With coronavirus infections still rising across Japan, the demand for remote work options has risen considerably. If you live in Tokyo, there is already significant infrastructure for telework spaces all around the city. So if you find yourself on the go in the city and are in need of a quiet place to sit for a virtual meeting, telework booths in Tokyo may be the best solution.
This article will show you:
- How to set up an account to reserve telework booths in Tokyo.
- How to reserve a booth.
- A list of companies providing telework in Tokyo and their locations.
What is a Telework Booth?
Telework booths are small cubes that generally provide a desk, a seat, charging ports for electronic devices, Wi-Fi, and a noise-proof interior that allows a quiet space for virtual meetings. They are located inside train stations and office buildings across the 23 wards. Several companies operate telework booths. It may be best to find out which company operates booths closest to where you live.
Companies Offering Telework Spaces
Telecube
Telecube is the largest company providing telework booth services in Tokyo right now. They have extensive telework booth locations across Tokyo, but there are many booths specifically in Shinjuku, Akasaka and Chiyoda wards. The prices of the booths depend on location, but they will generally cost about ¥1000-1500 for a 1-hour reservation.
Station Work
This is another company with extensive booth locations across commercial hubs in Tokyo. Many locations center around the JR Yamanote line, in stations such as Takadanobaba, Shibuya, Ebisu, Shinagawa, Kanda and Ueno. There are also locations along the Chuo line in Shinjuku, Nakano, and Kokubunji. Prices again depend on location, but still range at about ¥1000-1500 an hour (normally about ¥275 for 15 minutes). Station Work also provides shared rentable office spaces through collaboration with WeWork.
CocoDesk
This company is FujiFilm’s entry into the telework booth craze, and it has 60 locations across Tokyo, mostly in train stations. Locations are found all over train stations in Tokyo, but they tend to center around Tokyo Metro lines like the Marunouchi, Shinjuku and Chiyoda lines. Locations include Ikebukuro, Shinochanomizu, Nagatacho and Roppongi. Standard prices are set at ¥275 for 15 minutes.
NOTE: Each company mentioned above allows reservations in 15-minute blocks. The longest you can usually reserve a box is 2 hours.
Registering for an Account
For all three companies, you’ll generally need two things to register for an account:
- An e-mail address
- A credit card
If you need help getting a credit card, you can consult The Tokyo Life’s article on how to get one.
Most of the information you’ll be asked to fill out is in Japanese, so below is a table to consult when filling out registration forms.
| メールアドレス | E-mail address |
| ログインパスワード | Password |
| 氏名 (しめい) | Full Name |
| 会員登録 (かいいんとうろく) | Member Registration (For Registering Yourself) |
| 法人登録 (ほうじんとうろく) | Corporate Registration |
| 電話番号 (でんわばんごう) | Phone Number |
| 郵便番号 (ゆうびんばんごう) | Postal Code |
| 生年月日 (せいねんがっぴ) | Date of Birth |
| 性別 (せいべつ) | Gender |
| 職業 (しょくぎょう) | Occupation |
| 主な利用目的 (おもなりようもくてき)* | Purpose of Registration |
| カード番号 (かーどばんごう) | Credit Card Number |
| 有効期限 (ゆうこうきげん) | Expiration Date |
| セキュリティコード | Security Code |
| カードの名義人 (かーどのめいぎにん) | Cardholder Name |
Generally, once you have registered, you can immediately make a reservation online.
Making a Reservation
Reservations are more or less the same for all three services mentioned in this article.
- From the member’s login portal, you’ll find an option labeled 予約する (よやくする), or “make a reservation.”
- Press this button and you’ll be presented with a screen where you can choose a specific area of Tokyo to search for booths. Select the ward or neighborhood closest to you.
- You’ll see a screen showing the times the booth is available. You can select the amount of time you want your reservation to be, and the time that your reservation will start.
- Press the 予約する (よやくする), or “make a reservation” button.
- Next you’ll see a confirmation screen with the amount you’ll have to pay. Press 確認 (かくにん) to confirm your reservation、 戻る (もどる) to return to the previous screen, or キャンセル to cancel the reservation.
- You’ll receive a confirmation via email with the time and cost of your reservation.
Entering the Booth
- Arrive at the booth at your reservation time.
- Log in to your account and find the button labeled 予約 (よやく) or 利用・予約 (りよう・よやく).
- Press the button and then you should see a screen listing your reservation and a button labeled 入室 (にゅうしつ) or “enter room” pressing this should unlock the door.
- Enter the room.
Canceling a Reservation
- Log in to your account and find a button labeled 予約 (よやく) or 利用・予約 (りよう・よやく).
- On the screen listing your reservation, you should be able to find a button labeled キャンセル.
- Press this button, then press 確認 (かくにん) to confirm the cancellation. You should receive a confirmation of the cancellation via email.
While Inside the Booth
With most booths, food and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. However, feel free to bring a bottle of water, green tea or a cup of coffee to help you through a morning meeting.
In addition, make sure to check that you haven’t left anything behind before leaving the booth. An automated voice will remind you of this when you exit, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
While working from home has its advantages, finding a quiet space to concentrate during meetings can be difficult. If you are on the move and working in different areas around Tokyo, telework booths are a great solution.
Have you worked in a telework booth in Tokyo? If you think there’s something missing in this article, feel free to let us know in the comments below!
