Futon Beds in Japan

Published on : 03/09/2011
by : Japan Experience

Futon Beds: futon are mattresses traditionally placed on tatami floors. They are often found in Japanese inns or ryokan or in some private homes.

Futon Beds in Japan 布団

A common sight on a warm, dry day in Japan are futon beds stretched over balconies to air. The mattresses can also be beaten with a bamboo handle to remove dust.

Mattresses airing in the sun

Futon are declining in popularity in Japan. This is because they are usually associated with tatami-floored rooms, which are becoming less common in new Japanese houses. Plain wooden floors are becoming the new normal.

Futon consist of a padded cotton shikibuton (mattress) and a kakebuton - similar to a duvet.

They were traditionally folded away and stored in a closet to free up space in the Japanese bedroom.

One place you are most likely to sleep in futon beds is in a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan. This is a major reason visitors should seek out at least one ryokan during their stay in Japan.

Ryokan in Japan with futon bedding on a tatami floor