In a traditional Japanese home, the bed isn’t a piece of furniture that stays in one place. It’s a set of soft layers laid out on the floor at night and folded away in the morning, leaving the room free for daytime use. This style of sleeping has fans around the world, especially among people with small apartments or those who like a simple, uncluttered bedroom.
The pieces of a Japanese bed
A traditional set is called a futon, but the word covers several parts:
- Shikibuton: the sleeping mattress. It’s a fairly thin, flexible pad, traditionally filled with cotton, designed to lie on the floor and fold or roll for storage.
- Kakebuton: the top cover, similar to a comforter or duvet. It’s often filled with down, cotton or synthetic fiber, and many households switch between a lighter and a heavier one by season.
- Makura: the pillow. Traditional makura are often filled with buckwheat hulls (sobagara), which shift to support the head and allow air to flow.
Covers for the shikibuton and kakebuton slip on like a duvet cover and can be removed for washing.
Japanese futon vs Western futon
In the US, “futon” usually means a sofa with a metal or wooden frame that folds down into a bed. A Japanese futon is different. It has no frame at all and is designed to be used on the floor, then folded away. If you’re shopping, check whether a listing means a frame-style futon mattress or a traditional shikibuton, because the two aren’t interchangeable.
What goes underneath
In Japan, futons are traditionally laid on tatami, firm mats made from woven rush straw. Tatami gives a little cushioning and lets air circulate under the futon. If you don’t have tatami, a thin folding mat, a slatted base or a low platform can help keep air moving. Laying a shikibuton straight on carpet or a cold floor every night can trap moisture underneath.
Setting up and putting away
The daily routine is part of the system:
- At night: lay the shikibuton on the floor, add a fitted or flat sheet, then the kakebuton and pillow.
- In the morning: fold the shikibuton in thirds or roll it, fold the kakebuton and stack them in a closet or a corner.
Putting the futon away each day frees up floor space and lets the underside dry. In Japanese homes, bedding is usually stored in a deep closet called an oshiire. In a Western home, a deep closet shelf, a storage bench or a breathable bag works well. Our guide to storing bedding has more ideas.
Airing and drying
Because a shikibuton sits close to the floor, airing is the most important part of its care. In Japan, many people hang futons outside on a balcony rail to air in the sun, a practice known as futon-boshi. If you can’t do that, prop the shikibuton up against a chair or wall near a sunny, open window for a few hours, and turn it over regularly.
Some people beat the futon to fluff it after airing, but others prefer to brush or vacuum it instead, since hard beating can break up the filling. Our post on using a mattress vacuum covers vacuuming bedding.
Washing covers and sheets
Wash the removable covers and sheets regularly, just as you would with Western bedding. The shikibuton and kakebuton themselves usually can’t go in a home washing machine. Check the care label, and look into professional cleaning for the inner futon if needed.
Who Japanese bedding suits
A floor futon can be a good fit if you:
- Live in a small space and want the room for other uses during the day.
- Like a firm sleeping surface.
- Want a simple, minimalist bedroom.
It may not suit you if getting up from the floor is difficult, if your home is damp, or if you prefer a soft, thick mattress. Trying one in a guest room first is a low-risk way to see how you like it.
Bringing the look to a Western bed
If you love the style but want to keep your bed, choose a low platform frame, plain cotton or linen bedding in natural colors and a simple folded throw. Our guide to buying blankets can help you pick a layer that fits the look.
FAQ
Is sleeping on a shikibuton good for your back?
Some people find a firm surface comfortable, while others don’t. If you have back pain, talk to a doctor before making a big change to how you sleep.
How often should I air my futon?
Many people air it once a week, and more often in humid weather.
Can I leave a shikibuton on the floor all the time?
It’s best to fold it away or at least lift it regularly so moisture doesn’t build up underneath.