The World's Narrowest Residential Building Has 4 Complete Apartments and Only 2.5 Meters at Its Widest Point — And You'll Want to See Inside

The World’s Narrowest Residential Building Has 4 Complete Apartments and Only 2.5 Meters at Its Widest Point — And You’ll Want to See Inside

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 11/10/2025 at 14:32

Updated on 11/10/2025 at 14:34

Foto: YouTube/@TokyoLens/Reprodução

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With Only 2.5 Meters at Its Widest Point, the Narrowest Building in the World Houses Four Fully Equipped Microapartments and Has Become a Global Sensation After Videos Showcasing Its Clever Compact Architecture and the Surprisingly Affordable Rent for Tokyo Standards

Amid the busy streets of Tokyo, a small building with yellow tiles has become an international attraction because it challenges the limits of urban space. Considered the “narrowest residential building in the world,” the structure has only 2.5 meters at its widest point and, in some sections, is barely wider than a person.

Even so, it houses four fully functional micro apartments designed for the fast-paced lifestyle of Japan’s capital.

The construction gained notoriety after appearing in a video by the channel Tokyo Lens, created by Norm Nakamura, and in posts on TikTok from the profile @supercarblondie.xtra.

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Space Engineering of the Narrowest Building in the World

Access is via an external spiral staircase that leads to a narrow metal door. Upon entering, visitors find a unique environment that combines a kitchen, living area, and balcony in one space, illuminated by a large window.

Even with its reduced dimensions, the apartment features a sink, cooktop, cabinet, minibar, air conditioning, and sleeping area.

The “bathroom” is located next to the entrance and surprises with its compactness: it is so narrow that it barely allows for a body to turn, yet it still includes a small bathtub.

The toilet is in a separate compartment in the external corridor.

Comparisons and Adaptations

In the comments, many internet users compared the triangular shape of the building to a chocolate bar.

Others wondered where a bed would fit. Norm explained that residents of similar properties often use foldable tatami mats or inflatable mattresses to make better use of the space.

With information from Casa e Jardim.

The World’s Narrowest Residential Building Has 4 Complete Apartments and Only 2.5 Meters at Its Widest Point — And You’ll Want to See Inside

With Only 2.5 Meters at Its Widest Point, the Narrowest Building in the World Houses Four Fully Equipped Microapartments and Has Become a Global Sensation After Videos Showcasing Its Clever Compact Architecture and the Surprisingly Affordable Rent for Tokyo Standards

Space Engineering of the Narrowest Building in the World

Comparisons and Adaptations

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The World’s Narrowest Residential Building Has 4 Complete Apartments and Only 2.5 Meters at Its Widest Point — And You’ll Want to See Inside

With Only 2.5 Meters at Its Widest Point, the Narrowest Building in the World Houses Four Fully Equipped Microapartments and Has Become a Global Sensation After Videos Showcasing Its Clever Compact Architecture and the Surprisingly Affordable Rent for Tokyo Standards

The Narrowest Building in the World: Success on Social Media and Global Curiosity

Space Engineering of the Narrowest Building in the World

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While a traditional school may take several days just to raise walls, in Malawi a 3D-printed school had its structure ready in 18 hours, welcomed children in June, and showed a new solution to the lack of classrooms.

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