Serviced Apartments in Tokyo

Moving in to a new home in Tokyo can be a pretty difficult process. In addition to the language barrier, there’s guarantors to find, hefty deposits and the non-refundable ‘key money’ to pay, services to set up, and furniture to buy.

Another option if coming to Tokyo on extended business is to check in to a hotel, but unless you’re prepared to squeeze into a typical Japanese-size room, you’re looking at a very large bill to pay, and nothing but a bedroom.

These days however, there’s another option: furnished corporate apartments otherwise known as serviced apartments from Oakwood.

Founded in the US in 1960, Oakwood quickly gained a good reputation for providing comfortable living spaces to professionals and their families away from home for extended periods. Since their arrival in Tokyo in 2002, Oakwood have established themselves as leaders in the field, with serviced apartments in 7 locations around Tokyo.

I recently visited two of their locations: Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown, and Oakwood Residence Aoyama.

Oakwood Premier is without a doubt the first place I’d want to stay should I be sent on an extended assignment to Tokyo. The location is ideal for those working in the city, situated within the Tokyo Midtown complex, Roppongi. With its central location and two metro lines, travelling to any other part of the metropolis is easy – and of course there’s a whole host of great restaurants and nightlife venues on your doorstep. Despite being so central, it’s extremely quiet, and only a minute’s walk from the beautiful Japanese garden and park behind the midtown complex.

The furnished suites themselves are spacious, with one, two or three bedrooms, a bathroom, living room and kitchen. The classic, elegant furniture matches the beautiful wooden floors. The apartments come fully equipped with all mod-cons, high-speed broadband connectivity and several plasma TVs.

On-site facilities at Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown are also impressive. The private gym is equipped with every type of exercise machine you could think of, a small library, a beautiful lounge and bar, and meeting facilities - should you wish to conduct business without leaving your home.

Typical contracts run for 1 month and over, with 1 month deposit required for stays of more than 3 months.

I was struck by the friendliness of the staff, and by the time it came time for me to leave, I found myself wishing that I could move out of my own home and move in there!

Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81-3-5412-3131

View Larger Map

The Aoyama complex shares many of the qualities of the Roppongi residence – a great location, spacious, bright apartments and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Situated in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama-Jingumae district, these apartments are surrounded by a rich variety of restaurants and shops. Only a few minutes walk from the Tokyo Metro Ginza line, its an ideal base for those working anywhere in the city.

Elegantly furnished and equipped, at Aoyama they can accommodate you for stays of 30 days or over – ideal if you’re looking for your own home in the city and need a comfortable, convenient space to be based in.

With two phone lines (for phone and fax), high speed broadband, and large plasma TVs, it’s easy to stay in touch with friends, family and business associates abroad.

Being a resident at Oakwood Residence Aoyama also allows you to benefit from discounted membership rates at spas, health clubs and other services in the local area. The National Stadium is also only a short distance away – here you can make use of the public gym, indoor pool and running track, whilst families with children can enjoy the open spaces of Yoyogi Park and the historical Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous shrine.

Once again, I was struck by the helpfulness of the friendly staff – they’re always available should you have any difficulties during your time in Japan.

My visits to these two Oakwood properties were a real eye-opener, and I know that should any of my friends be visiting Japan on business for an extended period of time, I’ll be recommending they contact Oakwood Worldwide.

To discuss your housing needs and to request a quote, please visit Oakwood.

Oakwood Residence Aoyama
3-1-29 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel:+ (813) 5786-7800

View Larger Map