Although many different types of housing can be seen in Japan, generally the living area is smaller than in other countries.
Some houses are designed and furnished in a Western style, but most still retain the traditions of earlier housing styles.
For bedding I slept on a Futon which I had to lay and fold away everyday so that I could have room to use my room. A Futon is just a thin mattress with a sheet and something similar to a doona. I actually still use a futon even though I no longer live in Japan.
You can only really use a Futon if you have Tatami flooring. Tatami are heavy rush mats that cover the more formal rooms and bedrooms in a house. Neither shoes or slippers can be worn while walking on Tatami. Furniture is generally not placed on Tatami. Instead square cushions are used as seats.
Some houses have a Tokonoma in a Tatami room. A Tokonama is a display area for beautiful objects and seasonal ornaments such as flower arrangements and hanging scrolls. Guest or visitors are always seated nearest the tokonoma.