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Japan Apartment Types Explained: 1K, 1DK, 1LDK and More
Japan Apartment Types Explained: 1K, 1DK, 1LDK and More
When searching for an apartment in Japan, you'll quickly encounter a confusing shorthand: 1K, 1DK, 1LDK, 2LDK, 3LDK... What do these codes mean? This guide decodes every apartment type so you can search with confidence.
The Basic Formula
Japanese apartment layouts follow a simple formula:
[Number of Rooms] + [Room Type Code]
- The number = how many separate rooms (bedrooms) the apartment has
- The letter code = the type of combined living/kitchen space
Understanding the Letter Codes
K — Kitchen Only (キッチン)
A K unit has a kitchen area but no separate dining or living room. The kitchen/cooking area is directly connected to (or part of) the main room.
- Typical size: under 8 tatami mats in the main room
- Best for: single occupants, students, minimalists
DK — Dining Kitchen (ダイニングキッチン)
A DK unit has a combined dining and kitchen area, separate from the bedroom(s).
- Typical size: 4.5–8 tatami mats (1DK), 6–10 tatami mats (2DK)
- Best for: singles, couples who like a separate eating area
LDK — Living Dining Kitchen (リビングダイニングキッチン)
An LDK unit has a combined living room, dining area, and kitchen — all in one open-plan space, separate from the bedrooms.
- Typical size: 8+ tatami mats (1LDK), 10+ tatami mats (2LDK)
- Best for: couples, small families, those wanting a proper living space
Common Apartment Types at a Glance
| Type | Rooms | Layout | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1K | 1 bedroom + kitchen | Very compact | Solo renter, student |
| 1DK | 1 bedroom + dining/kitchen | Small but functional | Single person |
| 1LDK | 1 bedroom + living/dining/kitchen | Comfortable for 1–2 people | Single or couple |
| 2K | 2 bedrooms + kitchen | Rare, older buildings | Two people on a budget |
| 2DK | 2 bedrooms + dining/kitchen | Good for couples/small families | 2–3 people |
| 2LDK | 2 bedrooms + living/dining/kitchen | Spacious, very popular | Couples, small families |
| 3LDK | 3 bedrooms + living/dining/kitchen | Family-sized | Families with children |
| 4LDK+ | 4+ bedrooms + LDK | House-like | Large families |
What About Room Sizes? Understanding Tatami (畳)
In Japan, room sizes are often measured in tatami mats (畳/jo). One tatami mat = approximately 1.62 m² (though this varies slightly by region).
Common conversions:
- 6 tatami = ~9.7 m²
- 8 tatami = ~13 m²
- 10 tatami = ~16.2 m²
Modern listings also use square meters (㎡). A 1K apartment in Tokyo typically ranges from 20–30 m², while a 2LDK might be 50–70 m².
Other Terms You'll See
- Studio / ワンルーム (One Room): A single open room where the kitchen, sleeping, and living areas are all combined. Similar to a studio in Western countries.
- マンション (Mansion): A reinforced concrete apartment building — NOT a luxury house. This is the standard word for a concrete apartment.
- アパート (Apartment): Typically a smaller, wooden or light steel construction building, usually 2–3 floors. Generally cheaper than a mansion.
- Service Room (サービスルーム/S): A room without a window or one too small to officially count as a bedroom. Sometimes shown as 1LDK+S.
Which Type is Right for You?
| If you are... | Consider this type |
|---|---|
| Solo renter, student, low budget | 1K or Studio |
| Working professional wanting comfort | 1LDK |
| Couple | 1LDK or 2DK |
| Couple wanting extra space | 2LDK |
| Family with 1 child | 2LDK or 3LDK |
| Family with 2+ children | 3LDK or 4LDK |
Ready to Find Your Perfect Layout?
Now that you understand Japanese apartment types, you can search more effectively. At Shin Housing, we list apartments of all sizes across Tokyo and surrounding areas, and our multilingual team can help you find exactly what you need.