Moving to Japan is exciting, but for many foreigners, it comes with an unexpected challenge—loneliness. Whether you’re a student, an expat, or on a working holiday, building a social life in Japan can feel overwhelming. The language barrier, cultural differences, and the difficulty of breaking into established social circles often leave newcomers feeling isolated.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why is it so hard to make friends in Japan?”, you’re not alone. Unlike in some countries where casual friendships form quickly, social interactions in Japan often take time and effort to develop. And if you’re living alone in a private apartment, the chances of meeting new people naturally become even slimmer.
In this blog, we’ll explore why making friends in Japan is challenging, how living in a share house can help you overcome this struggle, and why Kyoto and Sendai are ideal cities for share house living. If you’re looking for a way to turn your housing choice into a life-changing social experience, keep reading!
Why Is It Hard to Make Friends in Japan as a Foreigner?
Starting a new life in Japan is a thrilling experience, filled with opportunities to explore a unique culture and meet new people, But making friends here isn’t always easy. While Japanese people are friendly and welcoming, building deep, lasting friendships can take time. Cultural differences, language barriers, and social norms often make it harder than expected for foreigners to connect with locals.
Unlike in many Western countries, where people quickly form casual friendships, Japan’s social circles tend to be more closed and long-term. Many friendships are built through school, work, or shared experiences, and once these groups are formed, they don’t often expand. Because of this, it’s not as common for people to invite new acquaintances to social gatherings right away.
Language can also be a challenge. Even if you know some Japanese, having deep conversations isn’t always easy. Many Japanese people feel shy about speaking English, and if your Japanese is limited, it can be tough to fully join group discussions, understand jokes, or express yourself naturally. As a result, interactions can feel polite but distant, rather than relaxed and friendly.
Living arrangements also play a big role in how easy it is to meet people. Many foreigners in Kyoto, Sendai, and other cities choose to live alone in apartments, which can make socializing even harder. Unlike university dorms or share houses, where daily interactions happen naturally in shared spaces, apartment living often means fewer opportunities to connect with others. In cities where people are busy with work or studies, social life tends to revolve around existing friend groups, making it even tougher for newcomers to integrate.
Luckily, there’s a way to overcome these challenges and build a strong social life in Japan—and that’s through living in a share house. Let’s explore how it can help!
How Share Houses in Japan Solve the Loneliness Problem
For foreigners struggling to build a social life in Japan, living in a share house offers a simple and effective solution. Unlike renting a private apartment, where interactions with others are minimal, a share house provides an instant community of both Japanese residents and other foreigners, making it much easier to form connections.
Instant Community & Built-in Social Circle
One of the biggest advantages of a share house is that you’re never alone unless you want to be. Common areas like the kitchen, living room, and lounge encourage spontaneous conversations with housemates, creating daily opportunities to bond over meals, hobbies, or even just casual chats. Unlike traditional Japanese apartments, where neighbors rarely interact, share houses make socializing effortless.
Activities & Events Make Socializing Easy
Many share houses in Kyoto and Sendai organize regular events such as:
✔Welcome parties for new residents to help everyone get to know each other.
✔Cultural exchange nights, where Japanese and foreign residents teach each other their languages and traditions.
✔Group outings to local festivals or sightseeing spots, offering a chance to explore Japan together.
These activities remove the pressure of having to seek out social opportunities on your own, making it much easier to develop friendships in a relaxed and natural way.
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A Mix of Locals & Foreigners Helps Bridge the Gap
One of the biggest struggles for foreigners in Japan is finding ways to interact with locals in a casual setting. Share houses provide a rare opportunity to live with Japanese people who are open to international friendships. This means:
✔You can practice Japanese daily in a natural environment, rather than just in a classroom.
✔Japanese housemates are often interested in learning about different cultures, making conversations engaging and mutually beneficial.
✔You gain insights into real Japanese life, from social etiquette to local recommendations, that you wouldn’t experience in a private apartment.
By removing the usual barriers to making friends—such as language, social circles, and lack of meeting opportunities—share houses create the perfect environment for foreigners to integrate into Japanese society while enjoying a fulfilling social life.
In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at why Kyoto and Sendai are ideal cities for a vibrant share house experience and what makes them unique for foreigners.
Why Kyoto & Sendai Are the Best Cities for a Social Share House Life
When choosing a city to live in Japan, both Kyoto and Sendai offer unique advantages for foreigners looking to build a social life. While larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka may have more international residents, Kyoto and Sendai provide a perfect balance of cultural immersion and community engagement, making them ideal locations for share house living.
Kyoto – A City Full of International Students & Cultural Experiences
As the historical and cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto attracts thousands of international students, researchers, and digital nomads every year. With prestigious universities like Kyoto University and Ritsumeikan University, there is a strong student and expat community, making it easier for foreigners to find social events, meetups, and networking opportunities.
✔Many Kyoto share houses are located near universities, ensuring a lively and youthful atmosphere.
✔The city hosts numerous cultural festivals and events, such as tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, and local workshops, providing great ways to bond with Japanese residents.
✔Kyoto’s mix of tradition and modern living allows residents to enjoy both historical sightseeing and trendy cafés, making it an exciting place to explore with housemates.
Sendai – A Hidden Gem for Foreigners Looking for a Friendly Community
Unlike major metropolitan areas, Sendai offers a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for foreigners looking for deeper local connections. Known as the “City of Trees,” Sendai is home to Tohoku University, one of Japan’s top universities with a growing international student population.
✔Unlike Kyoto, where foreign residents are more common, Sendai has a smaller but close-knit international community, making it easier to stand out and form meaningful friendships.
✔Share houses in Sendai are often more spacious and affordable compared to those in bigger cities, giving residents a more comfortable living experience.
✔The city is surrounded by beautiful nature, such as Matsushima Bay and hot springs, offering great weekend trips that housemates can enjoy together.
Both Kyoto and Sendai offer distinct benefits for foreigners looking to live in a share house and expand their social circles. Whether you prefer Kyoto’s vibrant international scene or Sendai’s close-knit community feel, a share house in these cities provides the perfect environment to make friends, experience Japanese culture, and build lifelong connections.
In the next section, we’ll guide you on how to choose the right share house in Japan that best suits your social and lifestyle needs.
How to Choose the Right Share House in Japan for Socializing
With so many share houses available, it’s important to find one that matches your lifestyle, social preferences, and cultural exchange goals. Whether you’re moving to Kyoto, Sendai, or another city in Japan, choosing the right share house can make a huge difference in your experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
Look for a House with Common Areas & Social Events
A great share house isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a community. When searching for a share house, check if it has:
✔Spacious common areas like a shared kitchen, lounge, or rooftop where residents naturally gather.
✔Regular events such as welcome parties, group dinners, and cultural exchange nights, which make socializing easy.
✔A friendly atmosphere, where both Japanese and international residents are open to interaction.
Pick a Location with a Lively Foreign & Local Community
Location plays a big role in your social experience. If you want an active social life, consider:
✔Kyoto share houses near universities, where you can meet students, researchers, and young professionals.
✔Sendai share houses near Tohoku University, where you can connect with both locals and international students.
✔Proximity to cafés, coworking spaces, and event venues, which offer additional opportunities to meet people outside your share house.
Choose a House with a Balance of Locals & Foreigners
A good share house provides the perfect mix of Japanese residents and international housemates.
✔Too many foreigners? You might not get much exposure to Japanese culture.
✔Too many locals? It might take longer to integrate into social circles.
✔A well-balanced share house allows you to practice Japanese, share experiences, and learn from different cultures.
In Borderless House Kyoto & Sendai, the mix of Japanese and international residents is carefully curated, ensuring an environment where friendships can form naturally.
If you’re looking for a way to make friends, experience real Japanese culture, and enjoy a social living environment, Borderless House in Kyoto & Sendai is the perfect place to start your new life.
➡ Check out available rooms at Borderless House Kyoto
➡ Check out available rooms at Borderless House Sendai
Welcome to Ikebukuro House!
And here’s what it looks like when you close the door!
Great Spots Nearby!
▲As of November 2024, the shared living space is shown here, before furniture has been added.
▲ A look at the tea room as of November 2024, shown here before furniture installation.