10 Akiya Furniture Items You Will See In Your Japanese Home

If you bought a Japanese house in inaka Japan, you most likely have bought an akiya house.

While akiya means abandoned and vacant homes, those in the countryside tend have a more traditional Japanese house layout.  And you'll find specific akiya furniture that is unique to these houses.

So here, we explain these types of furniture and items commonly seen in akiya homes.

Zabuton (座布団)

Zabuton is a type of akiya furniture that is a sitting pillow. 

They are often used to sitting on tatami mats for a little comfort while sitting on the floor in the dining area and living room.

A zabuton is usually a rectangular cushion with traditional Japanese wagara patterns, but any pillow can be a zabuton.

If your akiya house has these, wash them before using them. If not, you can comfortably shop for new ones for friends and family on the floor.

Futon (布団)

A futon is a foldable mattress with a duvet, Japanese bedding on tatami mats used for sleeping at night.

They are a great way to save space as they are folded and stored away during the day. 

If you want a futon, many online home goods shopping sites will have futon listings.

Altar

There are two types of alters in traditional Japanese houses: Obutsudan (お仏壇) and Kamidana (神棚).

If you are not interested in having one of these in your house, consider finding a second-hand shop for other people to use.

Obutsudan (お仏壇)

An obutsudan is a wooden cabinet typically with a statue or image of Buddha, along with images of deceased family members and other religious items such as incense, candles, and offerings such as fruit or rice.

Those who use an obutsudan will light incense, recite sutras, offer food or flowers to honor the deceased and seek blessings from Buddha.

Kamidana (神棚)

Kamidana is a Shinto altar for Shinto deities. It is usually a shelf with talismans and offerings on a high wall.

People will offer food, water, and sake while bowing in prayer.

Kukurimakura (括り枕)

Kukurimakura is a traditional Japanese pillow used alongside futons for sleeping.  At the time, it was to keep your head elevated for better sleep.

They are filled with buckwheat chaff to support the shape of our head and neck.

However, regular pillows are used with futons instead of kukurimakura.

Tansu (箪笥)

Tansu is a traditional Japanese storage compartment, usually chests or cabinets.

This akiya furniture is used to store clothing, bedding, and other household items. They can in different forms from a chest of drawers to step chests called kaidan tansu.

There is also isho tansu (衣装箪笥), which is often used to hold kimono and other traditional clothing that has been padded down through generations.

Veranda

There are two types of Japanese verandas: くれ縁 (kure-en) and 濡れ縁 (nure-en).

Both can be translated into verandas, with the only difference being whether they are outside or not. There is also an engawa (縁側), which is basically a Japanese porch. 

These places are used to sit and relax while enjoying the weather.

Kotatsu (こたつ)

A kotatsu is a low wooden table with an attached futon or heavy blanket. 

What makes a kotatsu different is that it has a heat source from the table, which is why it's most commonly used for warmth and comfort during colder months.

People would sit with a kotatsu with the legs underneath. But be careful! It's really easy to fall asleep in one of these things.

If the heating option is broken, shopping for a new and affordable kotatsu for winter use is best.

Shoji (障子)

Shojis are sliding paper doors that open and separate rooms in a Japanese house.

They are used to create flexible living spaces and let natural light filter through. These doors are seen as the hallmark of traditional Japanese interior design.

Tatami (畳)

Tatami, or Tatami mats, are straw mats for traditional Japanese flooring, commonly used in rooms. 

Tatami mats provide a soft and comfortable surface for sitting and sleeping. They are used in Japanese rooms (washitsu) and have a unique texture and aroma.

If the tatami mats at your house are damaged, it's best to replace them with new ones or wood flooring.

In closing

Most of these akiya furniture items can be seen in Japanese apartments and houses in and out of the city. 

Of course, you don't have to have these items in your home. Make your home a comfortable living space.

If you are purchasing an akiya, consider the available financing options to make the process more affordable and manageable.