A clear explanation of the differences between 1K, 1DK, and 1LDK layouts—apartment types you'll always encounter when searching for rental properties. This guide covers room configuration, size standards, rental price ranges, and detailed recommendations for foreign nationals and those living alone.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
Clear explanation of the differences between "1K," "1DK," "1LDK," and "2DK," commonly seen in rental listings. Complete comparison of four floor plans by area, average rent, and best-suited household types.
When apartment hunting in Japan, you'll frequently encounter terms like "studio," "1K," and "1LDK." This guide explains the key differences and how to choose the right layout based on your lifestyle.
A practical guide where real estate experts clarify the legal definitions and practical differences of Japan's most common rental layouts—1K, 1DK, and 1LDK—and recommend the ideal floor plan for foreign renters' typical lifestyles, including single expatriates, international couples, remote workers, and short-term assignees.
Compare 1K, 1DK, and 1LDK apartment types at a glance. Learn what K/D/L/S symbols mean, how to convert between tatami and square meters, and how to choose the right floor plan for your lifestyle—whether you're single, a couple, or working from home in a Japanese rental.
Japanese rental property layout notation uses unique symbols.
Basic Symbols:
Specific Layout Types:
1K (One-K): One bedroom plus a kitchen. The kitchen is less than 4.5 tatami mats. Usually there's a sliding door or wall separating the bedroom from the kitchen.
1DK (One-DK): One bedroom plus a dining kitchen (4.5 to less than 8 tatami mats). The dining and kitchen areas are combined into one space. Usually the bedroom and DK are connected.
1LDK (One-LDK): One bedroom plus a living-dining kitchen (8 tatami mats or larger). The structure consists of one bedroom plus a spacious combined living, dining, and kitchen area.
1K: Total floor area 20–30 m² (bedroom 6–8 tatami mats + kitchen 2–3 tatami mats) 1DK: Total floor area 25–40 m² (bedroom 6–8 tatami mats + dining kitchen 4.5–8 tatami mats) 1LDK: Total floor area 30–50 m² (bedroom 6–8 tatami mats + living-dining kitchen 8–14 tatami mats)
Approximate price ranges for the same area and nearby stations:
Tokyo's 23 Special Wards (within 10-minute walk, built 15 years or less):
Sendai City:
Nagoya City:
Recommended: 1K
Compact and easy to clean, most affordable rent, perfect for single assignments and short-term stays. Because the kitchen is separated from the bedroom, cooking smells don't easily spread to your sleeping area.
Ideal if you eat out or grab convenience store meals most of the time, or if you have minimal belongings.
Recommended: 1DK to 1LDK
Having a dining space (room for a dining table) significantly improves your quality of life. In a 1K, you often eat on your bed or at your desk, but a 1DK gives you a dedicated dining area.
Recommended: 1LDK
The spacious LDK (living-dining area) lets you separate your work space from your living space. It's also easier to keep the background neat when you're on video calls.
Recommended: Furnished 1K with appliances or a shared house
Right after arriving in Japan, a furnished 1K with appliances (around ¥100,000–150,000 per month in Tokyo) or a shared house offers great value, helping you avoid the upfront cost of furniture and appliances.
Even among 1K layouts, actual comfort varies significantly depending on total floor area, kitchen location, ceiling height, and storage space.
Points to Check:
When asked "What is LDK?": "LDK means Living, Dining, and Kitchen space combined. It's an open floor plan area that serves as your living room, dining room, and kitchen all in one large space."
What is "tatami count" (tatami mat size)? One tatami mat equals approximately 1.62 m². A 6-tatami room is roughly 9.7 m², and an 8-tatami room is roughly 12.9 m². However, the size of one tatami mat varies slightly depending on the standard used (Edo, Kyoto, or meter module).
不動産ネットワーク
投資物件・賃貸住宅・テナント・運営会社をつなぐ不動産4サイト連携。
床スラブ厚と上階の足音問題——賃貸で「ドン」という衝撃音が響く構造的な理由と物件選びのポイント
前橋・群馬の賃貸エリアガイド【2026年版】——主要エリア別家賃相場と住みやすさを徹底比較
Making the Most of Protruding Beams and Columns in Rental Apartments — Smart Furniture Placement Strategies
Mito & Ibaraki Rental Area Guide [2026] — Comprehensive Explanation of Rental Rates and Livability by Major Area
Uncovering Property Issues by Asking Previous Tenants About Their Departure—Questions to Ask During Viewings and How to Interpret Answers
