[2026 Comparison] Which Share House is Best for Foreigners? Oakhouse vs Cross House

"Signing an apartment contract in Japan is a 'nightmare' for foreigners."

Key money and security deposits that instantly drain ¥300,000, the high hurdle of finding a guarantor, and the cost of buying furniture and appliances... Many people arrive full of hope for their new life in Japan, only to have their spirits broken by the initial contracting process alone.

However, you don't have to give up. By choosing a "Share House," you can suppress your initial costs to just ¥30,000 and start living in Tokyo tomorrow with nothing but a single suitcase.

In this article, we thoroughly compare the two giants of share houses for foreigners: "Oakhouse" (Community-focused) and "Cross House" (Budget-focused).

We will expose the real reviews regarding "thin walls" and "human relationships" that you won't find on their official websites, helping you decide on the perfect home for you.

Conclusion: Oakhouse vs Cross House – Which Should You Choose?

For those short on time, here is the conclusion first. Although both companies offer "share houses," their contents are completely different.

• Oakhouse: For those who "want to make Japanese friends" or "want to use a spacious lounge and gym." It is an investment in your living experience.
• Cross House: For those who "want to lower rent at all costs" or "only come home to sleep." It is a cost compression strategy.

First, check the decisive differences in the comparison table below.

[Under 30 Seconds] Spec Comparison Table

Feature	Cross House (Share Door Apartment)	Oakhouse (Social Residence)
Biggest Strength	Overwhelmingly Low Price	Facilities & Community
Initial Cost	Flat ¥30,000	¥50,000〜 (※1)
Rent Market	¥30,000 - ¥50,000	¥60,000 - ¥80,000
Room Facilities	Bed/Fridge/TV included	Bed/Desk etc. (Varies by property)
Interaction Freq.	Almost None (Just greetings)	Daily (Parties/Events)
Suitable For	Savings focus / Privacy focus	Interaction focus / Facilities focus

(※1) Oakhouse prices may vary due to campaigns or the Smart Member system.

If you think, "I don't want to spend much on rent" or "I want to avoid troublesome relationships," the answer is Cross House without a doubt.

Conversely, if you feel that "even if it costs a bit more, I want to spend money on encounters and experiences in Japan," then Oakhouse could be a place that changes your life.

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Cross House: The Shock of a ¥30,000 Initial Cost

The greatest appeal of Cross House is undoubtedly its disruptive pricing: "Initial cost is a flat ¥30,000". While a standard rental contract usually requires ¥300,000 upfront, here you can get by with just one-tenth of that. With the saved ¥270,000, you could travel all around Japan.

The Invention of the "Share Door Apartment"

Why is it so cheap? The secret lies in Cross House's unique "Share Door Apartment" system.

This is a property type that eliminates the "living room" from the share house concept. You share only the shower, toilet, and washing machine. Each private room is equipped with a TV, refrigerator, and bed, designed so that "your entire life is completed within your room."

• Pros: No living room means no forced interaction with residents. Rent is extremely low.
• Cons: The kitchen is basic, so it's not suitable for serious cooking.

The "Free Transfer" Strategy (Hermit Crab Strategy)

"Since it's cheap, aren't the neighbors noisy?" You don't need to worry about that. Cross House offers a powerful service called "Free Property Transfer."

If your neighbors are noisy or you don't like the town, you can move to another Cross House property with ¥0 handling fees. This is a risk-free strategy where you can keep moving like a hermit crab until you find a place that suits you.

If you are looking for the cheapest and smartest way to live in Tokyo, please refer to the detailed article below.

• Internal Link: Cheap Housing in Tokyo: No Key Money/Deposit & Furnished! Why Foreigners Should Choose 'Share Door Apartments'

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Oakhouse: Living Here Changes Your Life

On the other hand, Oakhouse is not just a place to live. It is a "platform for encounters and growth."

Social Residence: Home Becomes a Gym and an Office

Oakhouse's flagship properties, "Social Residences," are equipped with luxury facilities that you could never get living alone.

• Coworking Spaces: Perfect for freelancers and remote work.
• Gyms & Yoga Studios: No need to pay for a separate gym membership.
• Theater Rooms & Large Baths: Enjoy movies with friends or relax in a spacious bath.

About half of the residents are foreigners, so going to the lounge is like attending an international exchange party every day. There are countless stories of people starting businesses or couples getting married after meeting here.

Smart Member System: "Asset Management" While Living?

Oakhouse has a unique system called "Smart Member." This is a system where your rent is discounted based on the deposit (security money) you entrust to them.

For example, if you deposit a significant amount of funds, your rent is reduced at a rate far higher than bank interest (effective yield over 4.8%). If you are planning a long-term stay, you should definitely use this system.

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[Real Truth Exposed] Authentic Reviews from Reddit & SNS

Do not believe only the good things written on official websites. Here, we introduce "real honest opinions" found on Reddit and social media.

Cross House "Thin Walls" Issue

User Review★★★☆☆3/5

Oakhouse "Relationship" Issue

User Review★★★★☆4/5

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"3 Essential Tools" to Start Your Life in Japan

Even if you decide on a share house, your preparation is not over. To start your life in Japan smoothly, be sure to execute the following three steps.

1. Register Your "Resident Record" (Juminhyo) Once Address is Set

Once your share house contract is signed, go immediately to the ward office having jurisdiction over your area. You need to have your address written on the back of your "Residence Card" (Resident Registration). If you don't do this, you cannot open a bank account or sign a mobile phone contract.

We explain the detailed procedure in the following article.

• Internal Link: The Complete Guide to Moving in Japan: Checklist from Moving Out to 14 Days After Moving In

2. Recover Moving Costs with "Poi-katsu"

Even if you choose the cheap Cross House, it will cost ¥30,000. However, Japan has services where you can "get cash or points just by registering" (known as Poi-katsu). By utilizing these, you can immediately recover your initial costs and essentially move in for free.

• Internal Link: Urgent: How to Get '20,000 Yen Cash' immediately upon Arriving in Japan

3. Find a "Job" to Pay Rent

Once your living foundation is set, the next step is income. Find a job with good conditions while living in your share house. We have compared job sites that welcome foreigners.

• Internal Link: 2026 Edition: Comparison of Japanese Job Sites & Agents Recommended for Foreigners

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Conclusion

What is the purpose of your life in Japan?

If you seek "savings" and "freedom," and want to use your saved money for travel and hobbies, choose Cross House without hesitation.

If you seek "encounters" and "experiences," and want to expand your network in Japan, Oakhouse will be the best stage for you.

Properties in popular areas fill up immediately, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. First, check both sites to see what kind of rooms are available in your desired area, even if just looking at the photos.