Welcome to Tokyo
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Furnishing a traditional-style property in Japan for Airbnb hosting presents a unique set of challenges. Often, the key pain points revolve around preserving the authenticity of the cultural aesthetics while ensuring modern comfort for international guests.
Striking the perfect balance between traditional tatami mat flooring, futon bedding, fusuma sliding doors, and low tables with western amenities like comfortable sofas and plush beds often leads to confusion and hassle for hosts. In addition, integrating essential appliances and technology without disrupting the traditional aesthetic charm can often seem like a herculean task.
Accommodating the intricacies and subtleties of Japanese design is a daunting task for Airbnb hosts, not to mention the ability to meet the international standards expected by the array of global guests. With years of expert knowledge, born out of extensive experience and detailed studies, we have developed a comprehensive list of amenities.
This elaborate guide serves to simplify the process and is designed to help hosts effectively equip their traditional Japanese homes while maintaining their cultural integrity.
List of Airbnb Amenities for Bathroom
| Serial No. | Name | Optional? | Quantity | Keep In Mind | Expert Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bath Towel | Must Have | One for each guest, plus a few extra | Keep it clean and folded | Cotton material, medium size, preferably white |
| 2 | Toilet Paper | Must Have | At least 2 rolls per guest | Ensure it is stocked and easy to find | Any comfortable and soft brand |
| 3 | First Aid Kit | Must Have | 1 per property | Easily accessible, check regularly for expiry dates | Includes essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes and tweezers |
| 4 | Shower Curtain | Must Have | 1 per shower | Clean, without stains or mildew | Thick enough to ensure privacy, and fits the decor of the room |
| 5 | Plunger | Must Have | 1 per bathroom | Stored discreetly | Standard plunger suitable for house toilets |
| 6 | Trash Can | Must Have | 1 small per bathroom | Emptied and clean before new guest arrival | With lid, easy to clean, matching decor |
| 7 | Toilet Brush | Must Have | 1 per bathroom | Ensure it is clean and stored discreetly | Standard toilet brush with holder |
| 8 | Toothpaste | Must Have | 1 tube | Regular size, replace when low | Non-allergenic, pleasant taste, popular brand |
| 9 | Body Wash or Soap | Must Have | 1 Body wash bottle or 3 bars of Soap | For guest hygiene. Keep in shower area | Non-allergenic, neutral scent, preferably a well-known brand like Dove |
| 10 | Hand Towel | Must Have | 2-3 per bathroom | Kept near sink, for easy access | Smaller, cotton towel, preferably white |
| 11 | Bath Mat | Must Have | At least 1 per bathroom | Ensure it is clean and dry | Fast-drying, slip-resistant material |
| 12 | Shampoo | Must Have | 1 bottle | Keep it in shower area, replace when low | Non-allergenic, neutral scent, preferably a well-known brand such as Shiseido |
| 13 | Conditioner | Must Have | 1 bottle | Keep it in shower area, replace when low | Non-allergenic, neutral scent, preferably a well-known brand such as Shiseido |
| 14 | Toilet seat sanitizers | Optional | 1 bottle | For guest hygiene and peace of mind | A trusted, well-known brand |
| 15 | Bathroom Slippers | Optional | One pair for each guest | Typical in Japanese culture | Soft, washable |
| 16 | Sanitary Pads/Tampons | Optional | A few of each, based on average occupancy | Provided on request | Individually wrapped, diverse options |
| 17 | Shaving Kit | Optional | One for each male guest | Provided on request | Disposable, individually packaged |
| 18 | Toothbrush | Optional | One for each guest | Keep it in clear packaging | Disposable, individually packaged |
| 19 | Face Towel | Optional | One for each guest | Kept neatly in clear view | Soft, gentle on skin, preferably cotton |
| 20 | Cotton swabs | Optional | 20-30 piece in a holder | Keep in a clean, dry place | Standard cotton swabs |
| 21 | Air freshener | Optional | 1 bottle | For guest comfort, choose a mild, non-obtrusive scent | A common brand with a simple, neutral scent |
| 22 | Hair Dryer | Optional | 1 per bathroom | Especially useful in winter or for guests with longer hair | Operates quietly, is powerful, and has multiple heat settings |
List of Airbnb Amenities for Kitchen
| Serial No. | Name | Optional? | Quantity | Keep In Mind | Expert Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tea Set | Must Have | 1 | This can consist of a teapot and 4-6 matching cups | Traditional Japanese style ceramic tea set |
| 2 | Soy Sauce Dish | Must Have | 4 | Part of traditional Japanese table setting | Ceramic or porcelain, traditionally styled |
| 3 | Trash Cans | Must Have | 2 | One for general waste and one for recyclables, according to local regulations | Durable and easy to clean, with lids to prevent smells |
| 4 | Sponges and Dishcloths | Must Have | Several | For cleaning purposes | Biodegradable options are more environmentally friendly |
| 5 | Dish Soap | Must Have | 1 | Ensure hygiene and cleanliness | Any reliable brand |
| 6 | Tumblers/Glasses | Must Have | 4 | For serving a variety of beverages | Durable and of a suitable size for beverages |
| 7 | Microwave | Must Have | 1 | This is a common household appliance globally | Reliable brand like Panasonic or Sharp |
| 8 | Dinner Plates | Must Have | 4-6 | Depending on a number of guests the property is suited for | Good quality ceramic plates, preferably in a traditional Japanese style |
| 9 | Rice Cooker | Must Have | 1 | Crucial for Asian cuisine, especially in Japan | High-quality brands such as Zojirushi or Tiger |
| 10 | Cutting Board | Must Have | 2 | Two boards are recommended: one for meat, another for vegetables | Wooden or plastic boards resistant to scratching |
| 11 | Chef's Knives | Must Have | 2 | At least one for meat and one for vegetables | Stainless steel, high-quality knives |
| 12 | Pots and Pans | Must Have | 2-3 | A versatile set that includes at least a frying pan and a pot is required | Non-stick set preferably with lids, preferably from a brand like T-fal |
| 13 | Chopsticks | Must Have | At least 4 sets | To cater to the Asian cuisine style & guests from Asian cultures | High-quality lacquered or bamboo chopsticks |
| 14 | Coffee Maker | Optional | 1 | Common for western guests; consider it if you have plenty of visitors from western countries | Any brand is acceptable, or a traditional hand-poured set for better taste |
| 15 | Flatware (Forks and Spoons) | Optional | 4 Sets | Alternative for guests who don’t use chopsticks | Stainless steel flatware set |
| 16 | Dishwasher | Optional | 1 | This may appeal to western guests | Any reliable brand that fits your kitchen space |
List of Airbnb Amenities for Living Room
| Serial No. | Name | Optional? | Quantity | Keep In Mind | Expert Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curtains | Must Have | 1-2 | Traditional Japanese Shoji curtains, made of paper and wood, would add to the authenticity of the place | Shoji style curtains or blinds |
| 2 | Lanterns or Lamps | Must Have | 1-2 | Good for overall lighting in the room; soft lighting gives calming ambiance | Using traditional Japanese lanterns, or paper wall lamps |
| 3 | WiFi Router | Must Have | 1 | A necessity for most guests | Any standard WiFi router that provides a strong, consistent signal |
| 4 | Instructions for Electronics | Must Have | 1 | Instructions are especially needed if the electronics interface is not in English | Printed or laminated sheet |
| 5 | Floor Cushions (Zabuton) | Must Have | 4-6 | Ensure these are available if you have a traditional Japanese coffee table, for guests to sit on | Square, comfortable, traditionally patterned floor cushions |
| 6 | Coffee Table | Must Have | 1 | A traditional Japanese coffee table, should be lower than a normal coffee table. It may also be known as a Kotatsu. | Low-height, wooden table, possibly a Kotatsu which has a heater and blanket for winter use. |
| 7 | Sofa | Must Have | 1 | Ensure the sofa is comfortable to sit on and is of high-quality. It should be in harmony with the traditional Japanese aesthetic. | Japanese low sofa, wooden frame with comfortable cushions |
| 8 | Traditional Japanese Instruments | Optional | 1 | Adds authenticity and can be a conversation starter | Koto, Shamisen or Shakuhachi |
| 9 | Side Table | Optional | 1-2 | Can hold lamps, decorations, or guests' belongings | Wooden, low-height side table |
| 10 | Throw Blankets | Optional | 1-2 | Cozy setting for cooler evenings | Silk or cotton throw blankets |
| 11 | Cushion Covers | Optional | 4-6 | These should match with the room decor and can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the room | Japanese traditional patterns, easy to clean material |
| 12 | Japanese Tea Set | Optional | 1 | Adds to the traditional experience of the guests | Ceramic or Porcelain Japanese tea set |
| 13 | Coasters | Optional | 4-6 | Protects coffee table | Bamboo or wood coasters |
| 14 | Television | Optional | 1 | Contextual, if the property is in a business area, guests may expect it | Standard LED/LCD television, not too large to overpower the room's style |
| 15 | Rug | Optional | 1 | If the floor isn't traditionally tatami, a rug could help guests feel more comfortable. Use low pile, as shag or high pile rugs are not traditional | Bamboo or other natural woven fibers |
| 16 | Artwork | Optional | 1-2 | Traditional Japanese artwork can lend authenticity to the space | Traditional Japanese scroll paintings, prints or framed art |
| 17 | Indoor Plants | Optional | 1-2 | Indoor plants can lend a wonderful aesthetic to the room and provide fresh air | Consider traditional plants like Bonsai or Bamboo. |
| 18 | Books | Optional | Varies | Good to have some picture books showing local attractions, history, culture or art | Varies widely, ensure they are in good condition and are interesting/relevant |
| 19 | Bookshelf | Optional | 1 | Can stock with books about Japanese culture/history, maps, transit guides, and a selection of novels/magazines. | Traditional Japanese, wooden |
| 20 | Blanket (Kotatsu) | Optional | 1 | Needed if you provide a Kotatsu table. is used during winter with the heater | Can usually be bought with the Kotatsu table, ensure it matches room decor. |
| 21 | TV Stand or Wall Mount | Optional | 1 | Needed if a TV is provided | Consider hiding wires to keep room tidy and aesthetically pleasing |
| 22 | TV Remote | Optional | 1 | If a TV is provided, a remote is necessary | Standard TV remote that comes with the TV |
List of Airbnb Amenities for Outdoor Space
| Serial No. | Name | Optional? | Quantity | Keep In Mind | Expert Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outdoor Lights | Must Have | Multiple | To provide lighting during evenings | LED lights, Solar-powered lights |
| 2 | Trash Can | Must Have | 1-2 | To keep the outdoor area clean | Weather-resistant outdoor trash can |
| 3 | Patio Set | Must Have | 1 | To provide a place for guests to relax outside | Wooden or Bamboo furniture, including a table and chairs |
| 4 | Traditional Japanese Garden | Must Have | 1 | To provide serene and authentic Japanese atmosphere | A garden with a small pond, stones, trees, moss and lanterns |
| 5 | Outdoor Rug | Optional | 1 | For comfort and aesthetics | Weather-resistant outdoor rug |
| 6 | Outdoor Heater | Optional | 1 | For colder months | Propane or electric outdoor heater |
| 7 | Japanese Tea Set | Optional | 1 | For guest interested in traditional tea ceremony | Bamboo or ceramic tea set |
| 8 | Private Onsen (Hot Spring) | Optional | 1 | If your property is in an area with natural hot springs | Built-in Onsen or Portable Hot Tub designed as Onsen |
| 9 | Chozubachi (Water Basin) | Optional | 1 | Used for purification rituals, adds traditional aesthetics | A stone or wooden basin, typically with a bamboo water scoop |
| 10 | Sand & Stone Garden | Optional | 1 | Represents Zen Buddhism and is therapeutic | A garden with sand, stone, gravel and perhaps few larger rocks |
| 11 | Slippers | Optional | Multiple pairs | Japanese tradition, especially for outdoor use | Wooden or straw outdoor slippers |
| 12 | Outdoor Fire Pit | Optional | 1 | For colder months | Portable wood-burning fire pit |
| 13 | Mosquito Coils or Citronella Candles | Optional | Multiple | Helpful for keeping mosquitoes away | Any brand citronella candles or mosquito coils |
| 14 | Bonsai Plant | Optional | 1-2 | Represent the traditional gardening in Japan | Any popular bonsai varieties |
| 15 | Hammock | Optional | 1 | For relaxation | Durable outdoor hammock |
| 16 | Koi Pond | Optional | 1 | An appealing feature that fits in with the Japanese style | A pond with koi fish |
| 17 | Umbrella Stand | Optional | 1 | Useful during rainy season | Bamboo or wooden umbrella stand |
| 18 | Torii Gate | Optional | 1 | Symbolic and serves as a decorative piece | Traditional Japanese gate, often made of wood or stone |
| 19 | Barbecue equipment | Optional | 1 | Guests might want to cook outside | Portable charcoal grill |
| 20 | Japanese Lantern | Optional | 1-2 | Add to the aesthetics of the outdoor area | Stone or Metal Japanese Lantern, preferably solar-powered for sustainable energy use |
