What Makes Shinjuku Foreigner-Friendly?
Shinjuku is one of the most searched rental areas among foreigners in Tokyo, and for good reason. Shinjuku Station connects JR lines, private railways and the Tokyo Metro, so almost any office or campus in the city is one train away. The ward also has a higher density of foreigner-accepted (外国人OK) listings than the outer wards, and the Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza offers support for newcomers.
Shinjuku is not cheap, and the blocks around the station are mostly commercial. Most residential streets start a 5–15 minute walk from the central exits, where quieter neighborhoods like Takadanobaba and Kagurazaka offer better value.
Every listing on this page is pre-screened for foreigner acceptance. Most work with a guarantor company instead of a Japanese guarantor (see no guarantor apartments in Tokyo), and our team explains lease terms, utilities and Wi-Fi setup in English. For a full walkthrough of costs and neighborhoods, read our Shinjuku renting guide for foreigners.
Takadanobaba
<p>On the JR Yamanote Line and home to Waseda University and many language schools, Takadanobaba is popular with students and young professionals. Private 1K apartments run about ¥80,000–¥105,000/month. <a href="https://arealty.jp/listing/waseda-university-apartment-for-rent-tokyo" target="_blank">Apartments near Waseda University</a> · <a href="https://arealty.jp/listing/shinjuku-student-apartment-no-key-money-no-deposit" target="_blank">Student apartments in Shinjuku</a></p>
Kagurazaka
<p>A hillside neighborhood with narrow lanes, cafes and a calm residential feel, just minutes from central Shinjuku. <a href="https://arealty.jp/blog/living-in-kagurazaka-shinjuku-tokyo-neighborhood-guide/" target="_blank">Kagurazaka neighborhood guide</a></p>
Shinjuku-sanchome
<p>Balances city access with green space next to Shinjuku Gyoen. A good fit if you want to walk to the station but still live near a park. <a href="https://arealty.jp/listing/1r-apartment-shinjuku-tokyo-rent" target="_blank">1R apartments in Shinjuku</a></p>
Nishi-Shinjuku
<p>High-rise towers around the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, served by the Toei Oedo Line. Best for professionals working in the west-side office district. <a href="https://arealty.jp/rent/tokyo/shinjuku-ku" target="_blank">Browse all apartments in Shinjuku</a></p>