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11 typical foreigner-friendly share houses and management companies in Japan!

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Foreigners living in shared houses in Japan

Many foreigners who are considering studying or working in Japan feel uneasy about finding housing due to language and cultural differences. Here is some good news for such foreigners. There are many share houses throughout Japan where foreigners can live in peace.

With English-speaking staff on hand and information provided in multiple languages, you can start your life without feeling any language barriers. In addition, events are held regularly with Japanese residents, so you will be able to spend your days full of new encounters and discoveries.

In this article, we will introduce 11 carefully selected foreigner-friendly share houses and their management companies located in major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. Please be sure to read to the end for a detailed explanation of each share house's appeal, features, and the advantages of moving in.

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What is a foreigner friendly share house?

A foreigner-friendly share house is a share house that actively recruits foreign residents. In these share houses, there are many Japanese who want to study English and interact with foreigners, and the percentage of foreign residents is higher than in regular share houses.

For foreign residents, there are also advantages such as not only teaching English to Japanese people, but also interacting with a variety of people and learning Japanese. There are many people who feel uneasy about the language and cultural barriers when starting a new life in Japan, but with a foreigner-friendly share house, you can eliminate such uneasiness while enjoying a fulfilling life in Japan.

From the next section, we will introduce specific foreigner-friendly share houses in Kanto, Kansai, and Kyushu. We have carefully selected share houses that we recommend specifically in the major cities of each region, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, so please take a look for yourself.

Foreigner Friendly Share Houses in Kanto｜Tokyo etc.

The Kanto region, including Tokyo, has the largest number of foreigner-friendly share houses. Many share houses are concentrated in central Tokyo as well as in major cities such as Yokohama. If you are looking for a foreigner-friendly share house in Japan, we recommend starting your search in Tokyo.

1. borderless house

BORDERLESS HOUSE is a leading operator of foreigner-friendly share houses in the Kanto and Kansai regions. In Tokyo alone, BORDERLESS HOUSE operates over 50 share houses, and with about half of the residents being non-Japanese, the environment is characterized by a rich international flavor.

Each property is close to the station, and many of the buildings are new or recently constructed, so you can enjoy a comfortable life. They are also equipped with a full range of facilities and amenities such as kitchens, washing machines, and Wi-Fi, so you can keep your initial costs low.

At regular events, you will have a chance to interact with your housemates and make friends with tenants from other properties as well. You will have an experience as if you were studying abroad while in Japan.

BORDERLESS HOUSE also has share houses in Korea and Taiwan, and is recommended for those who plan to live in Korea or Taiwan in the future.

Reference:International House Share House with Foreign Residents

2. oak house

Oak House is a share house management company that provides share houses in Japan for foreigners. The company has many properties in the Kanto area, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures. Other locations include Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka prefectures.

Designed to create a comfortable living environment and community, each property offers a range of plans to meet a variety of needs, including fully furnished and equipped rooms and Social Residences®.

Oak House also emphasizes international exchange, promoting cross-cultural exchange through shared housing where foreigners and Japanese live together, and providing opportunities for residents to interact with each other at regular events. We also offer special offers and plans for first-time residents, such as student discounts, transfer discounts, and FIX plans suitable for short-term stays, and many of our residents are from overseas.

Reference:【 Oak House 】

3. share style｜Tokyo, Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture), Chiba

Sharestyle is a company that manages ARDEN, a share house for foreigners mainly in Tokyo and Yokohama. ARDEN has long been popular as a share house where you can learn English.

Most of the Japanese residents are working adults in their 20s and 30s who want to learn English. They can be seen enjoying conversations in English with their house mates after work or on weekends. On the other hand, foreign residents are very interested in Japanese culture. They deepen exchanges with Japanese people by learning Japanese from them and asking them about recommended sightseeing spots.

In addition to language events, ShareStyle also holds a variety of other events on a regular basis, such as game tournaments and cooking classes. You can also interact with people who live in other properties managed by Sharestyle, making it a great way to expand your circle of friends.

If you are looking for a share house in the Yokohama area as well as Tokyo, please check out ARDEN.

Reference:【SHARE STYLE】 for exchange type share house in Tokyo

4. aya factory

Sai Factory is a venture company that produces about 500 rooms in 20 share houses in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. The company manages a number of properties with distinctive concepts, such as English conversation share houses and entrepreneurial share houses.

Another attraction of Sai Factory's properties is that there are no age restrictions; tenants range in age from young people in their 20s to those in their 60s, allowing them to transcend language barriers and experience diverse values.

If you are looking for a share house in the Tokyo metropolitan area, centering on the 23 wards of Tokyo, we recommend Aya Factory for its unique concept.

Reference:Specialized in [Entrepreneur, English Immersion, Childcare Support] Concept Share House Company [Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Fukuoka] | Aya Factory Co.

There are many other attractive foreigner-friendly share houses in Tokyo and Yokohama. For more detailed information, please refer to the following articles.

Foreigner Friendly Share Houses in Kansai｜Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, etc.

The Kansai region, including Osaka, is second only to Tokyo in terms of the number of foreigner-friendly share houses. Kansai is a land of history and tradition. The cities are dotted with a rich regional flavor, from the ancient capital atmosphere of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Osaka and the exoticism of Kobe. It can be said that the appeal of this area is that it allows international exchange while experiencing the diverse cultures of Japan.

The number of foreigner-friendly share houses is increasing in Nagoya as well. Although there are not as many properties as in Tokyo, they are still becoming increasingly popular, especially among international students.

1 J&F Plaza, Osaka/Hyogo Pref.

J&F Plaza is a share house management company specializing in 展開する foreigners in the Kansai region. With properties in major cities throughout Japan, J&F Plaza is a pioneer in the industry, having developed its business from the time when the term "foreigner house" or "guest house" was used.

Each J&F House property is basically staffed by a building manager. The key point is the low threshold for moving in, with no key money, broker's fee, guarantor, or renewal fee basically required. Rent is reasonable, starting from 20,000 yen per month (additional common service fees are required), and you can move in from as little as one month.

J&F House, which offers specialized services for foreigners, is recommended for foreigners who are considering living in a shared house in Osaka.

Reference:Jaff Plaza - International Share House in Tokyo and Kansai｜Jaff Plaza

2. english house｜Osaka

English House is a well-established share house with a history of over 50 years in Hirakata, Osaka. Since its establishment, English House has consistently focused on English education and has served as a bridge between Japanese people who want to learn English and foreigners who want to learn Japanese language and culture.

English House not only functions as a share house, but also as an English conversation school, providing many opportunities to interact with foreign instructors and Japanese people learning English.

The building is a renovated house with a living room equipped with a large sofa and a TV, which gives a cozy feeling as if you are enjoying time with your homestay family.

Reference:Study Abroad in Japan at English House

 3. 8NEST, Kyoto, Japan

Eight Nest is a 展開する share house management company based in Kyoto, Japan. Each property is conveniently located with easy access from universities and major train stations. Residents gather in a lounge where they can enjoy meals and conversation while interacting with people from different countries and cultures. Various types of rooms, including private rooms and dormitory rooms, are available for both long-term and short-term stays.

In addition, Eighteenth's properties are characterized by an environment that allows residents to fully enjoy the charms of Kyoto. The elegant streets of the ancient capital and the many opportunities to experience traditional culture make it a good choice for foreigners who are interested in Japanese culture.

Reference:For international exchange share houses in Kyoto, go to Eight Nest.

4. Grand Kobe｜Hyogo Prefecture

Grand Kobe" is a share house located in a quiet residential area of Kobe City, and actively accepts foreign residents. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the nearest station, offering excellent access. With a river flowing in front of the house, it is blessed with a rich natural environment.

Rent is reasonable, starting in the 50,000 yen range. Shared spaces include a spacious kitchen, study room, and theater room to support comfortable living.

Almost half of the residents at Gran Kobe are Japanese and half are non-Japanese. Multicultural exchange events are held on a regular basis, providing ample opportunities for residents to deepen their friendship with each other. In addition, bilingual staff members are on hand to help foreign residents who have concerns about their Japanese language skills.

Reference:【 Oak House 】 Grand Kobe Share house information

5. SHARE HOUSE180°｜Nagoya City (Aichi Prefecture)

SHARE HOUSE180° is a Nagoya-based company that manages 展開する share houses of various concepts. The name "180°" is derived from the idea that life can change 180° through new encounters and experiences, and we place importance on sharing time and feelings rather than just sharing a residence.

SHARE HOUSE180° properties are renovated by designers and cleaned by a contractor once a week on a regular basis, so there is no need for tenants to clean on duty.

Each house has its own distinctive concept, such as English, DIY, fitness, and outdoor activities, which attract like-minded people. Hobby clubs, club activities, and seasonal events are also held actively, and there are abundant opportunities for interaction that transcends the boundaries of the houses.

Reference: If you are looking for a share house in Nagoya, go to SHARE HOUSE180°.

The Kansai area is home to cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nagoya, all of which are rich in individuality. Each of these cities has a number of share houses that are friendly to foreigners. For those seeking more detailed information, please refer to the following articles.

Foreigner friendly share house in Kyushu｜Fukuoka etc.

After Tokyo and Osaka, Fukuoka is the second largest city in terms of the number of foreign residents. Fukuoka City is also known as the "Gateway to Asia," and is bustling with business people, foreign students, and tourists from abroad. Centered on Fukuoka, the number of foreigner-friendly share houses is increasing in Kyushu as well.

Discovery Hakata South

Discovery Hakata South is a share house located in Minoshima 2-chome, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, specializing in exchanges between Japanese and foreigners who wish to study English. One of the main attractions of this share house is its easy accessibility, being within walking distance from Hakata Station.

In the common lounge, English is spoken as a rule, so even foreigners who are not good at Japanese will have no trouble communicating with each other. On the other hand, there are also many Japanese residents who are fluent in English, creating an atmosphere of language exchange in which they teach each other their own language.

The building features a warm interior with abundant use of wood. The relaxing common space is well equipped and designed to create natural interaction among residents in a space that resembles a fashionable café.

Reference:Intercultural sharehouse Discovery Hakata South

2. share house Hidamari Ohori Koen-mae

Share House Hidamari Ohori Koenmae is a foreigner-friendly share house located in a quiet residential area of Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City. The best part is that you can enjoy the lush greenery of Ohori Park spread out before you.

Renovations were completed in 2015, and the stylishly furnished and stylish interior is highly appreciated by foreign residents. The living room is open and airy with a vaulted ceiling, creating a cozy common space.

The area is also blessed with excellent transportation access, with Tenjin in the city center only 10 minutes away by bicycle and Fukuoka Airport only 15 minutes away by car, making it easy to get to major spots in the city. The Fukuoka Castle Ruins, popular among foreign tourists, and the city of Hakata are also easily accessible, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy sightseeing as well as work.

Reference:[Fukuoka City]Share House Hidamari "Ohorikouen-mae"｜Sharehouse Hidamari in Kyushu and Kanto

There are many more foreigner-friendly share houses in Fukuoka City in addition to those introduced in this article. If you are seeking information to help you find a share house in Fukuoka, check out the following articles as well.

Advantages of a foreigner-friendly share house

If you want to live in Japan, you can rent a regular apartment or live in a regular share house that is not foreigner-friendly. So what are the advantages of a foreigner-friendly share house compared to others?

Here we will explain the four advantages of a foreigner-friendly share house. If you are feeling anxious about your new life in Japan, this should help you feel positive about it.

1. living in an English-speaking environment

Foreigner-friendly share houses are characterized by the large number of foreign residents, and many of the Japanese residents also speak English. So you can communicate in English for everything from daily conversation to small consultations.

For those who have just arrived in Japan from overseas and are not confident in their Japanese, there is nothing more reassuring. It will ease the stress caused by not being able to speak the language and will help you adjust smoothly to life in a foreign country.

2. be a place to practice Japanese language

Japan is one of the world's leading monolingual countries, and Japanese is used in all aspects of daily life. In order to live comfortably in Japan, Japanese speaking skills are essential. However, it is not easy to acquire practical communication skills simply by attending a language school.

On the other hand, in a foreigner-friendly share house, you will have many opportunities to meet Japanese residents, so you can learn Japanese naturally in your daily life. If you speak to your roommates in broken Japanese, they will listen to you patiently. If there is something you don't understand, they will teach you in detail.

3. encounter with diverse cultures

The appeal of a foreigner-friendly share house lies in its "diversity" that transcends language and cultural barriers. Roommates are not only from English-speaking countries such as the U.S., U.K., and Australia, but also from Asia, South America, Europe, and the Middle East. They come from different nationalities, ages, and genders, and are all full of individuality.

By sharing meals and talking with these people who live under the same roof, you will be able to experience firsthand the diversity of the world. You will be able to get hints for new values and ideas from casual conversations. There are also moments when you will realize that your common sense is the world's insanity. There is no doubt that you will gain a global perspective.

4. not feel lonely at fun events

Community events are held regularly at our foreigner-friendly share house. Parties on the rooftop terrace, barbecues, Halloween, Christmas, and other celebrations are all celebrated with great gusto by all roommates. You will be able to meet new roommates through cooking, dancing, and playing games, and you are sure to make new friends.

Starting life abroad alone can be a daunting prospect for anyone. However, if you live in a foreigner-friendly share house, you are sure to find many reassuring allies. You may even meet irreplaceable "friends" in a foreign land. Enjoy the moment when your heart touches each other.

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summary

A share house in Japan that is friendly to foreigners and respects diversity. That is what a foreigner-friendly share house is. When Japanese and foreigners live together, transcending language and cultural barriers, they discover new values and create connections between people.

Foreigner-friendly share houses are located in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other cities throughout Japan, so please try the experience of living there. Gain friends from all over the world and develop a global perspective. You are sure to find "assets" that will lead to your future.

In addition to those introduced in this article, there are many other share houses throughout Japan that are friendly to foreigners. When actually searching for a share house, it is important to use a reliable real estate website.

If you would like to know more about useful websites for foreigners looking for a share house in Japan or tips on how to find a place to live, please refer to the following articles as well.
▶︎ List of websites where you can find a shared house in Japan - How to find a property that welcomes foreigners

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