Tokyo: A major metropolis that is incredibly convenient for any style of share house living.

Tokyo: The World-Famous Capital and Megacity

Tokyo is, needless to say, one of the world’s leading metropolises.

Since Tokugawa Ieyasu established the shogunate at Edo Castle, the city’s population surged. By the Edo period, it was already one of the world’s most populous cities, home to over a million people.

The Edo period saw the flourishing of merchant and commoner culture, supported by a network of skilled artisans. As the economy and population grew, major highways like the Koshu, Tokaido, Kamakura, and Nikko Kaido were developed to manage the flow of goods and people. These routes were later expanded and remain essential parts of the city's transport network today.

Following the opening of Japan’s first railway between Shimbashi and Yokohama in 1872, a vast network of JR, private, and subway lines was laid out, radiating from Tokyo Station. This web of rail and bus lines connects the city to neighboring prefectures like Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, and Yamanashi, with smaller and larger neighborhoods filling the spaces between major stations and commercial hubs.

Tokyo is a mosaic of business districts, commercial centers, shopping hubs, and residential areas.

A Hub for Every Type and Concept of Share House!

Outside of the major commercial and nightlife districts, Tokyo is surprisingly full of private homes. Because residential neighborhoods are often located right next to bustling hubs, many small-scale share houses are renovated private residences.

During the post-war economic boom, Tokyo’s population grew rapidly, leading to the development of "new towns" and suburban residential areas outside the 23 wards. Medium-sized share houses, often renovated from rental apartments or corporate dormitories, are scattered throughout these areas. Larger properties with many rooms are typically newly built specifically as share houses, which is a unique feature of Tokyo’s diverse housing market.

Whether they are based on old homes or former dorms, these properties are often stylishly renovated—frequently featured in the media—and reflect the unique concepts of their owners.

You will find a particularly high concentration of share houses in areas like Nakano, Suginami, and Setagaya (centered around Shinjuku), the Ota ward in the southern "Jonan" district, and Taito ward, which includes the historic Ueno area.

Unmatched Convenience in Living and Transportation

Tokyo has flourished as the center of Japan for centuries.

Since the Meiji era, former samurai districts have evolved into high-end residential neighborhoods, while commercial districts have grown into massive hubs. From the historic entertainment districts of Yoshihara to the modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku and the redeveloped Roppongi, Tokyo shows many faces—all centered around the quiet, lush greenery of the Imperial Palace.

The transportation convenience is truly remarkable. In addition to the extensive JR and private rail lines, there are 13 subway lines (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway) that allow you to reach any destination by combining routes. Even in areas served only by subways, such as Roppongi or Azabu-Juban, city buses provide excellent coverage.

You will find convenience stores and supermarkets near almost every major district, making daily life incredibly convenient.

Thanks to urban planning and ordinances that mandate the preservation of greenery during large-scale developments, Tokyo is surprisingly rich in parks and recreational spaces.

Despite being a cutting-edge city, traditional festivals featuring portable shrines (mikoshi) are still held in busy areas like Shibuya and Roppongi. You can find nostalgic, Showa-era houses and shopping streets even outside the traditional "downtown" areas. Life in Tokyo feels like being thrown into a melting pot where time moves in its own unique way.

While exploring the city is a joy, its popularity makes it expensive, with some of the highest housing costs in the world. This is where share houses shine, as they significantly lower initial costs like security deposits and key money.

Even in the most popular, trendy neighborhoods, you will find long-time residents and a distinct local atmosphere. Using a share house is a great, low-pressure way to find the neighborhood that fits you best.

Experience Urban Living Through Tokyo’s Share Houses

In Tokyo, major commercial and business districts are often right next to residential areas.

Post-war black markets laid the foundation for many shopping streets, and the housing construction boom of the high-growth era welcomed new residents. Tokyo is a mix of people who have lived here since the Edo period, those who moved from the countryside, temporary residents, and an increasing number of international visitors, all contributing to the density of the city center.

The primary benefit of living in Tokyo is its world-class transportation. With the expansion of Haneda Airport and increased international flights, it is also highly recommended for those who travel frequently for business.

Another fascinating aspect is that, thanks to a lack of heavy-handed urban planning after the war, old streetscapes remain in many places. Whether it is a neighborhood with a traditional downtown feel, a street that feels frozen in the Showa era, or a stylish area built over former canals, these all make up the fabric of Tokyo.

Whether you prioritize convenience or want to immerse yourself in the city's unique character, Tokyo has endless appeal.

Whether you choose to put down roots or just pass through, using a share house is a smart way to experience everything the city has to offer.