Have you ever visited a house in Japan?
A tatami-mat room
Traditional houses in Japan have many interesting features which are much different from any other countries’.
Take off your shoes before you step into the house A typical Japanese house has a small, square space at the entrance. It is called “genkan”, and you take off your shoes there. When you step into the house, you see some tatami-mat rooms. Tatami is made from dried rushes, and it is delicate and soiled easily. So you shouldn’t run or jump on tatami.
Wash your body before getting in the bathtub. A typical Japanese bathroom is equipped with a shower and a deep bathtub. The toilet is almost always located in a separate room. When bathing Japanese style, you’re supposed to first rinse your body outside the bathtub. Then jump into the bathtub filled with warm water (about 38-40℃) for soaking.
Take off your shoes before you step into the house A typical Japanese house has a small, square space at the entrance. It is called “genkan”, and you take off your shoes there. When you step into the house, you see some tatami-mat rooms. Tatami is made from dried rushes, and it is delicate and soiled easily. So you shouldn’t run or jump on tatami.
Wash your body before getting in the bathtub. A typical Japanese bathroom is equipped with a shower and a deep bathtub. The toilet is almost always located in a separate room. When bathing Japanese style, you’re supposed to first rinse your body outside the bathtub. Then jump into the bathtub filled with warm water (about 38-40℃) for soaking.
Why don’t you try a Japanese toilet? The toilet seat with a warm-shower feature, which doesn’t require the use of toilet paper, it is said, that once you have experienced it, you will never be able to let go of it. Have a try and you would be amazed. If you’re interested, come to my house in Japan. You can experience other Japanese housing features as well.
By Ryuhei Kojima |