How to Rent Out a Four-Bedroom Apartment in Tokyo, Japan: Pricing, Demand, and Tenant Strategy

Tokyo’s rental market is tightening, with rents across the 23 wards seeing a significant year-over-year increase of 6.4% in Q4 2024. This upward trend is particularly pronounced for larger units, signaling a prime opportunity for landlords with four-bedroom apartments. Occupancy rates are consistently high, hovering around 96-97%, which means properties are leased quickly and vacancies are minimal.²

Demand is being driven by a confluence of factors, including a growing international resident population and a resurgence in families seeking more spacious accommodations. This creates a favorable environment for property owners, but success hinges on understanding the nuances of tenant profiles, neighborhood appeal, and operational best practices.

TL;DR: Tokyo’s rental market is experiencing robust growth, with rents in the 23 wards increasing by 6.4% year-over-year in Q4 2024, and occupancy rates around 96-97%. Demand for larger units like 3LDK and 4LDK apartments is resurging, especially among international renters. Rents in central Tokyo’s five wards (C5W) increased by 4.4% year-over-year in Q1 2024, with larger units (45-60 sqm) in C5W seeing the highest rental growth at 4.4% quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2024. Family-type apartments are leading rental gains with a 7.4% increase year-over-year in June 2025. Popular wards for families and expats include Azabu, Hiroo, Setagaya, and Meguro.²³

Market Snapshot

Tokyo’s rental market is experiencing robust growth, with rents in the 23 wards increasing by 6.4% year-over-year in Q4 2024. This strong performance is underpinned by consistently high occupancy rates, often around 96-97%, indicating a competitive environment where demand outstrips supply. The limited new housing supply further exacerbates this, potentially leading to future price increases.²

Demand is particularly strong for larger units, such as 3LDK and 4LDK apartments, a trend fueled by both international renters and families who are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase larger homes. This demographic shift, coupled with a growing number of foreign residents, presents a clear opportunity for landlords specializing in family-sized accommodations.²

Who Rents This Property Type Here?

Families and international residents are increasingly seeking larger apartments in Tokyo. This demand is partly driven by the difficulty of purchasing larger homes in the current market, pushing more families into the rental sector. The growing number of foreign nationals in Tokyo, reaching record highs, also contributes significantly to the demand for rental properties that can accommodate diverse household needs.²

Furthermore, the rise of remote work has created a need for properties with more space, such as those offering multiple rooms or dedicated workspaces. Landlords who can cater to these evolving renter profiles, particularly those seeking family-friendly environments or teleworking capabilities, are well-positioned to attract and retain tenants.

Pricing and Demand

Average rents in Tokyo’s 23 wards reached ¥4,332 per square meter in Q4 2024, marking a 6.4% year-over-year increase. Family-type apartments are at the forefront of this rental growth, showing a 7.4% increase year-over-year as of June 2025. Specifically, larger units (45-60 sqm) in central Tokyo’s five wards (C5W) experienced the highest rental growth, up 4.4% quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2024.²³

While specific average rents for four-bedroom apartments are not readily available, the trend for larger units is clear: rents in central Tokyo’s five wards (C5W) increased by 2.2% quarter-over-quarter and 4.4% year-over-year in Q1 2024.² The average rent for a 1LDK apartment can range from ¥150,000 to ¥300,000+, with premium central wards commanding the highest prices.⁵ This suggests that four-bedroom units in desirable areas would command significantly higher rents.

Best Neighborhoods

What matters in practice: In Tokyo, Japan, Azabu (Minato Ward) and Hiroo (Shibuya Ward) do not attract the same renter. The listings that get viewings fastest make that fit obvious from the first photos and the opening lines.²

For families and expats seeking four-bedroom apartments, several Tokyo wards stand out due to their amenities and atmosphere. Azabu (Minato Ward) is a prime choice, known for its international feel and proximity to international schools. Hiroo (Shibuya Ward) offers a similar appeal, blending urban convenience with family-friendly spaces and good access to educational institutions.²

Setagaya Ward and Meguro Ward are also highly sought after. Setagaya is recognized for its green spaces and community focus, often featuring larger floor plans. Meguro provides a balance of greenery and urban comfort, with popular areas like Nakameguro attracting families. Denenchofu offers a quieter, more suburban feel with larger homes and gardens, appealing to those seeking a more relaxed environment.²

Listing Strategy

To attract tenants to your four-bedroom apartment, highlight features that cater to families and remote workers. Emphasize spaciousness and suitability for family living, as demand for larger units is on the rise. Marketing properties as foreigner-friendly is also crucial, given the increasing international resident population in Tokyo.²

Showcase proximity to international schools, parks, and other family-friendly amenities. Consider marketing to corporate clients looking for serviced residences or temporary relocation housing. Additionally, highlighting features that support remote work, such as extra rooms or built-in workspaces, can broaden your appeal.

Operations and Screening

Property management companies can be invaluable partners, assisting with tenant recruitment, rent collection, and navigating the complexities of foreign tenants. Familiarize yourself with the “Tokyo Rule” (Tokyo Residential Tenancy Dispute Prevention Ordinance), which clarifies landlord and tenant responsibilities and helps prevent disputes.⁶

Adhering to strict eviction laws and providing proper advance notice for inspections or repairs is paramount. Consider marketing your properties to foreign tenants, as restricting your pool to Japanese nationals might increase vacancy risks. Ensuring properties meet disaster resilience standards is also increasingly important, as renters are factoring safety and security into their decisions.⁶

Local Pitfalls

Navigating Tokyo’s rental market requires an understanding of specific local regulations and customs. The “Tokyo Rule” is a key ordinance to be aware of, governing dispute prevention and clarifying responsibilities. Landlords must also be diligent in following fair eviction processes and providing adequate notice for any property access or necessary repairs.⁶

Furthermore, while there’s a growing international renter base, some landlords may still be hesitant. Embracing a foreigner-friendly approach can mitigate vacancy risks. Finally, ensuring properties meet modern disaster resilience standards is becoming a significant factor for tenants, especially in a region prone to natural events.⁶

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average rent for a four-bedroom apartment in Tokyo? While specific average rents for four-bedroom apartments are not readily available, larger family-type apartments (3LDK/4LDK) are seeing strong demand, with rents in central Tokyo’s five wards (C5W) increasing by 4.4% year-over-year in Q1 2024.² This indicates a robust rental market for larger units.

Which Tokyo wards are most popular with families and expats? Popular wards for families and expats include Azabu (Minato Ward), Hiroo (Shibuya Ward), Setagaya Ward, and Meguro Ward. These areas are favored due to their proximity to international schools, green spaces, and family-friendly amenities, offering a desirable living environment.²

Are rents in Tokyo expected to continue rising? Yes, rents in Tokyo are expected to continue rising. This is driven by strong demand from both young professionals and international residents, coupled with limited new supply and increasing construction costs. The trend of families seeking larger rental units further supports this upward pressure on prices.²⁴

Why Hausive Fits This Workflow

If you are managing four-bedroom apartment units in Tokyo, Japan, Hausive is the property management software that keeps leasing, rent collection, maintenance, and owner reporting in one place. It is a better fit when you want faster follow-up, cleaner records, and less day-to-day thrash as listings, tenants, and owners all need answers at once.