5 Interior Features of a Japanese House That Make It the Most Convenient Place to Live

Traditional Japanese houses often strike Westerners as unusual because of their minimalist design, simplicity, and austerity. Everything in these homes serves a purpose, and all the features hold significant symbolic meaning. This article will explore the key concepts and defining characteristics that make traditional Japanese houses unique.

1. An abundance of empty space

The Japanese approach to home furnishings is characterized by minimalism and an aversion to clutter. They prefer to keep their homes free of furniture and decorative items, instead opting for a simple tatami mat made of rice straw. This mat serves as a floor covering and acts as a unit of measurement for the size of a traditional Japanese room, which can typically fit 6 tatami mats. In addition to the tatami, a wooden table with cushions for seating, a dresser, and futons (thin cotton mats) may be included in the home.

The futons are stored away in an oshiire closet during the day, and they are typically the same color as the walls to blend in and create a sense of open space. This minimalist approach has the added benefit of reducing dust buildup and making cleaning easier.

2. Universality

Traditional Japanese houses have a unique design, as they use fusuma instead of traditional walls. These light, sliding panels, made of bamboo bars and rice paper, serve as both doors and walls. This allows for easy rearrangement of the house layout with minimal effort. With the lack of furniture and its mobility, the same room can be used as a bedroom at night and a living room during the day.

In Japanese homes, the bath and toilet are typically in separate rooms, with the bathroom spanning 2 rooms. One room features a sink and shower while the other includes the traditional Japanese bath called an ofuro. Bathing is important in Japanese culture, with dirt being washed off in the shower and relaxation in hot water taking place in the ofuro.

3. Closeness to nature

The traditional Japanese house is often adorned with a beautiful garden, which can be easily accessed from the interior through a sliding panel called a shoji. During warm weather, the shojis are often left open to bring in the serene beauty of nature. The use of natural materials, such as wood, bamboo, rice paper, and cotton, not only adds to the overall aesthetic but also provides a cost-effective solution and makes it easier to rebuild the house in the event of earthquakes, as these materials are lighter and less likely to cause harm.

4. Plenty of sunlight

The unique design of the Japanese house interior is characterized by its dim and soft lighting, which is a result of the utilization of semitransparent materials for the exterior walls. These walls have a slatted frame that allows the light to filter through and create a warm, gentle glow inside the home. This effect is further enhanced by using lamps crafted from bamboo or rice paper, adding warmth and softness to the space. The combination of these elements creates a serene, peaceful atmosphere, perfectly suited for relaxation and contemplation.

5. Minimalism

In Japanese houses, the comfort and peace of the owners take precedence over outer beauty. Unlike Western homes, Japanese houses are known for their minimalistic approach, lacking bright and striking colors and excessive decorations. Furniture is kept to a minimum, only including essential pieces for everyday living.

Decorative objects are given special attention and are displayed in a designated area called tokonoma, showcasing only the most valuable items, such as engravings, netsuke, ikebana, and hieroglyph parchments. This minimalistic approach contributes to a sense of relaxation and reflection, allowing the Japanese to appreciate and admire the beauty in their home.

Please note: This article was updated in February 2023 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.