A New and Exciting Way to Live in Japan.

Recently I wrote about accommodation options for those who are travelling to Japan here. However, travelling in Japan and living in Japan are very different, as they are no matter where you go in the world. Hostels, ryokan and hotels do not apply to me unless I am travelling around Japan. Recently however, I learned of an exciting new way to live in Japan, a life that mixes the old with the new, social life with privacy and fun with practicality.

The name, funnily enough is shared or social housing. While it is not new in many parts of the world, it is here in Japan but it is very quickly becoming a popular option among professionals who don't want to pay huge rent but want privacy with a little bit of social life.

Shared common room 1.

Shared common room 2. 

Buildings dotted in and around the city of Tokyo are dedicated to this type of housing. It can mean sharing bathrooms and kitchens, but it can also mean not. The main attraction is having your own space with an often shared, fully furnished and luxurious common space. All for a fraction of the price of a fully private apartment. Statistics show that this type of accommodation has increased by 300% in the past year.

I have not yet seen one of these places but I have my first viewing this weekend which I will be sure to share. I am excited at the prospect of living in one, halving the price in rent in the meantime. Please contact me if you would like specific websites that provide this sort of accommodation.

What do you think? Have you ever lived in a place like this?