What's the situation like with shared housing in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, shared housing has become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting a diverse range of residents, including students, young professionals, foreign tourists, and international students. A wide variety of options are available, primarily within Kyoto city, including properties with unique designs and concepts, renovated traditional Kyoto townhouses, and properties designed for international exchange.
Share houses offer lower registration fee compared to traditional rentals, and their well-equipped common areas and community-building opportunities are also attractive. For those who want to keep housing costs down while valuing human connections, a share house in Kyoto is an ideal option.
This section will explain the situation regarding shared housing 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 a single house. Generally, each resident has their own private room, while they share common spaces such as the Living room, kitchen, and Bathroom.
The biggest differences from living alone are that living costs such as rent and utilities are lower, and there are more opportunities to interact with other residents.
Many share houses in Kyoto prioritize community, allowing you to interact with locals and foreigners on a daily basis and encounter new perspectives. This type of housing is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy socializing and those who want to live on a budget.
Reasons for Kyoto's popularity: A balance of culture, lifestyle, and cost.
The reason why shared housing in Kyoto is gaining popularity is the good balance between its cultural appeal, ease of living, and affordable rent. Living surrounded by historic streets and temples and shrines allows you to experience the tranquility and richness unique to Kyoto.
Furthermore, the presence of numerous universities and vocational schools makes Kyoto attractive to students due to its convenient access and well-developed infrastructure. In addition, rent is more affordable compared to Tokyo and Osaka, and costs can be further reduced by living in a shared house. These combined factors are reasons why people choose to live in a shared house in Kyoto.
User demographics and trends (students, working adults, foreigners, etc.)
The residents of Kyoto's share houses are very diverse, mainly consisting of university and vocational school students, young working professionals, and international students and working holiday participants. They are particularly popular with students from Kyoto University, Doshisha University, and Ritsumeikan University, and properties with good access to schools tend to fill up quickly.
Furthermore, many of these properties are designed for international exchange, making them popular among Japanese people who want to experience English and different cultures. While the majority of residents are young people in their 20s and 30s, the number of residents in their 40s and older has been increasing in recent years, making them noteworthy as places where multiple generations can interact.
Recommended Share Houses in Kyoto by Area
There are many shared houses in Kyoto City, and the characteristics and popularity trends vary from area to area.
For example, choosing an area that suits your purpose is important, such as Sakyo Ward, popular with students; Nakagyo Ward and Shimogyo Ward, which offer excellent convenience; or Kita Ward and Nishikyo Ward, which provide a calm environment. In addition, areas with a rich international atmosphere are increasing, and share houses where you can interact with foreigners are also attracting attention.
This chapter introduces recommended share house areas in Kyoto, categorized by their characteristics, to help you find a property. We provide useful information for those living alone for the first time, as well as international students and young professionals.
Sakyo Ward | A popular area for students
Sakyo Ward is an educational area with many universities, including Kyoto University, specializing in arts and international studies, and it has an abundance of student-friendly shared housing. It's also conveniently located for commuting, with well-developed transportation options including the Eizan Electric Railway and city buses.
Areas like Hyakumanben and Ichijoji are particularly popular with students living alone, and their abundance of restaurants, bookstores, and supermarkets makes them very convenient places to live. Furthermore, many share houses offer affordable rent, with numerous properties requiring no security deposit or key money. For students who value an academic atmosphere while also prioritizing cost-effectiveness, Sakyo Ward is an ideal area for share housing.
Nakagyo Ward/Shimogyo Ward | Central area with excellent convenience
Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nakagyo and Shimogyo wards offer excellent access for both commuting and school, making them popular areas for working professionals and students who prioritize convenient transportation. Major Chikatetsu, Hankyu, and JR stations are concentrated in these areas, and there are plenty of shared housing options in the Karasuma, Shijo, and Kyoto Station areas.
The area boasts excellent infrastructure, with cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets, and hospitals all within walking distance. The number of newly built, stylishly designed share houses and luxury properties with well-equipped shared facilities is also increasing. This area is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated urban lifestyle.
Kita Ward/Nishikyo Ward | Quiet residential area
If you're looking for a quiet life surrounded by nature, Kita Ward and Nishikyo Ward are highly recommended. Kita Ward is home to Doshisha University and Bukkyo University, and has a number of quiet student-friendly share houses. Nishikyo Ward is close to tourist attractions such as Arashiyama, and its appeal lies in being able to live while experiencing the changing seasons.
Both areas offer lower rents than the city center, and you can find spacious private rooms and detached house-style share houses with gardens. It's the perfect living environment for those who want to live comfortably in a quiet setting or who value harmony with nature.
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Share house facilities and features
Share houses are characterized by their well-equipped facilities that combine comfort and convenience.
The common areas such as kitchens, Bathroom, and lounges are spacious and comfortably designed, fostering natural interaction among residents. In recent years, there has been an increase in properties equipped with workspaces suitable for remote work and high-speed Wi-Fi, making them popular with students and freelancers. Furthermore, many properties have well-established cleaning and management systems for common areas, creating a safe and secure living environment.
For those who want to keep costs down while still having excellent facilities, living in a shared house is highly recommended.
The quality of shared facilities (kitchen, Bathroom, lounge, etc.)
Many shared houses offer excellent amenities, including well-equipped common spaces such as kitchens, lounges, and Bathroom.
The spacious kitchens are equipped with multiple stoves and cooking appliances, making them comfortable even for those who prefer to cook at home. The lounges and dining areas encourage interaction among residents, fostering a natural sense of community. Many properties also have multiple Bathroom and washrooms, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle while avoiding congestion.
Properties with particularly high design quality and renovated traditional townhouses are popular because they offer a traditional Japanese atmosphere characteristic of Kyoto.
The number of properties equipped with workspaces and Wi-Fi is also increasing.
With remote work and online classes now commonplace, the number of shared houses in Kyoto with built-in workspaces and Wi-Fi is increasing. Some properties even have co-working spaces attached, providing an environment where you can concentrate on work from home. Many properties also prioritize internet speed and stability, making them suitable for web conferencing and video streaming. These properties offer significant advantages for freelancers and students.
Furthermore, the design, which prioritizes work-life balance, is attracting attention, with features such as private rooms with desks and soundproofed rooms.
What is the cleaning and maintenance system like?
Many share houses in Kyoto have well-maintained systems in place for cleaning common areas and managing the entire building, creating a clean and safe living environment.
Dedicated staff clean common areas such as lounges, Bathroom, and bathrooms several times a week, ensuring they are always kept clean. Furthermore, clear rules regarding garbage disposal and general living etiquette are established, reducing the risk of problems. In many cases, the management company conducts regular inspections and resident support, ensuring prompt responses in case of any issues.
Kyoto's share houses are a safe choice for those who prioritize hygiene and safety.
Key points for choosing your first share house
When considering living in a shared house, it's important to check not only the area and facilities, but also the average rent, contract type, and points to be aware of regarding daily life.
Especially for those choosing a share house for the first time, it's essential to understand the differences from a regular studio apartment and the rules associated with communal living. Furthermore, don't judge solely on low registration fee; also check whether the property is conducive to long-term residency and whether there are systems in place to prevent problems.
Here, we'll explain in detail the key points you should keep in mind to choose a share house you won't regret.
Rent market rates and cost comparison (studio apartment vs. shared apartment)
Share houses in Kyoto City are characterized by significantly lower overall costs, including rent and utilities, compared to typical studio apartment rentals.
For example, while the average rent for a studio apartment is around 60,000 to 80,000 yen per month, share houses can be rented from 30,000 to 50,000 yen per month, and in some cases, utilities and Wi-Fi are included. Also, since many properties come furnished with furniture and appliances, registration fee can be significantly reduced.
This is a particularly economically advantageous option for short-term stays, students, and young professionals. It's ideal for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness.
Contract type and registration fee details to check
In shared housing, the contract terms often differ from those of regular rentals, with short-term and fixed-term leases being the most common. Compared to regular rental agreements, security deposits and key money are often not required, and some properties allow you to move in without a guarantor or with only a deposit.
However, there may be additional charges such as cleaning fees and penalties upon moving out, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before signing the contract. Also, checking whether utilities (water, electricity, gas) are a fixed rate or charged based on actual costs, and the rules regarding moving out, will help prevent problems.
Checklist to avoid problems
Since you'll be living with multiple residents in a shared house, it's important to understand the key points to prevent problems before moving in.
Here are a few examples.
- First, check if there are any house rules (such as cleaning duties, taking out the trash, and noise limits).
- It's also necessary to check the level of interaction between residents and the management company's response system.
- By researching past reviews and testimonials, you can get a sense of the actual living experience and whether or not there have been any problems beforehand.
- When viewing a property, be sure to check the cleanliness of the common areas and the atmosphere among the residents.
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Recommended share house properties in Kyoto
Kyoto City has numerous share houses that cater to the diverse needs of students, working professionals, and foreigners. Here, we've picked out some particularly recommended properties. We'll introduce them one by one.
Eight Nest Kyoto Jingumaru-machi
" Eight Nest Kyoto Jingumaru-machi " is a 15-room share house located in the Gosho-Higashi area along the Kamo River. Fully renovated in 2021, it features a shared co-working space on the first floor. From the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto city, and in the summer, you can even watch the Daimonji bonfire. The top floor is a women-only floor, ensuring a safe and secure living environment.
Located approximately an 8-minute walk from Keihan's Jingumarutamachi Station, it boasts excellent accessibility and is convenient for commuting to Kyoto University and Doshisha University.
SHARE HOUSE 180° Kinkaku-ji Temple
" SHARE HOUSE 180° Kinkakuji " is a cozy share house with 7 rooms located in Kita Ward, Kyoto City.
Located just a 2-minute walk from the Kyoto City Bus "Senbon Kuramaguchi" stop, this property boasts excellent transportation access and smooth connections to Kyoto Station. Its convenient location also makes it popular with students commuting to Ritsumeikan University and Doshisha University. The small size of the building encourages easy interaction among residents, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where "welcome back" and "I'm home" are exchanged naturally.
The Maison Kyoto Tofukuji
"The Maison Kyoto Tofukuji" is a large shared house with 50 rooms and excellent common spaces. The Living room has a counter bar and a large meeting table, and there is also a music room and a fitness room. It is ideal for those who want to enhance their time for teleworking or hobbies.
Additionally, there are guest rooms available exclusively for visitors, ensuring peace of mind when family or friends come to visit. It's approximately a 16-minute walk from JR and Keihan "Tofukuji" Station, and offers good access to Kyoto Station and the Shijo area.
Share Flat Minami Aoi
" Share Flat Minami Aoi " is a share house exclusively for female students located in Ichijoji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City. It is conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Electric Railway, and there are plenty of supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants nearby.
The apartment offers Free internet access, security cameras, and a delivery box, ensuring a safe living environment. It's also conveniently located for students commuting to universities such as Kyoto University of Art and Design.
Dias Kyoto Imadegawa
" Dias Kyoto Imadegawa " is a share house located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, which underwent a full renovation in 2020. It is approximately a 12-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Chikatetsu Line, and there are supermarkets, gyms, and restaurants nearby.
The shared facilities include a Living room, kitchen, shower room, washing machine, dryer, delivery lockers, automatic locking entrance, and garden, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle.
Oakhouse Kyoto Kawaramachi
Oakhouse Kyoto Kawaramachi is a share house located in the Goshominami area of Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. It boasts excellent access, being just a 3-minute walk from Kyoto City Hall Station on the Chikatetsu, and Shijo Kawaramachi and Shijo Karasuma are also within walking distance. The surrounding area has supermarkets, restaurants housed in renovated traditional Kyoto townhouses, and public baths, making it a well-equipped living environment.
This is recommended for those who want to enrich their new life in Kyoto, as it offers an environment where you can enjoy international exchange with housemates from various countries.
summary
Share houses in Kyoto offer an attractive way to live, blending culture and convenience. From the student district of Sakyo Ward to the central Nakagyo and Shimogyo Wards, and the nature-rich Kita and Nishikyo Wards, there are properties with unique characteristics in each area. With well-equipped common areas, Wi-Fi, and cleaning services, you can live in a safe and secure environment while keeping living costs down.
If you understand the basics, such as rent and contract type, you can start without worry even if it's your first time. Use this article as a guide to find the perfect Kyoto share house for you.
