Guide to Share Houses and Room Sharing for Foreigners in Japan
Published: 2024-09-01 | Updated: 2024-09-01
CONTENTS
Finding Your Home in Japan
Whether you're coming to Japan on a working holiday or as a student, finding the right accommodation is a crucial first step. Share houses offer affordable, flexible, and social living options, especially for foreigners. Let's explore the benefits and how you can find the perfect share house for your stay.
What's a Share House?
A share house is a building where multiple tenants rent private rooms while sharing common spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Some share houses are large homes divided into smaller rooms, while others may be in apartments or condominiums. The kind of share house you choose affects the available shared facilities.
Popularity of Share Houses in Tokyo
Despite concerns about sharing space with strangers, share houses remain a popular option in Tokyo, especially due to the high cost of living. A survey by One Coin English showed that 97% of their Working Holiday visa teachers lived in a share house during their stay, typically for 2-3 months. Share houses are often chosen because they are significantly cheaper than apartments and require less commitment.
Why Choose a Share House?
Share houses are residences where tenants share common spaces like the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, while having their private rooms. Many share houses do not require key money, deposit, or agency fees, making them cost-effective for foreigners. Additionally, the contract terms can range from one month to two years, offering flexibility compared to traditional apartments.
Pros of Living in a Share House
Cost-Effectiveness
Share houses are generally less expensive than typical apartments in Tokyo, making them an attractive option for students or employees looking to cut down on living expenses. For example, rent in central Tokyo for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from ¥95,000 to ¥100,000, whereas share house rents are between ¥45,000 and ¥60,000. In the 23 wards, share house rent can be as low as ¥30,000 to ¥45,000, compared to ¥70,000 for an apartment.
Utilities and Internet Included
In most share houses, utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet are included in the rent. This can significantly reduce living costs, as these expenses typically add up to ¥10,000 or more per month when living in an apartment.
Furnished Living Spaces
Unlike apartments, which often come unfurnished, share houses usually include basic furniture such as a bed, desk, and chair. This eliminates the need to purchase costly items like refrigerators and lighting, saving tenants money on initial setup costs.
Social Interaction
Share houses provide an excellent opportunity for social interaction. Living with other residents, often from different countries and backgrounds, allows for cultural exchange and the chance to practice Japanese. It’s an ideal way to expand your social network and make new friends.
Flexibility and Low Upfront Costs
Share houses offer flexibility in terms of contract length, allowing residents to move in as soon as two days after signing the contract. The initial costs are generally low, typically requiring only the first month’s rent and a small registration fee. This is in stark contrast to traditional apartment rentals, which often involve significant upfront fees like deposits, key money, and guarantor fees.
Cons of Staying in a Share House
Privacy
Share houses offer limited privacy compared to having your own apartment. Your bedroom is often the only private space, and soundproofing can be inadequate, meaning you may hear other residents watching TV, chatting, or going about their daily routines. Additionally, since you don’t get to choose your housemates, their schedules and habits may not always align with yours, making the communal living experience more challenging at times.
Noise
Noise from other residents is a common issue in share houses due to shared living spaces and limited soundproofing. This can make it difficult to relax or focus, especially if your housemates have different routines or enjoy socializing frequently.
Rules
Each share house has its own set of rules, similar to student dormitories. Common rules include time limits for using shared bathrooms, restrictions on overnight guests, and requirements to clean shared kitchen utensils after use. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some share houses introduced additional precautions, such as limiting outside visitors to minimize health risks.
Less Space
Share house rooms are generally smaller than a typical 1K apartment (a bedroom with a kitchen). While the lower rent reflects this reduced space, it can feel cramped for some residents. However, shared spaces like kitchens and living rooms are usually larger to accommodate multiple tenants.
Safety Concerns
Although living with others can be a rewarding experience, there is always a chance of encountering housemates who may cause discomfort or safety concerns. Some share houses, such as Ladies Only Sharehouses, cater exclusively to women to ensure a safer environment. Others provide transparency regarding the gender ratio of residents, which can help create a more comfortable living situation.
Difficulty Inviting Friends
Share houses often restrict the number of guests and may prohibit overnight stays. This can be limiting if you wish to host friends or a significant other. Additionally, you need to be mindful of noise levels and the number of guests you invite, which might feel restrictive compared to living in your own apartment.
Share House Providers
Some notable share house providers include:
- ボーダレスハウス (Borderless House):A leading international share house network operating in Japan (Tokyo and Kansai), Korea, and Taiwan, with 79 houses and over 1,100 rooms available. Borderless House fosters a multicultural community, offering a unique living environment where people from various backgrounds and languages connect. Whether you need flexible accommodation, assistance with your arrival, or help settling into your new life, Borderless House is ready to support you. You can choose from 44 houses in Tokyo and 11 houses in the Kansai area, with options to search by preferences, popular stations, or have staff help you find the right fit. In addition to housing, the **Borderless Mates Program** connects over 10,000 past tenants through shared experiences, travel, language exchanges, and events, creating a global community that stays connected even after moving out. The network includes over 15,000 former tenants, and their testimonials and video interviews provide insights into life at Borderless House.Visit Borderless House
- オークハウス (Oakhouse):Oakhouse is a leading share house company with over 40% of foreign residents, offering a vibrant environment for international exchange. They have properties primarily in Tokyo, but also across Japan in Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, and Fukuoka.
- No security deposit, key money, or guarantor is required.
- Initial costs are kept low, with a contract fee of around ¥50,000.
- Monthly rent averages between ¥63,000 and ¥77,000, depending on the room type and facilities.
- シェアスタイル (Share Style): Specializes in properties for foreigners, with many options in Tokyo's 23 wards. Visit Share Style
- 東京シェアハウス (Tokyo Share House LLC):A comprehensive portal for share house and guest house listings in the Tokyo area. Share houses provide communal living spaces where residents share common areas like kitchens and living rooms, while maintaining private bedrooms. Management staff are available to resolve any issues that may arise, offering a unique and supportive living experience. Share houses attract a diverse group of people including students, entrepreneurs, and those seeking cultural exchange. Many share houses offer furnished rooms with no need for a guarantor, making it a convenient and affordable option for short-term or long-term stays.Visit Tokyo Share House
- クロスハウス (XROSS HOUSE):XROSS HOUSE offers affordable share house options in Tokyo, with rent starting from 30,000 yen. They provide over 6,300 rooms with fully furnished options, including home appliances, WiFi, and utilities. XROSS HOUSE welcomes foreigners and supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, and Sinhalese.
- Choose from 667 properties and 6,384 rooms.
- Convenient locations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, and Yokohama, all within 20-30 minutes of major stations.
- Private rooms: From 52,000 yen
- Furnished apartments: From 45,000 yen
- Semi-private rooms: From 39,800 yen
- Dormitories: From 29,800 yen
- Search for properties online and contact staff for details.
- View property pictures or schedule online/onsite tours.
- Sign contracts online—no office visits needed.
- Move in using a smart key sent via email for easy access.
- Shares House:A platform for searching shared houses across Tokyo and other cities in Japan. With a wide variety of conditions to choose from, you can easily find the right share house that suits your needs, whether it's in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, or other regions like Kansai, Shikoku, and Kyushu.Key Features:
- Search by location, features, or keyword
- Wide coverage from Tokyo to other major cities across Japan
- Comprehensive listings for both share houses and guest houses
- GG House:GG House Management offers some of the best deals in Tokyo's share house market, with over 400 properties and 5,000 rooms. All rooms are private, and rents start from an affordable ¥35,000 per month. Utilities are included, and a weekly cleaning service is provided for common areas such as toilets and shower rooms.
- Female-only and male-only rooms are available.
- House tours are available for interested visitors.
- No deposit, administrative fees, or contract renewal fees are required.
Share House FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a share house?
A share house is a type of communal living where residents have private rooms but share common spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Unlike typical room-sharing, share houses are managed by a company or administrator, ensuring a well-organized and supportive environment. Recently, luxury share houses with high-end shared facilities and organized events have become more popular, particularly among students and young professionals in their 20s and 30s.
Types of share houses
Share houses range from private rooms to dormitory-style accommodations where 2-4 people share a room. Dormitory rooms are typically cheaper, and while privacy may be limited, residents often find a strong sense of community. It’s important to confirm details such as amenities and privacy concerns when choosing a share house.
Who lives in share houses?
Residents come from various backgrounds, including: Salarymen and entrepreneurs, Foreign students and travelers, Curious individuals with overseas experience, Language learners and short-term visitors. Many share houses now cater specifically to women, providing a safe and comfortable living environment for all.
Advantages of share house living
The main appeal of share houses is the sense of community. You’ll always have someone to welcome you home or share your thoughts with, which creates a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Living with people from different cultures also offers the opportunity to improve language skills and gain new perspectives. Additionally, many share houses require no deposit or guarantor, making them accessible and affordable.
Rent and fees
Rent and fees vary depending on the property, but share houses are generally more affordable than private apartments. Make sure to inquire about initial costs, such as deposits, insurance, and cleaning fees, when signing the contract.
Concerns about communal living
Living with others requires mutual respect and understanding. While conflicts may arise, they can usually be resolved through communication or with the help of the share house manager.
International exchange and language learning
Many share houses in Tokyo host international residents, providing opportunities for language exchange and cultural interaction. While not all conversations require English or Japanese, living with diverse individuals can help improve language skills.
Choosing a share house
When choosing a share house, it’s important to gather as much information as possible—check pictures, read reviews, and inquire about rules and fees. Visiting the property and meeting other residents is a great way to ensure you find a share house that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Can foreigners own property in Japan?
Yes, foreigners can legally buy and own land or homes in Japan without restrictions.
Can foreigners rent out property in Japan?
Yes, nonresidents can own and rent out property in Japan, though different rules apply to different types of residents.
Can you buy a house in Japan for $500?
Yes, you can find houses in Japan listed for as low as $500, often in rural areas. These are usually older or abandoned homes that may require significant repairs.
Is buying property in Japan linked to residency?
No, owning property in Japan does not grant residency. You must follow Japan’s immigration process to obtain a visa or residency.
Why are old houses in Japan so cheap?
Many old homes, particularly in rural areas, are left abandoned and sold at low prices as part of efforts to revitalize these regions.
How much salary is enough to live in Tokyo?
The cost of living in Tokyo varies depending on lifestyle, but understanding the cost of rent, utilities, and everyday expenses is essential when planning your move.
Advantages of Room Sharing
Room sharing involves sharing a rental apartment with 2-3 roommates. Unlike share houses, room sharing usually does not have a manager. It's common to share with friends or colleagues, but finding roommates online is also an option. However, living with strangers can pose risks, so it's crucial to choose your roommates carefully to avoid potential conflicts.
Finding the Right Share House
With the increasing popularity of share houses and room sharing in Japan, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka, finding a suitable place has become easier. Here are some tips:
- Set Your Criteria: Decide on your preferred location, budget, and any specific requirements you have for your living space.
- Use Rental Websites: Utilize rental information websites to search for share houses that meet your criteria. Some recommended sites include:
- シェアーズ (Shares): A site focused on foreigner-friendly properties in Tokyo. Visit Shares
- Contact and Visit: Once you find potential places, contact the property managers to schedule visits or ask for more information. Many listings offer online inquiries and viewing appointments.
Rental Apartment Information
In addition to share houses, you can also use sites that offer rental apartments for foreigners. For example, YOLO HOME provides rental apartments for foreigners and international students in areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. YOLO HOME offers over 45,000 foreigner-friendly rental apartments and multilingual support, making it easy to access your ideal room. Visit YOLO HOME
Booking in Advance
Some share houses allow for advance booking, which can be particularly useful if you want to secure accommodation before arriving in Japan. This ensures you have a place to stay upon arrival.
Additional Tips
Contract Conditions: Carefully review the contract terms, including the duration and any deposits required.
Visit Before Deciding: If possible, visit the property to get a feel for the atmosphere and check the facilities.
Consider the Surroundings: The neighborhood can significantly impact your living experience, so choose a location that meets your needs.
By choosing a share house or room sharing arrangement, you can enjoy a cost-effective and flexible living solution, meet new people, and experience life in Japan more fully. We hope you find the perfect place to call home during your stay.
Good luck with your search, and we wish you a pleasant and enriching experience in Japan!