“Apartments with built-in soundproof rooms are too expensive…” “I feel like there are fewer soundproof apartments in Sapporo compared to Tokyo…”
If you are a musician or streamer living in or moving to Sapporo, try changing your perspective. Actually, Rental properties in Sapporo (Hokkaido) often come with high-performance soundproofing by default.
The secret lies in the “Cold Climate Specifications” designed to survive the harsh northern winter. In this article, we introduce how to find “Hidden Soundproof Properties” that offer the best cost performance in Japan by leveraging Sapporo’s unique housing conditions.
Conclusion: Sapporo Homes have “High Default Soundproofing”#
Why is Sapporo strong in soundproofing? The biggest reason is the “Windows”.
1. “Double Glazing (Inner Windows)” is Standard#
In Hokkaido, due to strict insulation standards (Hokkaido Thermal Insulation Housing Promotion Law), “Double Sash (Inner Windows)” are widely adopted.
While there are exceptions in old wooden apartments, most reinforced concrete (RC) mansions—even older ones—have double windows.
- Not just for Cold! Amazing Soundproofing Effect
- The layer of air between the two windows not only insulates heat but dramatically blocks sound.
- A standard double sash (equivalent to T-2 to T-3 grade) can achieve D-30 to D-40 sound insulation performance. This is a level unthinkable in standard “No Instruments” apartments in Tokyo.
2. Thick Insulation in Walls#
The thick insulation materials (glass wool, etc.) put inside walls to prevent freezing also serve as excellent sound absorbers. As a result, sound leakage to neighbors tends to be lower compared to general housing in Honshu (mainland Japan).
“Sapporo Rules” for Finding Instrument-Friendly Rentals#
“So, is every apartment okay?” No. Even if physical soundproofing is high, you cannot play if the contract prohibits it. Here are checkpoints for property hunting in Sapporo.
1. Must Choose “RC Structure” (Reinforced Concrete)#
Even with double windows, wooden apartments (Mokuzo) will leak sound through floors and walls. The combination of “RC Structure × Double Glazing” is the strongest cost-performance soundproof property in Sapporo. Always check “Reinforced Concrete” in search filters.
2. Check “Heating Type” (Important!)#
You cannot avoid heating in Sapporo, but for music/streaming, “Noise” is the issue.
- FF Stove (Kerosene/Gas):
- Pros: Powerful, warms the whole room.
- Cons: The “Gooh” burning sound and fan noise can be surprisingly loud and get picked up by microphones.
- Panel Heater (Central Heating):
- Pros: Silent. Doesn’t pollute indoor air. Best for recording/streaming.
- Cons: Takes time to warm up. Gas bills can be high depending on the property type (LPG vs City Gas).
3. Finding “Instrument Negotiable” Properties#
Use portals strong in the Sapporo area.
- Kanaderoom (Sapporo Version): Specialized site. Good for checking market prices.
- General Site Trick: Don’t just tick “Instruments Allowed”. Try free-word searching for “Double Sash” (Niju-Sashi) + “Piano Negotiable”. You might find hidden gems.
Alternatives if You Can’t Find a Room#
1. Sapporo is a “Studio Paradise”!#
Sapporo City (especially Chuo-ku, Kita-ku, Higashi-ku) is dotted with many music studios ranging from pro-use to personal shops.
- Cheap Rates: Compared to Tokyo, personal practice rates are reasonable (e.g., ¥500 - ¥700 per hour).
- Easy Car Access: Many studios have parking, making gear transport easy.
- Strategy: “Live in a cheap normal apartment and spend the saved rent on studio fees” is a realistic and economic style in Sapporo.
2. Utilize “Closets / Walk-in Closets”#
Hokkaido homes often have large storage spaces. Putting a small DIY soundproof booth (like “Danbocchi”) inside a large closet is effective. It becomes a double-wall structure (Room wall + Closet wall + Booth wall), boosting isolation significantly.
Summary: Surviving Sapporo’s Winter with Music#
Sapporo’s winter is long and harsh, but the housing evolution required to survive it is a huge “Blessing” for musicians.
- Consider Double Windows as Standard Soundproof Gear.
- Choose RC Structure to get better isolation at a cheaper price than Tokyo.
- Beware of Heating Noise.
Leverage these regional advantages to get a warm and quiet music life.
Related Articles#
- [Checklist]: Rental Contract Checkpoints for Soundproof Rooms
- [Tokyo Comparison]: Tokyo Soundproof Rental Market Summary
- [DIY]: How to Turn a Closet into a Soundproof Booth