Introducing the floor plans of Japanese properties (1R/2K/3LDK)

In Japan, floor plans are written using a combination of letters and numbers such as R, K, and D.

Here is what each letter represents.

R (Room)

R is an abbreviation for "room."

It is used in one-room (1R) layouts where there is only one room other than the bathroom and toilet.

The abbreviation R is used in other ways besides describing room layouts.

If you see the letter "R" in a room floor plan, it does not mean "room" but "refrigerator."

This indicates that a refrigerator can be installed in the R area of the kitchen.

K (Kitchen)

K stands for "kitchen."

In Japanese properties, the notation varies depending on the area of the room where the kitchen is located.

Generally, rooms with a kitchen of less than 4.5 tatami mats (8.2 m2) are referred to as "K."

D (dining)

D stands for "dining."

The dining room is a room that combines the kitchen and dining area.

If the room with the kitchen is between 4.5 tatami mats (8.2 m2) and 8 tatami mats (14.6 m2), it is written as "D (dining)."

On the floor plan, it is written as DK (dining kitchen) because it is attached to the kitchen.

L (living room)

L stands for "living."

If the room containing the kitchen is larger than the dining room and is at least 8 tatami mats (14.6 m2), it is referred to as a living room.

On the floor plan, it is written as LDK (living, dining, kitchen).

Japanese properties may have tatami mats on the floor, but properties marked "L (living room)" often have Western-style flooring such as hardwood flooring.

S (Service Room)

S is an abbreviation for "service room."

A room without windows and limited lighting is called a service room.

It cannot be used as a living space, but as a storage space or closet.

On the floor plan, it is written as SLDK or similar.

Each floor plan in Japanese properties has its own unique characteristics.

When searching for a property, it is a good idea to understand the characteristics of the floor plan.

We will introduce the features, advantages and disadvantages of each floor plan.

1R

A 1R apartment has only one room other than the bathroom and toilet.

As soon as you enter the entrance, you are in your room, and cooking, eating, and sleeping are all done in one room.

Because there are no partition walls, it feels more open than other floor plans, even though they have the same area.

The advantage is that the rent can be kept low because the functions are limited to the bare minimum.

On the other hand, the disadvantages are that cooking smells can get on furniture and beds, and you can see directly into the room from the entrance.

1K

A 1K is a floor plan with one room and a separate kitchen.

The cooking and sleeping areas are separate, so cooking smells don't easily get on the furniture or bed.

Another benefit is that you can maintain privacy within the room, as you cannot see inside the room from the entrance.

However, compared to a studio apartment of the same size, the disadvantage is that the living room and sleeping space are smaller.

1DK

A 1DK is a layout with one room and a separate dining kitchen.

Not only can you cook, but you can also separate the dining space from the living and sleeping space, allowing you to live a more balanced life.

The disadvantage of 1DK apartments is that they are rarely used in new properties, so many of them are older buildings.

1LDK

A 1LDK is a layout with one room and a living room with an attached kitchen.

The living, dining, and kitchen area is over 8 tatami mats (14.6 m2), so you can place the dining table, sofa, and TV in the same room.

The advantage is that the kitchen and living room are one and open.

On the other hand, the disadvantage is that the rent tends to be higher than 1K or 1DK because the room area is larger.

2K

2K is a floor plan with two rooms and a separate kitchen.

The kitchen, living room, and sleeping space can be separated, adding structure to your life.

The disadvantage is that many of the properties are old, but the advantage is that the rent is easy to keep low relative to the size of the property.

2DK

The 2DK layout has two rooms and a dining kitchen.

You can place a dining table and eat leisurely, and you can also spend time together in the living room or sleep in another room, so it can also be used by couples or married couples living together.

By using the DK as a shared space and the remaining two rooms as individual rooms, you can also ensure private space.

The disadvantage of 2DK apartments is that many of them are older buildings.

2LDK

The 2LDK layout has two rooms and a living/dining/kitchen area.

The layout was designed to be family-friendly.

The advantage is that you can keep an eye on your children in the living room while cooking or doing the dishes, making it easier for family members to communicate.

One of the rooms can be used as a bedroom for the couple and the other as a children's room.

3LDK

The 3LDK layout has three rooms and a living/dining/kitchen area.

There are three rooms, so residents can freely choose how to use the room to suit their family composition and lifestyle.

One advantage is the flexibility of the layout, such as using one room as the couple's bedroom and the other two as children's rooms, or using one room as the children's room and the other as a guest room.

The downside is that the rent tends to be higher due to the larger area.

When choosing a floor plan for a property in Japan, it is important to consider the number of occupants and their lifestyle.

We will introduce recommended floor plans for each number of residents.

Living alone

If you are living alone, consider the following floor plans: 1R, 1K, 1DK, and 1LDK.

If you want to keep rent as low as possible, a studio apartment is a good choice.

If you don't cook, you don't have to worry about the smell of food, and if you can just accept that you just want to be able to sleep in your room, then a one-room apartment with the bare minimum of features will be enough.

If you want to have a separate kitchen and room but want to keep your rent as low as possible, we recommend a 1K apartment.

Another attractive feature is that there are many 1K apartments available, making it easy to find a room you like in the area you want.

If you don't mind paying a higher rent and want to live a comfortable life, try choosing a 1DK or 1LDK apartment.

With more space in the dining and living areas, you can invite friends over for dinner or have more space for your hobbies.

Living with two people

If you are living with two people, consider a 1LDK or 2DK floor plan.

1LDK is recommended for couples and newlyweds.

In the living/dining/kitchen area, you can spend time together relaxing, eating meals and watching TV.

Many 1LDK apartments are relatively new, making them ideal for newlyweds starting their new life together.

If you want to share a room with a friend, we recommend a 2DK apartment.

The DK can be used as a shared space, and the two bedrooms can be used as private spaces.

If you have the financial means, a 2LDK apartment may be an option.

This will create more space in the common areas, making shared living more comfortable.

Family

If you are living with your family, consider a 2LDK or 3LDK layout.

A 2LDK apartment is recommended for families with young children or an only child.

When the children are small, the whole family can share a bedroom, and the remaining room can be used as a playroom or guest room for the children.

Families with one child may have one bedroom and one children's room.

Families with older children or two or more children may want to choose a 3LDK apartment.

As your children grow up, they will each need their own room.

With three rooms, you can have one bedroom and two children's rooms.