6 Best Japanese-Inspired Tarot Decks (Reitekina Tabi, Ukiyo-e & More)
Japanese art and spirituality have long enchanted tarot enthusiasts, blending East-West symbolism into unforgettable decks. Over the past seven months, I embarked on a personal journey with six Japanese-inspired tarot decks – one deck per month – to immerse myself in their artwork, card quality, symbolism, and emotional resonance. From the Reitekina Tabi soulful guidance to the Sakura Spring Tarot’s cherry blossom whimsy, each deck offered a distinct exp.
I share my month-by-month, hands-on review of these seven decks, with deep impressions formed through daily use, community feedback, and countless readings. Whether you’re a tarot reader, collector, or spiritual practitioner, join me in exploring how these decks infuse the spirit of Japan into the art of tarot.
Reitekina Tabi Tarot Deck – A Spiritual Journey in 78 Cards
Artwork & Atmosphere
The Reitekina Tabi Tarot (its name roughly meaning “spiritual journey”) immediately captivated me with its traditional Japanese-style artwork. Each card feels like a woodblock print come to life – elegant figures in kimono, mythic creatures, and serene natural landscapes. Remarkably, the creators combined AI-generated compositions with hand-drawn refinement, yielding images that are both precise and soulful. The palette is rich yet subdued, enhanced by a soft matte that begs to be touched.
After a month of daily draws, I still found new details hidden in the art: the koi fish swimming subtly in a background, a torii gate tucked in a horizon. This deck’s atmosphere is meditative and ancient; every reading felt like consulting an old sage under a cherry tree.
Card Quality & Design
Tarot decks are tactile tools, and Reitekina Tabi excels here. Printed on premium 330gsm matte-laminated cardstock, the cards shuffle like a dream – flexible but sturdy. I riffle-shuffled vigorously for weeks, and the gold-foil card backs (adorned with an intricate wave pattern and a central koi) remained pristine.
The gold accents shimmer in candlelight, yet are not gaudy. Notably, the back design isn’t just pretty; it symbolizes harmony and resilience, with the koi representing transformation, perseverance, and good fortune – a visual metaphor for life’s unfolding path. Such thoughtful design made the deck feel like a “guiding presence” in my tarot practice.
From a practical standpoint, the cards are standard size and come in a durable two-part box, with a comprehensive guidebook available. After a month, there’s barely any wear – a testament to the craftsmanship.
Symbolism & Emotional Resonance
Reitekina Tabi stays faithful to classic Rider–Waite–Smith (RWS) tarot meanings while weaving in Japanese cultural symbolism. Beginners will find the imagery accessible and clear, as each card’s core meaning shines through.
Seasoned readers will appreciate deeper layers: I noticed the High Priestess wears a crown inspired by a Shintō priestess, blending RWS iconography with Japanese spirituality. These touches gave me “wow” moments during readings, enhancing emotional connection.
Over the month, I often drew cards for meditation and felt the deck gently guiding me to reflect on my personal journey. The blend of tradition and innovation in the symbolism sparked intuition in surprising ways – some evenings, a single card pull from Reitekina Tabi led to journaling pages of insight.
Community & Feedback
Within tarot circles, Reitekina Tabi has earned praise for hitting the sweet spot between art and readability. Collectors adore its beauty, and intuitive readers report that its storytelling imagery makes readings flow easily. One reviewer noted that “the art and quality of this deck is next level good”, and I wholeheartedly agree.
If anything, a few traditionalists balked at the idea of AI-assisted art creation – until they saw the cards in person. During my test month, I showed this deck to fellow readers; even skeptics were won over by the harmonious design and the powerful atmosphere and symbolism that captivate fans of Japanese culture.
The consensus: Reitekina Tabi isn’t a gimmick – it’s a genuinely profound deck.
Strengths & Drawbacks
The strengths are many. Lush artwork, top-tier card stock, and culturally rich symbolism make it a standout. It’s also quite balanced – equally welcoming to beginners and satisfying for experts. In my experience, the deck reads accurately and with depth, especially for spiritual or self-reflective questions.
The only minor drawback I found is that the guidebook (if you opt for it) could have dived even deeper into Japanese lore for each card – but that’s a quibble. Without the guide, a newcomer might miss some references (like recognizing gaman — perseverance — depicted in the Ten of Wands). Still, the cards speak for themselves intuitively.
After a month, Reitekina Tabi firmly earned a spot in my regular rotation. It feels like “more than a deck – a spiritual companion, a visual meditation, and a work of art”.
https://maneoshop.com/collections/japanese-tarot-tabi-collection
Tabi no Kokoro Tarot Deck – Gentle Reflections of the Heart
Artwork & Theme
Tabi no Kokoro (旅の心), meaning “the heart of the journey,” is aptly named. This deck is the follow-up to Reitekina Tabi, and it carries a softer, more pastel-toned aesthetic that immediately soothes the eyes and spirit. Upon first shuffle, I was struck by the deck’s quiet beauty and serenity. The art style here is dreamy and watercolor-like.
Scenes of kimono-clad figures walking along misty mountain paths, samurai contemplating under Sakura trees, and gentle-faced deities adorn the cards. Each image feels like a haiku – minimalistic yet profound. After working with Tabi no Kokoro for a month, I found the pastel color palette and soft textures had a calming effect during readings. It was easy to get lost in these cards, as if I were strolling through a Zen garden at dawn. This deck’s atmosphere is introspective; it invites you to pause and breathe.
Card Quality & Presentation
Physically, Tabi no Kokoro is as high-quality as its predecessor. The cards are slightly thicker (printed on 350gsm cardstock with a silky matte finish) and have delicate foil accents that catch the light like tiny blessings on the cards. The gilding is subtle – think of a thin stroke of gold outlining a cherry blossom or a lantern – but it adds a touch of magic.
The card backs feature a reversible design of pale pink petals floating on water – serene and elegant. Even after many shuffles and accidental drops, the cards held up without chipping. The deck comes in a beautiful two-part box, and mine included a small guide pamphlet. There’s also a full printed guidebook (with upright and reversed meanings for each card), and I appreciated that it was color-matched to the deck’s soft aesthetic.
Handling Tabi no Kokoro felt like handling something precious, yet it proved to be plenty durable for daily use.
Symbolism & Use in Readings
Tabi no Kokoro follows the Rider–Waite–Smith (RWS) system, so all familiar archetypes and suits are present. What sets it apart is how it weaves in Japanese philosophical concepts as subtle symbolism. The guide notes ideas such as 初心 (shoshin, “beginner’s mind”) and 我慢 (gaman, “quiet perseverance”) assigned to specific cards.
This extra layer made the readings feel more therapeutic and culturally rich. Over the month, I often reached for this deck for morning meditations. The cards consistently provided gentle, introspective advice. As the creators promised, this deck "speaks not loudly – but deeply." I found that to be true; its guidance was never harsh – always honest, yet kind.
Emotional Resonance
Emotionally, using Tabi no Kokoro felt like a warm hug for the soul. Community feedback echoes this; many readers say the deck is “intuitive, calming, and perfect for mindfulness and inner peace.” In my own experience, when life became hectic, I turned to this deck in the evenings to unwind.
One particular week, I used it nightly for a three-card mind/body/spirit check. The soft pastel imagery and themes of new beginnings created a safe space to explore even challenging emotions. The deck’s emotional resonance is one of hope and gentle encouragement.
It’s also very beginner-friendly – a friend of mine who is new to tarot tried a few pulls and found the scenes easy to understand, while I, as a more seasoned reader, remained engaged thanks to the subtle cultural depth woven into each card.
Strengths & Drawbacks
Tabi no Kokoro’s greatest strength is its harmony of simplicity and depth. It’s a deck you could recommend as someone’s first tarot, yet it continues to reveal insights even after dozens of readings, especially if you appreciate Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.
The production quality is excellent – the cards are beautiful, sturdy, and shuffle smoothly. A minor drawback: the pastel palette, while lovely, can make some images appear faint in dim lighting. Occasionally, I had to tilt a card toward a lamp to catch all the delicate details due to the soft colors and matte finish.
https://maneoshop.com/collections/japanese-tarot-tabi-collection
Ukiyo-e Tarot – Classic Ukiyo-e Art Meets Tarot Tradition
Artwork & Historical Significance:
The Ukiyo-e Tarot is a legendary deck first published in the early 1980s, yet it remains timeless. Illustrated by Japanese artist Koji Furuta and commissioned by U.S. Games Systems, the deck merges the traditional 78-card tarot structure with the authentic aesthetic of ukiyo-e woodblock art. Using it feels like visiting a miniature art exhibit each day. Its line work, flat vibrant colors, and visual atmosphere faithfully capture the essence of Edo-period “floating world” art. Though decades old, the art feels neither dated nor out of place—each image retains elegance, intention, and cultural charm.
The deck exudes a serene, contemplative mood—at times evoking nostalgia, like flipping through a centuries-old storybook. One reviewer aptly noted: "Ukiyo-e is a perfect medium to convey the ancient wisdom of the tarot," and that sentiment echoes throughout the experience of reading with it.
Card Format & Quality:
The Ukiyo-e Tarot includes 78 cards, with the Minor Arcana presented as semi-illustrated pip cards. Though these pips lack full narrative scenes, they incorporate subtle decorative details—often plants or symbolic background elements—that enrich the interpretive process. While some users may prefer fully illustrated minors, many find that this format encourages deeper reflection and builds intuitive reading skills over time.
The Little White Book (LWB) included with the deck provides meaningful insights, especially regarding the symbolism of plants and objects within the pip cards. It's an educational companion that enhances both divination and cultural appreciation. Over time, many users even discover an added layer of understanding in Japanese symbolic systems.
Card stock is of reliable quality—flexible yet sturdy. While the white borders are slightly thick for some tastes, the cards shuffle well and hold up with repeated use. The reversible card backs are elegantly designed and complement the overall aesthetic.
Reading with the Deck:
Working with the Ukiyo-e Tarot feels like entering a sacred dialogue—it speaks with a formal, introspective voice. Though there is a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with pip-based minors, the evocative style of the deck guides even beginners toward meaningful interpretations. Its symbolic depth often inspires fresh insights and unexpected connections, especially for readers attuned to cultural nuance and visual storytelling.
This deck doesn’t rely on overt emotionality but rather distills meaning through elegant composition and timeless symbols. Many readers describe it as a quiet teacher—encouraging deeper reflection and intellectual engagement rather than quick emotional cues.
Community & Reflection:
The Ukiyo-e Tarot is cherished by readers who appreciate the fusion of art, culture, and esoteric tradition. It’s more than a deck—it’s a cultural bridge. Whether used for divination, study, or meditative practice, it invites the reader into a tranquil, symbolic world that gently unfolds its secrets over time.
Strengths & Considerations:
This deck is ideal for those who love traditional art and seek a deeper connection with tarot symbolism. It offers an opportunity to slow down and immerse in artistic and spiritual reflection. Though its design may challenge those who prefer overtly illustrated minors or modern flourishes, the rewards are in its depth, authenticity, and quiet wisdom
Sakura Spring Tarot – A Gentle Bloom of Intuition
Artwork & Theme
The Sakura Spring Tarot is a celebration of new beginnings, inner peace, and the fleeting beauty of life. Inspired by the Japanese springtime and the delicate symbolism of cherry blossoms, this 78-card tarot deck unfolds like a quiet stroll beneath blooming sakura trees. Each card feels like a page torn from a seasonal journal — hand-painted in watercolor washes of soft pink, pale green, and sky blue.
The illustrations are minimal yet expressive, blending classic tarot structure with Japanese aesthetics. Rather than dramatic scenes, the imagery offers subtle gestures: a figure holding a parasol in a rain of petals, a fox peering from behind a shrine, a lantern floating downriver. This restraint allows space for reflection. The mood of the deck is peaceful and nostalgic — like the hush of morning after snowfall, or the last blush of sunset over a petal-covered path.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned reader, Sakura Spring Tarot invites you into a quiet dialogue. It doesn’t shout — it murmurs, gently, in the language of stillness.
Card Quality & Presentation
Physically, Sakura Spring Tarot matches its artistic softness with premium materials. Printed on 330gsm linen-textured cardstock with a velvety matte coating, the cards glide smoothly in hand. The edges are blush-gilded — not reflective, but softly glowing, like dawn light on water.
Card backs feature a reversible mandala of falling petals and koi scales in warm pastel tones. Despite its delicate appearance, the deck is remarkably durable. After weeks of regular use and shuffling, the corners remain crisp, and the colors haven’t dulled.
The deck comes housed in a sturdy two-part box decorated with sakura motifs and embossed gold accents. A printed guidebook is included, offering both upright and reversed meanings, haiku reflections, and brief notes on the symbolism of plants and animals used throughout the deck. It feels less like a manual and more like a poetic companion.
Symbolism & Use in Readings
The Sakura Spring Tarot follows the Rider–Waite–Smith system faithfully, but filters every archetype through the lens of seasonal transition, mindfulness, and Japanese cultural touchstones. Symbols like the crane (longevity), plum blossoms (perseverance), and river stones (endurance through flow) enrich traditional meanings without overwhelming them.
Each card encourages presence. A reading becomes more than just divination — it’s an emotional check-in, a meditation. Concepts such as mono no aware (the gentle sadness of impermanence) and hanami (the appreciation of transient beauty) are woven through the artwork and tone.
During a month of daily readings, I found the deck particularly well-suited for questions of self-reflection, healing, and emotional growth. Even difficult cards, like the Tower or Ten of Swords, are rendered with compassion — gently encouraging awareness rather than dread. I often turned to this deck during times of emotional fog and left readings feeling more centered, more held.
Emotional Resonance & Community Response
Working with Sakura Spring Tarot feels like writing a letter to yourself — thoughtful, honest, and kind. It carries a warmth that welcomes both joy and sorrow without judgment. The deck encourages pause, breath, and listening.
Within the tarot community, early responses highlight its emotional clarity and its ability to soothe. Many readers say it became their “comfort deck” — something they reach for not just when seeking answers, but when they need to reconnect with themselves.
Newer tarot users appreciate its clarity and gentle imagery, while more advanced readers find richness in the layered symbolism. It’s a deck that meets you where you are — and then gently guides you forward.
Strengths & Drawbacks
The greatest strength of Sakura Spring Tarot is its emotional intelligence. It doesn’t dazzle with high drama or esoteric complexity — instead, it offers a quiet sanctuary. The artwork, symbolism, and physical design all align to create an experience that feels cohesive and sacred.
The only drawback noted is that in very dim light, the soft color palette may be hard to read — though this can be seen as an invitation to slow down and truly observe. This is not a deck for fast, reactive readings — it’s best suited for those willing to listen with intention.
Final Thoughts
Sakura Spring Tarot is more than a tool — it’s a space. A space to reflect, to breathe, to feel. It doesn’t demand; it offers. It’s ideal for meditation, personal rituals, journaling, and soul-tending. Over time, it becomes like a beloved friend: soft-spoken, steady, and always truthful.
Whether you’re looking for a daily mindfulness practice, a deck that reflects emotional depth, or simply a beautiful piece of art that holds spiritual meaning — this deck is a gentle bloom you’ll return to, season after season.
Tarot of the Divine – A Cross-Cultural Journey Through Myth and Meaning
Artwork & Theme
Tarot of the Divine is a vivid journey through the world’s most enduring myths, legends, and folklore — reimagined through the structure of the classic tarot. Each card draws inspiration from a different cultural story: from Greek tragedy to Japanese folktales, West African epics to Scandinavian lore. The result is a deck that feels like a mosaic of human imagination, honoring global storytelling traditions through symbolic imagery.
Illustrated by Yoshi Yoshitani, the artwork is bold and stylized, with clean lines and radiant colors. Each card bursts with visual narrative: characters mid-movement, landscapes charged with atmosphere, symbolism layered into every expression and detail. Rather than simply "represent" a traditional tarot meaning, each card embodies a tale — an invitation to explore both the archetype and the story behind it.
From the first shuffle, you get the sense that this deck is alive with cultural reverence and creative energy. It’s not just a tarot deck — it’s a storybook of the sacred and the timeless.
Card Quality & Presentation
Tarot of the Divine is published by Clarkson Potter and comes in a sturdy, beautifully printed box. The cards are standard tarot size, with a smooth satin finish that feels pleasant in hand and handles well during shuffling. The card stock is flexible but not flimsy, and the print quality is excellent — the vibrant colors are crisp, and the contrast between light and shadow in the artwork enhances the storytelling power.
The backs of the cards feature a celestial motif — soft purples and blues framing a moon and star design that evokes a sense of magic and wonder. They are reversible, which is great for readers who work with reversals.
A companion book, Beneath the Moon, is available separately and expands on the folklore represented in each card. This makes the deck especially rewarding for those who enjoy learning the stories behind the images and deepening their interpretive context.
Symbolism & Use in Readings
Structurally, Tarot of the Divine follows the Rider–Waite–Smith system, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced readers. However, what makes it truly unique is how it fuses traditional tarot archetypes with multicultural folklore. For example, the Lovers might depict a tale of star-crossed devotion, while the Hermit evokes the wisdom of a wandering sage from a distant land.
This blend of mythology and symbolism creates a rich, intuitive experience. Even without knowing the specific story behind each card, the emotion and action in the illustration are clear. With the story in mind, readings take on a deeper resonance. The deck invites you to see archetypes not just as abstract forces, but as characters living out truths through myth.
In practice, the deck reads fluidly and energetically. The cards are expressive — they pull your attention and spark interpretation. It’s an ideal deck for storytelling spreads, creative writing prompts, and readings centered on growth, identity, and destiny.
Emotional Resonance & Community Response
Emotionally, Tarot of the Divine is empowering. It celebrates resilience, transformation, sacrifice, love, courage, and mystery — all through the lens of human culture. Each draw feels like stepping into a fable that speaks directly to the moment you're in.
Readers often describe this deck as inspiring, validating, and rich with interpretive potential. It's especially beloved by those who want to explore tarot as a universal language that transcends borders and time. Educators, spiritual seekers, and folklore enthusiasts have all found this deck to be a meaningful companion.
It's also inclusive — featuring diverse figures across race, gender, and cultural origin. That intentional representation adds to the sense of welcome and spiritual depth the deck provides.
Strengths & Drawbacks
The greatest strength of Tarot of the Divine is its storytelling power. Every card tells a tale — and invites you to reflect on how myth and tarot mirror the human experience. It’s accessible, educational, and deeply imaginative. Readers of all levels can find value in its beauty and clarity.
For some, the only drawback may be the need to reference the stories, especially when starting out. While the deck comes with a basic booklet, the full meaning behind each card is better appreciated with the companion guide. But this can also be seen as an opportunity — to study, to learn, and to build a more nuanced practice.
Final Thoughts
Tarot of the Divine is a deck that reminds us: no matter where we come from, we are all part of a shared human story. Through archetypes and legends, it bridges cultures, generations, and emotions. It’s a deck for readers who seek beauty, depth, and connection — both to the cards and to the world.
Whether used for divination, education, or artistic inspiration, Tarot of the Divine is more than a deck — it’s a journey through myth, meaning, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
Samurai Tarot — Discipline, Honor, and the Path Within
Artwork & Theme
The Samurai Tarot is not just a deck — it’s a code of conduct, a quiet path through the fog of uncertainty, guided by the principles of Bushidō. Rooted in the iconography and philosophy of feudal Japan, this 78-card deck explores tarot through the lens of the warrior’s journey: one of duty, self-mastery, sacrifice, and spiritual clarity.
Illustrated in a raw, expressive brush-and-ink style, the artwork evokes the aesthetics of traditional Japanese calligraphy and sumi-e painting. Rather than elaborate scenes, the cards often feature solitary figures, stark landscapes, and symbolic gestures rendered in powerful strokes. This visual minimalism doesn’t detract from meaning — it enhances it. Every brush line feels intentional, like the slash of a sword or the whisper of a prayer.
This deck is meditative, stoic, and deeply internal. If most tarot decks are storybooks, Samurai Tarot is a journal left behind by a wandering ronin — weathered, wise, and profoundly personal.
Card Quality & Presentation
Samurai Tarot is typically printed on durable, semi-matte cardstock with a slightly textured feel — just enough to evoke parchment or rice paper. The cards are standard size and easy to shuffle, though the ink-heavy artwork makes the deck feel darker and more introspective than most.
The backs display a symmetrical crest in monochrome, a nod to samurai clan insignias, and are fully reversible. Packaging varies depending on edition, but often comes in a minimalist tuck box or collector’s box with traditional motifs.
A small guidebook is included, offering concise interpretations for each card. The language is stripped-down and philosophical — fitting for the deck’s tone — and some readers may wish for deeper elaboration. But in truth, Samurai Tarot invites silence, not explanation.
Symbolism & Use in Readings
The deck loosely follows the Rider–Waite–Smith system, but the interpretations are more abstract, more archetypal. Swords are no longer just a suit — they are the code, the edge, the decision. Cups become inner emotion, intuition, spirit. Wands and Pentacles retain their basic functions but are expressed through elemental simplicity.
Rather than dramatizing every moment, the Samurai Tarot strips each card to its essence. The Fool is not a wanderer — he is a disciple beginning the path. The Tower is not destruction — it is impermanence. Death is not an end — it is honor, transmutation, the cycle accepted.
This deck does not offer easy answers. It poses questions in silence and waits for you to respond. I found it especially effective for meditation spreads, shadow work, and one-card draws. For complex or predictive readings, the symbolism may feel too sparse — but for seekers walking a spiritual or philosophical path, it’s a mirror for the soul.
Emotional Resonance & Community Feedback
Emotionally, Samurai Tarot is quiet, austere, and powerful in its restraint. It doesn’t emote in obvious ways — it teaches through example. Readings with this deck often feel like sparring with your higher self. The cards demand presence, humility, and focus.
Readers drawn to Eastern philosophy or martial discipline often describe it as a deck of “truth, not comfort.” It resonates with those who value solitude, personal growth, and emotional integrity. Some reviewers call it “intimidating” — not because of harsh imagery, but because it holds a mirror to parts of ourselves that modern life often encourages us to ignore.
For others, that’s exactly what makes it a treasured tool. It’s not for every mood or question — but when used with intention, it can be transformative.
Strengths & Drawbacks
The strength of Samurai Tarot lies in its clarity, its stillness, and its spiritual gravity. It’s ideal for focused readings, for those undergoing personal transformation, or for practitioners who prefer subtle symbolism over overt storytelling.
However, its abstractness and minimalism may not appeal to everyone. Beginners may find it too sparse. Those who rely on visual storytelling might crave more detail. And the guidebook, while poetic, may feel too brief for those looking for structured learning.
But if you’re seeking a deck that reads like Zen — precise, disciplined, spacious — Samurai Tarot may be exactly what your path requires.
Final Thoughts
Samurai Tarot is a deck of principles. It won’t flatter you. It won’t sugarcoat truth. But it will accompany you on the path — calmly, quietly, and with great honor. Like the spirit of the samurai, it is not loud, but unwavering.
This is not just a tarot deck — it is a spiritual training ground. A blade of insight. A breath between battles. For those who walk the inner path with courage, Samurai Tarot offers a companion worthy of the journey.