How to Furnish an Airbnb in Japan Without Losing Your Mind or Your Wallet

Finding the perfect balance between style and durability is one of the toughest parts of setting up an Airbnb in Japan. If your goal is to throw together a budget setup with mismatched beds squeezed into every corner, this probably isn’t the guide for you.

This is for people who care about design, who want to create a space that feels like their home, but built with materials durable (and cheap) enough to survive the occasional careless guest. Because let’s face it: no matter how beautiful your Airbnb is, something will get damaged eventually. The trick is to make sure it’s not your $8,000 Design Within Reach couch.

1. Keep It Stylish but Practical

I tend to lean toward Scandinavian and Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetics — clean lines, warm woods, and cozy lighting. But when designing an Airbnb, you have to think like a hotelier: the space should photograph beautifully and be easy to maintain.

• Avoid cream or white furniture. Ever. It will get ruined. (I say this as someone who made that mistake at home.)
• Keep it uncluttered. Minimal decor means fewer things for guests to break and faster turnovers for your cleaning crew. (And trust me, keeping your cleaners happy is the single most important part of running a successful Airbnb. They are your lifeline.)
• Go for patterned rugs. Even light-colored rugs can hide stains if they have enough pattern or texture. And yes, there will be stains.
• Use natural materials. Lots of wood, rattan, linen — they age gracefully and give warmth to the space.

2. Durable Essentials: What to Spend On (and What Not To)

When it comes to cookware, don’t cheap out. Guests can overlook a scuffed wall, but dirty or warped pans? Deal breaker.

• Invest in PFA- and Teflon-free pots and pans for safety and durability.
• Have your cleaners check the kitchenware after every stay — people treat well-maintained items better when they see they’re cared for.
• Expect to replace pans frequently. It’s normal.

For furniture, think “used but beautiful.”

• I buy as much secondhand as possible — dining tables, chairs, lamps, side tables.
• Skip used beds and couches, though — always buy those new.
• Used furniture in Japan (especially from Second Street, Hard Off, and Recycle Shops) is often higher quality than new budget options and adds character for a fraction of the price.

3. Where to Shop in Japan

My go-tos are:

• 🪑 IKEA – for affordable basics and storage solutions.
• 🏠 Nitori – Japan’s version of IKEA, with a more Japanese design sensibility.
• 🧰 DCM – for practical home goods and small appliances.
• ♻️ Second Street & Hard Off – treasure troves of used furniture that can give your space unique personality.

4. Add Something That Stands Out

If you have extra budget, add one standout feature. Something guests will remember and post about.

• Sauna: My favorite addition by far. Unlike a hot tub, which requires constant cleaning and maintenance, a cedar sauna basically takes care of itself. Cedar’s natural antimicrobial oils mean you just need to vacuum after guests and replace the rocks occasionally.
• Record player: I love the SONY PS-LX310BT, a fully automated Bluetooth record player. Pair it with a quality speaker, leave a few vinyls, and you instantly add charm and atmosphere to your listing.

5. Signage & Guest Instructions

This is huge — especially in Japan, where all appliances are labeled in Japanese and your guests will come from all over the world.

Create clear instructions for:

• How to use the washer/dryer, oven, and air conditioner
• What not to flush down the toilet
• Check-out reminders

Pro tip: Instead of printing a hundred signs, create a QR code that links to an online guide in multiple languages. Print it or engrave it onto something stylish (like a piece of wood) and display it by the entrance.

Final Thoughts

Designing an Airbnb in Japan is a balancing act, you want it to feel warm and personal, yet durable and guest-proof. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a space people will remember , one that photographs well, feels inviting, and stands up to the realities of short-term stays.

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