There are certain home-sharing services and guesthouses in Japan that are exclusively for foreigners. They’re plentiful in Tokyo and you won’t have trouble finding some nice places, but deciding which one to stay at can be difficult. Your first key factor should be location. It’s best if the accommodation is close to attractions you want to visit, or your workplace if you’re here on business.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options by location, check the details and services that each one provides. Oftentimes, guesthouse managers will be able to communicate in various languages, which is a plus. You might also want to have a look at their website to see if it’s up to date.

Reading reviews on the internet is also useful. The opinions of guests who have actually stayed there will help you get an idea of what a place is really like. Review sites will have both good and bad ratings and you shouldn’t believe everything that’s written, but it’s always good to have a look. Use everything you’ve learned to finalize your decision.