Live with Japanese and International Housemates in Kobe | WARAI Share House

Hello, I’m Inoji from Kobe Share House WARAI.

At WARAI, Japanese and international housemates of different ages and backgrounds share everyday life. Perhaps you want to use more English, discover other cultures, or live with Japanese people while improving your Japanese. Here is what life at WARAI can offer.

For Japanese residents: Make language and cultural exchange part of everyday life

When an international housemate lives in the same home, a chat in the kitchen or a meal together can become a natural chance to use English and learn about another culture. You do not need to be fluent. Housemates can share words and expressions with each other and enjoy conversations at their own pace.

People from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Korea, Taiwan, and many other places have lived at WARAI. To keep opportunities for Japanese and international residents to live together, we continue to set aside rooms for international residents at Organic and Grand Blue. Residents and room availability change over time, but these homes are especially worth exploring if you are interested in international exchange.

Jason, a housemate from Australia

Cultural exchange is about more than speaking English. Cooking together, learning about different customs, and making room for each other’s ways of living are part of it too. Shared meals and community events also offer chances to meet housemates from other WARAI homes and people in the neighborhood.

For international residents: Live with Japanese housemates and practice Japanese

WARAI welcomes residents of all nationalities. Living with Japanese housemates gives you opportunities to use everyday Japanese during greetings, meals, and conversations about shared spaces—situations you may not encounter in a textbook. If you want to improve your Japanese, meet Japanese people, and make friends in Kobe, shared living can be a rewarding way to do it. The owner and his wife can also help with simple questions in English and Mandarin Chinese.

Housemates Stephan and Jessica

You do not need to speak perfect Japanese before asking about a room. In a shared home, consideration matters as much as language ability: housemates talk through differences in habits and respect one another. For a resident’s perspective, read Yuki’s advice on living in a Japanese share house.

Rent discount for international residents

This rent discount is for international residents from English-speaking countries, or international residents who speak English at a native level, who plan to stay for at least six months. It applies only at Organic and Grand Blue, to one eligible resident per house. The following amount is deducted from the monthly rent, based on the room’s rent before the discount:

• Room rent below ¥40,000: ¥2,000 off
• Room rent from ¥40,000 to below ¥50,000: ¥3,000 off
• Room rent of ¥50,000 or more: ¥4,000 off

Please ask us which rooms are eligible, what conditions apply when moving in, and which rooms are currently available.

Enjoy time together—and time to yourself

Francesco, a housemate from Italy

WARAI has also held language and community events, including English conversation gatherings. You can join an event, share a meal at home, or connect in your own way. There is room for both community and quiet time in your private room.

A shared meal at an English immersion gathering

Visit or get in touch

Wondering who lives here or which room might suit you? Explore Organic and Grand Blue, then contact us in English about current availability, a viewing, or moving in. We look forward to hearing from you.