ACNH Japanese Design Ideas & Tips - How To Build Japanese Theme Areas In Animal Crossing New Horizons

There is no doubt that since the release of Animal Crossing New Horizons, Japanese-style designs have been sought after by players! From a small town in the Showa era, the cherry blossom town of Mount Fuji to a Zen garden or a Japanese-style room with tatami mats, the oriental classical aesthetics are indeed impressive and hard to refuse! If you are also impressed, follow us now to explore some useful design tips and ideas that can help you create a perfect Japanese theme area or island in the game.

Best ACNH Japanese Theme Design Tips

Like Japanese architecture, but have no idea how to replicate them on your Animal Crossing New Horizons island? Then these tips can help you:

1. Find the reference

Before you start, find the Japanese aesthetic style you like. You can find all kinds of Japanese landscape pictures on the Internet, which can inspire you. Urban is a great theme, as reference photos are easier to find online. A rural theme is great if you like traditional Japanese landscape and greenery.

2. Prepare items & custom designs

After deciding what type of Japanese aesthetic you want, the first thing you should do is prepare

Some furniture, items, and custom designs matching the theme. For example, if you want a Zen garden, bamboo, Zen set furniture, and other matching decorations are all necessary.

3. Custom Path Designs

If you want to build up a complete Japanese-inspired island, try to layout different areas first with paths before build them individually. Large spaces can feel overwhelming. So, first crate paths using either dirt, stone or custom design codes to section off areas for individual builds. This helps to bring together.

4. Inside or Outside

When filling in an area, consider whether you need to add wood, tatami, or other floorings to create the illusion of being inside. Dirt and sand can be also useful when making gardens. Whether indoors or outdoors, bamboo, cherry blossoms, Zen, and other Japanese-themed sets are the best decorations.

5. Add Structure

For structure use stalls, panels, lanterns, and terraforming and decide if you want to be able to explore the space or create a forced perspective illusion. Test your builds using different camera angles. 

6. Fences and Lights

Mix different fences and lights to add visual interest to the design. Lights are great for night pictures too as they light up the environment and add atmosphere to the scene.

7. Detail

Add everyday items to enhance complexity. Shrubs and plants are great for a touch of lushness. Trash items, clotheslines, and books create a lived-in feel and really bring an area to life.

8. Enhance Japanese Vibe

There are a lot of Japanese items and furniture you can find in Animal Crossing New Horizons. In addition to bamboo, cherry-blossom, and zen items, you can also decorate with clothing (kimono), shoes, and other appliances (elaborate kimono stand, screens) to add to your Japanese aesthetic. 

9. Customize

A traditional design can go a long way. Use design codes such as shoji screens, Komachi windows or Shinto aesthetics on large builds to add dimension and complexity.