I recently visited Nakano Hako for the first time. It had been recommended to me as an underrated remote work spot in Tokyo but I was there to really put it to the test. As a freelance writer, I’m looking for a productive and affordable space with great WiFi and, ideally, some free refreshments to get me through the day.

I prefer to move around and try out different cowork offices and work-friendly cafes in Tokyo instead of sticking to one, so I also look for spaces that cater to a more flexible schedule. If getting set up is complicated or requires advanced reservations…I’m usually unimpressed.

Keep reading to learn my genuine review of Nakano Hako as we continue the hunt for the best coworking space in Tokyo.

• Everything you need to know about Nakano Hako
• Nakano Hako Coworking Space Reviewed
• Is Nakano Hako the best coworking space in Tokyo?

Everything you need to know about Nakano Hako

An open-plan office designed for peace, relaxation, and productivity, Nakano Hako stands out for its natural lighting and zen ambiance. The area is filled with natural wood and stone finishes…a breath of fresh air from the usual coworking corporate options. It’s incredibly clean and organised with new finishes and plenty of free accessories to rent.

Where is Nakano Hako Coworking Space?

As the name suggests, Nakano Hako is in Nakano, a ward in East Tokyo. The coworking space is conveniently located right next to Nakano station which is just 8-minutes on the Chuo Line from Shinjuku station.

When you get to the station, make sure to go to the South Exit to avoid the crowds of Nakano Broadway then turn left and walk toward the Nakano South Stella shopping mall. Head inside and you’ll find the coworking space on the first floor.

What’s the Nakano Hako Coworking Space layout?

Nakano Hako is split between two areas: the ‘private box’ and the ‘community box’. Confusingly, the ‘private box’ is the actual coworking space whilst the ‘community box’ is a selection of conference rooms for meetings.

The first thing you see when entering the space is the reception. Getting booked in is really easy and you’ll be given a lanyard to wear during your time at Nakano Hako. Before leaving, you’ll return the lanyard and be asked to pay (which is great as you don’t need to commit to a time period at the start of the session).

Continue past the reception and down a slight ramp to get to the ‘private box’ coworking office. On your first visit you’ll be given a quick tour but here’s an overview of the layout:

Shu Chu Lounge

At one end of the coworking space is this silent work zone filled with tables, desks, and private booths. It’s a no-talking area designed for productivity with free work accessories available along one wall. You can take whatever you need from monitors to phone-stands making zoning in to work as easy and convenient as possible.

Open Lounge

This is another work area filled with multi-person booths and a long desk looking out over the window. You can use the open lounge to work with others, chat, or enjoy a slightly more relaxed environment. If you need chargers etc, you can take them from the Shu Chu Lounge area, just make sure not to disturb anyone working quietly.

Refresh Box

A unique element to Nakano Hako, the refresh box is a relaxation zone designed with zen in mind. The space is split into different sitting levels and booths and you must take your shoes off before entering. The concept is to help people fully disconnect from their work in the refresh box so that they can mentally refuel before the next task.

‘Kitchenette’

More of a refreshment area than anything else, you’ll find a selection of snacks and drinks in this alcove. There are free hot drinks, sodas, and water as well as small crackers and some chocolates. The food is nothing amazing but is always nice to have when you need a little pick-me-up throughout the day.

How much does Nakano Hako Coworking Space cost?

Private Box passes:

• Hourly: ¥1200
• 30 Minute Extension: ¥550
• Daily Maximum: ¥3400
• Monthly: ¥33,000

Nakano Hako Coworking Space Reviewed

As soon as you enter Nakano Hako, you’ll notice the bright natural light and extremely relaxed atmosphere. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a strong feeling of productivity in the air, but somehow all the stress or discomfort of working around others has been removed.

Getting checked in was a really easy process that didn’t require any advance reservation and although there were plenty of people working inside the space, it didn’t feel overcrowded at all. There were plenty of seat options from solo booths to large tables with the options being not just ergonomic but actually inviting.

Nakano Hako is extremely well set up for remote workers in Tokyo and I particularly loved the easy rental system of just taking whatever you need from a shelf and putting it back before you leave. In general, Japan is a very safe country where they trust you not to steal, but I still really appreciate the ease with which I can grab a charger without so much as signing my name.

Though I do really like Nakano Hako and will be returning, there are still a few potential drawbacks. The most obvious is the lack of any social scene in this coworking office. This isn’t a huge issue for me as I’m not typically using coworking spaces to network and grow my circle, but if that’s important to you it might be worth looking elsewhere.

The Pros

• Price: Nakano Hako is reasonably priced as a mid-tier coworking space in Tokyo.
• Ambiance: The vibes are laidback but still productive, a perfect balance in my eyes
• Rentals: The free equipment and computer accessories are a huge plus

The Cons

• Snack Selection: I appreciate a coffee machine and crackers but I’ve seen much better options elsewhere
• Lack of Socialising: This space is definitely more about working than networking

Is Nakano Hako the best coworking space in Tokyo?

This is how I would rate Nakano Hako on the elements that really matter to a freelance writer in Japan:

Space: 8/10

Seating Options: 8/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Rental Accessories: 10/10

Free Refreshments: 6/10

Ease of Use: 9/10

Staff: 8/10

Facilities: 6/10

Social Scene: 5/10

Price: 8/10

Total: 76/100

The Conclusion

If you haven’t already guessed, I highly rate Nakano Hako. It feels like a work-haven that’s close to central Tokyo without any of the chaos. From the furniture to the finishes, everything feels new (but not sterile) with a serene sense of harmony.

The coworking space is pretty reasonably priced and I like that there’s a daily max cost that makes it impossible to accidentally way overspend. If you’re near to Nakano, I absolutely recommend Nakano Hako as one of the top remote work spots in Tokyo.

Looking for more options? Check out my Tokyo coworking office guide below: