Give Share House Living a Try!

Posted on 11/13/2020 Last updated on 01/26/2021

Before coming to Japan, we often imagine what our lives would be like in this new country. We have visions of going on exotic trips, trying new foods, meeting interesting people, and possibly even settling down and starting a family. Japan seems like a far-off dreamland of sights and sounds, colors and wonders. For those who spend a couple days or weeks here on a vacation, it may end up being just that!

For many who have decided to live and work here though, our projected vision and current reality do not always link up. We find ourselves coming home from work tired, only interacting with our work colleagues on work-related issues, and not having an opportunity to speak with anyone from the outside world except through social media.

While some are content with this frequency of communication, others have become disenchanted by their experience living in an isolated situation. Where are the people that we were supposed to befriend? Where are the events that we were supposed to participate in? Where were the opportunities we were supposed to seize?

If finding friends and opportunities are becoming a bit difficult, a great way to get them is by living in a share house! In contrast to living alone in an apartment complex, share house living affords one a very different kind of experience based around socialization. Here are some great benefits for this uniquely Japanese living experience.

Accommodations

A typical 1LDK apartment

A typical share house room

Share houses are rental places with private accommodations and shared communal spaces. When we envision communal living, we dread the lack of privacy dormitories have to offer. But share houses offer a variety of living accommodations. It’s a feeling that brings you back to your college days, but not all the way back. No snoring roommates anymore!

A share house communal area for dining, etc.

There are rental places that have private rooms with private bathrooms or private kitchens and shared living spaces. Shared spaces can be kitchens, lounges, movie theaters, gyms, and social office spaces. You can live in a more social residence or a quiet two story house.

Just like apartment living, share house living has a wide variety of styles that can suit your needs. In general, your private room in a share house will be smaller than most apartments. But it will be cozy, and the communal rooms more than make up the space difference!

Events/ Activities

Share houses can provide you with organized events and activities. There are many cultural events that are hosted by share house companies. For example, Oakhouse has an annual sports day festival where houses compete for trophies. They have a summer camp event at a river for all of their houses.

There are also organized fitness challenges where residents can get rent discounts for weight loss. If organized events aren’t your thing, residents can also host small get-togethers in lounges or share a meal with friends.

Diversify your group of friends!

You can improve your Japanese or learn a new language while living in a share house. There are many people from different countries who live in share houses, but the majority of their residents are Japanese. So why not take up the opportunity to befriend some interesting people. Share house living can give you many opportunities to make long-lasting friendships.

As adults, we are indoctrinated into believing that living on our own as a sign of accomplishment and maturity, but in a way that has limited us from much-needed social interaction.

I suggest that upon entering Japan, try living in a share house. It will get you acclimated into Japanese culture and give you an opportunity to make friends and keep friends when you decide to move out on your own.

Many ALTs enjoy share house living too! What’s an ALT? Well you can read all about it here, and here’s how you can experience Japan for yourself!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: jarmoluk on Pixabay

Additional photos provided by Terita Lewin.