Pop Japan

Yachts? During the Heian Era until the Edo Era in Japan, the Shoguns owned yakatabunes. These are the privately-owned Japanese boats, which had been lavishly-decorated to distinguish them from other boats owned by other people who belong to other classes in the society. The word yakatabune can actually be translated into "home-style boat." The yakatabune has acquired such name because of luxury exteriors and comfortable interiors. The inside were actually lined with the freshest and softest tatami mats and low Japanese tables. These boats were actually used to entertain guests of the Shogun.

Photo by Nesnad. Licensed under Creative Commons. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en)

Tags: yachts, heian era, edo era, japan, shogun, yakatabune, japanese boat, home style boat, tatami mats