5 Japanese design principles behind better sleep and slow travel

Japan is often associated with delicious, fragrant dishes, innovative fashion trends, and rich

historical traditions. But beyond this, Japan is also known for its quieter appeal: the way

Japanese spaces are designed to create calm. The country has long embraced ideas that

encourage stillness, simplicity, and rest, and these are reflected in their spaces – from ryokans

and hot springs to minimalist interiors and peaceful gardens.

Skyscanner’s sleep tourism stats reveal how general wellbeing has become an important

consideration for travelers. And many of the environments travelers now seek – quiet spaces,

soft lighting, natural textures, intentional simplicity – reflect long-standing Japanese principles.

Ma

The Japanese concept of ma refers to an interval or emptiness in space and time that is to be

respected and used intentionally. It encourages people to pause and contemplate a moment,

experiencing it fully.

You can apply this to slow travel plans by limiting your itinerary to a few locations, allowing

yourself to be fully immersed in the local culture and atmosphere of one place before moving

on. It also encourages you to appreciate the journey from one point to another, taking in all the

sights and sounds along the way.

Wabi-sabi

Wabi-sabi is centered around the acceptance of things that are impermanent, imperfect, and

incomplete. It shifts the focus from rushed, “picture-perfect” tourism to immersive experiences

that embrace quietness, natural aging, and deep, mindful rest.

Sleep tourism aligns with wabi-sabi because it encourages travelers to slow down rather than

chase after tourist spots. It draws people to places that prioritize stillness: countryside retreats,

minimalist stays, natural hot springs, and environments designed for rest.

Yohaku no Bi

Whereas ma refers to meaningful emptiness in space and pauses in terms of timing, yohaku no

bi – “the beauty of empty space” – refers to physical, tangible empty spaces. Going beyond the

idea of appreciating negative space, yohaku no bi emphasizes the importance of emptiness in a

composition: that without it, no design is complete.

The concept of yohaku no bi can be seen in many wellness spaces, with their aesthetics and

designs intentionally kept simple to avoid overstimulation. The zen gardens of Kyoto are good

examples, where gravel and rocks are often displayed to symbolize water and greenery,

creating visual calm and simplicity.

Biophilic design

Japanese aesthetics have long embraced a close relationship with nature, something reflected

in biophilic design – the practice of bringing natural elements into built spaces. Natural materials

such as wood, stone, linen, and paper are used to create environments that feel grounding and

calming.

For travelers prioritizing sleep and wellbeing, these details matter. Research shows that

exposure to biophilic interior environments improves sleep quality, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Kanso

Kanso dictates that everything in a space must have a purpose. It focuses on removing clutter

and unnecessary excess to create calm and clarity. For people putting sleep and wellbeing at

the center of their holiday, this is important because uncluttered environments reduce visual

noise, creating an atmosphere that feels calm and prevents overstimulation.

The art of slowing down

As sleep tourism and slow travel experiences continue to grow in popularity, the appeal may lie

not just in where we go, but in how we approach travel and how a place makes us feel. These

Japanese design principles remind us that rest often comes from simplicity, stillness, and having

the space to slow down.