Machida Share House: Affordable & Foreigner-Friendly Housing Near Tokyo

About Share Houses in Machida

A share house in Machida is a type of shared housing where residents have private bedrooms while enjoying access to common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. This housing style is especially popular among foreign residents, students, and young professionals who want affordable rent and a smoother entry into life in Japan.

Machida City, on the edge of Tokyo Prefecture, stands out as a practical location for share house living because it offers lower costs than central urban neighborhoods while still providing excellent access to major city areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya.

What Makes Machida Different from Central Tokyo?

Machida is located on the western edge of Tokyo, bordering Kanagawa Prefecture. While it is technically part of the prefecture, housing prices are noticeably more affordable than in inner-city wards. At the same time, Machida Station is connected via the Odakyu Line and JR Yokohama Line, making daily commuting straightforward.

For many residents, Machida feels like a balance between urban convenience and residential comfort—busy enough to have shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife, but calm enough for everyday living.

How Share Houses Work in Machida

Most share houses in Machida are:

• Fully furnished, including beds, desks, and storage
• Equipped with basic appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves
• Offered with simple contracts, often without key money or guarantors

Unlike standard apartments in Japan, share houses typically have shorter contract terms and lower upfront costs, making them ideal for foreigners who may not plan to stay long-term.

Who Chooses Share Houses in Machida?

Share houses in Machida attract a wide range of residents, including:

• International students attending nearby universities
• Working professionals commuting to Tokyo
• Foreigners new to Japan who want an easier rental process
• Residents seeking a more social living environment

As Machida is less tourist-heavy than central Tokyo, many share houses here offer a more local, everyday Japan experience, while remaining foreigner-friendly.

Overall, a share house in Machida is a smart option for anyone looking to live near Tokyo without paying Tokyo-level rent—and without the complexity of traditional Japanese apartment contracts.

Average Cost of Share Houses in Machida

The average cost of share houses in Machida is significantly lower than in central Tokyo, making the area a popular choice for foreigners who want to keep living expenses under control while staying within commuting distance of the city.

In general, Machida offers one of the best cost-to-access balances in western Tokyo.

Typical Monthly Rent in Machida

Most share houses in Machida fall within the following price range:

• ¥30,000 – ¥45,000 per month for rooms farther from Machida Station
• ¥45,000 – ¥60,000 per month for rooms near major stations or newly renovated properties

Rent usually includes access to shared spaces and basic furnishings, which helps reduce overall living costs.

What Is Included in the Rent?

Compared to standard apartments, share house rent in Machida often covers more than just the room itself. In many cases, monthly fees include:

• Furniture (bed, desk, storage)
• Household appliances
• Internet (Wi-Fi)
• Common area maintenance

Some properties also bundle utilities such as water, gas, and electricity into a fixed monthly fee, making budgeting easier—especially for foreigners unfamiliar with Japanese billing systems.

Initial Costs Compared to Apartments

One of the biggest advantages of share houses in Machida is the low upfront cost when moving.

Typical share house move-in costs:

• Security deposit: low or not required
• Key money: usually not required
• Agency fees: often reduced or zero

By contrast, renting a private apartment in Machida can require several months’ rent upfront. For short- to mid-term stays, share houses offer a far more economical and flexible option.

Overall, Machida’s share house market provides affordable rent, predictable costs, and minimal initial expenses, making it an ideal location for foreigners looking to live near Tokyo without financial strain.

Best Areas in Machida for Share House Living

Machida has several neighborhoods well-suited for share house living, each offering a slightly different balance of convenience, affordability, and lifestyle. Choosing the right area depends on how often you commute, your budget, and whether you prefer a lively or quiet environment.

Machida Station Area

The area around Machida Station is the most popular choice for share house residents. With access to both the Odakyu Line and JR Yokohama Line, commuting to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama is simple and reliable.

This area offers:

• Large shopping malls, supermarkets, and restaurants
• Cafes, bars, and entertainment options
• Easy access to daily necessities without long walks

Share houses near Machida Station tend to be slightly more expensive, but they are ideal for those who value convenience and time savings.

Tamagawa-Gakuen-mae Area

Located along the Odakyu Line, Tamagawa-Gakuen-mae is a quieter residential area popular with students and long-term residents. It is well-known for its calm atmosphere and greenery.

This area is suitable for:

• People who prefer a peaceful living environment
• Students attending nearby universities
• Residents who do not mind a short commute to Machida Station

Rents here are generally lower than near central Machida, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious renters.

Naruse and Nearby Neighborhoods

The Naruse area and surrounding neighborhoods along the JR Yokohama Line offer a more local living experience. These areas are less commercial but still provide good train access to major hubs.

Advantages include:

• Lower rent compared to central Machida
• Less crowded stations and streets
• A more traditional Japanese neighborhood feel

For foreigners who want to experience everyday life in Japan while keeping housing costs down, these areas are often a strong choice.

Overall, Machida offers a variety of neighborhoods where share house residents can find the right mix of affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle comfort, depending on their priorities.

Are Machida Share Houses Suitable for Foreigners?

Yes—share houses in Machida are accessible for foreigners, especially those looking for affordable housing near Tokyo with a straightforward rental process. Compared to many traditional apartments, share houses remove many of the common barriers that foreign residents face when renting in Japan.

Foreigner-Friendly Rental Conditions

Share houses in Machida often come with a simple contract.

• No Japanese guarantor requirement
• Short- and mid-term contracts
• Clear, fixed monthly fees

This flexibility is ideal for international students, working holiday visa holders, and professionals who may not yet have permanent residency or long-term employment in Japan.

Language Support and Daily Communication

While Machida is less international than central Tokyo, many share houses provide:

• English-friendly application support
• Simple contract explanations in English
• House rules designed with foreign residents in mind

In daily life, being able to understand and communicate in basic Japanese is helpful, but residents can comfortably manage shopping, transportation, and local services without it. Living in Machida also gives foreigners a chance to gradually improve their Japanese skills in a relaxed environment.

Community and Living Environment

Share houses in Machida often attract a diverse mix of residents, including Japanese locals and international tenants. This creates opportunities for cultural exchange while avoiding the feeling of being isolated in a purely foreign-only area.

Because Machida is primarily a residential city, it offers:

• A calmer lifestyle compared to central Tokyo
• Lower population density and less tourist traffic
• A safer and quieter environment for first-time residents in Japan

Overall, a Machida share house is an excellent option for foreigners who want affordable rent, manageable paperwork, and a comfortable introduction to life near Tokyo without the high costs and complexity of inner-city housing.

How to Rent a Share House in Machida as a Foreigner

Renting a share house in Machida as a foreigner is generally simple and much less complicated than renting a traditional apartment in Japan. Most share house operators are familiar with international tenants and offer a streamlined process designed for non-Japanese residents.

Step-by-Step Rental Process

The typical rental process for a Machida share house looks like this:

• Search and Inquiry: Browse share house listings online and submit an inquiry. Many providers accept applications in English and respond quickly.
• Room Availability and Details: You will receive information about available rooms, rent, contract terms, and what is included in the monthly fee.
• Viewing (Optional): Some share houses offer in-person or online viewings. For foreigners overseas, photos and virtual tours are often sufficient.
• Application and Documents: Commonly required documents include:
• Passport
• Visa or residence status
• Basic personal information

A Japanese guarantor is usually not required.

• Contract and Payment: Once approved, you sign the contract and pay the initial fees. Contracts are typically straightforward and shorter than standard apartment leases.
• Move-In: Because rooms are furnished, you can move in almost immediately without buying furniture or appliances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Foreigners renting in Machida should be aware of a few common pitfalls:

• Choosing properties with unclear utility fees
• Not checking house rules regarding guests or quiet hours
• Assuming all share houses provide English support

Reading the contract carefully and confirming what is included in the rent can prevent misunderstandings later.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

To ensure a smooth move-in:

• Choose operators experienced with foreign residents
• Confirm total monthly costs upfront
• Ask about internet speed, cleaning schedules, and shared space usage

Overall, renting a share house in Machida is a foreigner-friendly and low-stress option, especially for those new to Japan or staying for a limited period.

Why XROSS HOUSE Is a Good Choice in Machida

XROSS HOUSE supports foreigners looking to live in Machida by helping remove many of the common difficulties associated with renting in Japan. Properties are designed specifically with international residents in mind, offering clear pricing, simple contracts, and furnished rooms ready for immediate move-in.

With XROSS HOUSE, tenants can avoid high upfront costs such as key money and guarantor requirements, making it easier to start living in Japan without financial stress. Monthly rent is transparent, and many essentials—furniture, appliances, and internet—are already included.

Another advantage is flexibility. XROSS HOUSE supports short- to mid-term stays, which is ideal for students, working professionals, and newcomers who are still deciding on long-term plans. English-friendly support and experience working with foreign residents also help ensure a smooth rental process.

Overall, XROSS HOUSE offers a practical, affordable, and reliable share house option in Machida for foreigners who want convenient access to Tokyo without the complexity of traditional housing.

Summary

A share house in Machida is an excellent housing option for foreigners who want affordable rent while staying within easy reach of central Tokyo. The area offers a good balance of convenience, comfort, and lower living costs compared to inner-city neighborhoods.

With simple rental procedures, furnished rooms, and flexible contract terms, share houses in Machida are especially suitable for students, working professionals, and first-time residents in Japan. Among the available options, XROSS HOUSE stands out for its foreigner-friendly support and transparent pricing, making it a reliable choice for those looking to start life near Tokyo smoothly.