Choosing the Best Japanese Futon: 20 Things to Know

by David McElhinney & Teni Wada | CRAFT

Japanese Futon available at Japan Objects Store

Your idea of what a futon is may depend on where in the world you grew up, and, if you’re considering buying a futon of your own, it may not be exactly clear what you should be looking for. If it’s an authentic Japanese futon that you’re interested in, then we’ll explain everything you need to know about them in order to fully understand what they are and what a futon can do for you.

You’ll learn everything from how they're made, the health benefits of switching to a futon, how they can benefit a minimalist lifestyle, and where you can buy a Japanese futon of your own!

Contents

1. What is a Futon?
2. Where do Futon Come From?
3. How Are Futon Made?
4. How to Use a Futon?
5. Why Choose a Futon Over a Western-style Bed?
6. What’s the Difference Between Kakebuton and Shikibuton?
7. What Size Is a Japanese Futon?
8. What’s the Ideal Thickness for a Japanese Futon?
9. What are the Environmental Benefits of Futon?
10. How Can a Futon Bed Benefit Your Health?
11. Can I Use a Futon if My Home Doesn’t Have Tatami?
12. Can I Use a Futon on a Bed Frame?
13. What Bedding Accessories Do I Need for My Futon?
14. Can I Use My Current Bedding on a Futon Mattress?
15. Are Futon Good For Children?
16. What to Look for when Choosing a Japanese Futon?
17. Where Can I Buy a Japanese Futon?
18. How Do I Clean My Futon?
19. How Do I Store My Futon?
20. How Often Should I Replace My Futon?

1. What is a Futon?

A futon is essentially a type of bed made for the Japanese style of sleeping on the ground. As a matter of fact, these mattresses are called shikibuton in Japanese, meaning a cushion that is laid out (before use).

The term traditionally describes a bedding system rather than the bed itself, and consists of a base (shikibuton), the futon mattress itself, which is typically stuffed with cotton, a comforter (kakebuton) or blanket (moku), and a pillow (makura) that’s often filled with beans or foam. However, futon is also commonly used to refer to just the mattress, which is how we’ll use it here.

A Japanese futon is ideally placed on a tatami floor which retains heat and is comfortable to sleep on. For those who don’t have a tatami floor, tatami mats are often used.

Western-style Futon – Available at Amazon

In western countries on the other hand, the word ‘futon’ is often used to describe a pull-out sofa bed or a wooden bed base ‘futon frame’ that’s close to the floor. Travelers encountering their first authentic Japanese futon or those looking to buy a Japanese futon are often surprised as to how different they are.

Western and Japanese futon do have one thing in common though: the beauty of a minimalist and functional room that isn’t constantly taken up by a bed. Futon options are perfect for small apartments and studios or simply a spare sleeping space for guests.

2. Where Do Futon Come From?

Looking Relaxed by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1888

The history of futon in Japan is incredibly long, as it has been the Japanese bed of choice for as long as records exist. Bedding was a little different in early Japanese history, when a mat woven from hemp (called mushiro) was laid on the floor with a softer mat on top. Things changed slightly during the Nara period of the 8th century when layers of straw mat were used to make things more comfortable, eventually evolving into the tatami floor we know today. Those of higher rank would also include soft zabuton style cushions on top of the straw mats for extra comfort (head over to All You Need to Know About Zabuton Cushions to find out more). Gradually, the mattress became commonly used on top of tatami flooring or mats, and were folded away during the day in the same way as the futon in use today.

The western style of futon which makes sure the sleeper is off the floor in some capacity was designed by William Brouwer from Boston in the 1970s to service the small apartments that people lived in there. The mattresses designed for the Brouwer beds were thicker and softer than their Japanese counterparts and placed on the wooden slats of the sofa-bed. This style is still prevalent in the west to this day but with a wider range of designs. The preference for a thicker mattress has even influenced the Japanese market meaning there is more choice of mattress size than previously.

3. How Are Futon Made?

Japanese futon mattresses are typically two to three inches thick, stuffed with cotton, and are pliable enough to roll up in during the day. They are designed to last around fifteen years, which is a longer lifespan than your average western mattress, and this is down to the craftsmanship involved. The mattresses have to be well made to make sure the sleeper is well supported and comfortable.

Every part of the futon is typically made with cotton with the stuffed mattress usually being zipped inside a cotton case. The use of natural materials makes the futon an environmentally friendly choice compared with other sleeping options, particularly when you consider how long-lasting and durable these materials are.

Foam futon mattresses are increasing popular due to comfort and support they offer, but can be more difficult to store as they don’t roll up as easily.

Although in the West, a futon can be seen as a cheaper alternative to a bed, it is worth remembering that if there is ever a time to pay for quality it’s when purchasing a bed. After all you’re likely to spend a third of your life there. The craftsmanship that goes into creating a high-quality Japanese futon means it will offer good support for your back, use breathable fabrics, and last for a long time.

4. How to Use a Futon?

It’s very easy to put together your futon: just lay your futon out on your preferred flooring. Obviously tatami mats are ideal, but any soft surface, such as a carpet or mat will work. Place your pillow and comforter on top, and you have your futon!

Japanese Futon with Sora Cover, available at Japan Objects Store

During the day, if you have the room, you should roll up your futon so it’s worth considering where you’ll store it before you buy it. When there’s nowhere to store the futon then simply placing it in the corner of the room can be a good solution that still frees up plenty of space.

If you don’t want to roll up and pack away your futon every day, particularly if storage space is an issue, then purchasing a slightly raised wooden frame will remove the need for a tatami mat and also make sure the futon mattress has good air circulation. You can even use a futon on your current bed frame.

You should air your futon in the sunlight regularly so one of the best ways to dry your futon after washing is in the fresh air outside. Traditionally people will beat their futon regularly with a futon tataki which is similar to a carpet beater, to get rid of dust. You can also purchase a futon dryer for damper months which fits under the futon and air dries it.

5. Why Choose a Futon Over a Western-style Bed?

This choice will ultimately come down to preference, but the traditional Japanese style of sleeping comes with many benefits. If you live in a small apartment you’ll want to maximize space, and futon are portable and foldable, meaning you can store them during the day. They can also serve as both bed and sofa, providing greater versatility than a traditional Western-style bed, which is particularly useful in studio apartments. This is also great for when guests are visiting, as you can put them up for the night without having to worry about a lack of appropriate sleeping areas.

Futon are also being praised for their minimal environmental impact. Good quality futon are made from organic materials and tend not to contain harmful substances. If made from 100 percent cotton, your futon will also be biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about contributing to landfills or excess waste.

Furthermore, the comparative firmness of futon mattresses mean they offer better spinal support than traditional Western-style beds, helping alleviate back pain. And as they’re representative of traditional Japanese culture, they can add a touch of simplicity or understated elegance to your room.

6. What’s the Difference Between Kakebuton and Shikibuton?

Kakebuton (掛蒲団), meaning duvet or quilt, and shikibuton (敷き布団), meaning mattress, are two components of a Japanese futon set. We’ll outline the differences below.

Kakebuton

A kakebuton is the quilt or comforter used to cover oneself while sleeping, and is similar to a Western-style blanket or duvet.

It’s typically filled with materials such as cotton, wool or synthetic fibers, and often features decorative patterns or designs on its outer fabric.

Shikibuton

Shikibuton refers to the traditional Japanese mattress that serves as the bottom layer of bedding. It’s typically made from natural fibers.

A shikibuton is placed directly on the tatami mat or floor surface. It may feel firmer to sleep on, though some would argue – bolstered by scientific research – that this is better for your back in the long-term.

7. What Size Is a Japanese Futon?

Japanese futon sizes follow their own convention, differing from international mattress sizes. In general, there are two main sizes:

- Single: 3'3" x 6'11" (100cm x 210cm)

- Double: 4'7" x 6'11" (140cm x 210cm).

For purposes of comparison, American bed sizes generally follow these guidelines:

- Twin/Single: 38" x 75" (97cm x 191cm)

- Double: 54" x 75" (137cm x 191cm)

- Queen: 60" x 80" (152cm x 203cm)

European bed sizes can vary widely due to the diverse range of countries in the continent. That said, some common sizes include:

- Single: 35" x 75" (90cm x 190cm)

- Double: 53" x 75" (135cm x 190cm)

- Queen: 59" x 79" (150cm x 200cm)

As you can a Japanese single futon is therefore larger than a single in either the US and Europe, while a double futon equates to a Queen mattress. In all cases, the Japanese futon is slightly longer than a western mattress, which is good news for tall people! You can find more info on futon sizes in the product descriptions at the Japan Objects Store.

8. What’s the Ideal Thickness for a Japanese Futon?

Again, individual preference is everything. But you’ll want to consider the craftsmanship involved, materials used and type of stuffing in each futon.

A traditional Japanese futon is typically between two to three inches thick. This thickness provides a balance between comfort and the ability to fold and store the futon easily. Cotton batting is usually used to stuff the shikibuton, offering firm back support. However, if placed on a hard surface, like wood or tiles, it may not provide adequate cushioning. So it could be worth investing in a mat to place underneath the bedding. In theory you could opt for a thicker shikibuton – four to five inch options are available – but this might make it difficult to fold and store away when not in use.

The USP of a futon is its adaptability. Based on your physical needs and preferences, you can adjust your futon to attain the maximum amount of comfort. Is you futon proving too firm? Just add layers underneath, such as a foam topper or camping mat, and you might quickly resolve this issue.

Though thinner futon are often recommended for back support and authenticity, they will degrade more quickly over time as the cotton compresses. A futon that starts off at three inches could flatten out to two inches after several years of use. So be sure to considering the futon's potential lifespan, and how often you’re happy to replace it, when selecting the level of thickness.

The futon available at the Japan Objects Store were crafted by skilled artisans at Takaokaya in Kyoto. Founded in 1919 and passing down techniques through the generations, Takaokaya’s futon sets are made with quality, durability and aesthetics in mind, meaning you’ll get a beautiful futon that’s designed for comfort and built to last.

9. What are the Environmental Benefits of Futon?

The highest quality futon do not use synthetic materials. Rather, each part of the futon is made from 100% cotton. The use of natural materials makes the futon an environmentally friendly choice compared with other sleeping options, particularly when you consider how long-lasting and durable these materials are. At the end of a futon’s long life, cotton will natural decompose, in contrast to polyester and foam bedding, which will remain in landfills for centuries!

10. How Can a Futon Bed Benefit Your Health?

Many people these days are considering swapping their bed and mattress for a futon life, and this is for more than just convenience and style. There can also be numerous health benefits from sleeping on a firmer service, avoiding back pain being the number one reason many are making the switch. A firm surface keeps the spine aligned while you sleep which can help with existing back pain or prevent future back pain.

Some pregnant women have also reported that it can be more comfortable to sleep on a futon, especially with regards to back pain. Since futon can be easily customized with extra layers, it’s very simple to find a solution that works for your body even as it changes.

11. Can I Use a Futon if My Home Doesn’t Have Tatami?

If you don’t have a tatami room and don’t want to buy a tatami mat (or similar items, like a bamboo or woven straw mat) then you might want to consider purchasing a thicker futon base to cushion you from the floor. Some people even use a camping mat for an extra layer between them and their floor whether that’s carpet, tile, or hardwood. The best thing about a futon is that you can add extra layers later depending on the quality of your night’s sleep.

12. Can I Use a Futon on a Bed Frame?

A bed frame is an ideal alternative for homes that do not have tatami mats or soft flooring. A low platform bed will provide comfort as well as ensure that the futon mattress has good air circulation.

13. What Bedding Accessories Do I Need for My Futon?

As we mentioned earlier, the word futon in Japanese technically refers to a complete bedding system consisting of a floor mattress, sheet, comforter, and pillow. The best complement to a futon mattress is of course a futon duvet, or kakebuton.

Typically stuffed with cotton or wool, kakebuton are lightweight, meaning they offer breathability in the summer alongside warmth in the winter; this emphasis on natural fibers helps with temperature regulation. The fluffiness and pliant texture of kakebuton mean they also deliver levels of comfort that synthetic duvets simply can’t match. Moreover, kakebuton often bear intricate design patterns that reflect the mood or tone of a given room, lending themselves to the overall design theme of your sleeping space.

Made from 100% cotton and sold in three distinctly Japanese design schemes, Takaokaya’s Natural Cotton Japanese Futon Duvet pairs utilitarian comfort with visual elegance. Check its availability in Japan Objects Store.

If you intend to leave a futon out permanently, then you might consider adding some additional cushions that you can use during the day such as an Ojami Zabuton Cushion from Kyoto’s finest zabuton maker, Takaokaya. The height and firmness of the ojami cushion makes it a perfect accessory for sitting or meditating on your futon mattress.

14. Can I Use My Current Bedding on a Futon Mattress?

Fitted Sheet for Futon, available at Japan Objects Store

We all have different prefences when it comes to pillows, so wherever you find a pillow to suit you, you should use that! When it comes to sheets and comforters, however, you should consider the size of your matress.

Japanese bed measurements are slightly different from other countries; so you should check that your current comforter is wider than the futon (generally they will be, as Japanese mattresses tend to be a little narrower). The only thing you might need to replace is the sheet, as a fitted sheet made in Japan and designed to be used with a futon mattress will ensure maximum comfort.

Another reason you’ll want a good sheet for your futon is that the mattress itself is not washable. Our 100% Natural Cotton Futon Mattress Cover is machine washable, allowing for an easy cleaning process.

15. Are Futon Good for Children?

Japanese Futon with Sakura Fitted Sheet, available at Japan Objects Store

Futon make a great bed for children as there’s no danger of them falling while sleeping, and it’s a safe space to play on when they’re awake. However, babies should never be left unattended on a futon.

16. What to Look for When Choosing a Japanese Futon?

Futon come in several sizes based on the dimensions of a single tatami mat, and differ slightly from international mattress sizes. The most common size is single, which measures 100cm across and 210cm in length (39½” wide x 82½” long). A Japanese-size double futon is the same length but measures 140cm or 55” across.

Once you’ve decided on the futon size, it’s time to consider the materials. It is possible to buy cheaper futon in a variety of synthetic fabrics, and in recent years, foam futon mattresses have become increasingly popular due to the comfort and support they offer. However, they are difficult to store as they do not fold and roll up as easily as traditional futon. Also their environmental impact is significantly more detrimental than natural cotton futon.

17. Where to Buy a Japanese Futon?

If you’re excited to buy a Japanese futon for yourself then take a look at our selection of handmade single and double futon mattresses and washable cotton mattress covers, and kakebuton Japanese futon duvets, all made in Japan by Kyoto-based craftspeople Takaokaya, to get you sleeping restfully!

18. How Do I Clean my Futon?

As futon are difficult to clean directly, it’s best to regularly air your futon by hanging them over a balcony or a rack in a well-ventilated. If it’s not possible to air out your futon, invest in a handheld matress cleaner, such as this one available from Amazon.

You can also keep your futon odor-free with regular airing, fragrant futon sprays or by applying baking soda to the material (let this sit for approximately one hour then vacuum the baking soda residue). You may also use detergent and water for stains, though both should be kept to a minimum to avoid damage and mold, respectively.

19. How Do I Store My Futon?

When not in use, fold your futon into thirds and store it in a closet or in a corner of your room. Not only does this free up valuable space, it also prevents moisture from accumulating, which leads to mold and mildew. Even if you have tatami mats or a futon pad, you still need to move and store your futon.

20. How Often Should I Replace My Futon?

How often you replace your futon is dependent primarily on its quality, and secondarily on how you look after it. A well-maintained, high-quality Japanese futon should last at least 10 years before you even consider replacing it with a new one.

A good futon set will likely cost more than $500, but with such longevity it puts the price point into perspective. Only once you start to notice changes in how the futon holds its shape or the quality of sleep you get when using it, is it time to think about buying a new one.