The first thing we saw was a piano

As we stepped inside, we thought, what a nice sound. Was someone playing a record? Nope: it was a real piano! There is a sofa and table nearby, like enjoying a concert in a hotel.

Today, we took a look at Social Residence Haijima, which used to be a corporate dormitory for a large electronics manufacturer. It is an open and spacious place.

We asked how much the piano was. "It was pretty expensive," the manager said. "But we've had people who decided to move in here once they heard we had a Steinway!" Surely it's an impressive thing to see when you first come inside. Keep your piano skills up here!

This house is 8 minutes from Fussa station. From there you can get to Tachikawa in 11 minutes or Shinjuku in 38. There's lots of nature to see, from the Tama river to the Akikawa river valley. That's why there's lots of outdoor goods in the entrance, from tarps to BBQ set. Just ask the manager and you can use them! It's easy to just up and say, "hey, wanna grill some meat?"

Huge!

The lounge is where residents gather together, in sofas, at tables, or lying down in the space shown in the picture. Relax however you like. Foreigners epecially like to lay down in the raised space. Just kick your slippers off and make yourself at home. It's your home, after all!

This is also where everyone gets together to watch big soccer matches. With people from all over the world, it's easy to get to know each other through sports talk. And who doesn't like shouting "GOAL!" together??

The lounge is 134.4㎡ (12m×11.2m). With such a big space, you can be with people or on your own, even in this big space. It's kind of like a cafe.

Fun to cook

The kitchen is largely the same as it was during its time as a company dorm, with a big counter kitchen and plentiful cooking surfaces so that even a few people can cook meals at the same time.

The kitchen is outfitted with appliances from rice cookers to microwaves, and also has all the cookware and dishes you need.

In a house with 167 rooms, luckily there are plenty of places to cook. There are 3 IH ranges and 2 gas ranges, and 5 other smaller ranges.

Residents wash up right after cooking, and then right after eating, using the washcloths to dry the dishes and tables. 5 times a week these cloths are washed and returned so everyone can keep a clean area.

Real brick oven

By the parking space is this area with a brick oven. The manager told us: "One of our residents actually build this, just from reading a book! Now it's a great place for everyone to have pizza parties."

When you make pizza, it's always a plus to have fresh basil, right? Luckily there's a vegetable garden on the grounds too. "It's incredible that just us residents were able to grow so many veggies!" said the manager.

Lots of ideas
Maybe you find it hard to focus in your room, or there are too many people in the lounge...
So if you need to work or study, head to the study room! Here you can easily focus on your tasks and studies.

More relaxation
Head to the cafe space for a more quiet relaxation. There's a place to heat up a kettle so you can relax with a cup of tea. (Smoking space on the 1st floor as well)

The fitness gym on the 1st floor is perfect for working out at home without having to go to the gym. Or pay for the gym. Or having to go at a certain time. Use this anytime!

The soundproof room is great for practicing your licks or jamming with a group. There are LAN ports here too. You can practice instruments or singing... or public speaking!

The theater room can fit around 10 people, and residents come together here for movies or games on a big screen.

Everything you need to live

I myself have lived on my own for awhile, and here's what I decided I needed first of all:

-A comfortable bed
-A sunny veranda for drying clothes
-A work desk
-A refrigerator

If I could have all that, I'd be fine.

I think honestly most people are like this, especially if you want to save time and money. And if you have a place to get together with people, it's an extra plus.

Postscript

Social Residence Haijima is a spacious and social place, with a piano, pizza oven, practice studio, and other amusement options. I really felt a sense of freedom here, because you can be on your own and do your own thing, and then there's lots of opportunity to being with others and making new friends. And it's just 8 minutes from the station. I can't think of anything else more ideal.

(Writer: Hike) (Photos: YOSHINORI OHGA)