Moving to a new country or city can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the language or area. Many newcomers choose to live in a share house in Japan because it offers community, support, and a much easier start compared to private apartments, which can sometimes feel isolating.
Crucially, share houses also offer cost-effective, flexible contracts with no additional fees or guarantor required!
Below is a FAQ guide designed for exchange students, digital nomads, working holiday traveler’s and anyone living considering in Japan!
- ♦︎Topic 1: Cultural Exchange and Community Living in share houses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Sendai
- ♦︎Topic 2: International Students in Sendai, Kyoto and Osaka (Student Housing and Shared Accommodation)
- ♦︎Topic 3: Digital Nomads & Working Holiday Residents in Sendai and Kyoto (Coworking-friendly & Flexible Shared Housing Options in Japan)
- ♦︎Topic 4: Japan Housing Application and Move-In Guide (Simple Application Process, What is included and How to Get Ready)
Topic 1: Cultural Exchange and Community Living in share houses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Sendai
Living in a share house is one of the easiest ways to build a social circle when moving to Japan.
Unlike regular student housing or private apartments, share houses offer an international community where Japanese and foreign residents live together, spend time together and support each other in daily life. This environment naturally creates cultural exchange, friendship and opportunities to practice both Japanese and English.
FAQ Questions
1. What is it like living with internationals and Japanese?
Living in a share house means you are surrounded by both Japanese and international housemates from day one. Typically in the Borderless House, you often cook together, explore the city, help each other with daily tasks – friendships form naturally through these small interactions.
Unlike typical student housing in Japan, share houses give you an instant support system and a sense of belonging and comfort, even if you just arrived.
In the Sendai Share House specifically, the community tends to feel even closer since the area is smaller and more local than Tokyo. Housemates often spend more time together and arrange frequent house gatherings, which makes it easy to build strong friendships.
2. How can I practice Japanese/English in a share house environment?
Language exchange happens naturally when you live together. You pick up new Japanese or English phrases during meals, casual conversations or while watching movies with housemates – often without even noticing it! It is a relaxed and authentic way to learn and usually much more effective than textbooks or apps.
3. Are there house events or community activities where I can make new friends?
Yes! Housemates often plan dinners, cafe visits, karaoke nights or join seasonal events together. Share houses attract people who enjoy meeting others, so making connections and friendships happen naturally.
Borderless House also hosts many events open to all the houses – such as board game nights, group runs and language exchange sessions. We recently launched “ Borderless Station ”, an online platform where residents connect across houses, chat, join events and participate in community challenges.
4. What makes living in a share house different from a regular apartment in terms of community?
In a private apartment, you often end up doing everything alone. In a share house, you have common spaces where people naturally meet, talk and hang out. It is community-driven living and not just a place to sleep. This creates friendships and constant opportunities for cultural exchange in Japan.
Topic 2: International Students in Sendai, Kyoto and Osaka (Student Housing and Shared Accommodation)
For international students looking for student housing in Japan, share houses are one of the easiest ways to settle into daily life and studies.
Many students choose a share house in Sendai or student accommodation in Kansai because it offers a sense of community, helps with adapting to life in Japan, and includes fully furnished rooms – without the stress of long-term leases, guarantors or complicated contracts.
Whether you are studying at a language school, university or exchange program, shared housing offers social connections, convenience and comfort from day one.
FAQ Questions
1. How do share houses help international students adjust to life and study in Japan?
Share houses make the transition to student life in Japan much easier. Instead of living alone in a private apartment, you are surrounded by housemates, who can help with daily tasks like understanding transportation, finding supermarkets or dealing with school-related questions.
Living with Japanese and international residents also helps you improve your language skills, have a more international mindset and build friendships quickly – something traditional student housing in Japan often does not provide.
2. Are share houses near universities or easy to commute from?
Yes! Like share houses at Borderless House are selected for convenience – close to train stations, bus lines, cafes and universities. Many students choose shared housing because it makes commuting easier and allows them to connect with other young people living and studying in the same area.
3. Is it easy to balance studying and social life in a share house? Are study areas or quiet hours provided for students who need to focus?
Absolutely! Share houses offer a balance of community and personal space. You have a private room with a desk for focused study and many houses also have common areas where housemates study together – like a mini coworking space.
Quiet hours are generally respected, making it easy to concentrate when needed, while still enjoying the social side of shared living. “Students often say they are more motivated because they live around others who are also studying or working toward their goals.”
Topic 3: Digital Nomads & Working Holiday Residents in Sendai and Kyoto (Coworking-friendly & Flexible Shared Housing Options in Japan)
For remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads in Japan, shared housing offers a convenient and flexible way to live and work.
Many residents choose co-working-friendly housing in Sendai or working holiday accommodation in Kansai because the furnished rooms and shared living spaces function like a coworking environment.
Share houses are perfect for anyone searching for flexible housing in Japan , without long-term commitments or complex rental conditions.
FAQ Questions
1. Are the private rooms equipped with a desk and chair suitable for studying or remote work?
Yes. Every private room is furnished with a desk, chair and Wi-Fi, making it ideal for remote work, online classes or study sessions.
2. Are there shared spaces where I can work outside my room?
Absolutely!
Shared living areas often work like a casual coworking space, where you can work and study. Borderless House is considered a coworking-friendly housing option where you get both privacy and the option to work in a social setting when you need a change of environment.
In the Sendai House, there is also a small study room with computers , perfect for those who want a quiet workspace away from their bedroom or the living room. It gives you an additional specifically working environment with fewer distractions – great for productivity.
3. How do coworking-style share houses help people stay productive?
When you live with other remote workers, students and freelancers, it naturally creates a productive atmosphere. Housemates often go to cafes or study together in the living room, share routines and motivate each other.
share houses make it easier to stay focused – much more than working alone in an apartment.
4. Are short-term stays or flexible contracts possible for freelancers, digital nomads or working holiday residents?
Yes! Borderless House offers flexible housing in Japan with a minimum stay of just one month , making it ideal for digital nomads, freelancers or working holiday traveler’s who do not want to sign a long-term lease. You can stay short-term, move between cities, through Borderless House, and keep your housing flexible around your travel or work plans.
Topic 4: Japan Housing Application and Move-In Guide (Simple Application Process, What is included and How to Get Ready)
Finding housing in Japan can feel overwhelming because of contracts, guarantees, deposits and paperwork – especially if you are new to the country. At Borderless House, the application process is simple, flexible and fast, making it easy to move in – even if it is your first time in Japan.
FAQ Questions
1. What is the application and move-in process like at Borderless House?
The application process at Borderless House is very fast and easy!
How it works:
Step 1: Submit reservation form
Step 2: Join a short introduction/interview via Zoom – this helps us get to know you and it is also your chance to ask any questions.
Step 3: Complete the reservation process by paying the initial fee, uploading your ID photo and writing a short self-introduction.
Once everything is confirmed and your room is secured, you can move in on your requested date!
Unlike traditional housing in Japan, there is no need for a guarantor, no key money and no real estate paperwork! Everything can be completed online before you arrive in Japan.
2. What is included in the rent – furniture, Wi-Fi, utilities?
At Borderless House, rent includes: a fully furnished private room with:
- Fully furnished private room (bed, desk, chair, storage)
- Wi-FI (ideal for students and digital nomads working from home)
- Shared spaces (kitchen, living room, washing machine and bathroom)
- Kitchen utensils
Utilities are already included in the monthly rent as a fixed price, so there are no unexpected costs or shared utility calculations with housemates.
3. Can I move in without speaking Japanese or English?
Yes – absolutely! Many residents move in without speaking Japanese yet, and shared housing makes it much easier to learn the language naturally.
If English is not your first language either, that is fine! Borderless House has a multilingual and international community, so communication support is always available.
4. This is my first time living in a share house – what should I prepare before moving in?
Since your room is already fully furnished, you only need personal items such as: Clothing, Toiletries and Indoor slippers..etc.
I recommend bringing a notebook to write down the Japanese phrases you learn day-to-day, as well as a few personal belongings (such as some favorite snacks, photos or a small blanket) to make you feel more at home!
Your New Chapter of Friendship and Adventure is Waiting!
Moving to a new city can feel like a huge step, but finding your community shouldn’t be hard!
Borderless House takes the stress out of settling in. Forget about complicated fees and lonely private apartments—we offer a ready-made international family where friendships and language practice start on day one. Whether you’re a student, a digital nomad, or just new to Japan, our share houses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Sendai are built for easy connections and fun. Don’t wait to start the exciting life you came for!
Ready to find your global community? Explore our Houses today!
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