The Shiki Futon is a traditional Japanese, hand-quilted mattress filled with 100% pure cotton. Placed directly on the floor or tatami at night, it offers a simple yet deeply restorative way of sleeping. During the day, it can be easily folded and stored away—bringing a sense of openness and flexibility back into your living space.

At Takaokaya, we believe that quality sleep is essential to everyday well-being. Each Shiki Futon is individually handmade in Kyoto by skilled artisans, using time-honored futon-making techniques passed down through generations, with the user’s comfort always in mind.

ALL MADE BY HAND

The Craftsmanship Behind True Kutsurogi

Making a futon is not simply a matter of “stuffing cotton.”

Each piece is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, who layer the cotton by hand—one layer at a time—patiently filling and finishing the futon with great care.

Particular attention is given to the center of the futon, where the body rests and the greatest weight is placed during sleep. Extra thickness is thoughtfully added, and the amount and placement of cotton are finely adjusted to achieve the ideal balance for a comfortable night’s rest.

What cannot be seen is where the most time is spent. It is this devotion to the unseen that transforms a futon into something more—a place where the body releases, the mind softens, and true Kutsurogi begins.

This is something no machine can ever achieve.

ALL MADE BY HAND

The Craftsmanship Behind True Kutsurogi

Making a futon is not simply a matter of “stuffing cotton.”

Each piece is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, who layer the cotton by hand—one layer at a time—patiently filling and finishing the futon with great care.

Particular attention is given to the center of the futon, where the body rests and the greatest weight is placed during sleep. Extra thickness is thoughtfully added, and the amount and placement of cotton are finely adjusted to achieve the ideal balance for a comfortable night’s rest.

What cannot be seen is where the most time is spent. It is this devotion to the unseen that transforms a futon into something more—a place where the body releases, the mind softens, and true Kutsurogi begins.

This is something no machine can ever achieve.

Sizing Guide

Available in three Japanese standard sizes—Single, Semi-Double, and Double—as well as a U.S. Queen Size, offered by customer request.

In Japan, futon sizes are traditionally indicated by the measurements of the outer fabric casing before stuffing. Accordingly, the sizes listed in our online store refer to the dimensions of the outer casing prior to filling (with the exception of our U.S. Queen Size Shiki Futon).

Additionally, the length of a shiki futon is generally recommended to be approximately 35–40 cm longer than the user’s height.

We list the size of our Shiki Futons based on the outer fabric casing because once it is filled with 100% pure cotton, the futon gains volume and thickness. As a result, the finished futon becomes slightly smaller than the original casing, making it difficult to state an exact final size.

On average, the width decreases by approximately 7 cm, and the length by 10 cm after stuffing. The thickness (height) of our Shiki Futon Mattress is approximately 10 cm (3.9 in) before use.

Please refer to the image below for a visual example.

After

Before

The images above show a comparison of the Shiki Futon Mattress before and after stuffing.

In the BEFORE image, the flat outer fabric casing measures 100 cm × 210 cm. Once filled with cotton filling, as shown in the AFTER image, the futon becomes thicker and gains height. As a result, the finished Shiki Futon Mattress appears slightly smaller in width and length due to the added thickness of the cotton.

However, with regular use, the inner filling gradually settles and flattens, bringing its overall size closer to the original casing dimensions.

To prevent the cotton filling from shifting inside the futon, the three layers—outer fabric (front and back) and cotton filling—are carefully secured with thread. This traditional hand-stitching technique is called “Watoji (和綴じ).” Unlike standard machine quilting, which compresses the cotton, Watoji gently holds the layers in place, preserving the natural loft and softness of the cotton for a truly comfortable sleeping experience.

Please note that over time, some stitching may come loose or break. This does not affect the futon’s functionality, so you can enjoy it with confidence.

Shiki Futons are made with 100% cotton filling, offering a softness and feel completely different from Western-style mattresses that use coils or springs.

A freshly made futon is fluffy and filled with plenty of air, with a thickness of about 10 cm at its fullest point. As you use it, the loft gradually settles, transforming from a soft, airy futon into one with a firmer, more supportive feel as the cotton fibers settle. Over time, the cotton will compress further, and the thickness may reduce to roughly half of its original height.

Even as the futon becomes thinner, you can still enjoy the firm yet comfortable “resilience” unique to cotton filling. If you feel you need extra support, placing a thin urethane mat or similar under the futon can enhance comfort and provide a better night’s sleep. We recommend a medium-firm urethane mattress (neither too soft nor too hard) and suggest avoiding memory foam.

For semi-double and double-sized futons, the fabric width requires a joint seam. As a result, patterned fabrics may show slight misalignment at the seams. We appreciate your understanding.

Single-sized futons do not have a joint seam. Custom sizes are also available upon request, so please feel free to contact us for details.

WANT TO EXPLORE MORE ABOUT SHIKI FUTON?

Check out our

Shiki Futon FAQ

Unfolding

the True Japanese Futon

The word “futon” is widely recognized overseas and is commonly listed in English dictionaries as bedding or a mattress. In recent years, traditional Japanese futons have been gaining attention among minimalists, urban dwellers, and health-conscious consumers for their simplicity, space efficiency, and natural comfort.

However, when searching for “futon” online, many results refer to Western-style futons—sofa beds or furniture designed for sitting rather than sleeping. These differ greatly from the traditional Japanese Shiki Futon and Kake Futon, which are made specifically for restorative sleep on the floor. This difference has created a gap in understanding between the Western “futon” and the authentic "Japanese futon".

Preserving Japanese Futon Tradition

As futon makers, we believe it’s important to share and preserve the true meaning of the Japanese futon—a bedding tradition refined over centuries for comfort, balance, and mindful living.

For over 100 years, Takaokaya has honored this legacy, handcrafting futons with 100% natural cotton filling and staying true to the original comfort and craftsmanship of Japanese futon culture.

We hope our online store serves as a helpful resource for gainining a true understanding and appreciation of authentic futons.