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5 recommended share houses for foreigners in Ikebukuro and rent rates

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Night scenery of Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro, one of the central areas of Tokyo, is known as an area where many international students gather. With convenient transportation and ample entertainment facilities, many foreigners are looking for a room to live in Ikebukuro in the future. However, due to language and cultural differences, some may feel uneasy about finding a room.

In this article, we will introduce five share houses in Ikebukuro that we recommend for foreigners, and explain in detail the rent rates and the procedures for moving in. Foreign residents who are considering a new life in Ikebukuro are encouraged to take a look.

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What kind of town is Ikebukuro? What are its attractions?

Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo's major downtown areas, along with Shinjuku and Shibuya, and has developed around Ikebukuro Station, which is served by many train lines, including the JR Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan Shinjuku Line, Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and Tokyo Metro (Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line, Fukutoshin Line). Large commercial facilities such as Sunshine City and Nanja Town, cultural facilities such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space, and administrative offices such as the Toshima Ward Office are concentrated in this area, making it truly the center of Tokyo.

In addition, Ikebukuro is home to many Japanese language schools, vocational schools, and university campuses, so there are many international students from all over the world living in the area. Part-time jobs for foreign students are abundant, and the formation of a foreign community is another characteristic of Ikebukuro. Just walking around Ikebukuro, you will hear a variety of languages, which is a unique attraction of Ikebukuro.

On the other hand, Ikebukuro tends to have an image of being unsafe because of its many entertainment districts, but in reality, it is not a difficult area to live in, as residential areas are also spreading. With an increasing number of condominiums for families, Ikebukuro is becoming a popular area not only for foreigners, but also for people of child-rearing age.

Rent in Ikebukuro｜Comparison of rental properties for single people and shared houses

Next, let's take a look at the market rent in the Ikebukuro area. Before moving into a share house, a comparison with rental properties for single people should be helpful.

The market rent for apartments and condominiums for single people is somewhat high in Tokyo, ranging from 80,000 to 90,000 yen for a studio and from 90,000 to 120,000 yen for a 1K apartment. Rent tends to be higher the closer you are to the station, but if you walk 10 minutes or more away, you can find relatively reasonable housing. However, foreigners often need a joint guarantor, and initial costs such as deposit and key money tend to be high.

On the other hand, the standard rent for a shared house is about 40,000-60,000 yen for a private room type, and 30,000-40,000 yen for a dormitory type. Rent will be higher for properties close to train stations and those with full facilities, but it will be much cheaper than those for single people. Also, there are many properties that do not require a security deposit or key money, making it easy for foreigners to move in, which is a major merit of share houses.

Of course, living alone is superior in terms of privacy, but considering the low rent and ease of moving in, share houses are recommended for foreigners.

Reference:【 Homes 】 Ikebukuro Station, Tokyo, Japan

Advantages of living in a share house for foreigners

When living in Japan, foreign residents have the option of choosing to live in a rental property designed for single people, but what are the advantages of living in a share house, especially an international-style share house?

English is commonly spoken in international share houses.

Many foreigners who have just arrived in Japan do not have sufficient Japanese language skills. The language barrier can make daily life uneasy. However, there are many residents in international exchange share houses who are fluent in English or Chinese, allowing you to communicate in your own language. You will be able to start living in a share house with peace of mind without feeling stress from the language barrier.

People around you can help you.

Also, for foreigners who have just arrived in Japan from overseas, there will be many things about the Japanese lifestyle and social system that are unfamiliar to them. If you are unsure of how to fill out paperwork, or are not familiar with government procedures, you do not have to go it alone, but can ask for help from your fellow share house mates. Foreign residents who have lived in Japan for a long time and Japanese residents will be able to provide you with friendly support.

Learn Japanese culture and Japanese language

And many foreigners will come to Japan with an interest in Japanese culture and the Japanese language. At an international exchange share house, you can experience Japanese culture and learn Japanese while interacting with fellow foreigners who share the same interest in Japan. By interacting with Japanese residents, you will naturally be able to practice your Japanese language skills.

To learn more about the appeal of living in a share house, check out the following articles.
▶︎ 5 foreigner friendly share houses in Tokyo - cheap houses can be found!

5 recommended share houses for foreigners in Ikebukuro!

Let's take a look at some specific international share houses in the Ikebukuro area that are recommended for foreign residents. The following five share houses are all open to non-Japanese residents, and English is available in all of them.

1. Mate Ikebukuro

Mate Ikebukuro is a share house that combines private rooms with fully equipped kitchens and luxurious common areas; in addition to private rooms with 3-piece unit baths and mini-kitchens, there are two lounges, a theater room, co-working room, fitness room, and roof-top terrace. The share house also offers furnished private rooms, double occupancy, and monthly stays, and some floors are pet-friendly.

There is a park and post office right in front of the house, and it is also conveniently located within walking distance to Ikebukuro Station, which has access to 8 train lines. This cozy share house is also recommended for foreign residents.

For more information,click here!

2. kizuna house share house-hug-Ikebukuro

Kizuna House Share House -hug- Ikebukuro is a share house with an analog atmosphere, with record music playing and the aroma of hand-ground coffee wafting through the air. The kitchen is equipped with coffee makers of various designs, board games from around the world, and other devices to promote interaction among residents.

Located in an excellent location just a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, it is a comfortable place to live with many long-term tenants. It is also recommended for foreigners who want to experience the retro and analog atmosphere of Japan.

For more information,click here!

3. p&p inn ikebukuro house

p&p inn ikebukuro house is a women-only share house located at the end of an alley in a quiet residential area. There is a cheap plan available only for students, and you can live in the house at a reasonable price. It is only a 3 minute walk from Kita-Ikebukuro Station and an 8 minute walk from Itabashi Station.

It is conveniently located 1 minute walk to a convenience store and 5 minutes walk to a supermarket. The private rooms are fully furnished, and all flooring makes for a comfortable living space. This share house is recommended for female foreigners who want to enjoy their privacy.

For more information,click here!

4.Casa de Kei Ikebukuro

Casa de Kei Ikebukuro is a fully renovated share house in a quiet residential area. Featuring sophisticated interior design by designers, you can enjoy a space that looks like a stylish café. As a women's only house, it is equipped with beauty equipment such as scalp esthetics and cavitation.

Within walking distance, there are many convenient stores such as Don Quijote, convenience stores, and supermarkets. This share house is perfect for female foreigners who want to live comfortably in a stylish living space.

For more information,click here!

5.COURI 026 Ikebukuro

COURI 026 Ikebukuro is a share house located in a quiet residential area just a 12 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. The biggest attraction is the spacious kitchen/lounge, equipped with a Barmuda range, toaster, kettle, and other special features. This is a great environment for residents who love to cook.

Some of the private rooms have lofts, ensuring a private space. This share house is recommended for foreigners who want to make full use of the kitchen in a lush green environment along the promenade.

For more information,click here!

Procedures and flow of living in a share house in Japan

Finally, we would like to briefly explain the process of moving into a share house in Japan for foreign residents. Looking for a room in Japan for the first time must be a very anxiety-provoking experience, but if you keep the basic flow in mind, you should be able to proceed smoothly.

1. inquiries

First, contact the company, landlord, or agency that manages the share house you are interested in. If you contact them via email or inquiry form, even those who are not comfortable speaking Japanese will be able to easily consult with them.
When making inquiries, it is important to be as specific as possible in terms of the desired move-in period, budget, and desired facilities.

2. tour of a shared house

Make an appointment to visit the property when you make an inquiry, and actually visit the property to see the rooms. At that time, it is a good idea to check not only the facilities and conditions of the rooms, but also the time required from the nearest station and facilities in the area.

In some cases, if you are moving in from a distance and it is difficult to visit the property, you may be able to ask for an online tour. If you can get a video call to show you the room, that may be a good substitute.

3. application

Once you find a property you like, you can begin the application process. When applying, you will often need to provide identification such as a residence card or passport, as well as documents proving your status of residence.

Check the required documents in advance to ensure smooth preparation.

4. moving in

Once your application has been successfully approved, it is time to move in. After paying the initial fees (rent, common service fee, security deposit, etc.) and being briefed on the various rules and regulations, you will be able to start your new life in a share house.

Once you receive the key, you are a resident of the share house.

When looking for a share house in Japan, it is important to find one suitable for foreigners. This article introduces websites to help you find a share house that welcomes foreigners.
▶︎ List of websites where you can find a shared house in Japan - How to find a property that welcomes foreigners

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summary

In this article, we have selected 5 share houses in the Ikebukuro area that we recommend for foreign residents. Ikebukuro is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo, with all aspects of shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is an attractive town for foreigners as well.

Each of the share houses we have introduced has its own unique characteristics in terms of location, facilities, and community atmosphere. From women-only share houses, designer properties, share houses recommended for those who love to cook, and more, you will be able to find a share house that fits your lifestyle from the diverse choices available.

When choosing a share house, it is important to consider not only the low rent, but also the overall location, facilities, and atmosphere of the residents. Take your time to find the right place to live.

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