Kyoto Basic Sleep Set

I bought a new studio apartment last November and due to the smaller space I decided to get rid of my western mattress. For a while I had an inflatable mattress that I would lift up and lean against my wall to make more space. After a lot of thought I decided to try a traditional Japanese Futon, something I used before while traveling in Japan. Never owning a futon, I had a lot of questions and concerns. So I reached out to two companies, one being Takaokaya. There I was immediately responded to by Valery, who was able to answer many of my questions. If she didn't have an answer, she found out and got back to me quickly. I live in Hawai'i so there was a time difference and she was great. Through my whole process of looking, she was the most helpful and she helped me with everything. She even helped me chose a pattern of cover to go with the color futon I chose. These futons are great but be warned. There are some things to get used to.
1) These futons are made to order and the fresh cotton batting has a fresh cotton fragrance. No not absent like a cotton ball. For me, it felt natural and relaxing. Nothing synthetic about it.
2) It does take time to get used to. One night, on the first week of use I had a hard time sleeping because my back was not used to it. (my old mattress and the air mattress after were both much more saggier). This did resolve over time and some stretching (LOL). Im 45, so it may have taken me a little longer to recover than if I was 20 again.
3) These require maintenance - meaning you should put it in the sun every few weeks is recommended. This is to fluff it up and the sun has a antimicrobial effect. Ever see a regular spring mattress with mold? Sunning the futon helps prevent this and it weighs much less than a spring mattress. Speaking to Valery, she was very helpful in ways to keep the futon clean and moisture free, especially if you live in a cloudy/rainy environment. (Hawai'i has a lot of sun but some times and places have a lot of rain.

Changing my lifestyle to a more minimalistic style this futon gives me a way to have a comfortable place to sleep, a relaxing environment to sit or lie in and with a quick fold, I have a bunch of extra space that I work out in or use for projects.
Overall this is good authentic craftsmanship straight from Japan. Don't get me wrong. The shipping and handling does kick up the price but overall it is still cheaper than a good mattress.
If you are worried if your body cannot accommodate well, especially as a side sleeper ( do both back and side), try a cheap one from Amazon first or layer a few sleeping bags and a try it out but give it a fair chance. Does take time. It took me a couple of weeks. Also if you have a softer flooring or a tatami, it makes it that much more comfortable.
Currently I use a gym floor padding with a thin folded tatami mat under my futon and I think it works well. Take a look. (the other cover I got was the Shima Ao - that one looks much better and was the recommendation of Valery, I should have taken that picture but it's too late now, Sorry Valery)
But if it were not for Valery. I never would have done it. Thanks Valery. Your advice has helped me enjoy and experience Kutsurogi - the Japanese art of Relaxation - in my home in the U.S.

As my first futon style bed I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's been quite comfortable, and has a lovely grassy scent. The stitching seems sturdy, although the threads studding the surface are a bit loose and tend to snag/fray if you're not careful. It's also worth noting that the cover is not a full enclosure, but more like a sheet that hooks over the ends. Works fine, but leaves the bottom exposed if that's a concern.

I went with the buckwheat pillow and can say that it works great as a neck support when you're just reclining, but I found it too firm to actually sleep on. If you sleep on your back it's not too bad, but if you're a side sleeper like me it will probably be uncomfortable, or at least take a lot of getting used to.

Shipping to the US was faster than I expected (~2 wks), and everything came sealed in a vacuum bag so no concerns there.

Overall happy with the purchase.

I love my shikibuton! I’ve been sleeping on it for about it month. I put it out once a week in the sun for a few hours (making sure to cover it with a white sheet to preserve the fabric color). This way it stays somewhat fluffy and airs out, else it would get pressed down. I also make sure to rotate it or flip it once a week so that the mattress compresses evenly. I also make sure to tri-fold it every morning in order to store it away. It’s a very nice ritual, and clears my space up. My sleep has been great. The whole set up and firmness naturally encourages me to sleep on my back, which is a big positive, since back-sleeping is the healthiest for the back. I love the color and fabric as well, absolutely gorgeous and feels very comfortable. The shipping was expensive, but that’s totally understandable since it’s come all the way from Japan and the package is very large (as one might expect!). Overall, I’m more than pleased with my purchase!

Very comfortable and the buckwheat pillow still smells like tea two weeks later which is a bonus. The color of the futon is very vibrant and the sheets are also very cute, will definitely be ordering again

Absolutely in love with the futon! It’s so comfy, and you can tell how much care was placed into the order, even down to the little details with the hand written notes, so cute!! So glad I spent my money here, thank you Takaokaya!!