Living Small in Tokyo: Inside a Modern 2K Apartment in Setagaya

For those curious about daily life in Japan’s capital, a recently listed rental property offers a glimpse into typical urban living spaces in Tokyo. Located in the desirable Setagaya ward, this compact yet modern 2K (two-room plus kitchen) apartment showcases the efficient design and convenient lifestyle that many Tokyo residents embrace.

Here’s the link to the listing

Apartment Details:

• Monthly Rent: 90,000 yen ($570 USD)
• Management Fee: 5,000 yen ($32 USD) per month
• Size: 21.27 m² (229 sq ft)
• Layout: 2K (Kitchen: 1, Western-style rooms: 6 m² and 6.2 m²)
• Built: June 2018
• Structure: 2-story wooden building, apartment on 2nd floor
• Main exposure: South-facing

Location and Accessibility:

The apartment is situated in Nakamachi 3-chome, Setagaya-ku, one of Tokyo’s most sought-after residential areas. It’s conveniently located just:

• 7 minutes’ walk from Kaminoge Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line
• 22 minutes’ walk from Futako-Tamagawa Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
• 16 minutes’ walk from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line

This strategic location allows easy access to major Tokyo hubs:

• 30 minutes by train to Shibuya
• 40 minutes to historic Asakusa
• 45 minutes to Tokyo Disneyland

Local Amenities:

• Ozeki Supermarket: 330 meters away
• 7-Eleven convenience store: 296 meters away
• Tokyo Medical Center: 879 meters away

Modern Features and Amenities:

Despite its compact size, the apartment boasts several desirable features:

• System kitchen with IH cooking heater
• Bathroom with TV, heating, and drying functions
• Auto-bath with reheating capability
• Independent washstand with shower
• Toilet with warm water washing function
• Built-in air conditioning
• 24-hour security system
• Auto-lock entrance with video intercom
• Double-lock door and security camera
• Indoor laundry space
• Balcony
• Bicycle parking available

The apartment’s modern design maximizes space utilization, a common characteristic in Tokyo’s urban housing. The south-facing aspect ensures good natural light, while the second-floor location in a two-story building offers a sense of privacy.

Rental Terms:

• Security deposit: 1 month’s rent
• Key money (gift money to landlord): 1 month’s rent
• Contract period: 2 years
• Renewal fee: 1 month’s rent
• Available for immediate move-in

This listing provides insight into the compact yet efficient living spaces common in Tokyo’s residential areas. While the 21 m² size might seem small by Western standards, it’s a typical apartment size for young professionals or couples in central Tokyo. The emphasis on modern amenities, security features, and proximity to public transportation reflects the priorities of urban living in Japan’s capital.

For foreigners considering a move to Japan, this type of apartment represents a common housing option in desirable areas of Tokyo. It offers a base from which to experience the city’s blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology, all while being immersed in a quintessential Tokyo neighborhood.

The monthly rent of 90,000 yen ($570 USD) is considered reasonable for a newer apartment in this area of Tokyo, especially given the modern amenities and convenient location. However, potential renters should be aware of additional costs common in Japanese rentals, such as the management fee, security deposit, and key money.

While this specific property may not be available for long, it serves as an excellent example of the types of apartments commonly available in Tokyo’s rental market. For those intrigued by life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, such listings offer a window into the everyday realities of Tokyo living – where space might be at a premium, but convenience, efficiency, and access to the heart of the city are always close at hand.