What is the share house situation in Kyoto?
Share houses have become increasingly popular in Kyoto in recent years, attracting a diverse range of tenants, including students, young workers, foreign tourists, and international students. There is a wide variety of options available, mainly in Kyoto City, including properties with a focus on design and concept, properties renovated from Kyoto townhouses, and properties aimed at international exchange.
Share houses have lower initial costs than traditional rentals, and the abundance of common areas and the ability to form a community are also appealing. For those who want to keep housing costs down while valuing connections with others, a share house in Kyoto is an ideal choice.
Here we will explain the situation regarding shared houses in Kyoto.
What is a share house? How is it different from living alone?
A share house is a style of housing where multiple residents share one home. Basically, each person has their own private room, and they share common spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
The big differences from living alone are that living costs such as rent and utility bills are lower, and there are more opportunities to interact with other residents.
Many share houses in Kyoto are community-oriented, and you can come into contact with new values by interacting with locals and foreigners on a daily basis. This is a recommended way to live for those who want to enjoy interacting with others and those who want to keep costs down.
Reasons for Kyoto's popularity: A balance of culture, lifestyle and cost
The reason why Kyoto share houses are so popular is because of the good balance between cultural charm, ease of living, and rent costs. Living surrounded by historic streets and temples and shrines gives you a sense of calm and richness that is unique to Kyoto.
There are also many universities and vocational schools, making Kyoto an attractive place for students as it has good access and infrastructure. In addition, rent is cheaper than in Tokyo or Osaka, and a share house can help you keep costs down even further. These multiple factors are the reasons why people choose to live in a share house in Kyoto.
User attributes and trends (students, working adults, foreigners, etc.)
The demographic of people living in share houses in Kyoto is extremely diverse, with the majority being university students, vocational school students, young working people, as well as international students and foreigners on working holidays. They are especially popular with students from Kyoto University, Doshisha University, Ritsumeikan University, and other universities, and properties with good access to their schools tend to fill up quickly.
In addition, there are many properties aimed at international exchange, and they are chosen by Japanese people who want to experience English and different cultures. Although most of the residents are young people in their 20s and 30s, in recent years the number of residents in their 40s and above has been increasing, and it is attracting attention as a place where multiple generations can interact.
Introducing recommended share houses in Kyoto by area
There are many shared houses in Kyoto City, and each area has different characteristics and popularity.
For example, it is important to choose an area that suits your purpose, such as Sakyo Ward, which is popular among students, Nakagyo Ward or Shimogyo Ward, which are extremely convenient, or Kita Ward or Nishikyo Ward, which have a calm environment. In addition, there are an increasing number of areas with a strong international flavor, and share houses where you can interact with foreigners are also attracting attention.
In this chapter, we will introduce recommended share house areas in Kyoto by their characteristics and support your search for a property. We also provide useful information for those living alone for the first time, international students, and young working adults.
Sakyo Ward | A popular area for students
Sakyo Ward is an educational area with Kyoto University and other art and international universities, and has many share houses for students. The area is also well-developed with Eizan Electric Railway and city buses, making it a convenient location for commuting to school.
Areas such as Hyakumanben and Ichijoji are particularly popular with students living alone, and are attractive because they are easy to live in, with plenty of restaurants, bookstores, and supermarkets. Furthermore, many of the share houses have low rents, and many properties do not require a deposit or key money. For students who value an academic atmosphere but also want to consider costs, Sakyo Ward is an ideal share house area.
Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward | Central location with excellent convenience
Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward, located in the center of Kyoto, are popular areas for working adults and students who value convenience for commuting to work or school. Major subway, Hankyu, and JR stations are located in the area, and there are plenty of share house properties in the Karasuma, Shijo, and Kyoto Station areas.
The area has a good infrastructure, with cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets, and hospitals all within walking distance. The number of newly built, well-designed shared houses and luxury properties with well-equipped shared facilities is on the rise. This is the perfect area for those who want a smart urban lifestyle.
Kita-ku and Nishikyo-ku | Quiet residential area
If you are looking for a quiet life surrounded by nature, we recommend Kita-ku and Nishikyo-ku. Kita-ku is home to Doshisha University and Bukkyo University, and is dotted with relaxing student share houses. Nishikyo-ku is close to tourist spots such as Arashiyama, and the appeal is that you can live while feeling the four seasons.
In both areas, the average rent is lower than in the center, and you can find spacious private rooms and detached share houses with gardens. These are perfect living environments for those who want to live freely in a quiet environment and who value harmony with nature.
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Share house facilities and features
Share houses are characterized by their comprehensive facilities that combine ease of living with convenience.
The common areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and lounge, are designed to be spacious and comfortable, and are designed to naturally encourage interaction between residents. In recent years, the number of properties equipped with workspaces and high-speed Wi-Fi that support remote work has increased, making them popular with students and freelancers. In addition, many properties have a well-established management system and cleanliness frequency for the common areas, providing a safe and secure living environment.
Living in a shared house is highly recommended for those who want to keep costs down while still enjoying great facilities.
Quality of shared areas (kitchen, bathroom, lounge, etc.)
Many shared houses come with well-equipped shared spaces such as kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms.
The spacious kitchen is equipped with multiple stoves and cooking utensils, making it comfortable for those who like to cook their own meals. The lounge and dining spaces encourage interaction between residents, creating a natural community. Many properties also have multiple bathrooms and washrooms, allowing you to live comfortably while avoiding crowds.
In particular, properties with a sophisticated design and renovated townhouses are popular because they offer a Japanese atmosphere that is typical of Kyoto.
The number of properties with workspaces and Wi-Fi is on the rise
With remote work and online classes now commonplace, the number of share houses with workspaces and Wi-Fi is on the rise in Kyoto. Some properties also have coworking spaces, allowing you to concentrate on your work from home. Many properties also focus on communication speed and line stability, and can also handle web conferences and video streaming. These properties are a great advantage for freelancers and students.
Additionally, designs that consider the balance between work and life, such as individual rooms with private desks and soundproofing, are also attracting attention.
What is the cleaning and management system like?
Many shared houses in Kyoto have strict cleaning standards for the common areas and a solid management system for the entire building, providing a clean and safe living environment.
Dedicated staff clean the shared spaces such as the lounge, toilets, and bathrooms several times a week, so they are always kept clean. In addition, rules for garbage disposal and living etiquette are clearly defined, reducing the risk of trouble. In many cases, the management company regularly inspects and responds to residents, so they will respond quickly if any trouble occurs.
Kyoto's share houses are also a safe option for those who place importance on hygiene and safety.
Tips for choosing your first share house
When considering living in a shared house, it is important to check not only the area and facilities, but also the average rent, contract type, and other points to bear in mind when living in a shared house.
Especially for those choosing a share house for the first time, it is important to understand the differences between a normal one-room rental and the rules associated with communal living. Also, do not judge based on the initial cost alone, but also check whether the place is easy to live in for the long term and has a system in place to prevent problems.
Here, we will explain in detail the points you should keep in mind to choose a share house that you will not regret.
Rent market price and cost comparison (studio vs. shared)
Shared houses in Kyoto City are characterised by significantly lower total costs, including rent and utility fees, compared to a typical one-room apartment rental.
For example, while the average rent for a one-room apartment is around 60,000 to 80,000 yen per month, a share house can be rented for 30,000 to 50,000 yen per month, and in some cases utilities and Wi-Fi are included. In addition, since many properties come equipped with furniture and appliances, you can save a lot on initial costs.
It is an economically advantageous option especially for short-term stays, students, and young workers. It is ideal for those who value cost performance.
Items to check regarding contract type and initial costs
In share houses, the contract type is often different from a regular rental contract, with short-term contracts and fixed-term leases being the norm. Unlike regular rental contracts, there are many cases where a deposit or key money is not required, and there are also properties where you can move in without a guarantor or with just a deposit.
However, there are cases where cleaning fees and penalty fees may be charged separately when you move out, so be sure to check the terms before signing the contract. Also, checking whether utility fees are a fixed amount or actual cost, and the rules when moving out will help you avoid any trouble.
Checklist to avoid trouble
Since you will be living with multiple residents in a shared house, it is important to know the key points to avoid trouble before moving in.
Let me give you a few examples.
- First, check whether there are any house rules (such as cleaning duties, taking out the trash, volume limits, etc.).
- You should also check the distance between residents and the management company's response system.
- By checking past user reviews and comments, you can get an idea of how comfortable the property will be to live there and whether there will be any problems in advance.
- When viewing the property, be sure to check the cleanliness of the common areas and the atmosphere of the residents.
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Recommended share house properties in Kyoto
There are many share houses in Kyoto City that cater to the diverse needs of students, working adults, foreigners, and others. Here we have picked out some particularly recommended properties. We will introduce them one by one.
Eight Nest Kyoto Jingu Marutamachi
" Eight Nest Kyoto Jingu Marutamachi " is a 15-room share house located in the Imperial Palace East area along the Kamo River. It was fully renovated in 2021 and is equipped with a shared co-working space on the first floor. The rooftop terrace offers a panoramic view of Kyoto city, and in the summer you can also watch the Daimonji bonfire. The top floor is a women-only floor, so you can live there with peace of mind.
It is easily accessible, just an 8-minute walk from Keihan Jingu-Marutamachi Station, and is convenient for commuting to Kyoto University and Doshisha University.
SHARE HOUSE 180° Kinkakuji
" SHARE HOUSE 180° Kinkakuji " is a homely shared house with 7 rooms located in Kita-ku, Kyoto City.
It is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the Kyoto City Bus "Senbon Kuramaguchi" stop, and has smooth access to Kyoto Station. It is also conveniently located for commuting to Ritsumeikan University and Doshisha University, making it popular with students. The small class size makes it easy for residents to interact with each other, and the warm atmosphere where "welcome home" and "I'm home" are exchanged naturally is appealing.
The Maison Kyoto Tofukuji
" The Maison Kyoto Tofukuji " is a large shared house with 50 rooms and ample common areas. The living room has a counter bar and a large meeting table, and it also has a music room and fitness room. It is perfect for those who want to enrich their time for teleworking or hobbies.
There are also guest rooms available for visitors, so you can feel at ease when your family or friends visit. It is about a 16-minute walk from JR and Keihan Tofukuji Station, and has good access to Kyoto Station and Shijo.
Shared Flat Minami Aoi
" Share Flat Minami Aoi " is a share house exclusively for female students located in Ichijoji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is conveniently located for commuting to school, just a 3-minute walk from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Electric Railway, and there are plenty of supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants in the surrounding area.
The internet is available free of charge in the room, and there are security cameras and a delivery box, so you can live safely. The location is also convenient for commuting to Kyoto University of Art and Design.
The Earth Kyoto Imadegawa
" Gears Kyoto Imadegawa " is a shared house located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, and was fully renovated in 2020. It is about a 12-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, and there are supermarkets, gyms, and restaurants near the property.
Shared facilities include a living room, kitchen, shower room, washing machine, dryer, delivery box, auto-lock entrance, garden, etc., allowing you to live comfortably.
Oakhouse Kyoto Kawaramachi
Oakhouse Kyoto Kawaramachi is a share house located in the Imperial Palace South area of Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is easily accessible, just a 3-minute walk from Kyoto City Hall Station on the subway, and Shijo Kawaramachi and Shijo Karasuma are also within walking distance. There are supermarkets, restaurants renovated from Kyoto townhouses, and public baths in the surrounding area, making it a great place to live.
This environment allows you to enjoy international exchange with housemates from various countries, and is recommended for those who want to enrich their new life in Kyoto.
summary
Share houses in Kyoto are an attractive way to live that combines culture and convenience. From the student area of Sakyo Ward to the central Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward, and the nature-rich Kita Ward and Nishikyo Ward, there are distinctive properties in each area. With a full range of common areas, Wi-Fi, and cleaning systems, you can live safely while keeping your living costs down.
As long as you understand the basic points such as rent and contract type, you can start without any worries even if it's your first time. Use this article as a reference to find the Kyoto share house that's perfect for you.
