Are Japanese houses really small?

Most people think that just because Japan is small and has 127 million inhabitants, most houses are tiny. The media really shows some absurdly small apartments in Tokyo, and for sure Japanese houses are smaller than houses in our immense Brazil.

During my experience in Japan, I had the opportunity to understand that many Japanese houses are huge as well as practical. In this article, I will debunk some exaggerated ideas about Japanese houses being small and cramped and also address some topics related to houses in Japan.

They are not that small

Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, many young Japanese and people from all over the world dream of living in Tokyo. This means that almost one-third of the Japanese population lives in Tokyo or other large cities like Osaka. Of course, if 13 million people want to live in just one city, thousands of tiny houses and apartments will be the home for these people.

Still, walking through various neighborhoods in Tokyo, I was able to find several traditional Japanese houses with a quite pleasant size, more than enough for comfort and inviting friends. Of course, there are thousands of tiny apartments, but it’s no different from Brazil where thousands of people live in shanties or studio apartments.

If even in Tokyo it is possible to find large houses with up to 4 bedrooms, what can be said about small towns? Japan does not suffer from a lack of space; in fact, it is the opposite, the government is predicting cities being extinct due to a lack of residents. Below we will see what the standard of houses in Japan is and their respective sizes.

What are houses like in Japan?

In Japan, there are approximately 53 million households, including houses and apartments. Although urban areas are known for their compact housing, the average size of Japanese residences is surprisingly generous, about 94 m², distributed over about four rooms. For detailed information, visit our guide on houses in Japan. It is worth noting that, unlike Brazil, where it is common to find lots of 300 m², Japanese lots are smaller, usually offering space for a small garage and a limited yard. Even so, many believe that a 90 m² house is quite comfortable.

More than 40% of houses in Japan are built of wood, a traditional material that still prevails, especially in rural areas.

Learn about the challenges of urban population growth and housing in Japan in our detailed post Overcrowding and the growing urban population of Japan.

Moreover, more than 50% of Japanese households are located outside the major urban centers, where the lots are a bit larger. This factor influences the lifestyle of families who choose houses with more spacious outdoor areas, even if simple. And yes, it is true that most houses have two floors, which helps optimize the space available on smaller lots.

However, for many, owning a home in Japan remains a distant dream, especially for foreigners or single people. As a result, one- or two-room apartments are quite common, and even large families end up opting for more compact housing to save on rent. It is a reflection of high housing costs, but even under these conditions, Japanese design manages to make the most of the space, making the environment functional and comfortable. Later, we will explore the characteristics of these homes in detail, from their floor plans to the materials used in construction.

In summary:

• Number of households: Japan has approximately 53 million households, including houses and apartments.
• Average size of residences: The average area of Japanese residences is about 94 m², distributed over approximately four rooms.
• Location of households: More than 50% of households are located in rural areas, where the lots are larger.
• Construction material: About 40% of houses are built of wood, a traditional material widely used in the country.
• Number of floors: Most residences have two floors, optimizing the use of space on smaller lots.

Practicality and comfort

For some, Japanese apartments and houses may be small, but their practicality is undeniable. Most houses have bathtubs, and the toilet is not in the same place as the shower. Additionally, many traditional houses have sliding doors, cabinets, and built-in secret compartments. Sliding doors are super practical and can transform a large room into a separate bedroom for guests. Another thing to note is that there are no walls between houses, further proving the trust and freedom that one has.

My experience

During my trip, I stayed in a huge house, and in this neighborhood, there were several identical houses. The house had a large kitchen and living room and another room on the lower floor. It had the bathroom and the washing area on the first floor. On the second floor, it had 3 bedrooms and another bathroom. The owner said she financed it and paid about 25 million yen at the time, around 700,000 reais, a low amount considering the Japanese salary and comparing it to houses in Brazil.

In total, I visited 3 apartments and 3 houses, and I didn’t find any of them small. Only one of the apartments, which could be considered small, had just 1 room with a kitchen at the entrance and the toilet next to the shower area. It is probably an apartment for just one single person, and this apartment is located in the city of Osaka.

Thus, I concluded that the houses in Japan and Brazil are not so absurdly different in size; it all depends on financial conditions and whether the person actually lives in a house or an apartment. The only thing that can be called small is the lot, which in my opinion means less work to clean. And you? What do you think of Japanese houses?