Kyoto Zabuton Cushion - Linen

A Legacy of Comfort: The Handwoven Kibira Zabuton
With a history spanning nearly 1,000 years, the Zabuton (座布団) holds a distinguished place in Japanese culture. In earlier eras, it was far more than a simple floor cushion; it was a symbol of status and authority, reserved for the Imperial Court, Shoguns, and high-ranking Buddhist priests.

Today, the zabuton has seamlessly integrated into the modern home. While providing physical comfort, it embodies profound cultural values: kutsurogi—a sense of deep relaxation—and omotenashi, the art of welcoming guests with sincere care and understated grace.

The Artistry of Kibira Linen
Our collection is crafted from Kibira, a premium handwoven linen. This traditional weave is celebrated for its natural sheerness and uniquely crisp texture. Available in a palette of approximately 15 colors, these covers allow you to curate your sanctuary—choosing the perfect shade to suit your mood, your space, or the rhythm of the season.

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Kyoto Zabuton Cushion - Linen

Regular price ¥16,800
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The Art of Japanese Hospitality

The Origins of Zabuton

Zabuton cushions (座布団) are traditional Japanese floor cushions, placed beneath the legs or body to provide comfort while sitting on the floor. Their origins trace back to the late Heian to Kamakura Period (1185–1333), when a small square cushion called shitone (茵) was used. Made from woven straw and edged with silk fabric, it was a refined item reserved for special use. Over time, its form evolved, becoming the Zabuton we recognize today during the mid-Edo Period (1603–1867).

The Art of Japanese Hospitality

Traditional Craft, Modern Living

Today, zabuton cushions are a staple of daily life and central to omotenashi—the heart of Japanese hospitality. Our Kyoto zabuton cushions are still meticulously handmade using time-honored futon techniques, yet thoughtfully re-engineered for superior stability and comfort. Remarkably versatile, they blend seamlessly into any setting, including the modern Western-style living room. Experience ultimate relaxation and savor the moment with our Kyoto Zabuton—masterfully crafted to reflect Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Try one for yourself, and you’ll never look at an ordinary cushion the same way again.

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Welcoming Your Guests

Daily Comfort & Relaxation

Mindful Living

What Makes a Truly Skilled Craftsman?

characteristics of kyoto zabuton

Not all Zabutons are made the same, even though they are all used for floor seating.

Here’s how to tell a Kyoto Zabuton from ordinary zabutons—and why it offers a more comfortable sitting experience.

”SAMPO-TOJI”: THREE-PRONGED STITCH

The three-pronged stitch on top of the Zabuton, known as toji, helps keep the cotton filling evenly distributed.

Unlike ordinary Zabutons, which typically use a cross-shaped toji, the Y-shaped toji is unique to Kyoto Zabutons. The tail of the Y indicates the front of the Zabuton, making it easier for the user to orient the cushion.

”KAMABOKO-GATA”: DOME SHAPE

The front of a freshly made Zabuton has a gentle dome shape, reminiscent of kamaboko fish cake, while the back remains flat. This distinctive form is created by placing more cotton at the center—where the body’s weight naturally rests—to provide exceptional sitting comfort.

Each Zabuton is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, with the user’s comfort always in mind.

As the Zabuton gradually settles over time, its surface remains stable and smooth. Artisans capable of creating Zabuton that age so evenly and beautifully flat are considered truly skilled.

The Artistry of Kibira Linen

This zabuton is crafted from Kibira, a handwoven linen.

This exceptional fabric owes its character to a meticulous traditional process. First, the raw flax stalks are harvested and soaked in water for one to two days. This crucial step—known as retting—cleanses the fibers, softens the stalk, and allows artisans to carefully split the plant into fine strands, which are then skillfully spliced and spun into continuous thread.

This heritage weave is celebrated for its natural sheerness and uniquely crisp texture. Available in a palette of approximately 15 colors, these covers allow you to curate your sanctuary—choosing the perfect shade to suit your mood, your space, or the rhythm of the season.

  • 5 stars: 5 (83%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 1 (17%)
R
Rami
Fabulous product & personalized service

I ordered zabutons and oyami pillows, and I love them! The service was impeccable, I was in the middle of moving and going on a trip, and they communicated with me to make sure the pillows were received at my new address when I would be present. Once the pillows arrived, they were very well made a high quality. I was very happy with my zabutons and service received, and would definitely recommend them.

Thank you Rami for leaving this 5* review for both the products and services.
We are glad that the cushions arrived on time for the new home and just before you go on a break!

Please enjoy your handcrafted Zabuton and Ojami cushions daily!

Happy Kutsurogi,
Valery
Team Takaoakaya

C
Christopher

Kyoto Zabuton Cushion | Linen

Thank you for the 5* Christopher!

Happy Kutsurogi!
Valery
Team Takaokaya

M
Marriano
No refund policy. Order details are not clear.

Products are good but there is no return/refund policy. If there is a problem with your order there is nothing you can do. Also, order details are not clear, confirmation email and website order detail does not display some important information such as selected color (there is a page that shows it but you need to dig in the confirmation email and get redirected to another page to see it, which is not clear at first sight). Products are expensive so it is really sad this can happen.

Dear Mariano,

It is disappointing for us to receive this 1-star review and it is most unfortunate that we were not able to reach an amicable solution for the color of your zabuton that you have selected wrongly.

We have explained to you via email that we do not do refund, exchanges or returns as the zabutons were made-to-order according to your specifications. We have also explained how we rely on our customers to check the details of their orders upon receiving the purchase confirmation, and to contact us immediately if they spot any discrepancies in the orders they want to make versus order placed.

We have always done due diligence in providing our customers the full details of their orders and had never receive an unfavourable feedback before that the information is not clear. However, thank you for the feedback and we will review and see how to avoid similar incidents in future.

Sincerely,
Valery
Team Takaokaya

A
Alison
Linen Zabuton & Linen Covers

Excellent! Firm yet comfortable, with lovely saturated colours and fine hand. Looking forward to many years of use!

Autuum greetings from Kyoto Alison!
Thank you for rating our products 5 stars.

We are so happy to know that you are enjoying your Zabuton cushions and yes, we wish you many years of Kutsurogi moments with them too!

Valery
Team Takaokaya

N
Natascha
A little bit of Kyoto at home !

A little bit of Kyoto at home !
The Zabuton is really beautiful and confortable too. I appreciate it very much, arigato gozaimasu !

Dear Natascha-san,
Thank you so much for your review! We are happy that you like our zabuton and our zabuton became a good accent from Kyoto to your lifestyle! Arigato gozaimasu!
Nanako

N
Natascha
A little bit of Kyoto at home !

A little bit of Kyoto at home !
The Zabuton is really beautiful and confortable too. I appreciate it very much, arigato gozaimasu !

Dear Natascha-san,
Thank you so much for your review! We are happy that you like our zabuton and our zabuton became a good accent from Kyoto to your lifestyle! Arigato gozaimasu!
Nanako