Best Share Houses in Tokyo for Making Japanese Friends
🇯🇵 Japanese Local’s Take
[ADD YOUR VIEW LATER: What would you personally warn a foreign friend about before choosing a share house in Tokyo?]
Quick Comparison
| Option | Best For | Community Focus | Foreigner Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| BORDERLESS HOUSE | Meeting Japanese and international residents | Very high | Yes |
| Oakhouse Social Residence | Larger communities and facilities | High | Yes |
| Smaller Local Share Houses | More intimate communities | Depends on property | Depends |
Availability, prices and house rules change frequently. Always confirm current information directly with the operator before applying.
1. BORDERLESS HOUSE
BORDERLESS HOUSE focuses on international exchange and shared housing where Japanese and international residents live together.
- Strong international community concept
- Japanese and foreign residents
- Designed around intercultural interaction
- Multiple locations
2. Oakhouse Social Residence
Oakhouse operates share houses, apartments and larger Social Residence properties, some with substantial common spaces.
- Large selection of Tokyo properties
- Foreigner-friendly housing options
- Furnished properties available
- Some properties have larger communal spaces
3. Smaller Local Share Houses
Smaller independently operated share houses can sometimes offer closer communities because fewer people live together.
Before applying, ask:
- How many people currently live there?
- How many residents are Japanese?
- How many are international residents?
- What languages are commonly spoken?
- Do residents use the shared lounge?
- Are social events organized?
- What is the average age of residents?
- How long do residents usually stay?
What Makes a Share House Social?
Good signs
- A kitchen people regularly use
- Comfortable common seating
- Events or dinners
- A balanced mix of residents
- Longer-term residents
- Clear community rules
Possible warning signs
- Common areas that look unused
- Very high resident turnover
- Almost everyone staying only briefly
- No information about current residents
- Unclear cleaning rules
How Much Does a Tokyo Share House Cost?
Prices vary by location, room type, room size, building age, facilities, utilities and initial fees. Compare total cost rather than monthly rent alone.
Share House vs. Private Apartment
| Share House | Private Apartment | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Lower | Higher |
| Meeting people | Much easier | Harder |
| Furniture | Often included | Depends |
| Move-in complexity | Often simpler | Can be more complex |
| Community | Potentially strong | Usually limited |
Is a Share House the Best Way to Make Japanese Friends?
It can create opportunities, but your behavior still matters. Use the kitchen, sit in the lounge, join dinner and say yes when someone suggests going somewhere.
Who Should Choose a Social Share House?
- You are new to Tokyo
- You are worried about loneliness
- You want to meet Japanese people
- You want to practice Japanese naturally
- You enjoy communal living
- You are staying for several months or longer
Who Might Prefer a Private Apartment?
- You strongly value privacy
- You work from home and need quiet
- You dislike shared kitchens or bathrooms
- You already have a strong social network
Before You Apply
If possible, do not choose a share house based only on photos. Ask about the actual community.