This has been the view I’ve had from many a futon over the years. I’ve now been in dozens of houses and ryokan which include some variation on a ceiling light with a pull string. The string is long enough that you can reach it from the futon. The light always has several levels of light so you can sleep in total darkness, or with a little bit of brightness.

Yesterday it occurred to me as I turned the light down to its lowest level (it was still on), how bizarre it is that I just did this without thinking.

So, for anyone traveling to Japan and staying in their first traditional inn, look for the string hanging from the light on the ceiling. Adjust your level of light accordingly.