Are you still dreaming about coliving in Japan but have no clue where to start? Fret no more.
Our most epic and comprehensive guide to coliving in Japan is here presented to you as a delicious salmon sashimi.
Japan is famous for so many things:
- Mount Fuji
- Cherry Blossoms
- Samurai
- Sumo Wrestling
- Anime and Manga
- Sushi and Sashimi
- Cleanliness
- Bullet Trains
- Vending Machines
The list is never-ending. That is how amazing and innovative the Japanese environment is.
Has it made you even more excited to become a Digital Nomad in Japan? I certainly hope so.
7 Coliving Spaces In Japan You Can’t Miss!
- Coliving.com
- Kamikatsura
- Taito City
- Shiga
- Wakimachi
- Nagasaki
- Hatagaya
- Nakayabu
- Hmlet
- ADDress
- Anyplace
- Oakhouse
- Borderless House
- Sakura House
DISCLOSURE:
Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks
14 Co Living Spaces In Japan
Now that you know what coliving is and why you should become a Japan Digital Nomad, you must be excited to see possible coliving options.
I have prepared an extensive list of the best coliving spaces in Japan.
1.Coliving.Com
Coliving.com is the go-to global platform for coliving spaces. A quick search on their website shows a huge number of coliving locations all over Japan which will be shared below.
Their platform is easy to use and informative. Luckily for you, Coliving.com has strict rules in place to vet their locations with over 20,000 happy coliving residents.
If you are living in Japan via Coliving.com:
- You may get a 2.5% discount of your first month’s rental fees if you book using my referral link for individual listings.
- You can be sure that you will have a pleasant and safe experience.
- You can read verified testimonials of past and current Coliving.com members.
Residents: They can have from 4 to 25 residents in an apartment.
WiFi: High-speed internet
Benefits: Some of their rooms even come with an open-air balcony.
Features:
- Air Conditioner
- Fully Furnished
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Kitchen Utensils
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Smoke Detector
- Fully stocked toiletries
- Toilet Paper
- Towels
- Linen
- Workspace
- Bikes
- Lock Box
- Weekly Cleaning Service
Here are the most popular cheap rooms for rent in Japan on Coliving.com:
2) Kamikatsura
Features: Kamikatsura is a traditional house in Kyoto. It has 6 bedrooms and can house 6 residents.
Price: Single room: ¥64,875 or $581.35 / month.
Benefits: Receive a 2.5% discount for your first month’s rental if you use my link to book this room.
3) Taito City
Features: Taito City has 1 huge mixed-gender room that can house 14 residents. Their coworking space is on the rooftop, which is suitable for people who like sitting outdoors.
Please do not be immediately turned off by the number of residents who need to share a room. Do go through the pictures and see if it is your cup of tea.
Price: Per Pax: ¥99,300 or $890 / month.
Benefits: Receive a 2.5% discount for your first month’s rental if you use my link to book this room.
4) Shiga
Features: Shiga is a renovated traditional Japanese house in Hiramatsukita Konan. It has 6 different single rooms and can house 6 residents.
Each room is quite spacious as you can see from the image above.
Price: Single room: ¥50,180 or $450 / month.
Benefits: Receive a 2.5% discount for your first month’s rental if you use my link to book this room.
5) Wakimachi
Features: Wakimachi is a traditionally styled house that has a Manga Room and a Bar. It has 1 double bedroom and 2 single bedrooms.
Price: Single room: ¥33,500 or $300 / month.
Double room: ¥22,375 or $200 / month.
Benefits: Receive a 2.5% discount for your first month’s rental if you use my link to book this room.
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- An Epic Guide To Coliving In Taipei
- The Ultimate Guide To Coliving In Bangalore
- Teach English Online to Japanese: The Ultimate Guide
6) Nagasaki
Features: Nagasaki is a modern-styled complex. If you go through the pictures, you will be amazed at the incredible facilities. This location was made for the ultimate Digital Nomad.
This complex can house 16 residents who will be split within 4 mixed-gender rooms.
Price: Quad room: ¥83,015 or $745 / month.
Benefits: Receive a 2.5% discount for your first month’s rental if you use my link to book this room.
7) Hatagaya
Features: Hatagaya is a spacious urban house in Central Tokyo Shibuya. It has 10 single bedrooms and each room has its own private bathroom.
Price: Single room: ¥222,828 or $1997 / month.
Benefits: Receive a 2.5% discount for your first month’s rental if you use my link to book this room.
8) Nakayabu
Features: Nakayabu is a unique modern apartment. The residents are deeply connected with the local townsfolk.
They pride themselves on their ability to introduce new residents to local activities or part-time jobs.
They have 2 single bedrooms and 2 single-gender double bedrooms.
Price: Single room: ¥35,438 or $318 / month.
Double room: ¥20,257 or $182 / month.
Benefits: Receive a 2.5% discount for your first month’s rental if you use my link to book this room.
9) Hmlet
Hmlet offers coliving options in Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong. It was created with the vision of being an affordable and hassle-free coliving experience for all.
Residents: They have a variety of rooms and apartments. However, as these are co living Tokyo options, you can expect it to cost higher than locations listed in other parts of Japan.
Price: Their rooms range from $816 to $2910 / month or ¥90,031 to ¥323,055 / month.
WiFi: High-speed internet
Benefits: Most of their locations are within walking distance from the MRT stations.
Features:
- Air Conditioner
- Fully Furnished
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Toilet Paper
- Workspace
- Lock Box
- Weekly Cleaning Service
- Coworking Space
10) ADDress
ADDress is another unique take on coliving. You have to register as a member before you can live there. This membership fee includes your living expenses. You can browse through the housing options they have and decide if there is something that interests you before signing up as a member.
There will be no additional coliving charges once you have selected a house. Their homes are all located in the suburbs of cities.
Residents: Every room is a private bedroom.
Price: Monthly Membership Fee of ¥44,600 or $400 / month.
WiFi: High-speed internet
Benefits: Each private bedroom comes equipped with a double bed or queen-sized bed. Most of ADDress homes are located at most, a 15-minute walk away from the MRT station.
Features:
- Air Conditioner
- Fully Furnished
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Toilet Paper
- Workspace
- Lock Box
- Weekly Cleaning Service
11) Anyplace
Anyplace is another coliving and shared housing search portal A quick look through their database shows that there is a healthy variety of shared spaces for your review.
Miyabi Guesthouse is a coliving home located in central Kyoto. It is a walking distance from the Metro station. Their rooms are different as it is a twin room with your own private bath. This provides you with more privacy.
Residents: 2 residents sharing a twin room with a private bathroom.
Price: Twin Room: $57 or ¥6351.
WiFi: High-speed internet
Features:
- Air Conditioner
- Fully Furnished
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Toilet Paper
- Workspace
- Heating
12) Oakhouse
Oakhouse is a shared house living portal that is based in Japan. Their locations are spread out across Japan. Their portal is unique because each of their homes have different themes in terms of how they pick residents.
Themes are varied such as interest in sports, gardening, technology, teaching and more.
This means if you are an avid sports fan and those are the kind of people you want to live with, living at Oakhouse will be a fun way to meet new friends.
Residents: Their apartments can house from 2 to 10 people each depending on your housing choice.
Price: Single Room: $540 to $830 / month or ¥60,000 to ¥92,000 / month
Twin Room: $300 to $500 / month or ¥33,250 to ¥55,420 / month
WiFi: High-speed internet
Features:
- Air Conditioner
- Fully Furnished
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Toilet Paper
- Workspace
- Heating
- Bicycle Parking
- Theatre Room
- Weekly Cleaning Service
13) Borderless House
Borderless House is a share house search portal for shared homes in Japan.
Borderless House really prides themselves on being a multicultural melting pot where foreigners and the local Japanese can interact freely with each other.
They have over 10,000 residents living in their homes.
Residents: The number of residents per house varies from 4 to 30. However, there is a policy in place whereby there are always 50% of Japanese residents in each home and the other half is a healthy mix of foreigners.
This is done to promote intermingling of cultures.
Price: Single Room: $360 to $850 / month or ¥40,000 to ¥92,000 / month
WiFi: High-speed internet
Features:
- Air Conditioner
- Fully Furnished
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Toilet Paper
- Workspace
- Heating
- Weekly Cleaning Service
14) Sakura House
Sakura House has been around since 1992. They have a commitment to provide all their residents with a fulfilling experience by building positive relationships with their fellow housemates.
You can embark on online tours of your preferred property from their website.
Residents: The number of residents per house varies from 2 to 10.
Price: Single Room: $500 to $860 / month or ¥55,000 to ¥95,000 / month
WiFi: High-speed internet
Features:
- Air Conditioner
- Fully Furnished
- Microwave
- Washing Machine
- Dryer
- Toilet Paper
- Workspace
- Heating
- Bicycle Parking
- Working Space
- Weekly Cleaning Service
What Is Coliving?
Coliving is a way of living within a community of like-minded people. Depending on your housing choice, you will be able to stay in a private or shared bedroom.
The other areas of the house will be shared. These include; kitchen, bathroom, working space and other recreational areas.
Coliving means that you just pay a fixed price that covers all your living expenses. This includes utilities and WiFi.
You may think that this is just like a standard arrangement of having your housemates and covering rent for your apartment.
Here is how it is different:
- You need not worry about paying rent for the full apartment. You just have to pay your coliving fees.
- You will become part of a coliving community with whom you are likely to share a lot of similarities.
- You can build a huge business network with your coliving community and exchange business ideas.
Coliving Japan, Why Try It?
Japan is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. A large number of people wish to relocate to Japan for various reasons:
- Japanese life expectancy rates are one of the highest in the world due to their extremely healthy diet.
- It is one of the safest countries in the world due to its low crime rate.
- Japan has a healthy mix of nature, culture, gardens, thrills and a modern metropolis.
- Japan has one of the best public transport systems in the world.
- You can enjoy a variety of holiday itineraries within Japan. Check out the best inspirations on travelling within Japan.
- There are numerous job opportunities in Japan. They especially welcome foreigners to come in to teach English. This is something you can consider to immerse yourself in the rich Japanese culture while teaching a bit about where you come from.
As you can see, Japan is not just a great country. It is consistently ranked as one of the best in several categories.
Things You Should Know – Coliving Japan
Before you start your Japan Coliving Adventure, there are certain rules and etiquettes for you to be aware of.
1) Be Friendly
When you colive, it means you join a coliving community.
This comprises individuals with shared interests as you. To enhance this community-bonding experience, you are encouraged to be friendly with each other.
If everybody chose to mind their own business, the main purpose of coliving will vanish. As a digital nomad living in a new environment, you will feel a sense of loneliness.
Coliving will be your family away from home if you open yourself up to get to know your fellow residents.
2) Cleanliness Is A Must
Coliving means that you will share communal spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, halls, coworking spaces and more.
You are expected to practise good personal hygiene and always keep your area clean. This is always shared as an important rule for coliving.
In Japan, the practice of cleanliness is deeply ingrained in their culture.
Did you know that Japanese football fans cleaned up the stadium at the 2018 World Cup after their country’s matches?
Be prepared for stink eyes and disapproving looks if you are messy.
3) Seek Permission Before Inviting Guests
Your fellow housemates may be comfortable with you but that does not apply to any visitors that you invite.
Please do seek permission from your housemates before inviting guests. It is a polite thing to do as the shared area is their home too.
4) Have Meetings In Designated Working Areas
Please utilise the appropriate facilities when you are having online or face to face meetings. If there are rooms designed for silent working, please do not disrupt the tranquillity of that room.
Instead, look for a designated meeting room or call-room that allows you to have these discussions freely.
5) Silent Time Is Between 10 pm To 9 am.
Different people may sleep at different hours. However, the universally accepted time to bring noise levels down is from 10 pm onwards.
Hence please be mindful of the sounds you make and keep things quiet then.
6) Study Your Home Rules Carefully
What was shared above are commonly practised coliving rules. You also need to pay attention to the House Rules that are specifically prepared for the home you are coliving in.
Different locations may have different rules such as designated cooking times, policies for inviting visitors, allocated smoking areas and more.
Do take note of that, as they would differ between homes.
What Are The Pros And Cons of Coliving?
Pros:
- Affordable
This is the main advantage of coliving. It is a luxurious form of housing at a much more affordable rate. It is cheaper than most rental options as the fixed coliving fees include everything from WiFi, furniture and utilities.
- Flexible Arrangements
This is another huge advantage of coliving. You need not stay for long periods. Most coliving locations will allow you to stay for short-term periods such as 1 month.
As a Digital Nomad who is happily exploring different locations globally, coliving is extremely convenient for you.
Even better is the fact that you only need to be concerned about your coliving fees.
Whether you stay with 5 or 15 residents, you need not wonder if they have paid their fees or worry about getting kicked out. As long as you settle your dues, you are safe.
- Being Part Of A Coliving Community
Before you are allowed to stay in any coliving location, you will undergo an interview assessment. This is done to assess if you will be able to get along with the existing residents.
As such, you can rest assured that there is a high chance that you will fit right in with the people you live with. You do not want to let yourself feel too lonely, otherwise, you may suffer from the epidemic of loneliness.
- Low-Maintenance
Coliving is an easy option for people who cannot be bothered to deal with decorating their home or buying furniture.
Some people just like the fuss-free ability to pack up, find a new place and settle in comfortably. Your coliving fees will include all this.
Cons:
- Shared Common Areas
Your sleeping area is private. However, you will share common areas such as the kitchen, coworking space, bathrooms and halls.
You will not be able to demand any privacy in these shared areas when you are coliving.
- More Expensive Than Hostels
If you are more budget-conscious and have been living in hostels during your travels, you will find that coliving is more expensive for you.
However, hostels do not provide the type of amenities that comes with coliving.
- Living With Complete Strangers
As much as possible, your coliving hosts will attempt to pair you with residents who share similar interests with you.
But they are still strangers and you cannot control who will live in your apartment. This is something that you must get used to as part of coliving.
Coliving Japan – Cool Coworking Spaces For Digital Nomads
You may be living in a beautiful house, but now and then you may want to work in a different environment.
Please refer to the list below of the best Japan coworking spaces. You will get a chance to meet other Digital Nomads in Japan and maybe create a lasting friendship.
Happy browsing!
- Cahootz – ¥1,006 or $9 / day & ¥12,048 or $108 / month
- The Snack – ¥1,457 or $13.60 / day & ¥25,155 or $227 / month
- Shake Hands – ¥1,457 or $13.60 / day & ¥12,842 or $116 / month
- Osakan Space – ¥1,986 or $18 / day & ¥15,094 or $136 / month
- Hapon – ¥927 or $9 / day & ¥24,097 or $217 / month
- Hareza Ikebukuro – ¥64,478 or $580 / month
- Blink @ Roppongi – ¥40,381 or $362 / month
The standard amenities at these locations are:
- High-speed WiFi
- Water, Tea and Coffee
- Printing Services – chargeable
- Electrical Ports for Charging
- 24/7 Access
- Microwave
- Shower Facilities
- Meeting Room – chargeable
Unique Information About Japan
Every city has its own set of unique quirks that make it special, and living in Japan will be no different.
Please refer to some interesting information below that will prepare you for how is living Japan like.
- Learn Basic Japanese
It would be good if you learn some basic Japanese words and phrases. Most people speak English in Tokyo.
However, in other parts of the country, not everyone speaks English. It would be a good way to get to know the locals, especially if you are living in the countryside.
Learn some basic Japanese here.
- Have Cash
For all its technological prowess and modern facilities, you will find that cash is still heavily used in Japan.
Please carry the Japanese Yen on hand at all times. Otherwise, you can always withdraw money at 7/11 which is open 24/7.
- Trash Cans Are Not Commonly Found
Japan is extremely clean but you cannot find trash cans easily. Instead, they promote recycling heavily.
You are expected to sort your waste and carry them until you find a proper place to dispose of it.
- Japan Has High Tech Toilets
Have you been frightened of going to public toilets because of horror experiences in other countries?
Well, you can rest assured that your visit to a Japanese public toilet is as good as a spa session.
Their toilets have an assortment of functions such as bidets, seat warmers, sanitisers, sinks in each cubicle, automatic lids, and soothing music.
This is guaranteed to give you a comfortable time while you do your business.
- Tattoos Taboo
If you are covered in tattoos, you may want to cover it up a bit. Japan has a long history of taboo against tattoos.
Do not be surprised to see that certain facilities such as hot springs, public pools or massage parlours will prohibit people who have tattoos from entering.
- Always Wear Socks
There are many restaurants and establishments in Japan where you are expected to remove your shoes and wear in-house slippers instead.
Hence, wearing socks will be a good form of personal hygiene when you are outdoors.
- Tipping Is A No
Please do not tip or pay extra to waiters, drivers or anyone for that matter. It is considered rude and unacceptable.
Kindly pay the required amount for the service you receive.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks. This is your most comprehensive guide to coliving in Japan. Good luck planning your trip to Japan.
If you are concerned about the cost of living in Tokyo, you can always explore living in other parts of Japan and taking a day trip to visit Tokyo.
Sending you well wishes and happy travels.