Living Accommodations for Nishinomiya (Osaka/Kobe), Japan

Housing arranged by Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) is limited. Some students will need to arrange their own housing for the duration of the program. Resources will be made available upon approval to the program, but the below gives some general information about options.

Apartment (self-arranged)

Apartment distances range from walking distance to approximately a one-hour commute. Apartments in Japan are likely smaller than what you may be used to and are often studio-style. Apartments generally come with a bathroom, toilet room, and entrance area to store shoes. Separate living room, dining room, and kitchen areas are not guaranteed for each apartment so it's important to read listings carefully to see how the apartment is arranged. Unless specified otherwise, apartments are not furnished. Apartments can be more difficult for short-term foreigners to attain due to strict leasing requirements. The apartment option is recommended for students who value personal space and independence.

Homestay (self-arranged; limited KGU-arranged)

Families are usually located within a 45-60-minute commute to the university. In addition to a private room, the family will provide you with meals (one or two meals a day for self-arranged homestays; KGU-arranged homestays include two meals on weekdays and three meals on weekends and Japanese national holidays). Living with a family provides an unmatched opportunity to speak Japanese and learn Japanese customs. Becoming part of a Japanese family can be an amazing experience. This also means living in close quarters with a Japanese family, respecting each other, and making compromises. The homestay option is recommended for students who are extremely motivated in using Japanese every day and are highly adaptable.

Student with host family

Residence Halls (KGU-arranged)

All dormitories are located off campus. Distances range from walking distance to approximately a one-hour commute. By living in a dormitory, you’ll experience different cultures and build strong international friendships. KGU places exchange students in various dormitories. The type of accommodation and location varies depending on the placement. All dormitories provide students with their own private room. The dormitory option is recommended for students who value personal space and independence.

Men's Dormitories

Bedroom in Keimeiryo men's dorm

Exterior of Keimeiryo men's dorm

Kitchen in Keimeiryo men's dorm

Bedroom in Seishuryo men's dorm

Exterior of Seishuryo men's dorm

Kitchen in Seishuryo men's dorm

Bedroom in Seizenryo men's dorm

Exterior of Seizenryo men's dorm

Kitchen in Seizenryo men's dorm

Women's Dormitory

Exterior of Seifuryo women's dorm

Bedroom in Seifuryo women's dorm

Kitchen and dining area in Seifuryo women's dorm

Laundry room in Seifuryo women's dorm

Lounge in Seifuryo women's dorm

Share House (self-arranged)

A share house is an apartment in which multiple tenants live together and share communal spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom, but each tenant has their own bedroom. Options with roommates are also available. Distances range from walking distance to approximately a one-hour commute. Share houses are generally easier for short term residents to acquire than apartments and usually come furnished. Share houses are designed to encourage community among its tenants and can be a great way to make friends. The share house option is recommended for students who value personal space and independence.