What a $450 “1K” Apartment in Tokyo Looks Like

Tokyo is known for its high cost of living and small living spaces, but one TikToker has recently showcased a surprisingly spacious and affordable micro apartment that has captured the attention of people around the world.

this is kind of goals wtf pic.twitter.com/bvveIxsG4t

— tania 🪆💌🕯️ (@boywaif) February 4, 2023

Ryan Crouse, a college student living in Tokyo, gave his 400,000 TikTok followers a tour of his $450-per-month apartment, and the video has since gone viral with over 2 million views on TikTok and 1.5 million views on Twitter.

The Apartment’s Features

Despite its small size, Crouse’s apartment is packed with features that make it both functional and comfortable. The entryway includes a traditional Japanese genkan for shoe storage, and the kitchen and bathroom are just a few steps away.

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The bathroom even includes a sizable bathtub, which is a luxury in many Tokyo apartments.

Crouse has added his own personal touches to the apartment, including cat-themed wallpaper in the kitchen and a full-size fridge that he found on the street.

The main living space is cleverly designed to maximize the available space, with a caddy-corner IKEA desk that serves as both a workspace and a divider between the living room and bedroom areas.

The apartment also includes a balcony with enough space for a table and chairs, as well as a laundry machine.

The loft bed and small couch on the upper level provide additional living space without sacrificing functionality.

What is a 1K Apartment?

A 1K apartment, like the one featured in Ryan Crouse’s viral TikTok video, is a type of apartment commonly found in Japan.

The “1K” refers to the layout of the apartment, which consists of one main room (1) and a kitchen (K).

These apartments are typically quite small, ranging from about 20 to 30 square meters (215 to 323 square feet), and are designed to be functional and efficient living spaces for single occupants or couples.

In a 1K apartment, the main room serves as a multi-purpose space, often combining the roles of bedroom, living room, and dining area. The kitchen is usually compact and may be separated from the main room by a partition or a sliding door.

Bathrooms in 1K apartments are often unit baths, which combine the toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub into one compact space.

Despite their small size, 1K apartments can be an attractive option for those looking to live in major Japanese cities like Tokyo, where living space is at a premium.

These apartments are often more affordable than larger units and can be a great choice for those who prioritize location and convenience over living space.

With clever design and efficient use of space, as demonstrated in Crouse’s apartment tour, a 1K apartment can be a comfortable and functional home for those willing to embrace a minimalist lifestyle.

Reactions from the Internet

The reaction to Crouse’s apartment tour has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing surprise at how much he is able to fit into such a small space.

On Twitter, one user commented, “Well let’s see: no visible roaches or mice, appears adequately climate controlled, has operable appliances (INCLUDING A WASHER 🙌), no clear fire hazards or structural deficiencies. Def would have been a top choice when I was looking in NYC on 4x the budget.”

Another user added, “as very small studios go this is really cute and well designed for the space available, also very cheap.”

On TikTok, one commenter wrote, “I paid 750€ for a smaller studio in Paris and I didn’t even have a washer for my clothes 😭 And it was cheap for Paris rental prices.”

Living in Tokyo

While Crouse’s apartment is certainly a great deal by Tokyo standards, it’s important to note that living in such a small space isn’t for everyone.

Tokyo is known for its high population density and limited living space, and many people find it challenging to adjust to living in such close quarters.

However, for those who are willing to embrace the minimalist lifestyle, Tokyo can be an incredibly rewarding place to live. The city is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and endless entertainment options, and living in a small apartment can be a great way to save money and experience all that the city has to offer.

User Comments

1. “I lived in a similar apartment in Nakano for a few years, and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. Sure, it was small, but it had everything I needed and the location was unbeatable. Plus, the sense of community in the building was really special.”
2. “I think a lot of people underestimate how much you can do with a small space if you’re creative and willing to make some sacrifices. This guy’s apartment is a great example of how to make the most of what you have.”
3. “I’m currently paying $1,500 a month for a studio apartment in San Francisco that’s half the size of this guy’s place in Tokyo. It’s crazy how much more affordable housing is in other parts of the world.”
4. “I’ve seen a lot of these ‘tiny apartment’ videos on TikTok, but this one really stands out to me. The fact that he has a separate bedroom area and a balcony is really impressive for the price he’s paying.”
5. “As someone who’s currently living in a small apartment in Tokyo, I can attest to the fact that it’s not always easy. But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Living in a city like Tokyo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.”