Imagine living in a space so compact that it challenges the very notion of a home. Welcome to Tokyo’s Nerima Triangle Building, a striking narrow structure that is less than 2 feet wide at its narrowest point and defies conventional living standards. This extraordinary building houses four separate apartments, accommodating four families in a remarkably efficient manner.
Resembling a bright-yellow domino, the Triangle Building boasts an astonishing design that manages to fit five stories into a lot that is hardly larger than a parking space, along with an additional basement level. Previously, this well-known establishment served as micro-sized bars, which were popular in Tokyo, a city notorious for its limited space.
In 2023, Norm Nakamura, the creator behind the Tokyo Lense YouTube channel, provided viewers with a rare glimpse inside the Triangle Building, also referred to as Sankaku Biru. During his tour, he likened the experience of residing in such a compact space to living within your own personal Toblerone block—a whimsical yet fitting comparison. His intriguing walkthrough of the unconventional apartment layout has garnered an impressive 13 million views and continues to be shared widely on social media platforms.
The four full-floor units are connected by a precariously narrow staircase, and at the time of Nakamura's visit, three of the apartments were occupied. Each unit opens into a kitchenette that can barely accommodate a small sink, a single hot plate, and a mini fridge. Surprisingly, there’s a locker-sized shower area that also features a tiny bathtub and a window—an innovative use of limited space.
Beyond the kitchenette lies the main living area, which measures just over 8 feet at its widest point. This room is just big enough for a small futon, while overhead cabinets provide some much-needed storage solutions. One of these unique units was rented for around $268 per month in 2023, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
However, living in such confined quarters comes with significant drawbacks. The first major issue is noise: located at a bustling five-way intersection in Nerima, Nakamura described this apartment as "the noisiest place I’ve ever experienced in Japan." The constant sounds of traffic and city life can be overwhelming.
The second downside is even more inconvenient: there are no private toilets in the apartments. Residents must leave their living spaces and navigate the narrow staircase to access communal facilities that are reminiscent of airplane lavatories in both size and design.
What do you think about the concept of these ultra-narrow living spaces? Could you see yourself adapting to such conditions, or do the drawbacks outweigh the benefits? Share your thoughts below!
