Hello to everyone curious about share houses!
If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you’re at least a little interested in the idea of living in a shared space with others.
When I first started this lifestyle, I was filled with worries, unsure if I had chosen the right property.
So, for those who might have similar concerns, I’ll share an honest review, including the advantages over living alone as well as the points that might be a little bothersome.

With approximately two years of share house experience, I’ll answer your questions based on my personal experiences and comparisons.

1. Where Does the "Shared" Part of a Share House Begin?

Before diving into private rooms, let’s first talk about the largest area: the shared spaces.
In most cases, shared spaces refer to areas outside of private rooms, which are considered exclusive spaces.
Specifically, spaces like hallways leading out of your room and living areas are part of the shared spaces.
Standard shared facilities often include living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Some buildings even come equipped with features like theater rooms, workspaces, and training areas.

Theater Room in the Shared Facilities

Gym in the Shared Facilities

These kinds of shared facilities tend to become more abundant in proportion to the size of the building and the number of residents.
It’s understandable to worry that having more Instagram-worthy amenities might mean higher communal fees. However, larger buildings with more residents can spread out the cost, leading to surprisingly reasonable fees in some cases.

2. Honest Review of Private Rooms in Share Houses

Now, let’s get into the much-anticipated private room review.

Let’s go over these points one by one.

① Room Size

The size of the room often depends on the price, but most rooms tend to be around 5 tatami mats (approx. 8 square meters). Some larger rooms exceed 10 tatami mats (approx. 16 square meters). However, if the room is too large, it can be challenging to clean, and devices like humidifiers or air conditioners may become less effective.

The share house I lived in had well-equipped shared facilities, so I was comfortable with a 5-tatami-mat room. Some properties I visited had rooms as small as 3 tatami mats (approx. 5 square meters). Generally, the closer to the city center, the smaller the rooms tend to be, whereas properties in suburban areas tend to offer more spacious rooms.

② Furniture and Appliances

Most private rooms do not come with built-in appliances. The property I lived in had a refrigerator in the room. Since the kitchen was far from my room, having a fridge for quick access to drinks was very convenient. If your room is close to the kitchen, this might not be an issue, but otherwise, having a fridge in your room can save you some hassle.

Furniture such as beds, desks, chairs, and curtains are often provided from the start. They are typically from IKEA or Nitori and were satisfactory for me.

Cooking appliances like microwaves and rice cookers are usually found in the shared areas, so it’s rare for people to bring these into their private rooms. However, if you’re particular about your cooking, you might consider bringing your own.

③ Bathrooms and Toilets

Typically, private rooms do not have bathrooms or toilets. These facilities are located in shared areas, scaled to accommodate the number of residents. However, during peak times, shower rooms may be fully occupied. In the large property I lived in, the distance to the shower room was considerable, and going back and forth between my room and the shower was a bit inconvenient.

If bathrooms and toilets are included in the private room, you won’t have to worry about adjusting to other residents’ schedules and can use them at your own pace.
Nowadays, some properties offer private rooms with attached bathrooms. For those who prioritize convenience, I’ve listed some recommended properties here.

④ Kitchen

Private rooms generally don’t come with a built-in kitchen. However, many properties pride themselves on having well-equipped shared kitchens. If you prefer to focus on cooking, letting others know in advance can help ensure your privacy while preparing meals.

While I wasn’t much of a cook myself, the commercial-style kitchen seemed very practical for those who enjoy cooking.

Some share houses offer private rooms with mini kitchens.

⑤ Soundproofing

Honestly, many properties don’t have perfect soundproofing. Sounds like snoring or alarms may occasionally be a topic of light-hearted conversation (laughs).

That said, as long as everyone behaves reasonably, most residents get used to it and aren’t bothered.

⑥ Security

The rooms are lockable. As long as you lock the door when leaving your room, theft shouldn’t be a concern. While some might find it inconvenient to lock the door even for a quick trip to the toilet, it’s a small compromise for security.

Locks vary from physical keys to PIN-based keypads. The keypad systems are particularly convenient as you don’t have to worry about losing a key.

3. Balancing Shared and Private Spaces in a Share House

Finally, let me share some tips on how to comfortably balance the use of shared and private spaces.
If you currently live with your family or alone, you might be thinking, "I'm interested in share houses, but I still want my own private space."
While some people are comfortable with dormitory-style (shared) rooms, everyone needs a space where they can be alone.
That’s why I believe it’s essential to focus on both “enhancing your private life” and “enhancing communication” when living in a share house.

The biggest appeal of living in a share house is being part of a community.
Buildings with well-equipped shared facilities, in particular, tend to foster more active communication among residents. In fact, the importance of communication has become widely recognized, especially after the Great East Japan Earthquake, highlighting the value of “mutual assistance” among neighbors during emergencies, as confirmed by government research.
In disaster prevention, the recognition of "mutual assistance as important" increased from 14.0% in 2002 to 24.5% in 2017. This indicates a growing emphasis on "self-help and mutual assistance" rather than relying solely on public assistance.

In times of need, it’s reassuring to have communication with familiar neighbors rather than strangers.
Of course, it’s also important to fully enjoy your private time in your room to ensure you have space for yourself.
Interacting with others in shared spaces gave me the opportunity to reflect on how I spend my time alone in my private room.

While share houses may have some inconveniences compared to living alone and everyone’s lifestyle differs, communication can be a positive stimulus and provide the comfort of not being completely alone.
If you’re worried about whether you can maintain your privacy in a share house, I hope this article provides useful insights.

At SHARE PARADE, we offer information on share houses in Tokyo and surrounding areas.