The Kind of Baskets They Use in Japan and Why They’re Brilliant

I have a bit of a soft spot for baskets – but especially the ones I came across in Japan. You’ll see them in homes, shops, spas, ryokans, even train stations. And they’re always just right – not flashy, not flimsy, not overwhelming. Simple, neutral, and purposeful.

What I love most is that they’re used without fuss. You won’t find stacks of baskets just for show. They serve a real function – to hold what’s needed, in a way that feels tidy without being sterile.

We often overthink storage, don’t we? But Japanese baskets show us that practical doesn’t have to mean plastic. And that organisation can also be soft, natural, and beautiful.

Let’s talk about why these baskets are so brilliant – and how to use them in your own space.

What makes Japanese baskets different?

First of all, they’re not loud. Most Japanese baskets are made from natural materials – bamboo, seagrass, rattan, or cotton rope. The colours are usually muted: beige, brown, off-white, grey. Nothing too bright or “organisey.” And the shapes are thoughtful – rectangular, round, deep, shallow – designed for real-life use, not just decoration.

They’re also sturdy. Whether it’s a hand-woven basket from a small shop in Kyoto or a simple cotton cube from Muji, they’re made to last. You won’t find them collapsing after a few weeks.

But perhaps the most important thing? They’re used sparingly and intentionally. You won’t see twenty baskets crammed onto a shelf. You’ll see one or two, doing their job, keeping things calm and tidy.

Where I saw them used (and how)

Everywhere I went in Japan, baskets were quietly doing their thing. A few memorable examples:

• In ryokans, guests would place their clothes or towels in individual woven baskets before entering the onsen. No labels, no shouting. Just quiet containment.

• In shops, baskets were used to gather stock or display folded items – often placed neatly on low shelves or tatami floors.

• In cafés, baskets under the table held guests’ handbags and shopping bags. No mess, no shoes kicked under chairs.

• In homes, small baskets by the front door held slippers, keys or umbrellas. It felt soft and intentional – not like dumping stuff in a plastic tub.

How to use Japanese-style baskets in your own home

1. In the hallway for entryway calm

Place a single medium basket on a low bench or shelf. It could hold shoes, slippers, or everyday bags. It sets the tone for the rest of the home – calm, contained, welcoming.

Want to go one step further? Add a small tray or basket just for keys, sunglasses or sanitiser.

2. In the bedroom for soft storage

Use a cotton or rope basket for socks, scarves or daily essentials. Avoid hard plastic containers – opt for something gentle that suits the space. It blends better, and you’re more likely to use it properly.

You can also pop a basket inside a wardrobe for open-shelf items like folded T-shirts or pyjamas.

3. In the living room to tidy without hiding

Keep a shallow basket for remote controls, magazines or loose bits that often float around. Woven baskets look lovely on coffee tables or sideboards and bring texture into the space without feeling cluttered.

If you have children, baskets are a brilliant way to corral toys or art supplies. Easy to access, easy to put away – no need for lids or boxes that end up ignored.

4. In the bathroom for beauty and calm

Bamboo or seagrass baskets work wonderfully for rolled towels, toiletries or extra loo rolls. Choose a consistent shape and size if you’re using more than one – it keeps things visually neat.

Even a single small basket for your skincare or hair products can create order on a crowded counter.

Choosing the right basket

Not all baskets are created equal. Here’s what to look for if you want that Japanese feel:

• Natural materials – bamboo, seagrass, jute, cotton

• Neutral colours – beige, grey, white, light brown

• Clean shapes – round or rectangular, no bulky handles or excessive stitching

• Purposeful size – not too big, not too small. Just enough to hold what you need

Don’t fall into the trap of collecting baskets just because they’re pretty (I know, it’s tempting). Always buy with a specific use in mind.

Less baskets, more function

One thing I really appreciated in Japan is that they don’t over-basket their spaces. It’s easy to think that buying more storage will solve all the problems, but sometimes it just adds visual noise.

Instead, follow this rule: one basket per need. If you find yourself needing a second or third in the same area, it might be time to declutter first.

Final thoughts

Japanese baskets remind us that storage doesn’t need to be sterile. It can be soft. Beautiful. Subtle. When chosen and used intentionally, a basket becomes more than a container – it becomes part of the rhythm of your home.

So next time you’re tempted to grab another plastic tub or hide things away in a box, think of the gentle curve of a bamboo basket, quietly holding what you need. That’s the kind of storage that supports your life – not just your clutter.