For digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers, finding flexible, hassle-free accommodations can be a challenge. That’s especially true in a country like Japan, where language barriers and lack of affordable short-term accommodations present a barrier for travelers.
That’s where Somado comes in. With a range of fully furnished, flexible accommodations and coworking spaces, Somado provides the ideal setup for those looking to live in Japan.
Read on for our review of Somado’s pricing, features, and ease of use, as well as how the platform compares to other short-term accommodation sites.
📋Summary
Use our discount code NomadDeals for up to $50 off your first booking!
Somado launched in late-2024 as a platform to connect travelers with affordable accommodation providers in Japan.
The site maps out fully furnished apartments at a fraction of the cost of Airbnb, providing a cost-effective alternative for remote workers and long-term travelers looking to experience Japan without breaking the bank.
| 💰Price | Free to use. |
| ❓What it Does | Aggregates furnished apartments in Japan. |
| 🔧Key features | Property map, 3-D apartment tours. |
| 📍Locations | Tokyo (other cities coming soon). |
💰Pricing
Like many other nomad accommodation sites, Somado is free to use. The site charges a $109 administrative fee for each booking, which is equivalent to approximately 4% – 10% of the overall booking cost.
The total price tag varies depending on the property. At last search, apartments available in Tokyo ranged from approximately $900 to $2,500 USD per month. Properties are available for up to 11 months. Generally, a two-week minimum is required for booking. Longer leases carry a significantly lower monthly price tag, often 25%.
🔧Using Somado
Somado is an aggregator for leading apartment listing sites in Japan. The site features a sleek user interface and helpful tools that simplify the accommodation site for foreigners.
Getting started
We like that no registration is required for using Somado. Users can start navigating the site immediately, starting with an interactive map of Japan. The booking process is initiating by making an inquiry with the owner about a listing, at which point you will be prompted to enter your name, email address, and discount code (enter “NomadDeals” to save up to $50 on your booking).
Booking process
After getting in touch with the property owner, you will complete the booking process offsite. Payment is made via credit card on a secure portal, with both upfront and month-to-month options available. You are also required to sign a brief, formal lease for the amount of time that you will be renting the apartment.
Required documentation varies depending on the property owner, but usually includes the following:
- Copy of your passport.
- Proof of finances for stays exceeding 6 months.
- Bank account balance equivalent to 2x your monthly rent.
➕Features
Property map
One useful Somado feature is the interactive property map. In addition to filters for dates and budget, the map includes an optional overlay of Tokyo’s citywide train network. You can toggle individual train lines on and off, allowing you to find properties located near public transit stations. You can also overlay boundaries for individual neighborhoods in Tokyo.
Additionally, Somado offers a “personalized navigator” tool to help narrow down your search through a series of questions about your preferences.
3D tours
Another cool Somado feature is the 3D view feature. Unlike most apartment rental sites, you can view the unit as a dollhouse from above and zoom in for a closeup walkthrough.
🚩Limitations to Consider
Somado offers a convenient way to browse Japanese property listings, but consider the following factors that may impact your experience.
❌Tokyo-Only Coverage: Currently, Somado lists properties only in Tokyo. However, the site plans to expand to other locations in Japan soon.
❌No Direct Leasing: Somado helps foreigners access Japanese listings but does not handle leasing transactions itself.
❌No User Reviews: The platform does not offer user reviews for individual apartments or providers.
🆚Alternatives to Somado
Due to language barriers and outdated technology, many Japanese listing sites remain largely unused by digital nomads and foreign travelers. Foreign travelers can avail themselves of several options for finding accommodations in Japan.
- Short-term rental sites like Airbnb operate throughout Japan. However, our research found few properties with long-term availability in Tokyo compared with Somado. Airbnb hosts also charge higher prices than Somado’s listings.
- Local Japanese listing sites like Hmlet are another option, but often lack a user-friendly interface and many of the features that Somado offers (e.g. interactive property map, prices listed in USD).
🏁Bottom line
We recommend Somado for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers looking for affordable, flexible housing in Japan without the hassle of traditional leasing.
✅ User-Friendly Platform – Easily browse furnished apartments with an interactive property map and 3D tours.
✅ Cost-Effective Alternative – Offers long-term stays at lower prices than Airbnb, with discounts for extended leases.
✅ No Registration Required – Start searching listings instantly without creating an account.
❌ Tokyo-Only Coverage – Currently, listings are limited to Tokyo, though expansion is planned.
❌ No Direct Leasing – Somado connects users with property owners but does not handle lease agreements directly.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, hassle-free way to find housing in Japan, Somado is a great option—especially compared to more expensive short-term rental platforms.
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