Best Furniture Stores in Japan for Small Space Living: IKEA vs. Nitori
Moving into a Japanese apartment often means adapting to compact layouts, multifunctional rooms, and storage challenges that you may not have experienced back home. Whether you're settling into a 1K apartment in Tokyo or a 1LDK in Osaka, choosing the right furniture can make or break your comfort level.
Two of the most popular furniture retailers in Japan are IKEA and Nitori (ニトリ). Both offer affordable, space-conscious solutions — but they differ significantly in style, sizing, delivery options, and overall shopping experience.
This guide breaks down everything foreigners need to know when choosing between IKEA and Nitori for small-space living in Japan.
Why Furniture Choice Matters in Japan
Photo: Compact living space typical in Japanese rental apartments
Most rental apartments in Japan range from 20 to 50 square meters (approximately 215 to 538 sq ft). Rooms often serve multiple purposes — your living room might also be your bedroom and workspace. This means every piece of furniture needs to earn its place.
Key considerations:
- Room dimensions — Japanese rooms are measured in tatami mats (jō/帖). One tatami mat ≈ 1.65m²
- Doorway widths — Some older buildings have narrow doorways (as narrow as 60cm)
- Floor types — Flooring may be wood, laminate, or tatami; each requires different furniture feet and care
- Storage — Built-in closets vary; many apartments only have one small storage area
IKEA Japan: The Global Favorite
Overview
IKEA operates over a dozen stores across Japan, from the massive Kōhoku branch in Yokohama to the urban-format IKEA Harajuku in Tokyo. Known worldwide for flat-pack, modern designs, IKEA has adapted reasonably well to the Japanese market.
Strengths for Small Spaces
- Well-documented small-space solutions: IKEA's catalog and website are filled with ideas specifically for apartments under 30m²
- Modular systems: The KALLAX, PAX, and BESTÅ lines can be configured in dozens of ways
- Multifunctional furniture: Sofa-beds, storage beds, drop-leaf tables, and nesting tables are plentiful
- International sizing: Bed sizes follow European standards, which can be larger than Japanese equivalents
- English support: Full English website, and staff at urban stores often speak some English
Pricing Examples (as of 2025)
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| LACK Side Table | ¥999 – ¥1,499 |
| KALLAX Shelf Unit (2x2) | ¥6,999 |
| MALM Bed Frame (Single) | ¥19,999 |
| POÄNG Armchair | ¥15,999 |
| Storage Bed (Single) | ¥39,999 – ¥59,999 |
Considerations
- Store locations — Many IKEA stores are in suburban areas, requiring a car or long train rides
- Delivery costs — Delivery fees start around ¥3,000–¥5,000 and increase with distance and floor level (elevator availability matters)
- Assembly — Items require self-assembly; instructions are visual but can be complex
- Mattress sizes — IKEA uses European sizes, meaning Japanese bedding (futon, sheets) may not fit perfectly
- Availability — Some items are only available online or at larger stores
Best IKEA Items for Japanese Apartments
- KALLAX Shelf Unit — Doubles as room divider and storage
- HEMNES Daybed — Functions as sofa, single bed, and storage
- NORDLI Chest of Drawers — Low-profile, fits under windows common in Japanese apartments
- FRIHETEN Sofa Bed — Includes storage chaise
- BJURSTA Extendable Table — Seats 2 to 4 people
Nitori (ニトリ): Japan's Home Furnishing Giant
Photo: Furniture shopping in Japan — Nitori stores are found nationwide
Overview
Nitori Holdings operates over 800 stores across Japan, making it the country's largest furniture and home goods retailer. Founded in Hokkaido in 1967, Nitori designs products specifically for Japanese living spaces.
Strengths for Small Spaces
- Japan-native sizing: Furniture is designed for standard Japanese room dimensions, doorways, and ceiling heights
- Extensive small-apartment range: Dedicated lines for 1K, 1DK, and other compact layouts
- Affordable pricing: Often cheaper than IKEA for comparable items
- In-store experience: You can see, touch, and test items in realistic room setups
- Futon-friendly: Products accommodate Japanese futon bedding and standard tatami rooms
- Nitori Plus integration: Their online and app experience integrates well with store visits
Pricing Examples (as of 2025)
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Compact Shelf Unit | ¥2,990 – ¥7,990 |
| Storage Bed Frame (Single/Semi-Double) | ¥14,900 – ¥39,900 |
| Folding Table | ¥3,990 – ¥9,990 |
| Low Sofa/Recliner | ¥19,900 – ¥49,900 |
| Chest of Drawers (3-tier) | ¥4,990 – ¥12,900 |
Considerations
- Language barrier — Website and labels are primarily in Japanese; some urban stores have limited English signage
- Design aesthetic — Tends toward neutral, practical designs; fewer bold or trendy options compared to IKEA
- Assembly — Some items come pre-assembled, others require assembly; check before purchasing
- Durability — Budget lines may feel less sturdy than IKEA equivalents at similar price points
- Import styles — Less "Scandinavian" aesthetic; more traditional Japanese and basic modern
Best Nitori Items for Japanese Apartments
- N Shelve Series — Configurable shelving that fits standard Japanese room proportions
- Storage Bed (収納付きベッド) — Built-in drawers designed for tight spaces
- Folding Dining Table — Wall-mountable or freestanding; folds flat when not in use
- Low-type Chest (低タイプ チェスト) — Fits under windows or beds
- N Sleep Mattress — Japanese sizing with modern pocket coil technology
Head-to-Head Comparison
Price
Winner: Nitori (slightly)
Nitori generally offers lower prices, especially on basic items. IKEA competes well on mid-range products, but for bare-bones budget shopping, Nitori often wins.
Size Compatibility
Winner: Nitori
This is Nitori's biggest advantage. Every product is designed for Japanese spaces. IKEA's European sizing can lead to unpleasant surprises — a "small" IKEA sofa might still overwhelm a 6-tatami-mat room.
Design & Style
Winner: IKEA
IKEA's Scandinavian design heritage offers cleaner aesthetics, more color options, and trendier pieces. If you care about the look of your space, IKEA has more visual appeal.
English Support
Winner: IKEA
IKEA Japan's entire website, app, and customer service are available in English. Nitori's resources are almost entirely in Japanese, though the Nitori Plus app has some visual navigation that helps.
Store Accessibility
Winner: Nitori
With 800+ locations, there's almost certainly a Nitori near you. IKEA has fewer than 15 locations nationwide, though their urban-format stores (Harajuku, Shibuya) help city dwellers.
Delivery & Assembly
Tie
Both offer delivery and assembly services. IKEA's delivery pricing is more transparent online, while Nitori's in-store staff can arrange services tailored to your situation. For both, elevator access (or lack thereof) significantly impacts delivery costs.
Practical Tips for Foreigners
Before You Shop
- Measure everything — Your rooms, doorways, hallways, and elevator dimensions
- Convert tatami mats — A 6-mat room ≈ 9.9m²; plan furniture to occupy no more than 30-40% of floor area
- Check floor type — Tatami rooms require furniture feet that won't damage the mats (look for tatami-safe legs or felt pads)
- Know your building rules — Some apartments restrict wall-mounting or heavy furniture on balconies
Shopping Strategies
- IKEA for design pieces, Nitori for basics — Many expats mix and match
- Visit Nitori first — The Japanese sizing removes guesswork; then supplement with IKEA statement pieces
- Order online from both — IKEA's online store is English-friendly; Nitori requires navigating Japanese but offers larger selection online
- Consider Nitori Plus membership — Free to join, offers points and exclusive pricing
- Check Rakuten and Amazon Japan — Some smaller items (shelf organizers, storage solutions) are cheaper online
Delivery Considerations
- Both stores charge extra for stairs without elevator access
- Specify your floor number and elevator size when arranging delivery
- Delivery windows can be 2-4 weeks for large items from either store
- Assembly services typically add 10-15% to the item price
Final Recommendation
For most foreigners renting small apartments in Japan:
- Start with Nitori for core furniture pieces (bed, shelving, storage) — the Japanese sizing ensures everything fits
- Add IKEA pieces for style and personality (textiles, lighting, distinctive furniture)
- Supplement with smaller items from Seria, Daiso, or MUJI for organization and decor
Both stores offer solid options for small-space living. Your best approach depends on your budget, design preferences, language comfort, and proximity to stores.
The good news? Japan's furniture market is well-adapted to compact living. Whether you choose the global familiarity of IKEA or the local practicality of Nitori, you can create a comfortable, functional home in even the smallest Japanese apartment.
Looking for your next apartment in Japan? Browse our listings of foreigner-friendly rentals across Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond.
