
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
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain Matsuya opens gourmet Premium Matsuya with Kobe beef…inside Matsuya
Fukushima City on edge as resourceful and violent bear still not found
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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】