Hosting guests in a small apartment can present some unique challenges, particularly in a country like Japan where living spaces can be small and compact.  

However, with careful planning and consideration, you can create a warm and inviting environment for your guests. Whether it’s hosting a dinner party, or a week-long stay, with a little planning you can make your small apartment cozy and accommodating.  

This article will provide you with five essential steps to successfully host guests in a small apartment in Japan. We will cover topics such as making space, dinner party food, bedding, privacy, and social space.  

By following these steps, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for your guests. 

If you are looking to rent an apartment, you can find many great options across all of Japan on the Village House website. 

Making Space 

Before your guests arrive, the first thing you should do is tidy up and reduce as much clutter as you can in your small apartment. This means clearing out any unnecessary items and creating an open and welcoming atmosphere.  

Consider how to rearrange furniture to create more floor space, giving the impression that your apartment is a little bigger – you could also open any sliding doors, and even open windows to maximize light. 

Be sure to use any storage space you have and tidy away items which create clutter. However, remember that your guests will also need space to store their belongings, so make room in closets or provide them with storage options such as shelves or baskets.  

By decluttering and maximizing storage space, you can ensure that your guests feel comfortable and have room to settle in and tidy away their luggage.  

Preparing Dinner Party Food 

Preparing food for a dinner party in a small apartment can be a challenge. Many small apartments also happen to have small kitchens, and this can quickly make a mess if you plan to cook an ambitious meal for your guests. 

Opt for dishes that are easy to cook in a small kitchen and can accommodate a larger number of guests. Consider one-pot meals, stir-fries, or dishes that can be prepared in advance to minimize cooking time and space usage.  

Another option is to order pre-made food or take-outs from local restaurants, providing a taste of your local cuisine without the hassle of cooking. Why not head out before your guests arrive and pick up a local delicacy, like sushi, or takoyaki? 

Don’t forget to stock up on snacks, drinks, and breakfast food to cater to your guests’ needs throughout their stay. 

Providing Comfortable Bedding 

Allowing guests to get a comfortable night’s sleep is a priority. In a small apartment, maximizing sleeping space is crucial for your guests to feel comfortable and happy with their stay. You should consider using an air mattress that can be easily inflated and stored away when not in use.  

Alternatively, if you have a sofa bed or fold-out futons. Be prepared, and if you have a spare room, ensure it is comfortable and set it up for your guests before they arrive. If you do not have a spare room, then you should practice setting up bedding to make sure that you have what you need. 

Provide spare sheets, blankets, and pillows to ensure a cozy and restful night’s sleep. Also, consider the temperature and lighting in the sleeping area to ensure your guests are comfortable all night and are not woken because they are too hot or cold at night. 

Creating Space for Privacy 

In a small apartment, it can be difficult to create a sense of privacy. One thing you should consider is using a fold-out screen to divide the living area or sleeping space. This provides a visual barrier and also allows your guests to have their own, small, private area. 

Additionally, if you have guests staying for long periods of time, you could consider coordinating your own schedules to give your guests some alone time or you could suggest they visit public spaces like parks or local cafes where they can relax and enjoy their own space. 

Creating Social Space 

Although your apartment space may be small, it’s important to create areas where you and your guests can gather and socialize comfortably.  

You should also think about what activities your guests would like to do, and try to design your apartment space around these activities.  

If they want to watch a movie, then you should make it comfortable for them to sit around the tv. If they want to eat and drink, make sure that your dining table is large enough to accommodate everyone. This way, you can make sure that no one feels left out. 

Hosting Guests in a Small Apartment 

Hosting guests in a small apartment requires thoughtful planning and consideration. By following these five steps, you can feel more confident in hosting guests and making their stay comfortable and enjoyable. 

With a little creativity and attention to detail, your small apartment can be transformed into a warm and welcoming space for your guests. 

If you are looking to rent an apartment, you can find many great options across all of Japan on the Village House website.