartment buildings available, with many constructed within the past decade featuring modern amenities and layouts. The area has a strong history of approving foreign residents, with landlords and management companies experienced in working with international tenants. The neighborhood feels genuinely safe with well-maintained, walkable streets that are pleasant at any hour. The international character means you'll find English-friendly services, diverse dining options, and a welcoming community that makes settling into Tokyo life much smoother.

Kichijoji: Green Space, Safety, and Student Community

Best for: ICU students, Chuo University students, and those attending universities in the Musashino area

Kichijoji consistently ranks as one of Tokyo's most livable neighborhoods, offering an unusual combination of urban convenience and natural beauty. The famous Inokashira Park provides green space for relaxation and study, while the shopping streets around the station offer everything students need for daily life..

Commute considerations: ICU students can reach campus in approximately 25-30 minutes via bus or train connections. While not the absolute shortest commute on this list, the trade-off in quality of life and affordability makes it worthwhile for many students. The Chuo and Sobu Lines provide excellent access to central Tokyo for internships and cultural activities.

Students choose Kichijoji for lifestyle reasons as much as practical ones. Inokashira Park offers a peaceful retreat from urban density, perfect for outdoor study sessions or weekend relaxation. The lower population density compared to central Tokyo creates a safer, more manageable environment that many students find less overwhelming. The neighborhood fosters a focused study life while still providing urban amenities. The area has a well-established student community, and landlords generally understand student needs and have reasonable approval criteria for international tenants with stable enrollment and proper guarantor arrangements.

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Shinagawa and Osaki: Modern Buildings and Transit Excellence

Best for: Students balancing academics with internships or part-time jobs, particularly those needing access to multiple areas of Tokyo

Shinagawa and Osaki represent Tokyo's more modern, business-friendly districts with excellent infrastructure and newer apartment buildings. While these areas lack the traditional neighborhood charm of Kichijoji or the trendy appeal of Nakameguro, they excel in practicality, safety, and approval reliability.

Commute considerations: The exceptional transport hub at Shinagawa Station provides access to multiple universities within 20-30 minutes, including campuses in both Tokyo and Yokohama. The Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Shinkansen connections make this area remarkably flexible for students whose schedules involve multiple locations.

What attracts students to Shinagawa and Osaki is primarily the quality and modernity of available apartments. Many buildings were constructed within the past 10-15 years with proper security systems, elevators, and efficient layouts. The area functions as an excellent transport hub, connecting you easily to anywhere in Tokyo or beyond. Most significantly, these areas demonstrate high approval rates for foreign residents because the landlords and management companies in these business districts are accustomed to international tenants and have streamlined, professional approval processes. The neighborhoods feel safe and quiet despite being business districts, as they empty out in the evenings and weekends.

Areas Students Should Approach Carefully

Not all Tokyo neighborhoods work equally well for foreign students, and some require careful consideration before committing. We're not saying to avoid these areas completely, but understanding the challenges helps you make informed decisions.

Far-out suburban areas beyond 40-45 minute commutes might offer lower rent, but the time cost adds up quickly. Long daily commutes drain energy needed for studies and reduce time for social connections and part-time work. These areas also often have fewer modern apartment options and less experience with foreign residents.

Older buildings in any neighborhood may seem like good value, but they often come with strict landlords who prefer traditional Japanese tenant profiles and may reject foreign students despite proper documentation. Buildings constructed before 2000 also frequently lack modern amenities like auto-lock, proper insulation, and updated plumbing.

Some areas have reputations for poor late-night safety or inadequate street lighting. For students who regularly study late on campus or work evening shifts, these considerations matter enormously. Research the area thoroughly and visit at different times of day before committing.

Perhaps most importantly, certain neighborhoods and building types have low foreigner approval histories simply because landlords there rarely rent to international tenants. Even with perfect documentation, you're fighting against unfamiliarity and potential bias. This is why approval probability matters more than rent price alone - applying repeatedly and facing rejection wastes time and creates stress during what should be an exciting period of your life.

Apartment Types That Work Best for Students

When you're looking at apartments in the ¥100,000+ range, understanding which layouts optimize both comfort and approval chances helps you make better decisions.

1K apartments (25-30㎡) represent the standard single-person layout with one main room and a separate kitchen area. These typically have the best approval rates because they're clearly designed for single occupancy, match standard income requirements, and are abundant in student-friendly areas. Most 1K apartments in modern buildings include basic amenities and are easy to furnish affordably.

1DK apartments provide slightly more space with a separate dining-kitchen area distinct from the main living room. These offer better comfort and organization, particularly if you plan to cook regularly or need defined spaces for studying versus sleeping. The rent premium is typically ¥10,000-¥20,000 monthly over comparable 1K apartments, which is worthwhile for students planning to stay in Tokyo for multiple years.

Compact 1LDK apartments work ideally for long-term students or those who might need to host visiting family. These feature a separate bedroom and living-dining-kitchen area, providing genuine separation between rest and activity spaces. While more expensive, they're worth considering if you're pursuing a full degree program rather than a one-year exchange.

Regardless of layout, prioritize certain features that significantly affect both comfort and approval. Auto-lock entrance systems provide essential security and are increasingly standard in buildings that regularly approve foreign tenants. Elevator buildings are preferable, particularly if you're on the third floor or above. Building age matters tremendously - apartments constructed in 2000 or later typically have better insulation, updated electrical systems, and landlords more accustomed to international tenants.

Choose Area and Approval Strategy Together

Here's what many students don't realize until it's too late: location alone doesn't guarantee you'll actually secure an apartment. You might find the perfect place in your ideal neighborhood, but if your profile doesn't match what that particular landlord or guarantor company requires, you'll face rejection regardless of how suitable the apartment seems.

Successful apartment hunting in Tokyo requires matching three elements simultaneously - the right area for your lifestyle and commute, building types with high foreign approval rates, and complete documentation that addresses guarantor company requirements. Many students search by location first and worry about approval later, which leads to wasted time and disappointing rejections.

The most efficient approach involves consulting with an agent experienced in foreign student housing before you start seriously searching. They can evaluate your specific situation - your university, visa status, income or financial support, desired lifestyle and immediately identify which areas and building types offer the highest success probability. This targeted approach saves weeks of viewing apartments you won't ultimately secure and reduces the stress of navigating Tokyo's rental market during what's already a busy transition period.

Understanding approval criteria also helps you prepare your documentation package correctly from the start, which significantly speeds up the application process once you find your preferred apartment. Different guarantor companies have varying requirements and specializations some work better with students at specific universities, others are more flexible with part-time employment, and some specialize in short-term exchange students versus degree program students.

Start Your Tokyo Student Housing Journey Right

Finding the right apartment in Tokyo as an international student doesn't have to be overwhelming. The areas we've outlined—Ebisu, Meguro, Sendagaya, Yoyogi, Nakameguro, Kichijoji, Shinagawa, and Osaki—all offer excellent combinations of safety, convenience, and approval probability for foreign students.

Each neighborhood has its own character and advantages. Choose based on your specific priorities: whether that's minimizing commute time, maximizing lifestyle amenities, prioritizing green space, or ensuring the most straightforward approval process. What matters most is understanding that your housing search involves both finding a place you'll love living and ensuring you can actually secure it through the application process.

Planning to rent in Tokyo as a student? Our bilingual team specializes in helping international students navigate Tokyo's rental market. We understand university commute patterns, guarantor company requirements for students, and which buildings have the strongest approval histories for foreign residents. Talk to us before you start applying to avoid unnecessary rejections and find your ideal Tokyo home efficiently.

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