Traditional Japanese style rooms (和室, washitsu) come with a unique interior design that includes tatami mats as flooring. Consequently, they are also known as tatami rooms. Their style dates back to the Muromachi Period when they originally served as study rooms for the wealthy before gradually becoming more commonplace as reception and living quarters. Washitsu are still very prevalent around Japan. Tourists have the opportunity to overnight in one by staying at a ryokan, minshuku or temple lodging. Alternatively, you can view a variety of beautifully preserved historic tatami rooms at sites such as temples, villas and tea houses.