In the previous chapter, we mentioned that share houses are likely the best long term housing type for most working holiday makers. But what exactly is it? What is it like to live in one? How do I find them and apply? In this chapter, we will walk through it all.
What is a share house?
Like its name suggests, a share house is a home that has multiple inhabitants. In principle, it feels similar to a co-lease with flatmates except that the house is managed by an agency, not an individual landlord. The agency manages everything from administrative to living arrangements. There are rules to follow and you can’t choose the other inhabitants. In that sense, it’s akin to a youth hostel or university residence.
Share houses are most popular among foreigners, but some Japanese people also opt for it.
Types of share houses
There are several types of share houses. Some have 4-10 inhabitants, while larger ones have between 30 and 60. Some share houses are actual independent houses. Others just consist of several floors in a building (or even the entire building itself).
Usually each person has his own room, but it’s also possible to have shared rooms. The common areas include the dining area, kitchen, toilets, and bathroom. Depending on the size of the share house, there could be as few as just one toilet and shower to be shared among everyone. More expensive rooms could come with their own bathroom. Large share houses might even have a gym, game room, or other recreational facilities.
In addition to mixed housing, there exist share houses just for women or just for men.
There is a large range of offerings, and so naturally the price varies, starting at just a couple hundred US dollars per month. It depends on your budget, as well as the level of comfort and privacy you are looking for.
Where to find share houses
It might be tempting to secure stable housing before you even arrive in Japan, but in general we recommend you wait until you’re in-country before confirming anything. This is because listings often use pictures that are more beautiful than in real life, so it is best to see things in person for yourself before committing. It’s also best to see the neighbourhoods to get a feel for daily life. Even virtual visits are no perfect substitute for the real deal, but the decision comes down to your level of risk tolerance.
To find your dream share house, you can browse a few popular agency sites. If you see something that matches your criteria, simply contact the listing agency and plan a visit. If things go well, you could easily move in within a week or two. During certain seasons, such as back to school, demand may surge so be patient and don’t stress too much.
Some other websites include:
Some key criteria to take into consideration include:
- Location
- Price
- Size of the room
- Furnishings and appliances
- Size, layout, and nature of home
- Number and profile of residents
- Ambiance
- Co-ed or single gender
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