1. How to Find a Share House in Tokyo
－Introduction to Tokyo Subway and JR Lines
－Introduction to Property Facilities
2. Other Conditions and Concerns When Living in a Share House
How is your search for a share house in Tokyo going?
Many people may be struggling with these issues.
A friend moving from overseas to Tokyo asked me for advice on finding a share house, so I will explain how to find a share house in Tokyo. Even for those who have already lived here, there may be useful tips for finding a share house, so please read on.
Kudo『John, it's been a while. I heard you were moving to Tokyo, but I was surprised to hear that you are considering a share house.』
John『Wow... that's amazing! It sounds exciting to think of my home as a glamping-like place!』
John『But I've heard that there are a lot of share houses now, so I don't know how to find the right one.』
Kudo『Finding a share house isn't much different from searching for a rental property. Mainly, you should consider these five points:
This should give you a good start. Rent is quite straightforward. Take a look at this.』
Reference: HOMES
Kudo『This is a comparison of the average rent for one-room apartments and share houses in Tokyo. As you can see, the rent for share houses is generally about 60-70% of that for one-room apartments.
However, it's not just about finding the cheapest option. Lower rent might mean fewer services and lower-quality facilities within the house. There's no magic trick to property selection.』
John『The relatively lower rent is a big help! But, indeed, if I only focus on the price, I might end up having trouble dealing with issues in daily life. So, next is the area... Since I don't live in Tokyo, I honestly don't know what the image of each area is.』
Kudo『That's right. The area is crucial. Let me explain the main areas of Tokyo one by one.』
Shibuya is always at the forefront of youth trends. A short walk will take you to stylish neighborhoods like Ebisu, Daikanyama, and Omotesando, which are iconic areas where Japanese trends are born. Roppongi is extremely popular even within Minato Ward, with many foreign residents, and remains a lively entertainment district even at night.
Shinjuku, which has one of the busiest entertainment districts in Tokyo, is always bustling with people.
Nakano is also popular with landmarks such as Nakano Sun Plaza, Sun Mall Shopping Street, and Nakano Broadway, attracting many people on weekdays and weekends alike.
Both areas are particularly lively around the station, but a short walk will take you to residential neighborhoods, showcasing their various facets.
Marunouchi, an area sandwiched between the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and Tokyo Station, is home to some of Japan's most prominent office buildings and is a key center for Japan's economy and finance.
Ginza's central area is a luxury shopping district, with a concentration of high-end brands from around the world, catering to high-end and authentic shopping needs.
Living near Marunouchi and Ginza, the most luxurious areas in Tokyo, can boost your ambition.
Kichijoji and Chofu are among the most livable areas in Tokyo.
The residential areas are surprisingly quiet. There are enough shops that you don’t need to go to the city center for shopping.
You can also access Shinjuku and Shibuya stations in about 20 minutes, making it very convenient for transportation.
Shinagawa is one of Japan's top business districts, but it also has commercial facilities and leisure spots, and it offers excellent access to major areas in Tokyo. Shinagawa Station not only serves various JR lines but also has excellent connections to Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport.
Additionally, since it is a Shinkansen station, it provides the best access to various regions outside of Tokyo. The area is undergoing redevelopment, so it not only offers good access but also provides a well-organized living environment, making it a comfortable area to live in.
The Ueno and Asakusa areas are attractive tourist spots, featuring landmarks like Ueno Zoo, famous for its giant pandas, and Sensoji Temple with its iconic Kaminarimon gate.
However, there are also downtown areas like Hoppy Street and Ameyoko Shopping Street, which sometimes have a reputation for being less safe. In reality, the areas with many residences are quiet and safe.
Currently, these areas are gaining popularity and their populations continue to grow.
Ikebukuro, alongside Shinjuku and Shibuya, has one of the most prominent entertainment districts in Tokyo.
It boasts numerous department stores, restaurants, specialty stores, many of which are open late at night or 24 hours.
When it comes to Ikebukuro, "Sunshine City" is the highlight. This landmark includes an observatory, the Prince Hotel, an aquarium, Namjatown, a planetarium, specialty stores, theaters, and museums, packed with entertainment.
Additionally, the area offers excellent access with JR Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and subway lines such as the Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line, and Fukutoshin Line. The Yurakucho Line directly connects with the Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Yurakucho Line/Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and the Fukutoshin Line connects with the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Minatomirai Line, making Ikebukuro a convenient station for access not only within Tokyo but also from Saitama to Kanagawa.
Both areas are just one express stop away from Shibuya, offering a great location while maintaining a retro atmosphere distinct from the bustling city center. However, recent redevelopment has brought modern stores to the area.
In particular, Shimokitazawa was ranked second in "The 50 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World." Sangenjaya, affectionately known as "Sancha," is also popular and home to many celebrities. Both areas are part of Setagaya Ward, known for its livability and relaxed lifestyle.
John『This is very easy to understand. Although I don't have to go to the office every day, I do need to go a few times a week, so I should consider the train lines, right?』
Kudo『Yes, commuting in Tokyo can be quite tough, so it's best if you can find a place with direct access. At the very least, try to have only one transfer.』
From Start to End: Asakusa Station to Shibuya Station
Major Stations: Asakusa Station, Ueno Station, Nihombashi Station, Toranomon Station, Akasaka-mitsuke Station, Shibuya Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/dYTSpD6
From Start to End: Ogikubo Station to Ikebukuro Station
Major Stations: Ogikubo Station, Shin-nakano Station, Shinjuku Station, Kokkai-gijido-mae Station, Tokyo Station, Otemachi Station, Korakuen Station, Ikebukuro Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/UZfGBTa
From Start to End: Nakameguro Station to Kitasenju Station
Major Stations: Nakameguro Station, Roppongi Station, Ginza Station, Akihabara Station, Ueno Station, Kitasenju Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/NUjHt3C
From Start to End: Nakano Station to Nishi-Funabashi Station
Major Stations: Nakano Station, Takadanobaba Station, Otemachi Station, Monzen-nakacho Station, Nishi-Kasai Station, Nishi-Funabashi Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/9UB9Ucw
From Start to End: Yoyogi-Uehara Station to Kita-Ayase Station
Major Stations: Yoyogi-Uehara Station, Omotesando Station, Akasaka Station, Otemachi Station, Kitasenju Station, Kita-Ayase Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/myk87HY
From Start to End: Wakoshi Station to Shin-Kiba Station
Major Stations: Wakoshi Station, Ikebukuro Station, Iidabashi Station, Yurakucho Station, Tsukishima Station, Shin-Kiba Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/KJsyQNQ
From Start to End: Shibuya Station to Oshiage (Skytree) Station
Major Stations: Shibuya Station, Aoyama-itchome Station, Otemachi Station, Suitengumae Station, Oshiage Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/w5XNTBs
From Start to End: Osaki Station to Shinagawa Station
Major Stations: Shibuya Station, Shinagawa Station, Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Ikebukuro Station, Shinjuku Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/ZPPrJZ3
Guest House Kokoroya Shibuya Usuki
From Start to End: Takao Station to Tokyo Station
Major Stations: Takao Station, Kunitachi Station, Kokubunji Station, Mitaka Station, Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/PqpYj43
From Start to End: Ofuna Station to Omiya Station
Major Stations: Ofuna Station, Yokohama Station, Kawasaki Station, Shinagawa Station, Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Urawa Station, Omiya Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/iGU9yuT
From Start to End: Mitaka Station to Chiba Station
Major Stations: Mitaka Station, Shinjuku Station, Akihabara Station, Shin-Koiwa Station, Funabashi Station, Makuhari Station, Chiba Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/4AjUXCq
From Start to End: Shibuya Station to Yokohama Station
Major Stations: Shibuya Station, Nakameguro Station, Jiyugaoka Station, Musashi-Kosugi Station, Kikuna Station, Yokohama Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/UH21Vez
From Start to End: Shibuya Station to Chuo-rinkan Station
Major Stations: Shibuya Station, Sangenjaya Station, Futako-Tamagawa Station, Tama-Plaza Station, Nagatsuta Station, Chuo-rinkan Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/UH21Vez
From Start to End: Meguro Station to Hiyoshi Station
Major Stations: Meguro Station, Ookayama Station, Tamagawa Station, Musashi-Kosugi Station, Hiyoshi Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/UH21Vez
From Start to End: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station to Hikarigaoka Station
Major Stations: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station, Ryogoku Station, Shiodome Station, Roppongi Station, Shinjuku Station, Nerima Station, Hikarigaoka Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/8iULnSu
From Start to End: Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station
Major Stations: Shinjuku Station, Shimokitazawa Station, Noborito Station, Machida Station, Ebina Station, Odawara Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/LDE7EfC
From Start to End: Shinjuku Station to Keio-Hachioji Station
Major Stations: Shinjuku Station, Meidaimae Station, Chofu Station, Fuchu Station, Keio-Hachioji Station
Route Map: https://onl.sc/Rqywav6
John『There are so many options... I'm not confident, so I'll choose a place I can get to without transfers.』
Kudo『That's a good idea, especially if you're not used to it yet. Moving in and out of share houses is quite easy, so you can start in a straightforward place and then change to a different area or lifestyle that suits you better later on!
Next, let's talk about the amenities. This might be one of the highlights of living in a share house.』
Urban Terrace Dokkyo University
John『It doesn't even feel like a place to live... The amenities in share houses are amazing.』
Kudo『Yes, indeed. If you're going to live in a share house, it's good to choose one with amenities that you think would be nice to have.
I wanted to do strength training, so I chose a place with a gym. Joining a gym would cost about 7,000 to 10,000 yen a month, but here it's free. Plus, it's at home, so there's no stress of getting there. It's great not having to go out on rainy days or when it's over 38°C.』
John『I'm not that into fitness, but I do like drinking.』
Kudo『There are share houses with beer servers where beer kegs are delivered monthly. Some also get monthly wine deliveries.
Choosing such a place would be fun as you could drink with your housemates right at home.』
John『Wow, that sounds really fun! It seems like there's already a community there, but with the help of some drinks, I think I can get along with everyone!』
John『By the way, how many people usually live in a share house?』
Kudo『It depends on the property. There are small share houses with 4-5 people and large ones with over 100 people.』
John『100 people...! That's a lot. But if I'm going to live in a share house, I'd prefer one with a lot of people.』
Kudo『Large-scale share houses certainly have luxurious interiors and a variety of people. However, interacting with many people daily can be a bit tiring. If you're a "sensitive person," you might find it a bit stressful, though it can be a valuable life experience.
Conversely, in a smaller share house, you might develop deeper connections with fewer people. But if you don't get along with someone, it could be challenging due to the frequent interactions.』
John『That's true. I have many activities outside, so a larger share house might be better for me.』
Kudo『Another thing to consider is the shared facilities like toilets and bathrooms. Recently, properties with these facilities inside the room have become popular.』
John『Share houses with private bathrooms, huh. It might be nice to have my own space in the morning when I don't want to see anyone. I'm not too picky, but it might be especially good for women.
Share houses sound attractive, but I'm worried about potential troubles. How is that handled?』
Kudo『That's a valid concern. There are small issues, though big problems are rare. Common issues include noise, like people running the washing machine late at night or voices from the living room after midnight. Are you sensitive to noise, John?』
John『I'm not that sensitive, but noise from the living room after midnight might be bothersome...』
Kudo『It's not every day, and the management company usually steps in to improve things over time. You can also choose a room further from the living room or away from the washing machine before moving in. For instance, my room was on the 4th floor, while the living room was on the 1st floor, so I never had any issues with noise.』
John『That sounds manageable. But how do I search for a share house?』
Kudo『I recommend using the Tokyo Share House Comprehensive Site ＜SHARE PARADE＞ and trying out their search function to explore various options.』
こんにちは、Kudoです！ 筋トレ×サラリーマン生活をしていましたが、シェアハウスに入って、人生が変わりました。（笑） シェアハウスに入って、ランニング・サーフィン・テニス・韓流エンタメが趣味となりフリーランスとしても働くようになりました。 『人と繋がって広がる』シェアハウスライフを伝えていければと思います！ 少しでも記事を見てシェアハウスに興味をもって飛び込んできてもらう人が増えればうれしいです。 宜しくお願いします！ Hello, I'm Kudo! I used to live a life balancing work as a salaryman and working out, but joining a share house changed my life. (Haha) Since moving into a share house, I've taken up running, surfing, tennis, and enjoying Korean entertainment. I've also started working as a freelancer. I hope to share the joys of share house life, where connections with people lead to new opportunities and experiences. If this article inspires even a few people to take an interest in share houses and dive into this lifestyle, I'll be happy. Thank you!
