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What Are The Present Quarantine And Travel Restrictions In Japan?

Traveling to any place in the current year has been really tough, especially when we are talking about international journeys. Most countries in the world are switching between coming out of lockdown and preparing for the second round of complete shutdown. The circumstances have been maddening, to say the least. Now, even after one year of battling with the Covid-19 virus, the end appears nowhere in sight. As a result, the common man is stuck between dealing with his fear of catching the deadly virus, and risking his business and finances if he decides to stay where he is. Japan has been no exception to such problems.

Like every other country, the people in Japan have also been bracing tough situations. The borders were sealed here in order to protect its population from Coronavirus. But with time and vigilance of people, the situation in Japan has changed for the better. The borders are now slowly being opened, and the flights to international destinations have begun to take off.

Presently, Japan has permitted business traveling from certain countries in Asia and Oceania. It has recently lowered the travel restrictions for Australia, China, Singapore, New Zealand, Vietnam, Brunei, Thailand, etc. Traveling, for tourists, however, is not allowed as of now, but there have been reports that the Japanese government is considering opening it in time for Olympics, that is before the spring season descends in Japan. So, if you are also preparing for traveling to Japan and would like to know about the quarantine norms and traveling restrictions here, then here is some information that you may find useful. Come, let’s plunge in!

What are the travel rules in Japan?

Like other countries, Japan also imposed restrictions on traveling to control the spread of Covid-19 in the country. However, on October 30, Japan relaxed its impositions and allowed people from certain countries to enter its border for business purposes. What this means is that, now, travelers from other countries can come to Japan if they have a business or residence visa.

According to news, Japan is also considering opening up the tourist industry and allowing people to come to Japan on a tourist visa. However, no official statement has been released by the government on this issue until now.

Are the Airlines back into action in Japan?

Since the travel restrictions are uplifting and domestic as well as international traveling is allowed now, therefore, airlines are more or less back in action in Japan. However, if you are planning a trip to Japan, we will recommend you to check Japan’s embassy page to get a better idea about which flights and airlines and functional there.

Is Japan out of lockdown?

With governments all over the world asking people to stay vigilant and reminding them that the danger is not over yet, there has been no certainty in any part of the globe. Many countries in the past months that were out of lockdown have witnessed another phrase of total shutdown following a hike in the number of reported cases. Japan is no exception to this bizarre scenario.

The government in Japan has taken a decentralized approach to deal with this instability. They have chosen to let the regional governors decide what is best for their region. Some people are not happy with this approach as they feel that the government in this way is not upholding its responsibility, but others are viewing the decision in a positive light. The highlight, as of now, in Japan, is the reopening of Tokyo where the most number of cases were detected. The region has been opened, however, with certain restrictions in place.

What are the safety measures in Japan?

In order to keep its people safe, Japan has followed the advice of WHO and opened its borders cautiously. Even when there are no restrictions regarding stepping out of the house in Japan, there are certain guidelines that people need to follow. Here are some safety measures that the people and institutions here have taken to control the spread of the virus.

  • All the places where people gather like offices or supermarkets in Japan have installed hand sanitizers to promote people to sanitize frequently.
  • Most restaurants, cafes, or bars where many people come and go have spaced out tables and put a cap over the number of people that can be present there at one time.
  • Gyms and shops have followed the guidelines by medical clinics and are checking the temperature of all people who are entering their premises.
  • Maintaining proper distance no matter where you are is mandatory.
  • Wearing masks at all times whenever you step out of the house is compulsory for people.

  • The stay arrangement

Usually, if you are looking for a place to stay in Japan during your quarantine period, any hotel will charge you about 70,000 to 1,00,000 yens, but now, at our borderless house, we are offering our customers the opportunity to reserve a room with us free of charge. What is even better is that by booking your quarantine stay with us, you won’t have to look for a place yourself. Thus, in this way, you will have one less thing to worry about.

  • Pick up service

Another problem when you reach Japan is that here you won’t be allowed to use public transport, not even cabs from the airport until you have completed your 14 days long quarantine period. But by booking your room with us, you can say goodbye to this worry. It is so because once you have booked your reservation with us, your stay will be our responsibility, and getting you to reach your room will also be on us. As soon as you will land in Japan, we will arrange your ride and a driver will wait for you outside the airport to drop you at your quarantine destination.

  • Various supports

Since after coming to Japan you will be living in quarantine, therefore, upon arriving here, arranging for the necessities can become a problem. Therefore, to help our quarantine residents at the borderless house, our staff will inform them about various food delivery services and other apps through which they can order necessities. In Japan, we also follow a systematic way of separating and throwing garbage, about which, our staff will let you know. In case, you have any other queries, you will have our people at your assistance to resolve your problems.

  • Fun activities

Now, 14 days is a pretty long time. Staying alone during that time with nothing to do can drive anyone crazy. Therefore, at our borderless house, we have made arrangements to keep you entertained so that your quarantine period is fun and interesting. Upon booking your stay with us, we will get you in touch with future housemates before you come to the sharehouse so you can know them better. After you arrive, we will arrange for you online language classes to brush up on your Japanese, online sessions to meet other people who share similar interests as you, and online club activities to keep you engaged. At our borderless house, we are all set to make the time fly for you.

So, these are some benefits that you can avail of by booking your quarantine stay with us when you are in Japan.

What are the tips for safe travel in Japan?

Once you are free to travel to Japan, here are some safety tips that you must follow to avoid catching the virus.

  • Make sure that every time you step outside of your residence in Japan, you carry your mask and a hand sanitizer. You can find these both in any supermarket or departmental store.
  • If you want to keep as much distance as possible when you are traveling by train, consider using green cars.
  • If you have to visit some popular destination, consider going there early in the morning or during the afternoon when they are about to close, to avoid the rush.

So, this is all about the travel restrictions which you should know about before visiting Japan. Safe travels!

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How Can You Find Work in Japan – Tips and Suggestions

Well, finding a new job at any place is always a dreadful experience. You are never sure of your qualifications and are always worried if you will fit the bill in the companies you have applied to. And if you are searching for a job in a new country altogether where you have not been born and bought up, this difficulty level shoots up many stories. It is so because, in a foreign place, you are not sure about the job market, you don’t know the rules and trends of being hired, and of course, no one could recommend you to some bigshot organization. 

In such circumstances, it becomes exceedingly tough not to feel scared. Finding work in a country where all the rules you have been accustomed to being thrown straight out of the window is an overwhelming experience. Thus, today we will discuss some essential work tips that you may find useful in bagging a job. So, if you are ready for the lessons, shall we begin? 

What are the requirements for working in Japan?

If you talk to people, especially those who belong to the educated class and come from over-populated or small countries, you will find that many of them have considered migrating to a new country at least once in their lives. The reasons could be numerous, like finding better work opportunities, the sake of a better lifestyle, exploring new places, etc. For such people, finding work before migrating to a new location or soon after making a move is of crucial importance to sustain themselves.  

Thus, to help people who have either moved to Japan or are considering moving to Tokyo to secure a job, here are some critical details. 

University Degree

Japan does not follow the same rules and regulations as the US or UK where immigration is concerned. Therefore, if you are considering moving to Japan shortly, then there are some specific immigration laws that you must be aware of. One such rule is that if you want to immigrate to Japan, then in order to get the regular work visa, you will need a University degree. Not the college, but the University degree getting which takes about four years in the US and three years in the UK. This is the law, and if you are serious about finding work in Tokyo, then you will have to adhere to this rule.  

Move to Japan

After talking to the hiring managers who are recruited at good companies, we gained some useful insight. In our chat about foreign job seekers, we discovered that according to the hiring managers, foreign candidates who are already in Japan have more chances of finding employment in Tokyo as compared to foreigners who are living outside of the country. It is so because a failed overseas hiring proves very costly to a company. When an organization employs a foreigner from outside of Japan, they will need to assist the employee in getting to Japan, finding a residence here, training him, etc. And after all, if the candidate does not fit the profile, then all the time and money spent on him will go to waste. 

Therefore, a more suitable option is to hire a foreigner who is already living in Japan. So, you can manage to find work in Tokyo by moving to Japan before you start looking for your dream job. You can initially sustain yourself by living in a sharehouse where you will be paying minimum rent and by getting hired as an English teacher. Then slowly and steadily, you can work towards finding a suitable job opportunity for you. If you are currently searching for jobs and career opportunities in Japan, feel free to check Jooble. 

Use a resume photo

Before applying for a job at any place in Tokyo, you should make some effort to familiarize yourself with the application format that the job candidates must adhere to. For instance, you should know that in Japan, the work norm requires the job applicant to send his photo along with his cover letter. That is what the HRs are used to seeing. It helps them in putting together your personality and skillset with your face. It aids them in making a decision. Therefore, if you are likely to approach a company for work, make sure to include a professional-looking headshot of you in your application. Doing so will make it difficult for the hiring manager to ignore your CV. 

Find an Internship

If you are not keen on working as an English teacher to sustain yourself in Japan for the initial months, you should probably find yourself an internship in Tokyo. Now some of you might be wondering how that would help. Well, the answer is that finding an internship will help you in building a network. In a foreign nation, where you have no one who knows you and can recommend you to an organization, gaining some experience and getting an opportunity to be mentored can be very useful. 

However, you should know that in Japan, the paid internships are more or less paid by the interns. The basic idea is that in an internship, you get a chance to work with a company for about eight months in exchange for a place to stay and a learning experience. So, maybe think hard before making your choice. 

Creating a network

Well, networking with the right people is the key to landing your first, second, third, and even the nth job in Japan. Knowing the right people can reduce your struggle, and it can help you attain your goals quite quickly. Now, one way of networking properly is to join a professional group in Tokyo. Living in a sharehouse where you will live with other native Japanese people can also help form friendships. You can maybe even participate in the after-work drinking culture in Japan. Going out to the bars with professional and industry groups will get you noticed and employed. 

Prepare for the interview

It is needless to say that all the networking and degrees won’t land you a job in Tokyo unless you leave a positive impression in the interview. Therefore, preparing for the interview is essential. Now how can you do this? Well, you can ready yourself for the hour by learning about the basic customs of Japan as well as by polishing off your Japanese. You can also try to talk to some people who are already in jobs to know about the general questions that are asked by the interviewer. This will boost your confidence and increase your chances of being hired. 

Now, living in a borderless house can help you in achieving this. By residing here, you will probably find yourself speaking in Japanese and learning Japanese customs. Your mates there can also help in preparing for the interview by sharing with you their interview experience. 

Polishing your language

Unless you are finding a job in the IT sector where the number of IT languages you know would matter more, I suggest you become proficient in the Japanese language. Or else you may find it difficult to get employed. But how much fluent do you need to be in your Japanese if you want to be hired? Well, in order to satisfy the hiring managers, you can write the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). All the companies in Tokyo use this standardized test to judge the language proficiency of a foreign candidate. You will need to pass level 2 of this test which comprises five levels where level 1 is considered the toughest. 

Boards and cover letters

When applying for a job, most people go about applying everywhere because they feel that the more places they try, the better their chances of getting hired. But it is not valid. When applying for a position at a company, you must be clear about your goals. You should know if this is what you want, or else you are just going to make your resume and cover letter sound very generic, so it fits all, or you may even end up committing some silly mistake. 

Secondly, while writing your cover letter, you should not go overboard with ‘me.’ Remember, it is not what you will get out of this job that will interest the hiring manager but what you will bring to the table that will grab his attention. So, instead of rolling with what your dreams and aspirations are about your job, write about your skills and work experience to give an impression that you are a good match. 

If you’re not fluent in Japanese and still learning it, you can have a native Japanese translator translate your cover letter. Japanese has four alphabets: Hiragana, Kanji, Romaji, and Katakana. So for those just starting to learn Japanese, it can be a struggle to write a coherent cover letter that will get the attention of your employers. You might consider working with a specialist in professional Japanese translation to ensure that the translated document will be accurate and your meaning conveyed properly, as it is easy for the context of a message to go “lost in translation.” As mentioned, no one likes to read generic cover letters. You can write freely in your native language by translating your cover letter.

Conclusion

If you are in Tokyo looking for your dream job, then there are certain norms that we have talked about that you will have to follow. If you observe the advice we have compiled in this complete guide to finding employment in Japan, you will definitely land a job in Tokyo in no time! All the best! 

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Living At A Share House Opens Doors To The Local Culture And Community

Moving to another country is a big step in anyone’s life. It can be stressful to think about find accommodation, work, friends in a foreign country, and mix in the lifestyle there.

Many foreigners who move to another country, prefer to live with people to avoid getting lonely. Sharing an apartment with flatmates is also comparatively cheaper than renting a studio apartment by themselves. However, when moving to another country, it can be difficult to find people who are willing to co-rent an apartment.

Fortunately, countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan offer share houses, to ensure the comfort of the moving foreigners. They are suitable accommodation for people that wish to co-rent a space and want to save money on buying furniture and appliances.

Share houses are rental places with private rooms and shared spaces like the kitchen and dining area. People from different backgrounds live together at a share house and learn from each other. Share houses are quite popular amongst young people with a penchant for exploring the new and exciting.

Local Friends And Acquaintances

In some countries, people are apprehensive when talking to foreigners and are less likely to be polite or helpful. It can be difficult to become friends with the local people in such a country. Sometimes the only friends and acquaintances that a foreigner makes are people from work. A limited social life and a feeling of not belonging can leave you frustrated and sad.

When living at a share house, you get an opportunity to interact with both non-citizen residents or expats and the local people of the country. You will be meeting these people in the shared spaces of the house like home theatre, living room, kitchen, etc. and are likely to become friends if you have similar personalities or interests. This is how you can end up making friends in the local community.

Being friends with locals can expose you to the local culture and community. They will open doors to freely explore the country during your stay.

Local Customs And Basic Communication

One reason why the locals are apprehensive of foreigners is that they feel that their customs are misunderstood and disrespected by those who don’t share them. When you live with the locals or become friends with them, you can observe their customs and learn them. The way that the locals speak, greet, and the topics that interest them vary from country to country. From your local housemates, you can learn these customs and communicate efficiently.

You will also be able to learn their table manners and eating etiquette. Whenever visiting a restaurant or eating lunch with colleges, you will be able to earn bonus points for following local etiquettes and can prevent feeling like you don’t fit.

For example, In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. It can either be a small nod or a deep bend. Greeting with a deep bow, it is seen as a sign of respect.

Similarly, in Taiwan, you are expected to sit with your hands on the front or in your lap, as opposed to spreading them and taking up space. Spreading your legs while sitting somewhere and obstructing the way is also considered impolite by the people.

Festivals And Seasonal Events

The festivals and seasonal events celebrated in various countries are different, even New Year is celebrated differently in most countries.

Festivals and seasonal events are epitomes of cultural activities, food, clothing, entertainment. It is a privilege to experience cultural gatherings of communities on their celebrated occasions.

For example, Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival and Biennial Butterfly Beauty Festival are two festivals that can only be witnessed in Taiwan. Similarly, Seollal or Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok are very enthusiastically celebrated in South Korea.

When sharing a house with locals, you can ask them to let you accompany them to festivals and events. You can ask them about the activities conducted and why people celebrate a particular festival. It will not only increase your general knowledge of the place and help you feel included but will also open your eyes to a world you had never known before.

And who knows, maybe some of your housemates will invite you home, to experience celebrating the festival the local way with their families.

Local Foods

Countries with rich culinary histories have given some recipe or dish to the global food market, that is obsessed over by many. The Chinese have the credit for noodles and dumplings, the Mexicans have their tacos, the Americans eat hamburgers, the Japenese have given the world Sushi, and the South Koreans have made Kimchi and Bulgogi famous. However, are these the meals that the local Mexican, American, or Japanese people consume every day? No, they are not.

While these foods are popular, they are not what the locals eat daily. For example, when moving to Japan, you will find many restaurants that serve multiple types of Sushi. But when you live with a Japanese local, you will be able to eat ramen, gyudon beef bowls, dashi soup stock, fish, and rice cake, amongst other local dishes. Similarly, A local in Taiwan will be able to introduce you to Zong Zi, Oyster Omelet, Minced Pork, etc.

Living with local people will enable you to observe and experience their eating habits. Every culture has some easy to make soul food or some traditional dish that is not sold at restaurants and diners.

When a local housemate at your share house cooks their traditional food, it will be culturally authentic and not modified to make it five-star. It will taste like home and is the best way to expose yourself to the local way of living.

Local Language

In some countries, it can be difficult to make friends and navigate around the city if you do not know the local language. In some countries, the names of shops, lanes, and train stations are often written in the local language. You can learn how to reach from office to home and from home to office and can interact with most people in English, but if you need to visit the local clinic or shop, you will find it difficult to communicate your needs. There can be misunderstanding and confusion when trying to understand each other.

At such a time, having a local friend or housemate can be a blessing. Not only can they accompany you for your doctor’s appointment, but they can also help you learn how to write, read, and speak the local language if you plan to stay in the country for longer.

When someone in the group is unable to understand the local language, people often unintentionally end up excluding them from the conversation. Foreigners experience such situations in countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, India, and South Korea. For example, people in these countries prefer to speak in Japanese, Mandarin, Taiwanese Mandarin, Hindi, and Korean. Someone who doesn’t the local language may feel different and left out.

Regular conversations with native speakers of a language are the best way to get fluent in speaking a language. In no time, you will be able to understand the talk between your local colleagues and reply to them, if you are sharing the house with a native speaker.

Deeper Understanding Of National Character And Values

It is easier to learn the customs and language of a country, but quite challenging to understand their values, perspectives, and lifestyle. The way of living in the West and the East are very different. While individualism and independence are cherished in the West, in the East local communities are valued more. Whereas, in the Asian Continent, many countries are passionate about family values, culture, and religious beliefs.

Understanding the culture and perspective of local people is very essential to understanding their lifestyle and priorities. When living at a share house with the local people, you will be able to get a better idea of the local values. Do people respect the elderly? Are patience and punctuality considered essential virtues in the country? Do people often discuss the climate, is it associated with certain traditional myths? When living with a local person, you will learn a lot about the way of thinking of the locals of the country.

This will make it easier for you to converse with them. You will also be able to understand them instead of judging the way they live. This will make you a better human and will enhance your personality.

Local Information

Every country has some areas most visited by the locals. They serve the best local dishes and provide cheap shopping opportunities in such areas. With local friends from your share house by your side, you will be able to take your sightseeing and exploring to the next level. You can avoid tourist destinations and activities and live the way locals do.

If you’re moving to Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea and wish to move into a share house, you can reach out to us at BORDERLESS HOUSE. At share houses by BORDERLESS HOUSE, we have an equal ratio of foreigners and local housemates, to ensure that the foreigners are exposed to the local culture and community.

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Making friends from all around world even in this pandemic situation!? Borderless House’s original program makes it possible!

Hello! This is Yuka from Borderless House!

The worldwide pandemic of coronavirus makes it difficult to travel abroad.
But, here is good news for those who feel the same way!
“I wanted to go travel around the world and interact with the local people …”
“I wanted to go abroad and study a new language …”

You can connect with people all over the world while staying at home!
Please let us introduce Borderless Mates Program in detail!

Four programs to choose according to your interests


Currently, there are four main programs.

1, LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
You can talk to Borderless Mates all around the world! Multilingual exchange program

2, CLUB ACTIVITIES
A community program that brings people with common hobbies/interests together

3, BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY
A program where you can meet a lot of different Borderless Mates

4, BORDERLESS TRAVEL
Travel Program where you can meet local Borderless Mates while traveling

Now let’s see how you can enjoy each program! Mr. K, the current tenant who has participated in all programs, will help us here.

* K’s profile *
University freshmen, majoring in International Relations.
Studying English every day aiming for the exchange program to Canada.
Moved to Borderless House in hopes of stimulating daily life (as university classes are all online) and improving his English skill

Snow in Egypt!? Motivating yourself to learn new languages with Language Exchange program!

First, there is Language Exchange program K has participated in many times!
There are two ways to participate.

1 on 1 Language Exchange
A program to enjoy one-on-one language exchange.
Not only English, we can match according to the language you want to learn, such as Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, etc.!
Click here for details on how to register

Group Language Exchange
A program for small groups (3-5 people) to enjoy conversations on common topics.
Topics change every month, such as travel, music, cooking, anime, art, and romance.
* Target languages: English and Japanese
* Date: Twice a month

Yuka: “How was it when you participated in each Language Exchange session?””

Mr. K: “1 on 1 was fun! We could choose a time convenient for each other, could get to know each other well, and it was easy to ask personal questions! When I struggled to find the right English words, my partner who speaks Japanese quite well could help, so I was glad I was able to ask questions. Next time, I want to do my best to say what I want to say!”
Photo: Group Language Exchange

Mr. K: “I felt nervous talking in the group, but the supporters encouraged me.
There were participants from Indonesia and Egypt who I had not met in my share house, and I was super excited to meet new people like them!
Especially, I had this strong image of Egypt as pyramids and deserts, but I was surprised to hear from the participant that there were places in Egypt famous for skiing! “

Yuka: “I was also very surprised to hear that! Thank you for letting us know in detail!”

As you can see from his story, Borderless House is very multinational.
What Language Exchange program can provide is not just more motivation to learn languages but also new multinational encounters that you have never had!

Playing games overcome language barrier! Join Club Activities Board Game!

Next, CLUB ACTIVITIES, a community program that gathers people with common hobbies and interests!

In addition to international cuisine program which offers cultural experiences and seasonal events organized by Borderless House, it is also possible for tenants to host events and club activities!

Yuka: “Mr. K, how was it when you participated in the online board game?”

Mr. K: “It was my first time, and the game was surprisingly exciting!
Each player logged in to the board game and connected to Zoom at the same time. It was fun because we could see each other’s’ reactions!
Everyone could enjoy a sense of unity even though we didn’t exchange many words.

Yuka: “It is the unique point of CLUB ACTIVITIES that you can interact with lots of people regardless of their mother language!”

In addition to Board Game, CLUB ACTIVITIES will hold various activities such as Virtual Local Trip and Borderless Mates JOB BAR in the future.
If you have something you want to try, why don’t you try it with Borderless Mates?

Receive unexpected offers! Chance to make friends from all over the world! Register for Borderless Mates Library!

Borderless Mates Library (BML) is a large library-like platform that makes each character of Borderless Mates look like a book.
It is a matching program that allows you to connect with Borderless Mates across countries just like you find a book that suits you.

Yuka: “Thank you for registering for BML! How was it?”

Mr. K: “I was surprised when I received an offer email from Mr. V, a resident of Taiwan who wanted to hear about the curriculum and situation of my faculty!
I don’t speak Chinese, but fortunately, I was able to communicate in English, so I spoke with him on the videophone.
When I registered for BML, I didn’t think I had special skills or experience, but I was very happy someone found it interesting like this time!
I haven’t been to Taiwan yet and I don’t know much about its culture. I would love to visit Taiwan when travel restrictions are eased! “

Yuka: “That sounds good! It seems that one of the fun parts about BML is broadening your world by receiving unexpected offers!
And there is good news for Mr. K! It is currently on hold, but I definitely recommend House Travel. Please use it when visiting Taiwan! It’s free! “

Mr. K: “Thank you! I already checked the program even before moving in !! Please let me know as soon as the program starts again!”

FREE stay at Borderless House in Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo and Kansai for real!? BORDERLESS TRAVEL

House Travel (former Free House Exchange) which we just mentioned, is a program that allows current tenants to stay at another Borderless Houses abroad (Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, Kansai) for free!
* Currently on hold and scheduled to restart in August 2021.

House Travel (former Free House Exchange)
Please take a look at the blog articles contributed by the tenants who have used this program.

You can stay in another Borderless House from the period of one week to a whole month.
Borderless Houses in Taipei, Seoul, and Japan all have locals, so you can get to know local shops, eat dinner and enjoy local life together, not just sightseeing!

Community platform made up of 10,000 people from over 50 different countries

Borderless House, as shown above, offers not only share houses but also international exchange experience programs!

There are approximately 8 to 20 housemates living together, but with Borderless House’s community platform, the number of people you can meet climbs up to 10,000 from over 50 different countries!

“Not quite happy with University life, only attending online classes …”
“I want new encounters, discoveries, and inspirations in my daily life, not just going back and forth between work and home ….!”

Why don’t you move into Borderless House and participate in our Borderless Mates Program?

Click here to find how to participate in our Borderless Mates Program

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House Sharing Will Be A Good Way Of Living To Save Money

When moving to a new country, people have to start their lives out. They have a new job, must meet new people, make some friends, and they live in different surroundings. As exciting as it sounds, it can also be exhausting to adjust to everything new at once. It will also undoubtedly be expensive.

According to most foreigners that have moved to foreign countries, the biggest challenge that they faced after the move was finding accommodations. Some people end up at expensive studio apartments due to a lack of choice, others have to compromise on the locality of the apartment or pay high rents to enjoy a comfortable stay.

Not every house owner in east Asian countries is willing to rent their place to foreigners, and even then most of them ask for a local cosigner to guarantee on behalf of the tenant. The language and the cultural gap make local people feel that foreigners won’t understand them or get along with them. This is why they make no compromises on security money and ask for higher rents from foreigners.

Making a move can be an extensive and lifechanging task, which often disheartens people. Without friends and family around, they find it difficult to conduct an apartment search.

The solutions to all of the problems faced during apartment searching are offered by share houses. Share houses are rental houses with multiple rooms available for rent. While people have separate rooms, they also have common areas like the living room and kitchen. Share houses are mostly found in cities where the number of foreigners living in the city is high. The primary goal of a share house is to make sure that foreigners do not find it difficult to adjust to the new country.

Compared to apartments, share houses are a cheaper alternative for a comfortable accommodation. Along with clean rooms and basic amenities, share houses provide an opportunity for foreigners to make friends in the city.

People living at share houses are able to save money and have more flexibility in terms of the contract. If you’re on a small budget and are considering a move to countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, you might want to go through this article on how house-sharing could be a good way of living to save money.

Avoid Long Contract Periods

Most apartment rental contracts are signed for one year. The tenants have not experienced life in those apartments before signing the agreement. This is why when they experience some challenges living there, they are unable to move as they are bound by the contract. If they have to move by breaking the contract, they might have to pay a penalty.
Moreover, if you are required to move back to your country or some other place due to unexpected circumstances, then you will have to break the contract and will be charged.

Living in a share house is more flexible in situations like these. When living at a share house, if you do not like the place you are at, you can easily move out. Share houses are rented for shorter periods of time, so if you’re moving to a foreign country only for 6 months, staying at a share house could be your best money-saving bet.

Most share houses offer a room for the minimum stay of 1 month. Even if you are asked to sign a yearly contract, it will include a clause that if you give 30-45 days notice before moving out, then you will not be charged a penalty for moving out with less than a month’s notice. This offers relief to tenants who are unsure about the period of their stay in the nation.

Fully-Furnished Rentals

When having moved to a new apartment, you will need to furnish it as soon as possible for normal life to begin. Some of the furniture and appliances that you will need during your stay include a bed, table, cupboard, refrigerator, washing machine, water heater, air conditioning, etc. Buying furniture and appliances is a big investment. These items will likely cost you around one month’s rent.

Share houses are fully-furnished to ensure comfort. Every room has a bed and cupboard, whereas the common rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms are equipped with all the required furniture and appliances. The bed, pillows. cupboard, etc. are offered at a one-time fee that is below 10000 Yen.

When someone moves to a share house, they only need to carry their everyday personal belongings. They do not need to spend money on furniture or decor and therefore are able to save money. They are able to use appliances that they might not have purchased themselves if they were to rent a private apartment. For example, a dishwasher.

When they move to another country, they do not have to worry about selling or transporting furniture and appliances. This takes a lot of cost load that they are already bearing, off of their shoulders.

Many share houses even offer luxury amenities like a home theatre and fitness studio for the housemates. This is done to attract people to the share house and provide value for their money.

Free Internet

Whether you are a student, working professional, or tourist, the internet is a necessity for everyone. It helps people stay connected, updated, and entertained. To enjoy seamless internet connectivity, most people have Wi-Fi installed at their apartments.

Setting up the internet at your apartment will be some cost to you. You will also have to pay some extra cost in the beginning. There are not many landlords that will provide free internet to their tenants. However, share houses offer free internet connectivity to all its housemates at no extra cost.

The cost of the internet is already included in the monthly rent. The internet connectivity is strong and the housemates can enjoy smooth surfing. Access to the internet is limited to the housemates to avoid usage by outsiders which would cause poor connectivity.

Less Initial Fees

Share house managers do not expect you to pay a few month’s rent as security or down payment. The initial fee is comparatively much lower than what is charged by apartment landlords. This enables most people to expand their budget and rent a room at a luxury share house. They are even able to spend money on sightseeing around the new country.
The initial fee at the BORDERLESS HOUSES is more reasonable compared to a typical apartment or condominium.

It does not matter which country you move to, the brokerage costs are usually high. While brokers are quite efficient at finding accommodations, they are often working in their best interests rather than yours. When renting a share house, you can eliminate the need for hiring a broker. Share houses are easy to find as they usually have an online presence. When renting a room at a share house, you will not have to hire a broker and can directly contact the manager. This will help you save some money.

Lower Rents

With the increase in the number of foreigners coming to east Asian countries and local people moving to industrial areas, cities are getting crowded. This has led to a hike in rental prices in the city. For example, on average, renting an ordinary apartment in a good Korean locality will cost you somewhere between 97000 Yen to 200000 Yen per month. The rent will depend on the city that you live in, the size of the apartment, proximity to the market or train stations, and the amenities offered.

The monthly rent of staying a share house is lower than that of renting an apartment. If you have a low budget, you can also rent a bed in a shared room or dormitory. This way, you will be able to use all the house amenities, without having to pay for a private room.

The down payment is lower at share houses and the maintenance fee is reasonable. What’s more, most share houses are located near train stations and in low-crime localities. They offer easy connectivity to most places in the city and do not empty the tenant’s pockets.

Conclusion

Quite evidently, the process of finding an accommodation in Korea for reasonable prices can be an exhausting task. Add to that the expenses that come with moving to a new place, like buying home appliances and paying maintenance costs. However, worry not, because you can always rent a room at a share house and save yourself some money.

BORDERLESS HOUSE is a share house company with many share houses in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The ratio of local people and foreigners at these share houses is kept equal. The motto of the company is to welcome the people that stay there and ensure their comfort. At BORDERLESS HOUSE, the rooms are rented at affordable prices, and the company offers shared rooms and dorms for people with lower budgets.

If you have recently moved to Korea and are looking for accommodation to ensure a comfortable stay, you can reach out to us at BORDERLESS HOUSE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MOVE TO JAPAN | Cost of Living in Tokyo

The capital city of Japan, Tokyo, is a busy city booming with business in recent years. This lively city is a mix of ultramodern as well as traditional lifestyles. One can see both skyscrapers and historic temples in this city.

Being the capital city, Tokyo is equipped with all facilities that one might need. They are proud of the top-class amenities they provide to their residents, which are by far better than what the western world has seen. However, the luxuries and modern lifestyle come at a high cost that makes Tokyo one of the costliest cities to live in for foreign nationals. The city attracts a large number of foreigners from around the world who come here for well-paid jobs.

If you are planning to move to Tokyo for work, then there are certain things you should know about the costs of living. Japan is one of the most expensive places to be in, and Tokyo is always in the top ten list of most expensive cities in the world. Hence, one should be aware of the costs they need to incur in order to live a decent life in Tokyo.

Accommodation Costs

*This picture is KITASENJU2 HOUSE

If you have a steady job in Tokyo, then paying for the house should not be too tough. There are multiple options for you to choose from based on your financial status. You might not be able to rent or buy a house the minute you move into the city. So, you should definitely know the alternatives that are available for you. Lately, as represented by BORDERLESS HOUSE, the living style of house sharing has become popular among foreigners and local young people. If you are considering moving to Tokyo, you may consider house sharing as one of your accommodation options.

Hotels and Hostels

Hotels are great places to be in for the first few weeks or a month before you can find a nice home for rent. Tokyo is filled with hotels at various rates. If you are visiting the city for business purposes and your stay is a short one, you can go to the business hotels or budget hotels which will cost you somewhere in the range of 8000 to 10000 yens for a room.

Hostels or dormitories are also quite popular among the students and young people with new jobs in the city. The bedroom and bathrooms are usually shared, and each resident gets a small locker for keeping the belongings safe. This will cost you less than hotels. 1500 to 4000 yens is the average price range for per person in such accommodations.

Japanese cities are known for their traditional low-cost accommodations called Minshuku. These are small spaces with a bed in the Japanese style, and you also get a one-time meal here. These are also cheap and costs between 4000 to 10000 yens for a single person.

These are the cheap options and can be your accommodation for a short time in Tokyo.

 *This picture is SHINAGAWA-OIMACHI1 HOUSE

Renting a House in Tokyo

Living in a hotel cannot be a permanent option if you plan to stay for a few years or months. So, in this case, it is always better to look for a house on rent. The prices can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose for yourself. The prices also differ from one location to another within the city.
The rents are quite high in this expensive city and can take up a large chunk of your salary. 50000 to 70000 yens is the average rent of a small one-bedroom apartment in the country. For the same size apartment in Tokyo, you might have to pay 100000 yens. This rent does not include utilities or furnishings. Hence, it is evident that the overall cost of living will be pretty high.
Rents will include costs such as security deposit, real estate agent fees, advance rent, maintenance cost, key money, and utilities.
If you are willing to stay at the center of the city with easy access to public transportation, then the costs are definitely higher as compared to accommodations in the suburbs of Tokyo. A 900 square feet apartment that is well furnished can cost close to 200000 yens for a month in the heart of the city, while the same apartment will cost you 110000 yens a month away from the main city.

If you are single and prefer a smaller space, the size of a studio then you have to pay 120000 yens a month if the location is a good one. You can rent such a well-furnished studio apartment in 92000 to 95000 yens a month in the suburbs or less busy parts of the city.

Such conventional apartments might be costly for most newcomers. Hence, Japan has got the Gaijin houses or the Guesthouses for your rescue. These are inexpensive options that provide you with all the basic amenities. The rooms may be available on share or as private spaces. Most foreigners prefer these over renting expensive apartments. Many of these properties also have the “foreigners only” policymaking things easier for the expatriates.

Owning a House in Tokyo

From the rents, we can conclude that owning a house in this city is an even costlier affair. So, if you feel you have saved enough and are going to stay in the country for long, then you can definitely look forward to owning a house in Tokyo.
This is a much less sought-after option for foreign nationals, owing to the high costs and other legalities. For the permanent residents, the costs will be high even for a small space if the location is the city center. The cost is as high as 1,177,250 yens per square meter in the main area. In the suburbs, the costs are between 500,000 to 800,000 yens per square meter.

Cost of Food

Japan is an island, and therefore, they do not have many cultivations of their own. Most food items are exported from the outside, and therefore, the costs are also quite high. Living in Tokyo, one needs to plan well on the expenditure on food. If you opt for the traditional Japanese items like seasonal vegetables, seafood, and soya beans, then your food costs will be considerably less. The local markets, supermarkets are perfect for daily grocery shopping.
You can also enjoy full meals at restaurants in Tokyo. In cheap restaurants, the average cost is around 500 to 1000 yen. For the expensive restaurants, the costs are somewhere between 1000 to 3000 yen. On the whole, one’s average monthly food costs can go up to 40,000 yen in Tokyo.

Transportation Costs

Transportation is a need of every individual. Tokyo boasts about having a great public transportation system that connects almost all parts of the city. The commuters can always opt for the train passes that allow them to travel to and from home and office/college for several months. As a foreigner, you can avail some discounts when purchasing the rail passes in Tokyo.
Public buses and taxis are also available in every part of Tokyo. Cycling is quite a common means of transportation in Tokyo and also in other parts of Japan. There are cycle parking slots near every railway station. This is the cheapest option and is perfect when traveling short distances. Transportation costs in Tokyo will be around 11000 yen in a month. The costs may vary depending on the distances one travels and the mode of transport chosen.
Owning a car is an expensive affair in Tokyo. The gasoline costs are 150 yen for every liter, which implies you have to incur a huge cost on a monthly basis. Insurance costs, bi-annual inspections, parking fees, and automobile tax are mandatory in Japan when owning a car. Therefore, using public transportation is a much better and cost-effective option.

Electricity, Gas, and Water Costs

The basic utilities are a cost every individual has to incur. In a month, the average cost for the utilities is around 10000 yen, which includes 4000 yen for electricity, 3000 yen for gas, and 2000 yen for water. When renting a house, these costs are not included in the rent amount. However, the guesthouses or Gaijin houses include such costs.

Connectivity and Household Goods

A mobile phone, subscription plans, and internet facilities are absolute necessities in today’s world. Mobile subscription plans can range between 2000 to 6000 yen per month. The internet charges are 2500 to 4000 yen on average. Therefore, connectivity costs are under 10000 yen for a month.
Household goods such as furniture, television, refrigerators, micro-ovens are available from national as well as international brands. Online services like Amazon are also available. While foreign products are pricey, the local products are available at affordable rates. If you rent a well-furnished home, then you can do away with these individual costs.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Tokyo is surely high, and hence monthly expenses must be planned smartly. While the costs listed above are the basic expenses every individual needs to bear, the living costs may differ from one to another depending on the lifestyle. Entertainment, clothing, learning a language, and other such similar activities are some added costs that can also be a part of the living cost in Tokyo.

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Why Are Share Houses The Best Shelter Option When You Are Starting Life In Abroad?

In the present world, borders and boundaries have become fluid. These lines that mark and enclose an area to represent a city, country, or continent, and which primarily only exist on paper are in the present world not as rigid as they used to be earlier. Instead, in the present moment, these boundaries have become porous to allow people to move in and out of a country. This sits true for the borders and boundaries of almost all the countries or continents around the globe.

The Earth presently has become a global space, and all the cities and countries have become a part of its chain. Whether it is for studies or managing businesses, every year we witness people moving across borders. Because of this, it has become a natural occurrence to find citizens of different nationalities living together in a country they were not born or brought up.

But if you have ever traveled overseas, then you would know that living in a new country is not a very pleasant experience especially during the initial days. It is so because when you go to a new place you usually miss your old friends and family, and the previous surroundings terribly. Plus, when you move to a new country you feel like a stranger, and thus, it becomes difficult to blend in.

Mixing-in in a new country is not as easy as it may appear in the first place. We say so because when you go to a new place, you usually don’t know much about the culture or tradition of that place. And because of this, you always feel anxious and stressed in your new surroundings. You are always on your toes observing how other people are behaving so you would not mistakenly do that would hurt or disrespect the sentiments of the natives.

Thus, in such a time when you have freshly moved into a new country, it is considered a good idea to live in a share house. Doing so will help you in many ways. Wondering how that works? Well, in that case, read our next section to find out your answers.

How are share houses helpful in starting a fresh life in a new country?

A sharehouse is a big property that is offered on rent to tenants where many strangers share the same roof. In a share house, you can rent a single room for yourself or you can rent a room that houses 3 to 4 people in total depending upon your needs and requirements. This place is a top shelter choice for people, especially for those who have freshly shifted to a new country because-
It helps you in understanding alien customs.

As we have already established, when you move to a new country, chances are that you will be unfamiliar with its customs and traditions. This can make you anxious while adding to your stress levels. Also, there is this probability that if you did something wrong because of your unfamiliarity with the local customs that the natives find offending or insulting, then you might feel even more alienated and alone. Thus, for this reason, it is a safe choice to live in a share house at least for the initial days because there you are bound to come across many people who will be interested in international exchange.

When you will live with them, such people will help you in learning more about their local culture, while at the same time they will also try to understand your traditions. This healthy exchange will make your life significantly easier. So, if you want to know about the local customs and traditions of a place, its food, its manners, etc. in a friendly way without wasting much time, then share houses should be your top priority while seeking shelter.

It is a borderless accommodation

When you move to a new space how fluently you can speak their local language plays a very important role in deciding the ease with which you will blend in your new surroundings. So, for example, if you have moved to Taiwan for your further studies and you can fluently speak and write Chinese, then this will probably mean that you will find it easier to navigate Taiwan as compared to someone who doesn’t even understand Chinese. It is so because when you don’t understand the local language of a place, you find it hard to explain to people your queries or emotions.

Now, in such a scenario, it is wise to find a share house in your new country because in share houses you can probably find residents who are familiar with your language. In this way, your common language can help you in befriending people and it can also help you in learning the local language quite easily. We, BORDERLESS HOUSE, make language exchange easy for you by offering on our website the information about the nationality of its residents. You can even opt to talk to the residents of the share house while requesting a preview of the property.

It offers you easier access to common knowledge

When you shift to a new country, other than the customs, traditions, and language of that place there are many other things that you ought to learn about your new home town. These things include information on the common practices of the new place, knowledge about local shops and convenience stores in your locality, and awareness about the norms of living in that place such that your safety is not threatened.

Living in a share house can help you in gaining easy access to such information. It is so because when you are sharing a roof with other people you are bound to interact with them. In your conversations, you can come across the above-mentioned info without even requesting for the same. In opposed to this, if you opt to live alone in a new country, then acquiring such information may take some time.

Thus, these are some reasons because of which living in a share house should be your preferred choice. Living here can help you in settling-in easily.

 

 

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House Sharing Will Bring You Socializing Opportunities

A house is much more than just a roof over your head which protects you from the sun or rain. Instead, it is also a sanctuary, a comforting, silent, and safe space and at times also an investment. A house is a place where you stay protected from all the physical, intellectual, and emotional troubles and where you grow independently from the outer world. The facilities that your home offers determine your living standards and your quality of life. Hence, maybe now, you can get an idea regarding how housing decisions are significant and why such decisions should be made with utmost care.

But finding a house in a new space is a tricky process. When you move or shift to a new city or country, housing becomes a bit of a problem. It is so because now you have on your hand, the task of finding a living space, that fits your budget, is situated in a nice locality and which has all the essential facilities and services available. And you have to accomplish this task in a place that is completely foreign to you. So, now you can probably see why some people think of seeking a house in a new country as a daunting task.

However, the good news is that now, with the people and techs changing at a rapid pace, housing issues are getting resolved. Plus, the concepts of renting today have also modified. Unlike earlier, when a tenant was required to rent a whole space for him, today one can rent and share a house with others. Thus, by practicing house sharing one can reduce his expenses while at the same time score some exciting socializing opportunities. So, now if you are interested in knowing more about the share housing system and you want to learn about its socializing and other benefits, then come let’s begin the discussion. Here it goes!

What are share houses?


Share houses are an excellent option to find a living space when you have moved into a foreign country. These houses are especially the right option for people who are in abroad for educational purposes and can’t afford to spend much on housing or for people who have come to the foreign landscape on business and won’t be staying there for too long. For both these people, share houses turn out to be a welcome option as some of them are foreigner-friendly renting spaces that both help in saving money and in meeting new and interesting people.

To facilitate easier understanding, one can think of share houses as homes where a group of people live together under the same roof. Now while living in a share house means you cannot decide who you share the space with, still the choice to decide your room is your own. You can opt from a variety of options like a single room, a double room, a room with three or more tenants, or even an apartment styled room where you have an attached toilet and shower. There are tons of available options!

How does share housing offer socializing benefits?


When you move into a new country or a new city one problem that you face is socializing. Even though the world is now a very global space still at some places you may find residents reluctant to bond with the foreigners at least initially. Add to this the issue of a language barrier in case you don’t speak the local language fluently and you can pretty much imagine yourself living in isolation for the first few months. When you are away from your friends and family who act as your support system, this might feel depressing.

But with share houses, this problem gets resolved naturally. This is so because in share houses you can find dozens of people who are in a similar condition as yours. They are there in a foreign land trying to work or study while fighting the feelings of isolation and loneliness. They miss their families and they are eager to make new friends. Now since you are living with them and spending a lot of time together you will discover that befriending such people is actually quite easy! All it takes is to find a common ground and socializing is no more a problem.

However, if you are still not convinced and have some doubts about the socializing benefits of a share house then in our next part all your doubts will fade!

How does share housing help in socializing?


Staying in share housing can make it easier to make friends because …

It houses a large number of people

When you are living in share houses there are so many people around who belong from different cultures and different traditions. Now at the first glance, you may find it as a con, but if you are one of those social people who love to interact with new buddies and who like to learn about different cultures then living at a share house will mean having the time of your life!
This is so because now you will have so many people to learn from about different cuisines, different languages, different traditions and what not! Hence, if you are a social butterfly and you love to gather and hang around then this big space will be a perfect home for you. Plus, if you ever get bored here then all you have to do is to literally just walk out of your room and you will be surrounded by people!

You find mutual hobby friends

Because share houses are big spaces with a bunch of different people living together, hence it is always a possibility that you will come across someone who will share mutual interests with you. You can never imagine who that person might be, which just makes this process of making ‘new’ friends all the more fun!
Also, once you will have your mutual hobby friends at your side, then you will never be alone. This is so because now you will be able to always seek them out to spend some time together in order to chat non-stop about your common interests or to discuss new developments. On the off days, you will even get a chance to practice your hobbies and interests together and to enjoy some relaxing downtime!

Opportunity for international exchange

At some share houses, they offer residence to both the local and international people. This is a great opportunity for the international people as now they get a chance to mingle with the local folk and to learn from them about their language, food, and culture. Can there be anything better than that? I mean you can practically think of this as a ‘culture tuition’ class minus the expensive fee.
Hence, at share houses, you get a chance to enjoy the taste of the local life without any fears. You can now hang around the new places with your brand-new local buddy without being anxious all the time about doing something inadequate or stupid. This experience is just having your own guide-cum-close friend.

Living in student only properties

If you are a student and you are in a foreign landscape to learn then you have the choice to seek the share housing spaces that only offer residence to foreign residents. This will be great for you because living with fellow students will save you from being distracted and from losing sight of your goal. Plus, if you ever need any help with the studies then you would just need to knock on the next door and you will have help. Hence, student share housing properties are a cool way of both studying and living!

Animal lovers and pet-friendly properties

Well, if you love animals but have never gotten around to getting your own pet, maybe because you cannot afford it or because you are afraid of taking over the big responsibility, then living at a pet-friendly share housing property is your chance! Yes, imagine living around all those cute fluffy animals! Aren’t you already tempted?
Plus, living under the same roof with the friendly pet owners is in your favor too, because now you will get to learn about taking care of the pet animals from the experienced people without even paying! It is like getting access to the theoretical and practical lessons of pet caring until you feel ready and confident to get your pet.

Music lovers and properties with music studios


Now if you love music and enjoy humming or singing songs then while searching for share houses you can look for the ones that have music studios of their own. This way you will be able to practice and enhance your music skills. Plus, with all the other music lovers you will always have a chance to learn something new from someone. How awesome is that?!

Conclusion

Thus, from the above discussion, we can conclude that share housing is a great accommodation option if the very idea of living with strangers doesn’t scare you off. Living there you will help you in socializing with new people and in making fast friends. Plus, on the off-side, you will be able to learn so much!

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【NEWS】 6-months Contract with 10% Discount!

 

Hello, this is Borderless House.
Hope you are doing well!

Today, we announce our new type of the contract.

Originally our basic contract was for 1 year and you can move out anytime in 1 year as long as you notice us by 30 days before.

In case you already know the exact move-out day when you reserved, the period can be exactly the months and days you stay.

This time, we started to have a new type of the contract with discount for the people who are planning to live more than 6 months.

New Contract Type

<Contract type>  6 months contract
<Feature>  You get 10% off on your monthly rent for 6 months.

Notes

*The deposit amount is same (₩500,000).
*The utility fee (Water, Gas, Electricity and Internet) is not discounted.
*If you move out within 6 months, we cannot refund all deposit.

Other Information

We are afraid that we cannot refund the rent for the people who have been already living in our house more than 6 months. If you are planning to live more than 6 months from November, we can have the new contract with the discounted rent from November.

 

If you have any question, please feel free to contact us. -> HERE
Have a nice day!

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How to Build Community in Borderless House as a Foreigner

Hi, this is Claire from Borderless House! I’m here this time to talk about a really important topic, which is how to make friends and build a supportive community as a foreigner in one of the Borderless House.

Effortless Sharehouse Community

To be honest, when I decided to move to Japan last year, I was only considering living alone in an apartment next to my workplace. However, I ultimately wasn’t able to secure a place and was forced to choose another option. Although at the time I was sad that I lost my opportunity to live solo in Japan, I am forever grateful that I was able to instead find a home at Borderless House. It will forever be one of the best decisions I made throughout the past year. I am a social person, and with limited opportunities to meet people around my age group at work, as well as an irrational fear of going places by myself, living alone would have certainly ended in a lonely disaster.

Needless to say, it is important to have a strong support system when moving to a different country. One way to immediately set yourself up for success in making friends and community when moving to Japan is by choosing sharehouse accommodations that allows you to make both foreign and Japanese friends! You will be able to relate to your foreign friends as a fellow non-Japanese resident, and also will be able to get a more authentic experience of Japan through the knowledge and camaraderie of your Japanese friends.

My Sharehouse

This leads me to my current situation. Since the beginning of August 2019, I have been living in one of the Borderless House in Tokyo with 14 other housemates. I often find myself using the words “friends” or “family” to describe my fellow sharehouse residents, as there is an extremely special bond that forms when you get to go through daily life with other people. When I began my time at the sharehouse, I chose to live in a single room which meant that I was able to slowly get to know my housemates when hanging out in the common areas and go back to my room if I ever felt overwhelmed or needed some quiet alone time. Since getting to know my housemates, I recently decided to live in a share-room with one of my closest housemates. I was skeptical about staying in a shared room at first as I felt like I wanted to have my own independence and space in a single room. However, looking back I honestly wish that I had made the move to a shared room sooner as I have formed even deeper bonds with my Japanese roommate, making it feel like I have a sister here who I can talk to about anything.

What makes Borderless House so special is that it keeps the ratio of its houses to 1:1 in terms of both nationality (Japanese/foreigner) and gender (male/female). I am always tempted to make friends with people who are very similar to me, which means that I most likely would have only made female, American friends here in Japan. Now, of course, having friends who are similar to you and who understand your background are by no means bad. However, now living at the house, I have come to realize the deep value of making friends with people who come from backgrounds are different from my own. I have been moved while listening to the stories of my housemates; I get to see the love they have for their family when they speak about their hometowns, feel my mouth water when they describe their favorite foods back home and be inspired hearing about their goals and aspirations for the future. Because of these interactions, my own mindset has expanded and thanks to my housemates I believe I have become a more compassionate and understanding person. I am now much more able to step out of my comfort zone and have overcome some of my timidness.

BH Online Language Exchange Program

One question that may come up for some readers is “How do I form a community in Japan before moving there?” Recently, due to the Coronavirus, many people have missed out on the opportunity to come to Japan and Borderless House has responded by creating a Language Exchange Program where you can get matched with a current resident Borderless House sharehouses here in Tokyo! Not only will you be able to connect with Japanese residents and practice Japanese, but due to Borderless Houses’ unique mix of people, you also have the option to learn a variety of languages and cultures from around the world. By speaking with residents you can prepare for your trip to Japan by getting insider knowledge about Japan from a Japanese resident, or get answers to your questions and worries through the real-time perspective of a foreigner living in Japan. Why not join the program and start building a community in Japan ahead of time? Your language partner is waiting to meet you!!

In-person Meet-ups


Just as it is important to build friends outside of your family circle, of course, it is also important to branch out and have friends outside of your share house or other living accommodations. Given that Japan is becoming more international with each successive year, you are never alone in your desire to make friends and meet new people. One way to get connected to this community is through Meetup, which offers a platform for people to create get-togethers and events in Tokyo. Events are usually associated with shared interests such as sports, coding, gaming, language exchange etc. It can feel a bit intimidating at first to step into a room full of strangers, but remember that everyone attending the event shares the common goal of making friends. Walk into the even confidently and with a smile, and you will be surprised at the amount of people who will want to hear your life story and be friends with you! I have had a very positive experience at these events and made some lasting friends, both Japanese and foreigner. If you don’t have a strong inclination towards any of the interest group meet-ups offered, one of the easiest ways to get involved in the meet-up community is through attending a language exchange event; Grab one of your Japanese housemates and go to a Japanese-foreign language exchange together!

Sports and Interest Clubs

↑↑goofing off with my swim teammate

Another way to create a fast and lasting community is through joining an established sports or interest group. Many of the same types of clubs and groups that existed in your home country also exist in Japan! It’s a great opportunity to use your Japanese skills in a familiar setting. As I was a swimmer in America for 17 years, I decided that one way for me to create friends here in Tokyo was to join the swimming community in Tokyo. Doing something that I am familiar with while meeting new people helped me have the confidence necessary to step out of my shell and interact with others. I was able to learn new swim-related Japanese and improve on my skills at the same time! Within my own share house there are people like me who are involved in familiar hobbies by being a part of music groups and bouldering teams. You should also feel free to take up a new hobby if you want to! In addition to swimming, I started taking dance classes for the first time in my life, and although it is extremely far out of my comfort zone, after going to class consistently for a few months, I have made incredible friends and have become a member of the dance studio members club!!

In contrast to Meetup events, joining an established club or community makes it more likely that you will continually meet with the same people each week, making it easier to build a long-lasting community. To find these groups, you may need to network a bit and do some google searching, but usually sports and other interest communities are vast and eager to help. If you are a college alumni, see if there are any alumni in Tokyo that you can reach out to, and with social media it is easier than ever to find people with similar interests who are living closeby. Don’t be afraid to contact people out of the blue. Humans are social animals and we love to connect and help each other, so don’t be intimidated!

Other Advice and Take-aways

When first moving to Tokyo from a foreign country, making friends can seem intimidating. Borderless House undoubtedly is an immediate way to make lasting friends and connections, and we are ready to welcome you with open arms! For making friends outside of your sharehouse family setting, my best piece of advice is to find like-minded people with similar interests. As many things are new and unfamiliar, find a situation where you can feel most comfortable and freely express your personality. Be sure that you also consistently show up to each meeting or practice if you join a group- building connections takes time and effort!

However, make sure that for each comfort zone that you have here in Japan, you find another place that challenges you to grow. One pitfall that I would caution against is only joining an international community during your time here in Japan. Again, joining a Borderless House and some of our programs, such as the Online Language Exchange, are easy ways to make sure that you will be able to immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture by making connections with locals. Don’t be afraid to join clubs or groups that don’t have many non-Japanese participants! You never know the bonds and self-growth that you’ll be able to make by pushing yourself a bit outside of your familiar zones.

A whole community of exciting and passionate people are waiting here in all Borderless House to become your friend, so start networking, start exploring, and watch your experiences abroad brighten and expand!