“Share,” a voice whispers. This isn’t an instruction. It’s the ethos of Yaraicho, a unique corner of Tokyo. Yaraicho is nestled in Shinjuku Ward. It’s a vibrant area brimming with history and modern life.
Yaraicho offers seamless connectivity to the rest of Tokyo. Shinjuku Station is a major transportation hub. It is close to Yaraicho. The area has many shops. Restaurants and entertainment options cater to every taste. Yaraicho is an ideal place to call home.
But Yaraicho isn’t just about convenience. It’s about community. Here in Yaraicho, something special happened in 2012. The first shared house in Tokyo was specifically designed as such. It is called Share Yaraicho.
Before Share Yaraicho, shared houses were converted buildings. Economic and cultural shifts changed Japan. In 2012, over 50% of Tokyo residents lived alone. This differed from Europe and America. There, sharing houses was common. Share Yaraicho opposed social isolation. It offered spaces for socializing.
Shinohara and Uchimura designed Share Yaraicho. The building is set back from Kagurazaka’s main street. It stands 10 meters tall. The structure is made of metal. The front and rear have seven units. Some units hang. Gaps remain for furniture.
The facade is semi-transparent plastic. It reflects the outside. This creates a serene feeling. Zippers allow the membrane to open in summer. Natural ventilation occurs. Contact with the outside is encouraged. There is no door just a zip. Past the facade is an airy space. It buffers inside and outside.
Continuity between building and nature is traditional. It is rare in modern Tokyo. Kagurazaka survived earthquakes and war. It retains Edo period elements. Small streets and gardens exist. Wooden houses create a sense of community. Stone tatami paving remains. Kimonos and geishas can still be seen.
Shinohara and Uchimura instilled sensitivity. They valued nature and social responsibility. Energy-rationing post-Fukushima played a role. The desire to be together was important.
Share Yaraicho works well in hot months. Japanese houses traditionally resist humidity. Writer Junichiro Tanizaki valued a certain chilliness. So winter in Share Yaraicho can be cool. Human warmth compensates.
Stroll along the streets of Yaraicho. You can find modern condos. A 2-bedroom condo built in 2013 could be yours. It features 24-hour security. It has a daytime manager. Trash disposal is always available. Pets are allowed with consultation. Kagurazaka Station is a 2-minute walk.
Or perhaps a house is more your style. A 3-bedroom house built in 2014 is available. It’s a 5-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station.
So, as you wander through Yaraicho remember its layers. The convenience, the history, and the spirit of community. Yaraicho isn’t just a place to live. It’s a place to connect.