Emma can touch both walls at either end of her apartment, but somehow, she manages to live in her 82-square-feet Tokyo apartment without missing out on any amenities.
Emma is an Australian that recently moved to Tokyo, and what caught her eye about this apartment was despite the fact that it was only 82-square-feet, it had a second story providing extra room. As with many apartments in the highly populated city of Tokyo, the spaces are small, but only a few utilize vertical space.
Through the front door of Emma’s small apartment, you’ll enter the narrow living space.
To the left, you’ll find a small cabinet for storage, as well as a microwave, toaster oven, and dishware. In such a small studio, every single space is utilized for functionality. Past the microwave and dish storage, is Emma’s workstation underneath the loft ladder.
In the far corner of the tiny Tokyo dwelling is the practical and efficient kitchenette.
Having the microwave, toaster oven, and dishes near the front of the apartment frees up space for the kitchenette. Although there isn’t counter space, Emma has a burner for cooking, a surprisingly large sink, and a mini-fridge down below. She places the cutting board over the sink when she needs food prep space.
Emma’s seating and dining area consist of a floor cushion, typical of Japanese culture, and a fold-out table.
Many Japanese homes feature tables that are low to the ground, and instead of chairs, there are cushions on the floor. Due to this downtown apartment’s limited space, Emma’s dining area isn’t the most spacious, but she makes it work!
The bathroom was designed with some genius features in order to save space.
With just enough space to turn around, the bathroom has everything one could need – a toilet, sink, and shower. What makes this room so unique is the fact that the entire bathroom is the shower. The sink basin swivels to cover the toilet (and to keep things like toilet paper from getting wet), and the room transforms into a comfortable shower.
The tall ceilings at the end of the apartment prevent the space from feeling too claustrophobic.
Windows at the top of the wall let in natural light, and there is also a small balcony for Emma to get fresh air and dry her laundry.
Accessed via the loft ladder, you’ll reach the sleeping area which sits above apartment’s entrance.
Even though the loft is only large enough for a single bed (possibly a double), Emma finds the nook comforting. “What animal sleeps out in the open? I feel that animals always go to a cave or they just try to get into a corner or something… I think a lot of humans like to feel like they are in a tight, nice, cozy space,” she explained to Living Big in a Tiny House.
At just $600/month, her little haven is a steal in the big city of Tokyo. Take a full walk-through tour in the video below.
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