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If you are moving to Japan as a foreigner, two names dominate every share-house recommendation: Oakhouse and Cross House. Both let you skip the brutal Japanese rental wall — no guarantor, no key money, no agency fee — and both are genuinely foreigner-friendly. But they are built for two very different kinds of person. After comparing initial costs, rent, contracts, community and support, here is the honest 2026 verdict on which one is right for you.
📌 What you will learn
You do not have to read it all — jump to what you need.
- Oakhouse vs Cross House at a glance
- Cross House — the budget champion
- Oakhouse — the community and comfort leader
- How to decide in 30 seconds
- Frequently asked questions
- More Japan Guides
※ Start wherever fits your situation.
Oakhouse vs Cross House at a glance
| Cross House | Oakhouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | From about ¥30,000 | Around ¥50,000 |
| Monthly rent | From about ¥38,000 | About ¥63,000–¥77,000 |
| Deposit / key money | None | None |
| Guarantor | Not required | Not required |
| Minimum stay | From 1 month | Typically 1–3 months |
| Number of houses | Many, focused on value | ~6,400 rooms (largest network) |
| Community / events | Simple, quieter | Strong — social residences & events |
| Free house transfers | Yes | Yes (within network) |
| Best for | Saving money & flexibility | Community & premium facilities |
Cross House — the budget champion
Cross House is built around a single, powerful idea: get into Japan for as little money as possible. Rooms come fully furnished, utilities and Wi-Fi are typically included, and the all-in initial cost can be held to around ¥30,000 — a fraction of the ¥210,000–¥350,000 a normal apartment demands. Rent starts from roughly ¥38,000 a month, among the lowest you will find anywhere in Tokyo.
The trade-off is honest: kitchens and common areas tend to be functional rather than luxurious, and the community is quieter than Oakhouse. But you also get genuine freedom — contracts from just one month and free transfers between houses, so you can land first and decide where you actually want to live later. For students, working-holiday travelers, and anyone who would rather spend their yen on travel and experiences than on rent, Cross House is the obvious winner.
Choose Cross House if you…
- Want the absolute lowest cost to start your life in Japan
- Prefer flexibility — short contracts and free transfers
- Are a student or on a working holiday and watching every yen
- Are happy with simple, practical facilities
Oakhouse — the community and comfort leader
Oakhouse is the biggest share-house operator in Japan, with around 6,400 rooms ranging from quiet private apartments to large “Social Residence” complexes with shared lounges, gyms, theater rooms and rooftop terraces. Like Cross House, it charges no deposit, no key money and no guarantor fee; initial cost is around ¥50,000 and rent typically runs ¥63,000–¥77,000.
What you pay a little extra for is the experience. Oakhouse is the place to actually meet people — both other international residents and Japanese locals — through its community events and well-designed shared spaces. English support is strong, the booking process is smooth from overseas, and the higher-end houses feel more like a stylish co-living hotel than a budget room. If your move to Japan is also about building a network and not feeling isolated, that social layer is worth real money.
Choose Oakhouse if you…
- Want a ready-made social circle and community events
- Value premium shared facilities (lounges, gyms, terraces)
- Want the widest choice of locations and room types
- Appreciate strong English support and an easy overseas booking
How to decide in 30 seconds
It really comes down to one question: are you optimizing for savings or for lifestyle?
- Money & freedom → Cross House. Bank the difference and spend it on travel.
- People & comfort → Oakhouse. Pay a bit more for community and facilities.
A smart strategy many expats use: start at Cross House to minimize cost while you find your feet, then move to an Oakhouse social residence — or a normal apartment — once you know the city and have a guarantor company set up.
Frequently asked questions
Do Oakhouse and Cross House really require no guarantor?
Correct. Both waive the Japanese guarantor requirement that blocks most foreigners from normal apartments, and neither charges key money or a deposit.
Which is cheaper, Oakhouse or Cross House?
Cross House is cheaper on both initial cost (~¥30,000 vs ~¥50,000) and monthly rent (from ~¥38,000 vs ~¥63,000). Oakhouse charges more for its larger community and premium facilities.
Can I book before arriving in Japan?
Yes. Both let you reserve a room online from overseas before you fly, so you have an address waiting when you land.
Can I move between houses?
Both offer free transfers within their networks, which is ideal if you are not yet sure which neighborhood suits you.
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