Interiors embodying the Japanese Zen spirit have been growing in popularity. One key element of this is “wabi-sabi,” a concept that represents a distinctively Japanese aesthetic. “Wabi refers to the beauty found in simplicity and modesty, while Sabi captures the elegance that emerges with age and the passage of time. 

In this article, we will explore how to create a modern Japanese-style apartment embodying the essence of Zen. Modern Japanese interiors, which encourage you to embrace your true self and live authentically, are deeply intertwined with Zen philosophy. Please use this article as a reference. 

Village House offers over 1,000 affordable properties across Japan, with prices starting from just 20,000 yen. We also provide a unique service where our international staff can assist you in your native languages, ensuring that foreigners searching for an apartment in Japan can do so with confidence and ease. 

Use earthy colors 

When designing a room with a Zen-inspired aesthetic, it’s recommended to incorporate earth tones. Earth colors refer to colors that are likely to be found in nature, such as soil, trees, and plants. Examples include beige and brown, which reflect the texture of wood, as well as olive and khaki, reminiscent of plant greenery. These subtle, low-saturation hues create a soft, calming atmosphere that enhances the peaceful, balanced environment central to Zen design. 

However, relying solely on earth tones can sometimes make the space feel dull. To avoid this, consider incorporating achromatic colors like black, white, and gray. Incorporating achromatic accessories and art will tighten up the space and create a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. 

Incorporate Japanese-style furniture and rugs 

Rush mats 

Rush mats, inspired by traditional Japanese culture, are known for their rustic, warm texture and understated design, free from unnecessary embellishments. By incorporating a rush mat into a simple space, you can cultivate a serene interior that reflects Japan’s beauty and embodies Zen philosophy. 

Japanese-style furniture 

Japanese-style furniture is known for its warm, natural design that emphasizes the beauty of natural materials. By incorporating furniture crafted from wood with calming colors, you can create a peaceful, modern Japanese-inspired apartment. 

In Zen-inspired interiors, the focus is on beauty that harmonizes with nature and eliminates waste. By selecting simple, functional furniture—such as low tables, low chairs, and solid wood storage shelves—you can create a space that exudes calm and comfort.  

Be more selective about how you fill your space 

The spirit of Zen and the philosophy of minimalism share many common principles.  

Zen emphasizes peace of mind, focusing on the essence, and striving for a simple, harmonious existence by removing unnecessary distractions. Similarly, a minimalist room values a lifestyle that seeks spiritual fulfillment by carefully selecting only the essentials and living with what is truly necessary.  

In Zen teachings, letting go of unnecessary attachments and distracting thoughts is key to achieving deeper peace and enlightenment. Similarly, minimalism encourages an approach of identifying what is truly valuable, free from the burden of material possessions.  

Both philosophies share a common pursuit: the focus on spiritual fulfillment rather than the accumulation of things. By removing excess and embracing simplicity, both Zen and minimalism encourage cherishing life with fewer possessions. 

Incorporate soft natural light 

In a modern Japanese interior inspired by Zen, the key is to embrace natural light. Soft, diffused light flowing through the windows gently fills the space, creating a serene and peaceful ambiance. 

Incorporating natural light brings warmth that cannot be replicated by artificial lighting, creating a deeper connection to space. Another attractive feature is that natural light allows you to feel the passage of time. 

Relax with Japanese scents 

It’s also highly recommended to incorporate Japanese scents, which are deeply connected to the country’s natural surroundings. When you want to relax, why not try incorporating Japanese scents? 

Iconic Japanese scents 

Sandalwood 

Sandalwood is one of the oldest and most revered fragrances, historically used in Japan for incense sticks and incense. With its refined, sweet, and calming aroma, it has a soothing effect on the mind. Also known as “sandalwood,” this fragrance is beloved for its ability to promote relaxation and mental stability. 

Agarwood 

Agarwood secretes resin from damaged areas, which hardens to produce a distinctive fragrance. This resin gives off a deep, rich, sweet, and spicy aroma that is revered for its calming and mind-stabilizing properties.  

Kyara 

Kyara is a type of high-quality agarwood, known for its exceptional fragrance. It is distinguished by its deep, complex aroma, which combines a dense richness with a refined sweetness. 

Frankincense 

Frankincense is a resin derived from the Boswellia genus of the Burseraceae family, an evergreen shrub found in tropical regions. The sap that seeps from the bark hardens into a milky white substance, which is why it’s called “frankincense,” resembling the color of milk. In the West, it is known as “frankincense” and is characterized by its refreshing and cool fragrance. 

• Incense 

Stick type 

Stick incense refers to incense in the shape of slender sticks, designed to release fragrance when lit. It’s an ideal choice for creating a relaxing atmosphere or enhancing the comfort of a space. With a wide variety of scents available, you can select the fragrance that best suits your taste. 

Cone-shaped type 

Cone-shaped incense is molded into a cone shape, and when lit, the burning area gradually expands from the tip downwards, intensifying the scent and smoke. It’s ideal for quickly filling a room with fragrance, making it perfect for when you have unexpected guests, as the aroma spreads within 10 minutes. Additionally, its compact shape is less affected by wind, ensuring the incense burns steadily without ash scattering around the area. 

Spiral-shaped type 

Image source: Shoyeido 

Spiral-shaped incense offers a long burning time of 40 to 90 minutes, making it perfect for filling a large space with fragrance or for extended use. For example, when performing slow movements such as yoga or meditation, it creates a calming space. 

Spiral-shaped incense also has the unique ability to envelop an entire room with its fragrance, making it an excellent choice when you want to create a relaxing environment.  

Paper-type 

Image source: Ondat 

Paper-type incense consists of thin, long pieces of paper infused with fragrance. Despite its compact size—around 8 cm in length—when lit and the flame is blown out, it burns slowly over approximately 5 minutes, releasing a gentle, soothing fragrance. Its lightweight and portable design makes it incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy its calming scent not only at home but also on the go. 

• Stamped type (Inko) 

Inko is a unique type of incense that boasts a beautiful shape, resembling dried confectionery. Unlike traditional incense, which requires lighting, inko allows you to enjoy its fragrance without the need to burn it. 

Inko is a type of incense made by grinding fragrance into powder, kneading it together, and pressing it into a solid form. Even without a flame, it emits a subtle, lingering scent which makes it the perfect item to incorporate in your entrance or bedroom. 

Sandalwood, known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties, is highly recommended for the bedroom. Its gentle, soothing fragrance helps alleviate fatigue and encourages a comfortable night’s sleep.

The scent of inko lasts for about a month, providing a long-lasting fragrance. If you notice the scent beginning to fade, you can place it on a special incense holder, and briefly light it with a flame to enjoy the fragrance once more.  

Village House offers more than 1,000 properties across Japan, with no deposit, key money, renewal fees, or handling fees (※), helping you save on your initial costs. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help make your move as easy as possible. 

※Please note that a deposit may be required depending on the specific terms of the contract and the results of the screening process. 

Related articles:

• Caring for Your Tatami: A Beginner’s Guide
• Five Principles of Japanese Interior Design
• Curious about Renting an Apartment with Japanese-style rooms? The Pros and Cons You Want to Know!
• How to Maximize a Japanese-Style Room for Efficient Living

Machiko Doi

Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.

I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.

We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.

I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.