37 Color Palettes Inspired by Japan

Japan is a culture of centuries-old, strict traditions that govern almost everything, so it’s no surprise to learn they’ve also developed a collection of traditional colors, known as dentouiro 伝統色. (source)
During our recent travels, Japan’s landscapes, fabrics, architecture and people inspired us to create some color palettes of our own. Each of these 36 photos from Japan tells a travel story – and has inspired its own unique color palette. Use these color ways to start planning your wall colors, your decor, your outfit or any color scheme.
Let’s start the tour in Kyoto…
1. Arashiyama, The Bamboo Forest

2. Moss in a Buddhist Cemetery

3. Earthenware Pottery in a Teahouse

4. The Floating Torii Gate


5. A Shogun’s Palace

6. A Village Shrine

7. A Gilded Screen

8. Paper Lanterns

9. A Tea Ceremony

10. A Verdigris Lion Dog

11. Iron and Mountains

12. A Sense of Zen

13. Wooden Shoes

14. A Smiling Attendant

15. Pottery for Sale


15. A Tokyo Street

16. Tokyo Traffic

17. Zen Garden

18. Another View of the Bamboo Forest
19. Tribute to the Ancestors
20. A Zen Monument

21. Garden Path

22. Hie-Jinja Temple

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Canvas Wall Art – Juju TaupeProduct on sale$28
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Drapery Tieback Tassel – Jute$28
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Fabric by the Yard – Bakuba Lodge / Kola$130
23. Traditional Geiko

24. Tofu and Sake

25. Tourists Playing Dress-Up

26. Wedding Day

27. Koi Pond

28. Cherry Blossoms

29. Graphics and Signs

30. Geisha and Parisol

31. Water Lilies

32. Ancient Architecture

33. Modern Lights

34. Tokyo Sunset

35. Snow Monkey

36. Sake Set

37. Pink Skies

Shop Boho Luxe Home products inspired by our travels to Japan…

Which colors from our Japanese color palettes were your favorites? Did any of these combinations surprise you? Do you plan to incorporate any of these colors or any Japan-inspired SmithHönig products into your home decor? We would love to know!