Free Tokyo Coworking Spaces — Review #1: Yahoo Lodge at Nagatacho Station
Yahoo Lodge is a large co-working space in Yahoo’s building in Nagatacho, Tokyo. With a scenic view, extension cords, onsite buffet, freedom to bring food and drinks, and accommodation for individuals and teams, it sure beats working in a cafe. It’s also completely free of charge, as of now.
Private Seating
Going by yourself? Window seats, a rocking chair, a hammock, and standing desks are available, and people who come early often claim a small cafeteria table to themselves. Around 10 colorful desk-caves for individual focus are found underneath the staircase. Although any shared workspace has its share of ambient noise, it’s quiet enough to focus, especially with a pair of headphones.
Collaboration Friendly Seating
Going in a small group? Go early and grab a cafeteria table, or save spots at one of these open seating areas.
Reservable Meeting Spaces
Going with a larger team? Book a meeting table online in advance for free for up to around 12 people. These meeting spaces aren’t in enclosed rooms, but are quiet enough for discussions.
List of Amenities
- ~250 seats
- Free WIFI
- Outlets and extension cords
- Concentration desks
- Screens
- Microphone
- Speakers
- PC monitors
- Whiteboards
- Books
- Cafeteria
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Toaster oven (Balmuda!)
- Cooking supplies
- Free water
- Pillows
Full details on the official website
Food
Yahoo LODGE has a cafe, CAMP17, and a cafeteria, BASE17, which has its own Tabelog listing.
The cafeteria rotates through a variety of lunch sets everyday, and offers a daily buffet that charges 2 yen per gram for a variety of organic vegetables, sides, and meats, both hot and cold.
Note: Payments are taken by IC card, not cash. Make sure you charge your Suica/Pasmo in advance.
You’re also free to bring your own food and drinks. Family Mart and Streamer Espresso are just across the Yahoo office reception desk, and Seijo Ishii is a minute down towards Nagatacho Station.
Books
Popular titles in business and tech, such as Zero to One, are free to browse. It seems the books were selected as a Lodge x Tsutaya collaboration under the theme 「!」が生まれる本, which can translate to books that spark “!”, or ideas and inspiration.
Other Perks
Events
Events are held almost everyday inside the Lodge. Topics are often technology centered but diverse. Some event titles include “Raising Children Overseas and Working Remotely,” “Samurai Incubate Inc. ✕ Innovation Finders,” “Hack U 2018 Tokyo,” “ASIA STEM Meetup,” “The Marriage of Liquor With Cuisines of Japan and the World.”
Full details and calendar in Japanese
Hours & Access
Hours
Operating hours: Mon-Sun 9:00–21:00
Holidays: New Year holidays, every first Sunday of the month, and various days announced on the home page
BASE17 (cafeteria) hours: Mon-Fri 11:00–14:00 (usually sold out earlier)
Must show for entry: official ID (passport, residence card/zairyu card, Japanese health insurance card, student ID, etc. Details here)
Access
Lodge on Google Maps
Detailed instructions in Japanese on official website
Address: 〒102–0094 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Kioichō, 1, 千代田区紀尾井町１−１ 2 17F
Nagatacho Station: Exit 9a (1 minute walk)
Akasaka Mitsuke Station: Exit D (3 minute walk)
Yotsuya Station (15 minute walk)
Akasaka Station (15 minute walk)
Conclusion
I highly recommend Yahoo Lodge for any individual or small team looking for free alternatives to working in cafes. There really aren’t any downsides here besides the slightly obscure location, and the buffet and lunch sets being popular enough to run out early.
Anyone who’s visited, or have recommendations for free coworking spaces can definitely leave their input in the comments below. And anyone interested in working spaces in Tokyo can click “Follow” for upcoming reviews! 🗼
