What is the appeal of living in a share house in Kyoto?

Kyoto is an attractive city with a unique living environment where tradition and modernity blend together. Share houses in particular have been attracting attention as a way to live while keeping costs down and enjoying social interactions. A diverse range of people live here, including students, working adults, and foreigners, and there are plenty of options to suit each individual's lifestyle.

Even though they are surrounded by historic streets, there are properties with Wi-Fi and shared workspaces, making them ideal for teleworking and startups. Another benefit is that many properties come with furniture and appliances, which helps keep initial moving costs down. Share houses are an ideal choice for starting a new life in Kyoto.

Here, we will tell you about the appeal of living in a share house in Kyoto.

Characteristics of Kyoto, a city that is easy to live in

Kyoto is attractive for its balance of good transportation access and natural environment. The city has a well-developed subway and bus network, making it a convenient location for commuting to work or school.

In addition, areas surrounded by nature such as the Kamo River and Higashiyama allow for a quiet and relaxed lifestyle. There are many supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores, so you won't feel inconvenienced in your daily life. Furthermore, the community-based shopping districts are still thriving, and the warmth of everyday life is one of Kyoto's unique charms. In addition to the great living environment, there are also many cultural facilities, and holidays are also fulfilling.

Kyoto is popular with people of all ages as a "comfortable city to live in" where history and convenience coexist.

More affordable living costs than living alone

Living alone in Kyoto can be surprisingly expensive, but choosing a share house can help you cut costs significantly. Many properties come fully furnished, with appliances and Wi-Fi, so you can keep initial and monthly expenses low. In some cases, utility fees are included in the rent, making it easy to manage your budget.

Another advantage is that many properties do not require a deposit or key money, making it easier to move than regular rental properties. It is cheaper and more comfortable than living alone, so it is especially popular with students and young workers. For those who want to live in Kyoto with a focus on cost-effectiveness, a share house is a smart choice.

A vibrant international exchange environment unique to a tourist city

Kyoto is a world-famous tourist city, and many international students and working holiday makers live there. As a result, there are many share houses where you can enjoy international exchange, and the living environment is well-equipped to naturally come into contact with English. Another attraction of Kyoto's share houses is that intercultural communication becomes a part of your daily life, and you can have a valuable experience that broadens your horizons.

Many of the share houses also hold regular events and cooking classes, allowing you to deepen your connections with your fellow residents. Kyoto share houses are an ideal style of residence for those who want to improve their language skills or build global connections.

Kyoto share houses by property type

There are a wide variety of share houses in Kyoto, and the great thing about them is that you can choose one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Particularly popular are renovated properties that make use of traditional Kyoto townhouses, shared apartments with furniture and appliances that keep initial costs down, and collective houses that emphasize community. Each has its own personality and charm, and there are plenty of options for how to live. When choosing a share house, the key to finding a place that will give you high satisfaction is to pay attention not only to the facilities and rent, but also to the "property type" that suits your lifestyle.

Here we will explain the different types of share house properties.

A retro-modern property that makes the most of a Kyoto townhouse

A share house unique to Kyoto would be a "retro-modern property" that has been renovated from a Kyoto townhouse. While making the most of the historic wooden architecture, the interior is modern and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy both a good old atmosphere and a modern lifestyle. Spaces that retain the charm of traditional architecture, such as ceiling beams, lattice doors, and earthen floors, are popular as places where you can experience Kyoto culture firsthand.

In addition, many of these properties are located near tourist spots, allowing you to rediscover the charms of Kyoto while you live there. Another appealing feature is that it is easy to interact with the local community, making them a great choice for those who want to experience a Kyoto-style lifestyle.

Differences from collective housing and how to choose

A "collective house," which is similar to a share house, is not just about sharing a home, but is characterized by a lifestyle that emphasizes connections between residents and community activities. Meals and events are often held regularly in the common space, and the appeal is in the style in which residents cooperate with each other to create a life.

On the other hand, if you value privacy and distance, a shared house may be more suitable. The key to choosing is how much you want to interact with others, and whether you can live with people who have similar lifestyles and values. If you value interaction, a collective is recommended, and if you prefer balance, a shared house is recommended.

Recommended share houses in Kyoto selected by area

When looking for a share house in Kyoto, choosing the right area is very important. The living environment, property characteristics, and demographic of residents vary greatly from area to area.

For example, the Sakyo-ku/Hyakumanben area, where many students gather, provides an environment where students can actively socialize while concentrating on their studies. On the other hand, if you value good accessibility, the central areas of Nakagyo-ku and Shimogyo-ku are convenient. For those looking for a quieter lifestyle, the nature-rich Kita-ku and Nishikyo-ku are also recommended.

If you want to incorporate the charms of Kyoto into your daily life, you can enjoy a more satisfying share house life by choosing an area that suits your lifestyle and purpose.

This chapter introduces the characteristics of each area.

Popular with students! Sakyo Ward and Hyakumanben area

The Sakyo Ward/Hyakumanben area is home to educational institutions such as Kyoto University and Kyoto University of the Arts, making it a very popular area for students.

The rent for share houses in this area is relatively low, and the environment is well suited to student life. There are also plenty of cafes and inexpensive restaurants that are unique to student towns, making it an extremely comfortable place to live. Many properties come with furniture and appliances, so you can start living here right away. Another plus is that there are many tenants of the same age, so it's easy to naturally start interacting with others.

For students who want to balance their studies and private life, Hyakumanben in Sakyo Ward is an ideal shared house area.

Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward are easily accessible

Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward are located in the center of Kyoto, and are highly convenient areas where multiple transportation routes such as Hankyu, subway, and JR intersect. The area is popular with working adults and short-term visitors due to its convenient location for commuting to work or school. There are supermarkets, drugstores, cafes, and commercial facilities in the surrounding area, making it an ideal environment for a comfortable urban lifestyle.

Additionally, many of the share houses in this area are relatively new, and are characterized by their attention to design and security. For those who value the convenience that is unique to urban areas and who want to spend their time actively, share houses in Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward are ideal.

Properties in Kita-ku and Nishikyo-ku, where you can live quietly, are also attracting attention

Kita-ku and Nishikyo-ku are relatively quiet residential areas within Kyoto City, and are recommended for those looking for a quiet life surrounded by nature.

Kita-ku in particular has areas close to tourist sites such as Kinkakuji Temple and the Takagamine area, yet has a very peaceful living environment. Nishikyo-ku is also close to Arashiyama, and is attractive for its lush locations. Share houses in these areas tend to have spacious floor plans and large shared spaces, making them suitable for long-term living.

For those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle and live at their own pace, or for those who prioritize remote work or creative activities, properties in Kita-ku and Nishikyo-ku are perfect.

Popular share houses in Kyoto

There are many attractive share houses in Kyoto, and you can choose one that suits your lifestyle and values. Particularly popular are share houses with a variety of unique personalities, such as properties with active international exchange, properties that make use of traditional Kyoto townhouses, properties close to stations and with excellent design. They are supported by a wide range of people, from students, working adults, and foreigners, and each property has its own unique appeal.

Here we will introduce 5 highly recommended share houses in Kyoto City.

Borderless House Kyoto Kinugasa

" Borderless House Kyoto Kinugasa " is a shared house with an international exchange theme that can accommodate 26 people, with a ratio of foreigners to Japanese residents set at almost 1:1. Since you can live in an English-speaking environment, it is ideal for those who want to naturally improve their language skills and experience different cultures. This is a mixed-gender property.

With Ritsumeikan University and Kinkakuji Temple in the vicinity, you can enjoy a relaxed living environment and a cultural atmosphere at the same time. Events are held regularly within the house, and one of the great attractions is that it helps to deepen the connections between residents. This is a property that is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy an international lifestyle.

Eight Nest Kyoto Shijo Karasuma

EIGHT NEST Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is located just a 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, making it the perfect property for those who value convenience in the heart of Kyoto. Not only is it convenient for commuting to work or school, but there are also many shopping malls and restaurants nearby, allowing you to enjoy urban living.

The interior of the property is simple and sophisticated, and the shared spaces are clean and well-designed. The private rooms are equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay, and privacy is also ensured. This is a popular property where you can live with peace of mind even if it is your first time living in a share house.

Kyoto danran Tofukuji Temple

Kyodanran Tofukuji is a share house renovated from a Kyoto-style townhouse, and features a retro atmosphere with the warmth of wood. The space makes use of traditional architecture while incorporating modern comforts, providing a unique lifestyle unlike any other. It is located just a 5-minute walk from Tofukuji Station, and has good access to tourist spots.

There are many foreign tourists and residents in the arts industry, so you can enjoy a culturally stimulating daily life. Located in a quiet residential area, this is the perfect place for those looking for a peaceful lifestyle.

Connect Nishijin

Connect Nishijin is located in the Nishijin area, where Kyoto's traditional textile culture lives on, and is a share house that values ​​connections with the local community. Based on a traditional townhouse, the share house has a calm atmosphere, but the common areas are spacious and designed to encourage interaction between residents. Rent is around 49,000 to 52,000 yen. There is a women-only floor and solid security measures, so you can live there with peace of mind.

There are also many opportunities to participate in local events, allowing you to experience Kyoto's local culture first-hand. Recommended for those who want to enjoy connecting with people in a quiet environment.

Sharely Kyoto Sanjo

" Sharely Kyoto Sanjo " is a convenient women-only share house located in the central area of ​​Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. The location is convenient for commuting to work or school, as well as weekend outings, with access to three lines: Hankyu, Keihan, and the subway. There are many foreign residents, and multicultural exchange is common on a daily basis. The shared spaces are open and lively, with events and dinner parties being held frequently. Rent is around 52,000 to 54,000 yen. It is a 4-minute walk from Kawaramachi in Kyoto, a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station, and a 45-minute walk from Umeda in Osaka, all without transfers.

This property is perfect for working adults who want to balance their work and private lives, or those interested in international exchange.

Important points to know before moving in and Q&A

Before moving into a share house in Kyoto, it is very important to check the contract terms, initial costs, and living rules in advance. Because share houses are communal living, there are many differences from regular rental properties, and understanding the rules and manners is the key to living comfortably. There are also many questions about the attributes of tenants and living expenses, so gathering information in advance will help prevent problems.

Here we will introduce some frequently asked questions and points to note before moving in, organized by category. Be sure to read through them to ensure you choose a property you won't regret.

How much is the contract and initial costs?

The initial costs of a shared house are often more reasonable than regular rent, and it is common for properties to not require a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee.

The initial costs mainly consist of a move-in deposit (around 10,000 to 30,000 yen), administrative fees, one month's rent, maintenance fees, etc. In some cases, you can move in for a total of around 50,000 to 100,000 yen, allowing you to start your new life at a low cost.

In addition, you can often choose to stay for a short period of time, such as one month or three months. Be sure to check the details of the fees and refund conditions in advance, and contact the operating company if you have any questions.

Manners and rules to avoid trouble

In a share house, you share your living space with multiple other residents, so it's important to follow basic manners and rules in order to maintain a comfortable life.

The three most common problems are:

• Noise issues
• Cleaning Rules
• Taking out the trash

Basic manners are expected, such as always cleaning up common areas after use, being considerate of noise levels late at night, and following trash sorting rules.

In addition, there are often "house rules" set by the management company, so it's a good idea to check the details in advance. Compromise and communication are also important points for building smooth human relationships.

Frequently asked questions (resident composition, utility costs, internet, etc.)

One of the most common questions before moving in is about the residents and the breakdown of living expenses. Most share houses are mainly for students and working adults in their 20s and 30s, and there are quite a few properties with foreign residents as well. Utility fees and internet usage fees are often included in the common area fee, making them easy to manage as they are fixed monthly fees.

In addition, Wi-Fi is installed on a shared basis, and in most cases you can use it immediately after moving in. It's also a good idea to check other points on the management company's website or when viewing the property, such as "Are the washing machines and kitchens shared?" and "Are there time limits for using the shower?"

summary

Living in a share house in Kyoto is not only cost-effective, but is also an ideal way to live for those who value connections with people and cultural experiences. There are many different characteristics depending on the property type and area, so finding a property that suits your lifestyle and values ​​will lead to a satisfying life.

If you are a first-timer, it is important to check the costs, contract terms, and living rules in advance. Whether you want to enjoy international exchange, live a quiet life, or live in a convenient city center, Kyoto has the perfect option for you. Use this article as a reference to find the share house that's best for you and start your fulfilling life in Kyoto.

Search for properties here