I'm living in a 170 square foot apartment in Tokyo. This is on the small side, but not so unusual for an apartment close to the city center. In addition to the savings in rent, I also save money by not collecting possessions. The space isn't such an issue, because I fully utilize it. Having a bigger place would be nice for having people over and what not, but the majority of the time I wouldn't use the space.
back
4 comments
Even more extreme are the capsule apartments in China:
http://www.chinahush.com/2010/04/09/young-girl-becomes-first...
that's very cool. Does it have any cool space saving features you can show us?
I don't have any furniture. I sit on the floor, and sleep on a Futon (Japanese-style http://www.yumetai.co.jp/img/goods/L/24623s1.jpg), which I can fold up and put away during the day.
Besides that, I just try and not collect possessions. If I don't use something, I give or throw it away. I avoid buying stuff that will take up space unless I regularly use it.
Is it an actual apartment or just a room in a gaijin house? What area?
Yes, I live in an apartment in Shinjuku (though it is on the border with Nakano). It is a self-contained unit with its own bathroom, toilet, and kitchen (sink and one burner stove).
Out of curiosity, do you have a bathtub or just a shower?
It's Japan - so having a bath is an important feature, which I do. In fact, I think it would be pretty rare to find a place with just a shower. It's kind of a bath shower/combo, as is typical of Japanese homes and looks something like this:
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/16/27/30/t...
In here, the bath is covered as Japanese usually share the same bath water amongst the family (you wash in the shower before getting in - it's more about relaxation than cleaning).
That being said, I never use my bath.
>If I don't use something, I give or throw it away.
>That being said, I never use my bath.
Just saying.