Finding a Sharehouse in Tokyo Guide

Sharehouses in Tokyo have been booming because they provide budget accommodation, for little upfront cost, in an expensive city. Living in a sharehouse in Tokyo is also a great way to make both local and foreign friends in Japan.
On the low end, expect to pay about 40,000 yen ($370 USD) per month, for a bed in a dorm room in Tokyo. For this price you’ll be sharing a room with 3 or more people, possibly in a loft bed or bunk bed situation.
There is no upper threshold for how much you will pay for a room in a sharehouse, but for 200,000 yen ($1,850 USD) you can rent an apartment for a month, so a room in a sharehouse should be less than this.
On average, expect to pay 60,000-90,000 yen ($555-$833 USD) to rent a single room when finding a sharehouse in Tokyo.
Utilities
Not all sharehouses in Tokyo come with furniture. For short-term stays in Tokyo, it’s best to find a room that already has a bed, closet, desk, and lights. For long-term stays, you can choose whether you want to furnish your own room or not.
Taking a trip to IKEA then having a load of furniture delivered (because you can’t take a bed and closet on the train) could cost an extra 50,000-70,000 yen upfront ($463-$648 USD).
Some sharehouses in Tokyo provide tenants with big fridges and pantry space to store their food. Others that don’t have this space, may mean you will have to buy your own mini-fridge, rice cooker, and water boiler to keep in your room.
Some Tokyo Sharehouse companies offer part-time jobs to their tenants.
Some sharehouses in Tokyo may have construction projects that their tenants can get paid to help out with as well, and others have discounts for foreigners who can speak more than one language.
This list is based on my opinion, from having lived in Tokyo for six months. This is not a definitive list, and it’s best to check out the feel of each neighborhood before you commit to a share house in Tokyo.
Sharehouses in Tokyo have a lot of variance in terms of size, atmosphere, and facilities available to their tenants. When finding a sharehouse in Tokyo, keep in mind what is important to you.
Ask yourself if you would be happier in a social environment, or if you need a large kitchen our outdoor space. Is it more important for you to have a large room for yourself to spend time in, or do you want a larger living room? Are you in Tokyo wanting to make friends with other expats and locals?
Check these Tokyo sharehouse characteristics before selecting your new home:
Think about what you MUST have in your room to live a comfortable life in a sharehouse in Tokyo. When finding a sharehouse in Tokyo, check out these room characteristics:
Different Tokyo sharehouse companies have different rules for their tenants in their properties. These are important to keep in mind before signing your contract, because it can restrict your flexibility while living in Tokyo.
I went to watch sumo in Tokyo together with my sharehouse friends
Check these websites to find a sharehouse in Tokyo for you. Get in contact with the companies (everyone will be able to write back in English) to get the ball rolling on your new life in Tokyo!