
Fancy having a private 20-seat cinema at your doorstep? You can get exactly that for an affordable monthly rent of $525.
Renting an apartment in Japan can be expensive, and unless you plan on living with ghosts, it’s hard to find reasonably cheap accommodation with attached facilities.
That’s where “social apartments” come in, providing high-quality shared amenities like stylish kitchens and lounges where residents can socialize and have fun without breaking the bank.
Films Wako is a social apartment complex located in Wako City in Saitama, a stone’s throw away from Tokyo. What sets it apart from the rest is that it also includes a luxurious 20-seat movie theater equipped with surround sound and a 4K projector.
▼ Watch your favorite movies in an easily-accessible private cinema.
The projector also comes with screen mirroring functions, allowing people to watch YouTube videos or Netflix series in comfort. And the great thing is that when you’ve had enough of movies for the night, just leave and head off to your own apartment room.
▼ Relax and chill out with friends over coffee in a spacious lounge.
The building that houses Films Wako was built in July 1992 with reinforced concrete construction, and is located just a nine minute’s walk from a train station that can whisk residents to the heart of Tokyo.
There’s plenty of rooms to choose from, as a total of 123 studio apartment are available in the five-storey complex, each ranging from 13.4 to 16.9 square meters (44 to 55.4 square feet). Its two-year rent plan varies from 58,000 to 66,000 yen (US$524 to $596) per month, which excludes management fees, water, and electrical expenses.
▼ Challenge housemates to a game of billiards…
▼ …or work on projects and study in a cozy cafe environment.
Although Films Wako officially opens in October, interior viewing is already available to the public. Once opened, residents can enjoy various movie collaborations, events, workshops and organized activities centered around the theater to enrich their living experience in Japan.
Films Wako may be the perfect apartment for movie buffs, but people with little interest in films can still enjoy the various amenities on offer for a very reasonable price. The biggest drawback for some may be the nine-minute walk to the train station, and if that’s a dealbreaker, then how about having a train station on the first floor instead?





Every night can be movie night at this awesome Japanese apartment building with its own theater
We check out Films Wako, a “social apartment” building with a movie theater inside
Saitama city decides to build first new cinema complex in almost 30 years
Neighbors Kamikitazawa introduces us to the cool side of shared Tokyo apartment rentals
Catch a film in Laputa, the Tokyo movie theater inspired by Studio Ghibli’s classic animation
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Defacing the Japanese flag is now a crime, says government, punishable by up to two years in jail
Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Over 94 percent of Japanese people in survey find movie theater prices too expensive
Tokyo movie theater allows cheering but forbids speaking Japanese at special screening
Studio Ghibli celebrates the magic of movie theaters with short video, Hayao Miyazaki illustration
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Apartments with no bath or shower rising in popularity among young Tokyoites, report says
The anime cosplay DJ in Tokyo’s crazy Nakagin Capsule Tower apartment【Photos】