Could you live in a space the size of a bathroom? This is what it’s like in Tokyo’s micro-apartments.
Tokyo is a fascinating city, full of technology, tradition, and unique urban challenges. One of the most curious—and, for many, shocking—is the reality of micro-apartments. In this city where space is precious, there are fully functional homes as small as 5 square meters. Yes, 5 square meters to eat, sleep, shower, and work!
The question is inevitable: how is it possible to live, let alone enjoy life, in such a small space? In this article, we take you inside the world’s smallest apartments to discover how their residents manage, how much they cost to live there, and why, despite everything, some prefer them to larger homes.
What is a micro apartment and why do they exist in Tokyo?
A micro apartment is an extremely compact dwelling, designed to maximize every inch of space. Although their size can vary, a “micro” unit is considered to be any unit under 30 square meters. In Tokyo, some of these spaces are as small as 5 square meters, like the apartment featured in this story.
The main reason for their existence is the high cost of land in Japan’s major metropolises. Tokyo, with more than 14 million inhabitants, faces extremely high demand for housing close to its city center. To meet this need, many real estate developers have opted for ultra-compact construction that allows for more rental units per building.
And while living in such small spaces may seem impossible, there are those who do it with style, efficiency, and even comfort.
5 surprising benefits of living in a micro apartment
1. Affordable prices for an expensive city
. One of the biggest draws is the price. A microapartment in Tokyo can cost around 80,000 yen per month (about €450 to €500), a much lower rate than standard apartments in central areas.
2. Prime Location
Due to their low cost, these apartments allow you to live near the center of Tokyo, with easy access to transportation, offices, shops, and restaurants.
3. Minimalist and organized living
Limited space forces you to keep only the essentials. Many residents say this promotes a more organized and less stressful life.
4. Low maintenance and quick cleaning.
Cleaning 5 m² takes just a few minutes. This allows you to spend less time on household chores and more time on personal or work activities.
5. Connectivity and functionality
Despite their size, these apartments are designed to include the essentials: kitchen, bathroom, work and rest areas, often with high-speed Wi-Fi.
What it’s really like to live in 5 m²: two stories that tell it all
During a visit to Tokyo, two young people decided to explore this trend from the inside. After searching for several days, they managed to get into what is possibly the world’s smallest apartment , measuring just 5 square meters.
There, they met an IT consultant who has been living there for six months. For her, the best part is the excellent internet connection and proximity to her work; the worst part is the limited space. Although she considers it temporary, she admits she’s adapted quickly.
They then visited a second 10 m² micro-apartment , inhabited by a sports journalist who was also a professional soccer player. He has lived there for four years and has adapted the space to his needs, even including a small gym. Despite the space’s size, he says he feels comfortable thanks to the high ceilings and functional layout.
Both apartments, despite their differences, cost the same: about 80,000 yen a month . But while one is more centrally located, the other offers twice the space and is located slightly further away.
Could you live in a space like this? 5 steps to adapt to a micro apartment
- Do a deep clean before you move in.
Reduce your belongings to a minimum: only the functional and essential items have room in a micro apartment. - Use multifunctional furniture.
Opt for furniture that serves more than one purpose: beds with storage, folding desks, or stackable chairs. - Take advantage of verticality.
Install tall shelves and utilize every inch of wall space. In Japanese apartments, it’s common to store clothes and belongings above the bed in a loft style. - Maintain a tidying routine.
In a small space, clutter is quickly noticeable. Maintain a light daily cleaning to maintain a comfortable environment. - Decorate with light colors.
Shades like white or beige help create a sense of spaciousness and prevent the space from feeling stuffy.
Extra tips if you’re considering living in small spaces
- Evaluate your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time away from home, a micro apartment may be a great option. If you work from home or need space for hobbies, maybe not so much.
- Invest in good lighting. Whether natural or artificial, light is key to making a space feel more open and welcoming.
- Don’t forget thermal comfort. Fans, compact heaters, or portable air conditioners can make a big difference in small spaces.
Transform your vision of space: less meters, more life
The experience of living in a micro-apartment in Tokyo is more than an architectural curiosity. It represents a minimalist, efficient way of life focused on the essentials. While it’s not for everyone, many find these spaces a practical and affordable solution for living in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Would you dare to try it? Maybe it’s not about the size of the space, but how you adapt it to your life. How would you make the most of 5 square meters?
Want to discover more interesting facts about Japanese living or explore creative urban living solutions? Keep exploring and be inspired by new ways of experiencing the world!
