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【Taipei Co-Living Life】Daan 4 Yilan Day Trip: A Share House Daily Life with Housemates from Six Different Countries

The housemates of Borderless House Daan 4 recently planned a fulfilling weekend day trip to Yilan(宜蘭). From relaxing in hot springs to enjoying local cuisine and even experiencing hands-on farming, the day was filled with unforgettable memories.

Already close and active in their daily interactions, this trip brought them even closer, showcasing the warmth and vibrant energy of share house living.

On this trip, the group brought together members from the United States, France, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Some housemates also invited their family members and even former residents who used to live at Daan 4, making the Yilan trip even more lively and heartwarming.

With people from diverse cultural backgrounds coming together, the journey became a true international exchange experience, highlighting meaningful connections across cultures.

Let’s take a look at the highlights from their unforgettable trip!

From Taipei to Yilan: From Share House Living to a Relaxing Jiaoxi Hot Spring Getaway

On the morning of the trip, the housemates gathered with excitement and set off for a warm and relaxing day in Yilan. Upon arriving at Jiaoxi Transfer Station, the cool breeze and laid-back holiday atmosphere quickly shifted everyone from daily routine into travel mode.

The first stop of the morning was Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park Forest Spa, where they enjoyed a soothing hot spring experience surrounded by lush greenery. It was a deeply relaxing moment for everyone. One housemate shared that it was their first time trying a hot spring and described it as “really comfortable.” Soaking in the hot spring together with their daily housemates made the experience feel even more like being part of a family.

After the hot spring, they took a leisurely stroll around Jiaoxi town, exploring and enjoying local snacks along the way, embracing the slow and relaxed pace of the day.

A Cross-Cultural Feast: International Housemates Try Traditional Taiwanese “Da Zao Chicken” for the First Time

At lunchtime, everyone went together to a restaurant to enjoy one of Yilan’s must-try dishes, “Da Zao Chicken(大灶雞).” For some of the international housemates, it was their first time seeing a whole chicken served directly at the table, which they found fascinating and couldn’t help but take photos. Some even laughed and asked, “How do you eat this?” Later, Taiwanese housemates kindly helped portion the dish, allowing everyone to enjoy their first experience of Da Zao Chicken. After tasting it, everyone showed pleasantly surprised expressions and kept saying how delicious it was.

This month also happened to be the birthday of two housemates. At just the right moment, the Daan 4 housemates surprised them with thoughtfully prepared gifts and handmade cards, celebrating together and adding an extra layer of joy and warmth to the meal.

International Housemates’ Local Experience in Yilan: Waterfall Walks, DIY Scallion Harvesting, and Night Market Exploration

After a satisfying meal, the group first headed to Wufengqi Scenic Area(五峰旗風景區) to enjoy the waterfalls. They strolled through the natural surroundings, took photos, and spent a relaxing time outdoors surrounded by greenery.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit to the Xingbao Scallion Experience Farm(星寶蔥體驗農場), where they made their own scallion pancakes (cong bing蔥餅). Not only did they get hands-on experience preparing the dough, but they also went into the fields to harvest scallions themselves, gaining a deeper connection to Yilan’s local culture.

During the cooking process, some were rolling dough for the first time, while others laughed and said, “This is not quite what I expected!” A few even turned out surprisingly successful. The whole experience was filled with laughter and a lively atmosphere. For many international housemates living in Taipei for the first time, it was a fresh and unforgettable experience!

In the evening, they headed to the bustling Luodong Night Market(羅東夜市). With crowds moving through the lively streets, everyone explored different stalls, picked out their favorite local foods and souvenirs, and brought a taste of Yilan’s flavors and memories back home.

Taipei Co-Living Life: Where Cross-Border Encounters Bring International Exchange into Everyday Living

Before heading to Luodong Night Market, one of the housemates suggested taking a walk in a nearby park, so they spontaneously decided to visit Luodong Sports Park(羅東運動公園). Walking along the park trails, everyone felt as if they were part of a family—just like in their everyday life at Daan 4—chatting freely about different topics along the way. Some housemates were soon preparing to leave Taiwan, while others were getting ready to move on to their next chapter in life.

On a small hill inside the park, everyone naturally ended up “reaching the top” together. It felt symbolic—just as they had once come together through chance and connection, arriving at Daan 4 from six different countries and cities, and becoming part of the same home.

Although the day was packed with activities, it was precisely because of this that every moment felt especially meaningful. Throughout the trip, everyone naturally interacted and shared their lives and stories, reflecting the diversity and connection that define share house living. It also embodied the philosophy that BORDERLESS HOUSE has always valued: not just providing student accommodation or a typical rental in Taipei, but creating a living environment where people from different backgrounds can naturally meet, connect, and make international exchange part of everyday life.

This was more than just a trip—it was another beautiful memory created together by the Daan 4 housemates during their share house life in Taipei. Looking forward to the next journey, together again!

Want to experience the same vibrant co-living life?
Click here to explore available rooms at BORDERLESS HOUSE!

 

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One Year In: What Life at Borderless House Sendai Actually Looks Like

On February 1, 2025, Borderless House opened its doors in the Sendai, Tohoku region for the very first time. Now, a year later — here’s what it’s really been like.

Hi, my name is Daichi Miura, and I’m a university student in Miyagi. Since August 2025, I’ve been working as a student intern helping to run the Sendai house. I haven’t lived here as a resident — I’ve been here as staff. But honestly? That’s given me a pretty unique view of how this place has grown.

This is Borderless House Sendai, from my eyes. ( I’m the one in the purple hoodie.)

Sendai’s Green City, Global Community — That’s Borderless House Sendai

Before we get into the fun stuff, let me tell you a bit about the house — and the city it calls home.

First Time in Tohoku! Premium Co-living at BORDERLESS HOUSE

The official name for the share house is BORDERLESS HOUSE SENDAI-TOHOKUDAIGAKUMAE1.

It’s a five-minute walk from Tohoku University’s Kawauchi Campus, and about seven minutes from Kawauchi Station on the Tozai Line. From there, Sendai Station is just three stops away. Getting around is easy.

(The “1” in the name is intentional — the plan is to keep growing, with a 2, 3, and more to come.)

Just 3 Stops to Sendai Station — Commuting Has Never Been Easier

The closest station is Kawauchi Station on the Sendai City Subway Tozai Line, about a seven-minute walk from the house. Several residents actually commute to offices in central Sendai from here, which gives you a sense of how easy the access really is.

Three stops to the city center. That’s it. 

What Makes Sendai So Special?

To truly introduce the unique charm of BORDERLESS HOUSE SENDAI, I first have to talk about Sendai itself. The character of this city is deeply connected to what makes living here so special.

As the capital of the Tohoku region, Sendai is its only major designated city. True to its nickname, “Mori no Miyako” (The City of Trees), you’ll find lush greenery right in the heart of downtown. The Kawauchi area, where our house is located, is surrounded by bamboo groves and trees—giving the air a peaceful, calm quality you wouldn’t expect in a city.

Sendai is the perfect “middle ground.” It isn’t a forest of skyscrapers, yet it’s far from being the countryside. This “just right” size makes daily life feel incredibly comfortable.

Adventure is always close by!
We are also lucky to be near amazing spots like Matsushima (one of Japan’s three most scenic views), Tashirojima (the famous “Cat Island”), and the world-class ski slopes of Zao. Our residents often head out on trips together to explore these gems!

Want to see our latest adventures?
Check out the BORDERLESS HOUSE SENDAI-TOHOKUDAIGAKUMAE 1 Instagram!


There is still so much to tell you, but I’ll save the rest for another time so this doesn’t get too long! ^^

Real International Exchange in Sendai!

Now that you know a bit more about the city, let’s dive into what life is actually like inside BORDERLESS HOUSE SENDAI-TOHOKUDAIGAKUMAE 1 and the amazing connections happening here!


▲ A group shot from our Cherry Blossom viewing party. The night blossoms were stunning!

As of April 2026, we have over 25 residents.

While many are students from Tohoku University, our community is a diverse mix of working professionals and international students from various universities. With people of all ages and nationalities, you’ll hear a mix of many different languages—though English and Japanese are the most common.

Because our nationalities are so varied, you never know what language you might hear next! 

I once saw a student who was taking French as a second language at university spending the entire night before an exam practicing in the living room with a French housemate. It was a perfect example of the “International Exchange x Share House” lifestyle!

I still remember my first day here as an intern. Seeing people from completely different countries naturally cooking together in the kitchen made me realize: “Wow, a place like this really does exist in Sendai.

So Much Going On! A Look Back at Our Events

At BORDERLESS HOUSE SENDAI-TOHOKUDAIGAKUMAE 1, the residents are the ones who make things happen!

I’ve been involved in a few events myself, and I think the most exciting part of this house is how someone will simply say, “Let’s try this!”—and a new idea naturally comes to life.

Here are just a few highlights from the month I spent living here. I joined every single one of them, and looking back at the photos now, I’m reminded of just how much fun we had!

Community Gardening

At our share house in Sendai, we are lucky enough to have our very own garden! On this particular day, we used compost gifted by our local neighbors to prep the soil for growing vegetables.

This “Community Garden” is the heart of many events throughout the year. We grow fresh vegetables during the warmer months and various herbs when it gets cooler. For us, cooking with ingredients we’ve grown ourselves is just a normal part of daily life.

As someone who loves to cook, I once made Peperoncino using a generous amount of chili peppers and parsley harvested right from our garden. I still remember the joy of hearing “Delicious!” shouted out in so many different languages across the dining table.

Sendai Bar Hopping

At BORDERLESS HOUSE, international exchange doesn’t just happen inside the house! As I mentioned earlier, our great access to the city center makes it easy to head out and explore the local scene.

While the legal drinking age varies from country to country, we are in Japan—so of course, everyone in our group was 20 or older! We had a blast hopping between local spots, enjoying the nightlife, and getting to know the city and each other even better.

Imoni-kai: A Taste of Local Tradition

In Sendai, there is a special seasonal culture called “Imoni.” To put it simply, it’s a hearty soup made with taro roots and pork (similar to tonjiru). Every year between October and November, people gather for “Imoni-kai”—outdoor parties dedicated to making and sharing this dish.

Here is a photo of us having our own Imoni-kai by the river! Our Japanese residents took the lead, preparing everything to introduce this local tradition to our international housemates. It was such a unique sight—a diverse, multicultural group huddled together enjoying local soul food—that a local TV station even came to interview us! It’s one of my favorite memories.

Local Miyagi traditions like Imoni-kai and the Tanabata Festival are always a huge hit, especially with our international residents!

Japanese Nabe (Hot Pot) Parties

Dinner parties like this happen all the time! Being able to enjoy authentic dishes from all over the world right at your own dining table—and with close friends—is truly one of the best experiences you can only find at Borderless House.

We’ve cooked countless meals together, but there’s something unique about our Sendai community: for some reason, we have a lot of talented bakers! Our residents love making sweets, so we often get to enjoy desserts that look and taste like they came straight from a professional patisserie rather than a typical home kitchen. ^^

Real Voices: Resident Interviews from Sendai Share House

We sat down with some of our Japanese residents at BORDERLESS HOUSE SENDAI-TOHOKUDAIGAKUMAE 1 to hear about their real-life experiences!

2nd Year Student at Tohoku University (Female, 20s)

ーー Q. Did you have any worries before moving in?ーー

“To be honest, I was a little nervous because living with people from other countries was such an unknown for me. But once I moved in, I realized everyone is just so kind and fun to be around. Now, those initial fears feel like a lifetime ago!”

1st Year Student at Tohoku University (Male, 10s)

ーー Q. What have you gained from living here?ーー

“I’m no longer intimidated by the idea of interacting with people from different backgrounds. My English has definitely improved, too. Gaining this confidence before I eventually study abroad has been an incredible advantage.”

Working Professional in Sendai (Female, 30s)

ーー Q. What is the biggest change you’ve felt since joining?ーー

“It’s having a place where I can say ‘I’m home’ (Tadaima) and someone is there to hear it. When I lived alone, I was just returning to an empty apartment. Here, someone is always around—that sense of connection is much more meaningful than I expected.”

Looking Toward Year Two for BORDERLESS HOUSE SENDAI

SENDAI-TOHOKUDAIGAKUMAE 1 share house is still just a year old.

In this short time, we’ve heard a growing chorus of voices—not just from our residents, but from guests who visit us—saying, “I’m so glad a place like this exists in Sendai.”

As we move into our second year, our vision is to grow beyond being “just a community inside a house.” We want to become a hub that connects with students from Tohoku University and the local neighbors in the Sendai community.

“Dissolving the boundaries between the house and the local neighborhood.”
Don’t you think a community like that would be wonderful?

We look forward to sharing more about our journey and our upcoming projects right here on the blog.

Thank you so much for reading until the end! 

Thinking about starting your new life in Japan? Why not consider Sendai

Experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and community. Discover why this city is the ideal place for your next adventure!
Explore Living in Sendai

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New Year, New Connections: Reunited with 60+ Residents and Alums in Tokyo!

Can you believe we’re already one month into 2026? We hope your year is off to an amazing start!

To kick off the New Year with a bang, we hosted our “Grand Community Gathering: New Year Event 2026” in Akihabara, Tokyo, on Saturday, January 24th.

The energy was incredible! We were joined by over 60 tenants, including our current residents from all over the Tokyo area, their friends, and even our “Borderless Mates” (former residents) who traveled back to reunite with the community.

It was a day filled with laughter, warmth, and great vibes. Let’s dive into the highlights of the event!

A Night of “Welcome Back” and “Nice to Meet You!”

One of the most heartwarming parts of this event was seeing our community grow. We had a massive turnout of 60 guests, ranging from current residents and their friends to our dear “Borderless Mates” (former residents) who couldn’t wait to see their old housemates again.

The moment the doors opened, the room buzzed with energy. You could hear “Which house are you from?” and “Oh my god, it’s been so long!” coming from every corner. Even though everyone came from different backgrounds, nationalities, and careers, there was an instant sense of belonging. That’s the beauty of the Borderless House community—even if it’s your first time meeting someone, you already feel like old friends.

The air was filled with a mix of Japanese and English. We loved seeing people who were still nervous about their language skills jumping right in with big smiles and hand gestures! It was the perfect example of a truly “borderless” atmosphere—where the desire to connect matters so much more than perfect grammar.

Non-Stop Laughter! Creating “Masterpieces” with a Traditional Japanese Twist

To bring a bit of traditional Japanese New Year flavor to the party, we organized a massive game of “Fukuwarai” (Lucky Face)!

The rules are simple but chaotic: we split into teams of 6 or 7, and one blindfolded member has to place facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) on a blank face while their teammates shout out directions.

「Up! Up! Left!（もっと上！左！）」

「Noooo, not there! A little more to the right!”」

For many of our international residents, this was their very first time trying Fukuwarai. The room was a hilarious symphony of Japanese and English as teammates scrambled to guide the blindfolded “artists.”

When the blindfolds finally came off, the results were priceless. Some teams actually managed to create perfectly handsome faces, while others ended up with “abstract masterpieces” where the eyes and mouth were completely upside down!


A Lucky Start to 2026? The “¥10,000 Rent Discount” Bingo!

To wrap up the event with a bang, we held a Bingo tournament with some seriously amazing prizes! The star of the show? A ¥10,000 discount on one month’s rent!

The room was electric. Every time someone shouted “Reach!” or “Just one more number!” the whole crowd erupted in cheers (or playful groans). Even after the grand prize was claimed, the hype was so high that we added extra drink prizes on the spot to keep the energy going until the very last second.

Big congrats to our 1st-place winner!

Triple reach!! So close, yet so far!!

Beyond Four Walls: A Place to Meet a New You

A huge shout-out to our two amazing student Community Creators who hosted the event! Their fresh, high-energy MCing brought everyone together and made the whole room feel like one big team.

Living in a share house is great, but the Borderless House experience is about so much more than just the building you live in. It’s about being part of a big, global family that goes beyond your front door—connecting you with people and perspectives that will truly open your eyes to the world. We love creating these “sparks” that help your world grow!

See You at the Next One!
To everyone who joined us: Thank you for making this day so special!

And to our future residents thinking, “That looks like so much fun!” or “I wish I was there!”—we honestly can’t wait to meet you! We’re already dreaming up our next big international meetup.

As the night came to an end, we heard people shouting, “You guys have to come visit our house next!” And really, that’s exactly what this is all about. 2026 is off to a perfect start, and we’re so excited to keep bringing people together.

We’re looking forward to seeing YOU at our next event!

Thanks for coming! We can’t wait to see you at the next one!” — From all of us at the Borderless House Staff

Want to be at our next big party? Have questions about life at Borderless House?

We know that moving to a new country (or even just a new house!) is a big step, and you might have plenty of questions.

“What is the vibe of the houses in Tokyo vs. Kyoto?”
“Can I join the events even if I’m shy?” 
“Which room type—private or shared—is best for me?”

Whatever is on your mind, we’re here for you! Whether you’re curious about our upcoming event schedule or want to find a room that matches your personality, our friendly, bilingual team is ready to help you get started on your Japanese adventure.

Don’t be a stranger—let’s start your journey together!

Whether you’re curious about our events or our different room types, our friendly team is here to help you get started.
[Chat with Our Staff]

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【BORDERLESS TRAVEL】Meet New People from other Share Houses of different countries!

Hello everyone! This is Daniel from BORDERLESS HOUSE.

Since the border is opened, we believe that everyone can’t wait to visit other countries! What countries do you want to visit first? I believe it’s hard to decide since there are too many beautiful countries in the world!

BUT!! HOW ABOUT STARTING FROM JAPAN, TAIWAN, OR KOREA? 

We’re excited to announce that we finally restart the house exchange program; BORDERLESS TRAVEL again! Through this BORDERLESS TRAVEL, we’d like to create opportunities…

For tenants who would like to interact with locals during their trip. So you could experience real life in other countries.

For tenants who would like to meet more people in the house. We want to bring new energy to the house to enrich your stay!

Living in BORDERLESS HOUSE, you could keep extending your social circle; from one house to other houses, to other countries! If you’re interested in this program. Please check the information below!

How to join BORDERLESS TRAVEL

【Who can join】
Current Tenants Only (already stayed for a month)

【Program Fee】
Japan: 15,000 JPY
Taiwan: 6,500 TWD
Korea: 150,000 KRW

*Include a rental bedding set and utilities.
*You’ll pay for the place that you plan to visit
*You still have to pay for the current room.

【Limitation of the Stay】
Minimum 7 days. Maximum 30 days.

【Accommodation Option】
Sorry, you won’t be able to choose the room/house. But we’ll provide a few options for you.

Application Process

➦Step1. Apply from the Application Form.
Make sure to let us know around 2 weeks in advance as it can be a little bit difficult to find a suitable house in a short time or too early.

➦Step2. Once we receive your application, we will contact you in 3 business days and give you some options. (If we don’t have any rooms acceptable now, we’ll let you know as well.)

➦Step3. After we confirm the room with you, we’ll send you the payment link for the program fee and the time for moving in/out. Please check the time and finish the payment in one day.

➦Step4. We’ll send you the confirmation email after we receive the payment.

Finally, enjoy your stay with new friends!

Something you have to know before you apply for it.

※ We don’t provide a hair dryer or any other toiletries. Please bring your own.
※ Please follow the house policy. We might shorten your stay if it’s necessary.
※ AGREE that you’ll share photos and your experience with BORDERLESS HOUSE for improving this program and for the marketing purpose

Check our tenants’ experiences!

Judy – from Taiwan to Tokyo

It’s been 6 years since Judy moved into BORDERLESS HOUSE.

She makes a lot of friends from all over the world, but couldn’t meet each other for a long time due to the pandemic. Since Japan’s border is open after the long pandemic closure, Judy finally could meet her old friends in Japan and make a lot of new friends as well!

Judy stayed in the Kitasenju 2 house this time. Even though she just stayed for 7 days, the housemates still held two parties for her! She also hung out with tenants from other share houses. Everyone is so warm and full of energy! ?

Having a Takoyaki party is always a must-do in Japan! They even celebrated Judy’s birthday!

You could always find something you like in this amazing city — Tokyo

After the long border closure, we could finally visit Japan.
You could stay in the downtown; Nakameguro area and Tokyo tower to walk around this beautiful city.
Or visit the suburbs spots; to see the autumn leaves? at Mt. Takao and visit the Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo” to experience the old town vibe⛩.

When we meet the housemates again, we felt like we were back to the good old times when we lived together.
We used to take some trips, cook dinners, have language exchanges, and share our daily life in the Sharehouse.
All the good memories make the Share House more attractive to people. ?

Message from Judy: “This is a great program. Not only saving money during the trip but also meeting new friends!”

Let’s check another one!

Haruka -from Tokyo to Korea

Haruka is very interested in Korean culture, so she plans to stay in Korea for a while to experience the culture deeply and expects to meet more friends who like Korean culture.

She decided to apply BORDERLESS TRAVEL to visit Korea for two weeks. Kind of “warming up” for the long-term stay in Korea! ☺

Speaking of Korea, you must put Hongdae on your bucket list.

The housemates brought her to Hongdae to try authentic Korean barbecue, fried chicken, soju, Hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes), etc.
Only spending one night in Hongdae was totally not enough to try everything!

It was during the World Cup competition, so everyone watched the live show, had dinner and cheered up for Korea and their national team together. It made everyone closer too!

There are so many unexpected winners in this World Cup.
But everyone did a great job!

Daily life in a Share House is also one of the important things.
「Hey! What are you eating?」
People always gather in the common space because of FOOD.
Culture and language exchange is part of your daily life, and you’ll unconsciously expand your horizon and improve your language skill!

Message from Haruka: “I really enjoyed drinking, play games, going to clubs, having fried chicken, and watching World Cup with everyone! “

 

How’s the tenants’ sharing? We hope you’re excited to meet more new friends on your next trip as well!

We hope we could provide everyone with a unique living and travel experience through BORDERLESS TRAVEL.
Not only attractions and food during your trip but also the connections among people.

Because of 「SHARING」, you see the difference in this world.
You’ll deeply know and enjoy the uniqueness of every country.

We can’t wait to hear the story of you and this world!

【Application Form】
https://forms.gle/Hhae9RnkYMroXDRD7

★More feedback:
https://www.borderless-house.com/tw/blog/program/borderless_travel/

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Moving to Japan Alone? How to Find an Inclusive Share House That Feels Like Home.

So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve booked your ticket, secured your visa, and you’re ready to start your new chapter in Japan. Whether you’re heading to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the serene temples of Kyoto, or the cozy, green avenues of Sendai, the excitement is real.

But for many embarking on this journey alone—especially those moving to a new country for the first time—that excitement is often mixed with a few “what-ifs.” 

What if I feel lonely? What if I can’t navigate the complex Japanese rental system? What if I just want a place where I feel safe, understood, and truly welcome?

In Japan, the transition can be challenging. Traditional apartments often require massive upfront costs and a local guarantor, while living alone in a high-rise can feel surprisingly isolating.That is why choosing the right housing isn’t just about finding four walls and a bed—it’s about finding a community.

Why an “Inclusive” Community is the Secret to a Successful Start

At Borderless House, we believe home should be more than just a place to stay—it should be a place where you truly belong. We are dedicated to cultivating inclusive environments where diversity isn’t just welcomed, it’s celebrated, ensuring that every resident feels secure and empowered.

If you’re seeking a living space that perfectly balances personal privacy with a modern, open-minded vibe, an international share house is the smartest move for your Japanese adventure. While traditional housing focuses on locks and cameras for “safety,” we believe true comfort stems from mutual respect and genuine connection.

Choosing an inclusive share house means joining a curated community where diversity is the norm. For solo travelers seeking the peace of mind that comes with a supportive and respectful community, this inclusivity provides a unique ‘human safety net’ that a solitary apartment simply cannot offer.

Diverse Perspectives, Shared Respect

By bringing together people of different nationalities and backgrounds, we create a vibrant global village under one roof. In this environment, inclusion is a daily practice of respecting each other’s boundaries and cultures.

A Balanced Social Circle

We actively manage our house demographics to ensure a healthy, vibrant mix. This balance prevents anyone from feeling like an “outsider,” making it easy to start a conversation in the kitchen or join a group dinner.

Safety Through Connection

There is a unique security in knowing your roommates. Whether you need help translating a Japanese utility bill or just a friendly “Okaeri” (Welcome home) after a long day, an inclusive community ensures you are never truly alone.

Privacy Meets Practicality: A Stress-Free Start

One of the biggest misconceptions about inclusive living is that you have to sacrifice your personal space. At Borderless House, we believe that a healthy community starts with a comfortable individual. To ensure everyone finds their perfect fit, we offer a variety of living arrangements:

  • ● Fully Furnished Private Rooms: Ideal for those who want a personal sanctuary to retreat and recharge whenever they need to.
    ● Shared Rooms: A budget-friendly option for those who want to be at the heart of the social experience, fostering close bonds with roommates while still maintaining a respectful, shared environment.

 

Beyond the atmosphere, we also handle the logistical hurdles that often make moving to Japan a headache for solo travelers:

  • ● No Guarantor Needed: We simplify the paperwork so you can focus on your move. [Click here] to learn more about our simple Reservation Process
  • ● Zero Hidden Fees: Say goodbye to traditional upfront fees or complex furniture shopping; our houses are move-in ready from day one.
  • ● All-Inclusive Utilities: High-speed internet, water, and electricity are all managed, so you don’t have to worry about the fine print.

Beyond the Room: Real Stories, Real Connections 

In a traditional apartment, a landlord is just a name on a contract. At Borderless House, the experience is defined by the people who walk through the door. We often hear from residents that it’s the “small moments” that make Japan feel like home.

Imagine coming home after a challenging day at your Japanese language school, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the grammar. Instead of sitting in a quiet room, you find a roommate in the kitchen who offers to help you practice over a bowl of miso soup.

Or perhaps it’s the weekend trip to a hidden temple in Kyoto or a local festival in Sendai that you never would have found on a tourist map, but discovered because a local Japanese roommate invited you along.

Don’t just take our word for it—[explore our Resident Stories] to see how others started their journey with us.

A Community Built on Shared Values and Allyship

For travelers from the LGBTQ+ community or those who prioritize social equity, “inclusion” means more than just having diverse roommates — it means feeling truly seen and respected in your own home. 

Our residents choose us specifically because they value an open-minded, global lifestyle. This shared mindset ensures that our homes are safe spaces where you can be your authentic self without judgment. We maintain this standard through:

  • ● A Community of Like-Minded Peers: Because our concept is “International Exchange,” we naturally attract residents who are curious, empathetic, and respectful of different identities and lifestyles.
  • ● Zero-Tolerance for Discrimination: We are committed to a home environment where every individual, regardless of gender identity or whom they love, is treated with dignity. Harassment or discrimination has no place in our community.
  • ● Proactive Support from Community Creators: Our bilingual staff are trained to ensure house harmony. They act as a dedicated support system you can reach out to if you ever feel uncomfortable or have specific needs regarding your living situation.
  • ● The Power of Allyship: We don’t just “tolerate” differences; we celebrate them. Living here means being surrounded by people who aren’t just roommates, but allies in your journey through Japan.

Your Adventure Starts with Community

Moving to Japan is a brave, life-changing decision, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. While the city you choose will define your scenery, the community you live with will define your experience.

By choosing Borderless House, you aren’t just renting a room — you’re joining a global family that values your safety, celebrates your identity, and supports your growth every step of the way.

Ready to find your place in Japan? Don’t wait until you arrive to start building your network. Explore our available rooms and take the first step toward a home where you truly belong:

Your Japanese journey is waiting. Let’s make it unforgettable, together.

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【Borderless Station Community App】Your Second Living Room Anytime, Anywhere

Borderless House has always been more than a share house. It’s a place where people from around the world meet, live together, and build connections that feel like family. But staying connected beyond borders, houses, and move-out dates isn’t always easy — and that’s exactly the challenge we wanted to solve.

That’s why we created Borderless Station.

Designed as your “second living room,” Borderless Station helps Borderless Mates — past and present — stay connected anytime, anywhere. With more than 18,000 members across 120 countries, it keeps friendships alive and makes it easier to build new ones, no matter where life takes you next.

In this article, we’ll explore how this new community app supports both current residents and alumni in staying connected, growing together, and continuing their borderless journey.

A quick note: Borderless Station is launching first in Japan. Korea and Taiwan are planned to join the platform in 2026.

What Is Borderless Station? — A Space That Keeps Everyone Connected

Borderless Station is the official community app for everyone who has ever been part of Borderless House — whether you’re currently living in a house or moved out years ago.

Its purpose is simple: to bring Borderless Mates together in one place, no matter where they are. Across Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and more than 120 countries, people continue their journeys, but the desire to stay connected always remains.

Borderless Station offers a comfortable, familiar space where conversations continue naturally. You can reconnect with past housemates, meet people from other cities, and feel part of a global community even after moving out.

With Borderless Station, the relationships and experiences you built don’t fade — they grow with you.

So, what exactly can you do in Borderless Station? Let’s dive into the features that make this community come alive.

Feature 1: DAILY TALK — Small Conversations, Big Connections

DAILY TALK is the heart of Borderless Station — a relaxed, everyday space where conversations begin naturally, just like in a real Borderless House living room.

Here’s how it works and what you can do:

■ Share moments from your day

﹂ A photo from your walk to school
﹂ Something funny your housemate said

■ Ask questions & get quick tips

﹂ “Where’s the best kimchi in Seoul?”
﹂  “Any fun cafés in Sendai?”
﹂ “How do you handle homesickness?”

■ Meet new Mates

﹂ Discover people with shared hobbies
﹂ Connect with someone who just moved to your city
﹂ Find friends who understand your experience abroad

■ Feel supported, even from afar

﹂ Casual responses, warm reactions, friendly chats
﹂ A space where you can speak freely and be yourself

DAILY TALK turns simple messages into meaningful connections. Even if you’re thousands of kilometers away, this is where the Borderless community continues to feel close.

Feature 2: LANGUAGE EXCHANGE — Learn Languages the Fun Way

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE makes learning languages feel natural and enjoyable. Instead of studying alone, you can match with Borderless Mates who want to practice together — just like finding a study partner in your share house, but on a global scale.

Here’s what you can do inside Language Exchange:

■ Teach your language and learn theirs

﹂ Match with Mates who want to learn your native language
﹂ Exchange Japanese ⇄ Chinese, Korean ⇄ English, or any language you both want to practice
﹂ Learn naturally through friendly, casual conversations

■ Practice real-life language together

﹂ Share everyday phrases, useful expressions, and natural wording
﹂ Help each other with pronunciation and grammar
﹂ Pick up learning tips and study advice shared by other Mates inside the app
﹂ Discover language you won’t find in textbooks

■ Connect through cultural exchange

﹂ Learn how locals really speak and communicate
﹂ Share customs, humor, and daily life stories
﹂ Gain new perspectives and build meaningful cross-cultural friendships

With LANGUAGE EXCHANGE, learning becomes a shared journey — one that helps you grow your skills, broaden your world, and build friendships that cross borders.

Feature 3: JOIN EVENTS — Meet People Through Real Moments

JOIN EVENTS lets you discover what’s happening in the community — instantly. You’ll receive real-time updates on upcoming activities and can join with just a tap, whether the event is hosted by Borderless House or created by residents themselves.
Here’s what you can do:

■ Join both official & resident-organized events

﹂ Borderless House cultural nights and community gatherings
﹂ Resident-led meetups, study groups, or casual hangouts
﹂ Small house events and large seasonal activities

■ Meet people through shared experiences

﹂ Casual coffee meetups or bar hopping nights
﹂ City walking tours, jogging sessions, or local food trips
﹂ Hobby sessions or House-to-house meetups

■ Explore events happening across different cities

﹂ Discover activities in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and beyond
﹂ See what’s happening in other Borderless House communities
﹂ And if you’re traveling in that city, you can jump in and join, too

JOIN EVENTS makes it easy to meet people who share your curiosity and values. Whether it’s your first time joining or your tenth, each event is a chance to connect, grow, and build friendships that last.

Feature 4: COMMUNITY QUEST — Build, Contribute, Grow

COMMUNITY QUEST is a new feature currently in development, designed to help Borderless Mates take part in meaningful activities together. It’s all about teamwork, contribution, and stepping into small challenges that create real impact.

Here’s what you’ll be able to do:
﹂ Join or create community-driven activities
﹂ Host or support events
﹂ Grow through shared challenges

COMMUNITY QUEST is being built to encourage collaboration and personal growth — giving residents and alumni more ways to connect, contribute, and grow together.

Stay Connected With the World — Starting From Borderless Station

Borderless Station is currently open to all Borderless House residents and alumni only. If you’re curious about our global online community, feel free to reach out to us anytime!

And if you’re considering moving into Borderless House, even just a little, then we’d love for you to send us a message. It’s a simple way to find out whether our community feels like the right fit for you!

Living in a share house is more than sharing a space —
it’s a warm and inspiring daily life where your worldview expands, you encounter new languages, and you naturally build connections with people from around the world.

If Borderless House can become the first step in your next chapter, we’d be truly delighted.

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Leaving Home to Find the World: A Mother and Daughter’s Share House Story

Spring is the season when many young people begin new chapters in their lives. But for parents, it can also be a time filled with both pride and worry, especially when it is time to send their child off to live on their own for the first time.

This time, we spoke with Mieko-san, a first-year university student who spent six months living in Borderless House Ikebukuro-Oyama 1, and her mother Kayoko-san.

Until then, Mieko had always lived at home. So what was it like for her to move into a share house for the first time?

We also asked her parents how they felt about letting her live in Borderless House – and how this experience unexpectedly deepened the bond between mother and daughter.

Meet the Family

Mother: Kayoko-san
A cheerful, positive mother of two who used to work at Borderless House

Daughter: Mieko-san
A first-year university student majoring in community welfare (at the time).
Stayed for six months at Borderless House Ikebukuro-Oyama 1 from September 2024.
Slightly shy but full of curiosity and a strong desire to learn.

Moving in with both anxiety and excitement, a mother’s encouragement behind her daughter’s decision

──Mieko-san, you decided to move into Borderless House during your first year of university. Did you already know that your mother was working there as a staff member?

Mieko-san:

Yes! Actually, the reason I even started considering moving in was because of my mom’s encouragement. She’s always had a strong international mindset, and that influenced me a lot. I was already interested in studying English and going abroad since high school.

At first though, when she suggested Borderless House, I immediately said, ‘Living with other people? No way, that is impossible for me!’ Maybe part of me wanted to rebel a little because it was my mom’s workplace too.

But about a year later, around the time I started university, I slowly began to feel more curious. I remember asking my mom all kinds of questions about what life in a share house was really like.

──What changed in how you both felt about it?

Mieko-san: After starting university, I began to feel a stronger desire to improve my English. I was also becoming more interested in studying abroad, and I thought it would be great to build up more practical English skills while I am still in Japan. When I talked about that at home, my mom said, ‘Then Borderless House sounds perfect for you!’

Kayoko-san: The good thing about Borderless House is that you can start living there for as short as one month. I told her, ‘If it does not feel right, you can always move out quickly, so why not just give it a try?’ I wanted her to see it as something she could experience casually, without pressure.

Mieko-san: Exactly. My mom really gave me the final push to go for it.

And honestly, the location was also a big reason. From my parents’ house, it took me about two hours round trip to get to university, but living in Ikebukuro Oyama House shortened my commute a lot. Realizing how much more convenient life would be made it easier for me to make the decision.

──Were you not nervous about moving in?

Mieko-san: Of course I was! Moving in with people I have never met before and in a different language environment made me wonder if I could communicate smoothly. Unlike reading or listening practice, conversation in English happens in real time, so I worried I might not be able to keep up with everyone.

But honestly, that was also what I was most excited about! Until then, the only English speakers I have really talked to were the ALT teachers who occasionally came to our classes, and even then it was never one-on-one for long. I was both nervous and curious to see what it would be like to live surrounded by English every day, it felt like such an adventure!

──What were you most looking forward to?

Mieko-san: Once I decided to move in, I found out that all of my housemates were older than me. Beforehand, I have looked at the self-introduction comments on the official website and saw that many of them were already working adults. I thought it would be interesting and really valuable to hear about their jobs and workplaces.

I had also been checking out Borderless House’s blog and Instagram, and I saw that there were regular house parties and events where residents from different houses could meet. I was excited to join those and experience that kind of exchange in real life!

The residents’ self-introduction comments posted on the official website.

──As parents, how did you feel when your daughter finally moved into the share house?

Kayoko-san: Honestly, I was more happy than worried. I was proud to see my daughter take on a new challenge.
Since I work at Borderless House myself, I also understood the safety and structure of the houses. If anything, it was my husband who was more concerned, he was always saying things like, ‘Make sure you lock your door at night,’ or ‘Don’t walk alone after dark!’

Even so, Borderless House share houses are very secure – each room and shower is individually locked, and most houses are located close to stations, so there is less need to walk far at night. I actually felt it was safer than her living alone in an empty apartment. In the end, I felt reassured knowing she would be coming home to a place where people were waiting for her.

A fun and inspiring life with housemates – No mroe fear of speaking English!

─It has been about six months since you moved in. How has life in the share house been so far?

Mieko-san: It is honestly been so much fun! Everyone was so friendly from the very beginning, and I quickly felt comfortable. Especially the international members. Many of them wanted to learn Japanese or become friends with Japanese people, so they were really open and approachable.

We often go out together on our days off – to cafés, pottery classes, and recently, about ten of us even went to Fuji-Q Highland!

When someone has a birthday, we celebrate with a party in the house, so it is always lively and cheerful.

Kayoko-san: And even the former housemates who have already graduated still come back to visit often, don’t they?

Mieko-san: Yes! One of my former German housemates, who had already graduated before I moved in, came back to Japan in March and visited us several times. That period felt like a non-stop party, it was so much fun!

Since it is a mixed-gender house, I was a little nervous at first about living with male residents, but everyone was so kind, mature, and considerate. They always looked out for me, so I felt very comfortable.

─ I am so glad to hear you are enjoying life there! How was commnuicating in English? Was there something you were worried about?

Mieko-san: At first, I definitely felt resistance toward speaking English. But the housemates were so kind – they would listen patiently even when my English was not perfect, and they taught me words when I did not know how to say something.
It is still far from perfect, but I no longer feel scared to just try speaking.

─ Since living in a share house, have you noticed cultural diferences?

Mieko-san: Yes, especially with food culture!

One time, someone mixed carrots into plain rice and served it, and I could not help thinking, ‘Wait… is that actually good?’

A lot of people really like Japanese food though, so we often end up eating Japanese dishes together.

Also, many of the international members do not soak in the bathtub, so the bathtub in the house was basically unused. As someone who loves taking baths, I started going alone to the nearby public bath by Oyama Station and enjoyed relaxing in a huge bath.

Growing through share house life – Even household skils improved

─ After moving in, how were cooking and cleaning handled?

Mieko-san: Our house had clear rules for dividing the cleaning duties, so everyone would rotate weekly and share the tasks.
For cooking, sometimes someone would say, ‘I am making curry, want to cook together?’ and we would make it as a group. But honestly… I was not very good at cooking for myself. I think I mostly just managed to cook rice.

I relied a lot on eating out or frozen food, so living in the share house made me realize how much I appreciated my parents’ cooking. When I go back home occasionally, I make sure to eat a lot of vegetables!

Kayoko-san: When she still lived at home, I was the type who liked taking care of everything, so I ended up doing most of the housework.

But the other day when Mieko-san came home after living in the share house, she stood up after dinner and started washing the dishes without being asked… and I was so touched I almost cried.

It made me feel like she had grown – that living in the share house helped her learn to look after herself.

Mieko-san: In the share house, we buy cleaning supplies and daily essentials using shared funds that everyone contributes to, so I became more aware of managing money for daily life.

Now I am paying for my living expenses by working part-time, so I keep a household budget and track everything carefully. It made me realize how important money management is.

How share house life changed the relationship between mother and daughter

─ During your six months in the share house, was there anything that left a strong impression on you?

Mieko-san: One time, I stayed up all night talking in the living room with my housemates who have already been working for a while, that memory really stayed with me.

Some housemates were full-time company employees, others were freelancers working independently, and some were using English every day at their jobs.

While talking with them about their past experiences, future dreams, and life goals, I found myself inspired over and over again.

There was also a moment when I opened up to a housemate about being unsure of my future path. They told me, ‘It’s never too late to figure out what you want to do. Try lots of things now, and then choose slowly.’

It felt like a ray of light shining into my life. I had always been someone who looked backward instead of forward, but that one conversation helped me move on with a more positive mindset.

Until high school, my friendships were mostly with people who thought and lived just like me. I think I lived in a pretty narrow world. But at Borderless House, I met people of all different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds – and talking with them opened my eyes to values and ways of living I never knew existed.

Thanks to the housemates I met there, I realized just how many different paths and options exist in life.

─ From your perspective, Kayoko-san, what changes did you notice in Mieko after she moved in?

Kayoko-san: She has become so much more reliable.

Before, she was quiet and shy – she hardly ever talked to boys in her class. But now, whenever she comes home, she happily tells us stories about her housemates.

I think Mieko–san herself may not fully realize it, but her perspectives have widened so much.
By living with working adults and housemates from different backgrounds, she was exposed to different values and ways of living. I feel like she now sees her future with a much more positive mindset.

─ Did your mother-daughter relationship change as well?

Kayoko-san: I think we can talk with a healthier distance now. When we lived together, I tended to do everything for her because I wanted to take care of her. Sometimes I would even nag her about small things – we would occasionally clash because we were too close.

But now, we communicate more, we message each other on LINE to check in, we go out for meals together near Oyama Station, and when she comes home, she happily tells me stories about her housemates.

Seeing her enjoy her life so much makes me think, ‘Wow… if only I had a place like that when I was her age!’”

Through her experiences, I feel like I am also learning and growing.

We are no longer just mother and daughter, we are able to speak to each other with mutual respect, as two individuals. That change means so much to me.

From Mieko-san to young people curious about Borderless House

Mieko-san: Starting something new can be really scary. It always feels safer to stay in the lifestyle you are used to.

But unless you try, you will never know and there is a whole world you would not see until you take that first step.

Through living in the share house and connecting with my housemates, I truly became more confident and forward-thinking. I discovered new things I wanted to do and new goals I never would have imagined before.

Borderless House allows you to try living there for just one month, so if you are a university student, I really encourage you to take that first small step.

A message from Kayoko-san to parents who are considering this for their children

Kayoko-san: When it comes to your child, it is completely natural to worry, no matter what kind of life they are choosing. That is what being a parent is.

At Borderless House, you can see self-introductions and community information on the website, and after applying, you can also have an online consultation. So you can ask anything that concerns you and get a clear image of what life will be like before they move in. I think that helps ease a lot of worries.

There are experiences that children can only have while they are young. And I believe sending them off, even though it is scary, allows them to grow twice as much.

So if your child is ready to take a step forward, I hope you can be the wind at their back.

＼Check out the house where this resident lives／

Mieko lived at BORDERLESS HOUSE Ikebukuro-Oyama 1. With its prime location—just a 1-minute walk from the station and 5 minutes to Ikebukuro—it’s the perfect hub for students and professionals alike.

▶️ [View House Details]

More Resident Stories

From first-time solo living to life-changing global encounters, everyone at Borderless House has a story to tell. Get inspired by their journeys!

▶️ Living the Dream in Japan: How an International Community Becomes Family
▶️ My Borderless House Story: Why I Couldn’t Have Met Japanese Friends Without It

 

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Connecting Kansai: Summer Nagashi Somen Event Fun at Kyoto Uji Share House

As the weather slowly cools down and we start to feel autumn approaching, how was your summer? Did you make fun memories – trips, BBQs, fireworks. summer festivals?

At Borderless House Kansai, residents from our Kyoto and Osaka International Share Houses gathered at the spacious Kyoto Uji House for a major cultural exchange event, including the popular Japanese summer tradition, nagashi somen (flowing noodles) experience.

About 30 residents joined this lively community event, connecting different share houses in the Kansai region. Through language and cultural exchange, everyone met new people and forged new international friendships.

Here’s a look from that memorable day!

Connecting across share houses – an event planned together with student residents

Borderless House wants residents to connect beyond the house they live in, while experiencing uniquely Japanese summer traditions. To encourage this, we regularly host international exchange events involving multiple share houses.

↑Residents planning with Borderless House Staff.

For this event, student residents took the lead in planning and organizing the entire event! From preparation to hosting, they worked together and made it happen.

Language exchange naturally happening while preparing food

About 10 residents gathered in the large kitchen of Kyoto Uji House.
They prepared food together while casually switching between Japanese and English.

Everyone worked together to prepare toppings for the somen noodles and made rice balls.

“What is this called in English?”
“Is this how you shape it?”

Conversations bounced back and forth, with Japanese and English naturally mixing – that is the Borderless House atmosphere.

Handmade nagashi-somen, time to eat!

Once lunchtime arrived, everyone gathered and the long-awaited nagashi-somen started.

Residents split into three groups:
one group to send the noodles down the bamboo slide,
one group to catch and eat them,
and one group to prepare toppings and sides.

After a while, the teams rotated so everyone could enjoy everything.

A real bamboo noodle slide! Everyone was careful not to break it as they took turns…

Every time someone skillfully caught the flowing noodles, you would hear little cheers like,
“Wow, nice!” or “Ohh!”

At one point, the bamboo slide almost broke – but even that turned into fun and laughter.

“People said things like, “I have not done nagashi-somen since elementary school!”
and “We don’t have anything like this in my country!””

What stood out the most was seeing residents from all around the world who came to Japan from different countries, completely absorbed in the activities and having fun together was truly memorable.

↑Everyone relaxing together in the tea room area

To wrap up the day, everyone gathered in the living room, enjoying shaved ice and chatting.

「What brought you to Borderless House?」
 「What’s the vibe like in your house? 」

From there, the conversation naturally expanded into topics like travel and personal hobbies.

I hope that the new connections formed here, crossing nationalities and languages, will make life at Borderless House even more enjoyable.♪

We asked the student resident who planned and hosted this event how she felt afterward.

“I was nervous since it was my first time planning an event, but thanks to everyone’s help, we created an amazing Japanese summer experience together. When people thanked me afterward, it made me so happy!”

“I want to join more events where I can meet friends from around the world!”

If you felt the same way while reading this, then maybe next time, it’s your turn.

Why not join us at Borderless House and enjoy international exchange together?

Don’t just read about this excitement—live it!

It’s time for you to be the next star of your own global adventure. Why wait for “someday” when you can act “right now?” Borderless House is your gateway to the world, ready to transform your life into the most stimulating experience possible. Stop putting off your dreams. Join us, break past language and cultural barriers, and start building an unforgettable life today!

▶ See all Share Houses in Tokyo
▶ See all Share Houses in Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto
▶ See all Share Houses in Sendai

On each House Details page, you can check the current residents’ nationalities, genders, ages, and even read their self-introduction comments. Be sure to take a look!

 

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4 Years of Growth at Borderless House – From Exchange Student to Global Commuter

Kaho-san moved to Tokyo from Shizuoka to attend university and has been living at Borderless House for four years.

After studying abroad in Canada during high school, she wanted to keep connecting with people from different backgrounds in her everyday life. She decided to move into Borderless House and start her new life in Tokyo.

There is a whole world you can only experience by living together – one you would never encounter through a typical university life,” says Kaho.

We spoke to her about the friendships, discoveries, and memorable experiences she’s had over her 4 years in Borderless House, living in 3 different share houses across Tokyo.

服部さん

Kaho-san

About Kaho-san
Currently a fourth-year university student, she has been staying at Borderless House for about four years since moving there in her first year. Using the House Transfer System, she has lived in three different houses in Tokyo.

I chose Borderless House to continue my study abroad experience

Photo from one of our house parties!

―What made you decide to move into Borderless House when you started university?

I spent a year studying abroad in Canada during high school. When I came back to Japan, I felt it was such a waste that the ‘English-speaking version of myself’ disappeared from my daily life. So when I moved to Tokyo for university, I decided, If I’m going to live alone, I want to live in a share house where I can connect with people from around the world.

Also, since I came to Tokyo from Shizuoka during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hard to make new friends at university. I really wanted to find a community.

Instead of studying English, I wanted to use it in my everyday life. Living together and naturally talking with people felt like a much better way to connect – and that is exactly what Borderless House gave me. I also strongly believed that living and interacting with different people through daily life would help me build closer relationships.

―Why did you choose Borderless House over other companies?

I actually looked into several other share house options too. But I felt that in places that were too big, somewhere between an apartment and a share house, it might be harder to build close, long-term relationships with others.

In contrast, Borderless House has a much closer atmosphere among residents, and most people are in their 20s, so it felt easy to connect. Also, since you can move between houses, you’re not limited to one community – you get the chance to meet many different people and perspectives, which really appealed to me.

I have always been a curious person, so living in an environment where I could interact with all kinds of people felt like the perfect fit for me.

Learning English you can actually use, not the kind taught in textbooks


↑A trip to Disneyland with my housemates!

―You mentioned studying abroad in high school. How was your English before moving into Borderless House?

When I first moved in, I was not too worried about my English. Since I was majoring in English at university, I already had a solid foundation. But living at Borderless House and studying at university gave me so many chances to naturally use the language. It really helped me improve my speaking and listening skills without even realizing it.

―That is amazing! After moving in, did you notice any changes in your English skills?

Yes, definitely! I feel like the range of my English expressions really expanded.

For example, when someone in the house was going through relationship troubles, or when little dramas happened, we would have deep talks over drinks. There were so many conversations that only people our age could have. I was able to experience topics and emotional expressions that never came up during my study abroad days in high school.

There were also times when I helped my American housemates who were studying Japanese. We would teach each other our languages and confirm things like, ‘Oh, so that’s what this phrase means!’ Those kinds of exchanges made me realize how fun learning a language can be.

―The typical Borderless House Experience! Did you have any worries or concerns about living in a share house?

Surprisingly, I felt more excitement than worry.

Since it was right when my university life was starting, I was really looking forward to seeing what kind of people I would meet and what kind of stories we would share. That sense of excitement was stronger than anything else.

Each Borderless House has its own unique vibe and that is what makes it so interesting. That is also why I decided to move and experience life in other Borderless Houses too.

Experiencing three different Borderless Houses, each with its own unique atmosphere

―You have lived in three Borderless Houses using the House Relocation System! What were each of them like?

My first house was Shinjuku Chuo House, a small one with up to eight people. I moved in right as my university life was beginning, so I was still figuring everything out like how to register for classes or where to go around the neighborhood. My older housemates kindly taught me how to register and showed me around. They really taught me how to ‘survive in Tokyo’ as a new student. They were like big siblings to me!

My second house, Ogikubo House, had a calmer atmosphere. At that time, there were slightly more international residents, and there were moments when Japanese did not quite work, so I had to rely on my own communication skills. That environment really helped me strengthen my communication abilities.

↑Flowing somen noodles at the house! Even small daily conversations become great chances to practice English

My third house was Shinjuku Nakai Share House. It had more residents, a lively atmosphere, and lots of events. Coincidentally, my older sister had lived there before me, so when I moved in, everyone was like, ‘The little sister has arrived!’ and welcomed me warmly.

― Each house has its own vibe – that is what makes it so fun! You really feel the difference in community atmosphere between houses, right?

Yes! I even organized exchange events between houses! We would connect Shinjuku Chuo share house and Ogikubo share house for dinner or drinks, sometimes at home and sometimes at a restaurant. Since I already had good relationships in both houses, it was easy to bring everyone together and those moments always reminded me how special this community is.

↑Everyone walking the full Yamanote Line loop – we finally reached the goal together!

Meeting people you would never meet in ordinary life! Deep bonds formed through living together

―Looking back on your time at Borderless House, is there any moment that left a strong impression on you?

There was a housemate who was half German and half Japanese, three years older than me, and we became really close. We would talk almost every night and even went on trips together. I was amazed at how deep our connection became just because we happened to live in the same place.

ツーショット

↑A photo of the two of us together

There were also so many people with completely different backgrounds from mine. Meeting people who lived freely with the mindset of ‘You can do what you want, whenever you want!’ really inspired me. It gave me the courage to take a gap year before job hunting to explore more of what I truly want to do.

At university, you tend to meet people with similar backgrounds and values. But at Borderless House, people of all ages, nationalities, and professions live together and that diversity itself makes even simple conversations exciting and eye-opening.

―Was there a moment when you felt you had grown or changed through your time at Borderless House?

When I first moved in, I used to just go along with what others said without thinking too deeply. But as I got to know people with so many different perspectives, I learned to form my own opinions and express them clearly. That is something I really feel I have grown into.

Lately, some of my housemates have even said, ‘You have really grown a lot.’ It makes me happy knowing there are people who have watched me since high school and are still here as I approach university graduation – people who have seen my journey over these four years.

―What do you love most about Borderless House?

The best part is meeting people you would never meet in everyday life. It is an experience you can only gain by taking that first step yourself.

Of course, there were times I was surprised or confused at first. To be honest, the houses are not super fancy or perfect, and since you are living with others, there can be a bit of stress sometimes. But the value you gain from it is so much greater than that. For me, it is more than just a ‘place to live’ it is a place full of growth, learning, and connection.

If you are even a little curious about it – just take the leap and give it a try!

A message to those thinking about moving into Borderless House

If you are already thinking about moving into Borderless House, I think that means you are someone with a curious and open mind. You might feel a little nervous at first, but before you know it, you will naturally adapt and feel comfortable living in this unique environment.

Since a share house is a place where you live, it also becomes a place where you return to. As you keep coming home to a house filled with housemates from all around the world, you will one day realize that you have already adapted without even noticing it. Don’t overthink it — just enjoy the experience.

After living here for four years, I can honestly say there have been so many moments when I thought, ‘I’m really glad I chose to live here.’

So, come and expand your world!

＼Explore Kaho’s House／

Kaho lived at BORDERLESS HOUSE Shinjuku-Nakai 1, a peaceful international retreat just minutes from the city center. It’s perfectly located—only 4 minutes to Takadanobaba and 10 minutes to Shinjuku. With 14 private rooms, this house offers the ideal balance between a lively social community and your own quiet, personal space.

▶️ [View House Details]

More Resident Stories

From continuing the “study abroad” lifestyle at home to finding new perspectives through global connections, our residents have incredible journeys to share. Get inspired by more stories!

▶️ Cooking, Culture & Connection at Borderless House Kyoto | International Share House Life
▶️ Living the Dream in Japan: How an International Community Becomes Family

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Building Bridges in Sendai: Global Lounge x Borderless House Inspire the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

On August 30, 2025, the City of Sendai and the Sendai Global Lounge hosted an event to promote entrepreneurship and startups among international students and foreign residents. 

This initiative was held in collaboration with Borderless House, which opened its first shared house in Sendai this February to create an inclusive and diverse community where locals and internationals can experience shared living and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Since opening in February, Borderless House Sendai Tohokudaigakumae1 has quickly become a hub for multicultural exchange in the region. Residents from around the world live side by side with Japanese locals, creating daily opportunities to practice languages, build friendships, and break down cultural barriers.

The collaboration with Sendai City highlights how shared living communities can extend beyond housing and play an active role in local ecosystems.

New Connections and Breaking the Ice

The event began with a casual ice-breaking session, allowing participants to connect and share their backgrounds. The event brought together a diverse group of people, including:

  • ● Students from Tohoku University
  • ● Local high school students eager to explore global perspectives
  • ● Representatives from Sendai City Hall
  • ● Tenants and staff members from Borderless House

This mix of participants created a vibrant environment where different generations, backgrounds and nationalities could meet and exchange ideas.

Spark of Inspiration – “What Drives Social Entrepreneurs to Take Action?”

The main lecture, “What Drives Social Entrepreneurs to Take Action,” was delivered by Mr. Masahiro Kochi from Borderless Japan Corporation, who is also active as the manager of Anosupo AI. 

Mr. Kochi shared his personal journey as an entrepreneur – what inspired him to launch his business, the challenges he faced, and the deeper motivations behind social entrepreneurship.

His insights offered valuable guidance for students and aspiring founders who wish to turn ideas into impactful projects.

One of the participants said, “It was inspiring to hear how your company transforms social challenges into opportunities for positive change, helping people find jobs and provide for their families.”

Snacks & Stories at Borderless House Sendai

Afterwards, everyone gathered at Borderless House Sendai Tohokudaigakumae1 for snacks and a relaxed networking session. 

This created a great opportunity for international participants, local residents, and representatives from Sendai City Hall to exchange ideas and experiences in a relaxed setting. 

Later in the evening, current residents of the Sendai house also joined in. For many of them, it was exciting to meet locals and city officials directly inside their own home. 

One resident commented, “It was amazing to welcome everyone into our home and showing them around the house. It was interesting talking with city officials and locals in our home sharing ideas and having casual conversations.” 

The residents’ participation added a warmth to the gathering – showing that Borderless House is not just a place to live, but also a bridge between people, cultures and the city itself. 

Strengthening Sendai’s Global Future

The event underscored the strong collaboration between Sendai City and Borderless House in building a welcoming environment for diverse communities.

It also opened doors for future initiatives, both global and local, designed to empower young entrepreneurs, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen Sendai’s reputation as an international city.

With initiatives like this, Sendai is shaping a future where young people can dream globally and act locally. Borderless House looks forward to building more opportunities for exchange and entrepreneurship in the months ahead. 

If you would like to experience this kind of community in Sendai yourself, check out Borderless House Sendai and learn more about living together with locals and internationals.