Have you ever wished you could enjoy the soothing atmosphere of a traditional Japanese ryokan right in your own home—especially after a long, busy day?
With just a few simple items like tatami mats, floor cushions, soft Japanese lighting, and even a yukata, you can easily transform your living space into a serene, ryokan-inspired haven.
In this article, we introduce carefully selected Japanese-style interior items and ideas that blend traditional beauty with modern living.
Why not bring the calm and hospitality of a Japanese inn into your own home?
Contents
Essential Items to Create a Ryokan-Style Space
To enjoy the relaxing and tranquil atmosphere of a traditional ryokan at home, it’s important to begin with the foundation of your space.
Among all elements, changing the flooring is one of the quickest ways to create an authentic Japanese mood.
In this section, we’ll focus on tatami mats—a key item for any ryokan-inspired interior—and introduce their types and features.
Set the Mood with Tatami Mats
Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring material known for its natural texture and calming scent.
In recent years, tatami mats and modular tatami panels have become popular options for modern homes.
Simply placing them in your living room or bedroom can transform the space into a peaceful, ryokan-like retreat.
“Unit Tatami” – Instantly Create a Washitsu-Style Space
Unit tatami refers to individual square mats that can be laid directly on hardwood or tile floors,
allowing you to easily recreate a Japanese-style room.
Many have non-slip backing, so they stay securely in place.
They’re perfect for setting up a tea space or a guest seating corner with a traditional feel.
Portable Foldable Tatami for Compact Living
Foldable tatami mats are ideal for small spaces. When not in use, they can be folded and stored compactly,
making them perfect for studio apartments or for those who prioritize space efficiency.
They’re also becoming popular for outdoor use—people take them on camping trips or picnics to enjoy a touch of Japanese atmosphere even in nature.
Natural-Colored Tatami That Blends with Modern Interiors
Today’s tatami mats come in more than just the traditional green.
You can find them in modern tones like gray, beige, and brown, which blend seamlessly with natural or minimalist interiors.
These color options pair well with modern or Scandinavian-style furniture, making it easy to create a stylish “wa-modern” fusion space that balances Japanese and Western design elements.
Tatami Rug, Igusa Mat (Japanese Rush Grass)
MIINA Tatami Mat Set
MAXYOYO Japanese Tatami Mat
Floor Cushions and Zaisu Chairs for True Japanese Comfort
One of the key elements of comfort in a traditional ryokan room is the practice of sitting directly on the floor.
Items like zabuton (floor cushions) and zaisu (legless chairs with backrests) reflect Japan’s unique “low-seating culture.”
Not only do they allow you to relax with ease, but they also add a distinct Japanese ambiance to your space.
Many modern designs now combine both style and functionality, making them easy to incorporate into everyday life.
Thick, High-Resilience Cushions for Lasting Comfort
Cushions and chairs made with high-resilience foam are ideal for long periods of sitting without discomfort.
Their firm thickness and springy support make them a great option even for those not used to sitting directly on the floor.
They also reduce pressure on the lower back, making them perfect for remote work, reading, or quiet relaxation.
These items add a touch of ryokan-quality hospitality to your home environment.
Foldable Zaisu Chairs for Flexible Seating
If you prefer additional back support, a zaisu chair is a great choice.
Foldable versions are especially convenient, as they can be stored away compactly when not in use.
When paired with a tatami mat, they create a cozy, floor-level living space—even if you don’t have a traditional Japanese room.
Many simple and elegant designs are available that suit both Japanese and Western interiors.
Modern Designs with Traditional Japanese Patterns
Zabuton and zaisu chairs often feature traditional Japanese patterns like asanoha (hemp leaf), seigaiha (blue ocean waves), and kikkō (tortoise shell).
These motifs not only add cultural depth to your decor but also create a serene and visually balanced atmosphere.
By pairing them with minimalist furniture, you can achieve a refined “wa-modern” look that fuses tradition with modern style.
Choosing your favorite colors and patterns is part of the fun in curating your own Japanese-inspired space.
Japanese Floor Pillows Zabuton
Japanese Style Floor Chair
Karasai Striped Zabuton Orange (Small)
Divide Your Space with Shoji Screens, Noren Curtains, and Partitions
In traditional Japanese ryokan, rooms are often separated in soft, subtle ways using shoji screens, noren curtains, or folding partitions.
Rather than completely closing off spaces, these elements maintain a delicate balance between privacy and openness—a uniquely Japanese sense of spatial beauty.
By incorporating these tools into your home, you can create flexible zones while adding a traditional touch to your interior.
Shoji-Style Screens That Gently Filter Light
Shoji screens are iconic in Japanese homes, but they may seem difficult to incorporate into modern living spaces.
That’s where lightweight, shoji-style panels come in handy.
Made from washi-style materials, they softly diffuse sunlight when placed near windows, creating a gentle, inviting glow indoors.
They also serve as elegant room dividers, subtly organizing spaces like the living room or bedroom while enhancing the overall mood.
Noren Curtains for Entryways and Kitchens
Noren curtains are a classic way to separate spaces gently while expressing seasonal style and hospitality.
Hanging one at the entrance instantly brings a ryokan-like charm to your home.
They’re also perfect for concealing kitchens or washrooms from view.
Choose designs with traditional Japanese motifs on cotton or linen fabrics to further enrich the atmosphere with an authentic, natural touch.
Portable Wooden Partitions with Traditional Charm
If you want the flexibility to reconfigure your space easily, foldable wooden partitions are an excellent choice.
Many feature lattice-style woodwork or shoji-inspired panels that preserve a distinctly Japanese aesthetic wherever they’re placed.
They’re ideal for separating work and relaxation zones or for quickly creating a sense of privacy during unexpected visits.
Easy to store and versatile, these partitions make a perfect addition to any modern Japanese-style room.
Green Tapestry Japanese Noren Matty Stripe
Japanese Noren Window and Door Curtain Stylish
Ofat Home Japanese Noren – Red Crowned Crane
Enhance the Ryokan Atmosphere with Thoughtful Items and Accessories
The charm of a Japanese ryokan lies not only in its space but also in the quality of time spent there.
A slow and calming rhythm, soft and breathable clothing, warm lighting, and subtle scents—
these delicate touches create a sense of healing that feels far removed from the everyday.
In this section, we’ll introduce items and accessories that help you enjoy that same “ryokan time” in your own home.
Relax in a Yukata or Samue
One of the things people look forward to most when staying at a ryokan is wearing a yukata.
This lightweight traditional garment is easy to move in and incredibly comfortable,
helping both body and mind to unwind.
At home, yukata and samue (Japanese-style loungewear) are gaining popularity as pajamas or room wear
that let you feel like you’re on vacation, even in your own living room.
Comfortable, Unisex Yukata for Everyday Use
Nowadays, many yukata are designed for everyday comfort, with easy-to-wear styles perfect for home use.
Unisex designs are common, making them great for couples or families to enjoy together.
Made from breathable cotton or gauze fabric, they’re especially comfortable during warm seasons.
Simply wearing one can bring a relaxed, ryokan-like feeling to your evenings at home.
Comfortable Cotton Samue for a Relaxed Look
If you’re looking for something with a more relaxed appearance and greater ease of movement,
the samue is a perfect choice.
Originally worn by monks and craftsmen for daily tasks, samue have become stylish loungewear for modern living.
Made from 100% cotton or cotton-linen blends, they’re soft to the touch and comfortable even in the summer.
Whether you’re doing housework, reading, or spending time in the garden, samue help bring that tranquil ryokan feeling into everyday life.
Add Authentic Flair with a Yukata or Samue Set Featuring an Obi
To enjoy the ryokan experience even more, consider choosing a yukata or samue set that includes an obi (sash belt).
Tying the obi adds structure and elegance, instantly enhancing the traditional look.
Today, many obi are pre-tied or come with Velcro fasteners, making them easy to wear even for beginners.
Just slipping into a complete set like this helps you feel transported into a different, more peaceful world.
Mens Tatekan Yukata
Samue made in Japan Kurume
KYOETSU Samue Men Japanese Kimono Style Loungewear Set
Creating a Calm Atmosphere with Japanese-Style Lighting
Lighting plays a vital role in evoking the tranquility and comfort of a ryokan.
Rather than harsh brightness, soft light that gently envelops the space is preferred.
Japanese-style lighting offers this delicate beauty, crafting an ambiance that soothes the mind.
Spending time in a room bathed in warm, inviting light will transport you to a special ryokan-like moment, even in your own home.
Shoji-Style Floor Lamp
A stand lamp featuring shoji-inspired latticework and washi-style materials instantly elevates any space with traditional charm.
Its clean, linear design adds definition while still imparting a soft impression.
Placed beside your bed or in a reading nook, the light filtered through washi creates a gentle glow, setting the stage for peaceful relaxation.
Enjoy Light and Shadow with Indirect Lighting
Japanese interiors celebrate not only light but also the beauty of shadow.
By using indirect lighting, you can cast elegant shadows on walls and floors, evoking a sense of natural transition.
Tuck floor lamps or light bars behind furniture or along wall edges to achieve a subtle, calming atmosphere.
Dimmed indirect lighting is perfect for winding down at night.
Washi Paper Lamps for Warmth and Texture
Lamps made with genuine washi paper offer the unique softness and warmth of handcrafted work.
The translucent light spreads gently, enveloping the entire room in a comforting glow.
Available in cylindrical or lantern shapes, these lamps serve as striking accent pieces.
Their versatility allows them to blend seamlessly into both traditional Japanese rooms and modern interiors.
Dimmable Noguchi Lamp
Japanese Style Lamp Paper
Noguchi Style Rice Paper Lantern Lamp
Decorative Accents That Evoke Japanese Hospitality
The comforting sense of meticulous care you feel when visiting a ryokan comes from attention paid to every corner of the space.
Even small accessories and displays carry the spirit of Japanese “omotenashi” (hospitality).
By incorporating these traditional items into your home, you’ll naturally add warmth not only when entertaining guests but also to everyday life.
Bamboo and Wooden Trays and Coasters
Bamboo and wooden trays and coasters used for serving tea or wagashi (Japanese sweets) are indispensable supporting players in creating a Japanese ambiance.
Their natural texture and warmth elevate your dining table or tea time to a more refined experience.
When not in use, simply displaying them on a shelf makes them stand out as decor, infusing everyday routines with a touch of Japanese elegance.
Bam & Boo Natural Bamboo Serving Tray Extra Large Rectangular
2pcs Set, Grain Pattern Tea Serving Tray
Bamboo Drink Coaster Set
Incense and Aroma Diffusers for a Soothing Fragrance
Have you ever been soothed by a gentle fragrance the moment you stepped into a ryokan?
Incense and aroma diffusers allow you to experience Japanese ambiance not only visually but also through your sense of smell.
Choose authentic scents like sandalwood, hinoki cypress, or green tea to instantly envelop your space in a serene, high-quality atmosphere.
Place them in your bedroom, entryway, or any favorite corner to enjoy a truly multisensory Japanese-inspired environment.
Japanese Sandalwood Incense Sticks Fuin Byakudan Small Pack
Asayu Japan Traditional Incense Sticks Hinoki Cypress Fragrance Scent (20gr)
Hasegawa Japanese Sakura Incense Set
Kakejiku and Japanese-Style Wall Decor
One of the easiest ways to introduce a touch of Japanese elegance is by hanging a kakejiku (hanging scroll) or other Japanese-style wall art.
These decorative pieces, rooted in the Japanese aesthetic of valuing “ma” (space), both define and calm the entire room.
With designs ranging from seasonal motifs on traditional scrolls to modern wall hangings made of sumi-e ink paintings or washi paper, there’s a style to suit every taste.
Simply displaying one in your entryway or living room brings the warm, welcoming spirit of a ryokan into your home.
Karu!jiku (Mini Kakejiku – Coloured San-sui)
Japanese Traditional Authentic Wall Hanging Decor Art Kakejiku
Wall Decor Beautiful Scroll Painting
Elevate Your Japanese-Inspired Space with Sensory Delights
Once you’ve set the tone of a ryokan with tatami mats, yukata, and soft lighting, the next step is to enrich your space with sensory depth.
By engaging not only sight but also scent, sound, touch, and atmosphere, you can create a room that feels truly immersive and layered.
Below are tips for incorporating “next-level” Japanese-inspired touches that appeal to all five senses.
Engage Your Senses with Fragrance and Sound
In traditional Japanese settings, the concepts of kehai (presence) and yoin (lingering resonance) are highly valued.
Invisible elements like aroma and subtle sounds have the power to calm the mind and bring awareness to the present moment.
By honoring these subtle cues at home, you can cultivate a serene and enriching environment.
Sandalwood and Hinoki Cypress for Authentic Japanese Scents
When it comes to Japanese fragrances, two classics stand out: sandalwood (byakudan) and hinoki cypress.
Sandalwood offers a sweet, elegant, and grounding aroma, while hinoki provides a clean, uplifting scent that refreshes the spirit.
Introducing these notes via incense sticks, essential oils, or diffusers can instantly evoke the ambiance of a long-standing ryokan.
Because scent is deeply tied to memory, these fragrances will help make your at-home “ryokan time” truly unforgettable.
Wind Chimes and Wooden Sounds for a Soothing Ambiance
The quintessential sound of summer in Japan, wind chimes (furin), and the gentle “kachitto” or “koto” clicks of wood-on-wood contact both enhance the Japanese aesthetic.
Wind chimes made from glass, metal, or ceramic each produce a unique tone—simply hanging them by a window brings a refreshing breeze of sound indoors.
Adding wooden wind chimes or even the soft trickle of a tabletop water chime (suikinkutsu) lets you enjoy nature’s melodies without stepping outside.
Mini Garden Stones and Moss Balls to Bring Nature Indoors
To heal both eyes and mind, the presence of nature is essential.
Incorporating small Japanese greens like garden stones or kokedama (moss balls) brings a subtle life force into a quiet room.
Placing them on a windowsill or a corner of your table adds space and depth to your interior, letting you feel the changing seasons.
Particularly, moss balls are easy to care for and highly decorative—perfect for a “wa-modern” look.
Enjoy Seasonal Décor in Your Space
A core principle of Japanese aesthetics is integrating the changing seasons into daily life.
In ryokan, you’ll often find hanging scrolls swapped out each season or seasonal flowers and accessories artfully displayed to evoke the current time of year.
With just a few simple touches at home, you too can celebrate “seasonal décor” and bring fresh energy into your space.
Refresh Your Room with Seasonal Japanese Accessories
Swapping out small décor items to match the seasons can dramatically transform your room’s atmosphere.
In spring, add cherry blossom–patterned tenugui towels or vases; in summer, choose goldfish or morning glory motifs; autumn calls for maple leaf accents, and winter can feature pine and bamboo themes.
Even in small nooks—on a shelf, by the entrance, or in a powder room—a handful of seasonal items provides a subtle yet impactful seasonal touch.
Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Leaves, and Other Seasonal Motifs
Japan’s four seasons are renowned worldwide for their breathtaking beauty.
By incorporating natural motifs that symbolize each season—such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, snow, pampas grass, and morning glories—you can infuse your space with poetic charm.
Items like cherry blossom–patterned cushion covers or autumn leaf–design tapestries let you embrace seasonal flair without a full redecorating effort.
Bringing the beauty of nature into your home in this way is a perfect embodiment of the Japanese “wa” spirit.
Single-Stem Arrangements in Traditional Japanese Vases
A single flower casually displayed in a ryokan’s guest room or lobby symbolizes a mindful life in harmony with the seasons.
By placing just one seasonal bloom in a Japanese-style vase—whether ceramic, bamboo, or lacquered—you create a quiet focal point that enhances the room’s atmosphere.
Choosing a vessel crafted from authentic materials further accentuates the traditional aesthetic.
If you’re unsure which flower to pick, opt for a seasonal wildflower or a simple branch to highlight nature’s inherent beauty.
“Wa-Modern” Interiors: Blending Japanese Tradition with Contemporary Style
For those who have a Japanese-style room that feels outdated or who love Japanese décor but live in a Western-style home, the “wa-modern” approach is ideal.
By introducing refined Japanese elements that harmonize with modern living, you can transform your space into a comfortable, personalized sanctuary.
Scandinavian Furniture Enhanced with Japanese Accents
Scandinavian furniture is known for its natural wood tones and clean lines—qualities that pair beautifully with Japanese décor.
For example, placing a washi-paper lamp or a bamboo vase on a solid wood table creates a harmonious blend of natural materials, resulting in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Sticking to a palette of beiges and grays helps maintain a cohesive look that highlights the strengths of both styles.
Monochrome Japanese Spaces for a Sophisticated Ambiance
Traditional Japanese interiors also work exceptionally well with a monochrome palette.
By combining natural, subdued tones like charcoal, off-white, or deep green with sleek black and white furniture, you achieve a serene and sophisticated environment.
For instance, pairing a black zaisu chair with a linen noren curtain and a gray shoji-style screen creates a “wa-modern” space where understated beauty takes center stage.
Tips for Adding Japanese Accents to Western Furniture
To introduce Japanese elements into a Western-style room without overhauling your existing furniture, focus on small accents.
For example, placing a cushion with a traditional Japanese pattern on your sofa or adding a bamboo tray or single-stem vase to a side table will naturally infuse the space with a touch of Japan.
The key is to avoid overdoing it—just a few well-chosen pieces will lend a serene Japanese presence to your modern décor, creating a balanced, sophisticated look.
Experience Ryokan-Style Relaxation at Home: Start Your “Wa-Inspired” Lifestyle Today
Lay down a tatami mat, sink onto a soft floor cushion, and add gentle lighting and a seasonal bloom—
these simple touches can bring the quiet calm and warmth of a ryokan into your daily life.
The elegance of Japanese hotel style and traditional beauty isn’t reserved for special places—it’s easy for anyone to enjoy at home.
Use the items and ideas we’ve shared here to craft your own personal sanctuary of Japanese-inspired comfort.
