Tokonoma

A tokonoma (Japanese 床の間) is a small raised alcove where decorative scrolls are hung. Ikebana (arranged flowers) are also often displayed there. The tokonoma and its contents are essential elements of traditional Japanese interior decoration.

When seating guests in a Japanese-style room, the most important guest is generally placed closest to the tokonoma. (Some people of other cultures find this peculiar, feeling that guests should be seated opposite the tokonoma so that they can actually see and admire it.)

Perhaps due to the Buddhist origins of the tokonoma, stepping up inside it is strictly forbidden.