Washitsu

However, many modern Japanese houses have only one washitsu, which is sometimes used for entertaining guests, and most other rooms are Western-style.

Many new construction Japanese apartments have no washitsu at all, instead using linoleum or hardwood floors.

The size of a washitsu is measured by the number of tatami mats, using the counter word jō (畳), which, depending on the area, are between 1.5 m2 and 1.8 m2.

Other furniture in a washitsu may include a low table at which a family may eat dinner or entertain guests, and a kotatsu, a particular type of low table that contains a heating element used in the wintertime, may also be provided.

The kotatsu may be particularly important in winter as most Japanese homes do not have central heating.

This washitsu has tatami flooring and shoji (doors).
A traditional washitsu