US QUEEN SIZE Shiki Futon Mattress

I rarely write long reviews, but my experience with Takaokaya deserves one.
I was looking for an authentic Japanese sleeping setup made from high-quality natural materials, and because I live in the United States and was ordering a complete US Queen setup from Japan, I had a lot of questions before placing my order. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot!
I corresponded extensively with the Takaokaya team, especially Nanako and Alex, about virtually every detail: the correct Shiki Futon size, the amount of cotton filling, firmness, dimensions, the appropriate Kake Futon size for a US Queen setup, covers, fabrics, pillows, buckwheat filling, shipping, packaging, and international delivery.
What impressed me from the beginning was their patience and attention to detail. They never made me feel as though I was asking too many questions. They carefully answered everything, explained the differences between the options, checked compatibility between the pieces, and even caught details that I could easily have missed myself.
For example, rather than simply accepting my original selection, they helped make sure that the Kake Futon dimensions would properly match my US Queen Shiki Futon. We ultimately went with a custom 210 × 210 cm Kake Futon and matching covers. That kind of attention gave me a great deal of confidence that I was ordering a complete system rather than simply a collection of individual products.
I eventually ordered a US Queen Shiki Futon with 1.5× extra cotton filling, multiple Shiki Futon covers, a custom-size Kake Futon and multiple covers, as well as two buckwheat pillows and several pillow covers. Everything was handmade in Kyoto and shipped to me in California.
The international shipping was expensive because this was a very large and heavy shipment, but even here Takaokaya was completely transparent. They explained the actual weight, dimensional shipping weight, packaging requirements, and the available shipping options. Most importantly, they did not compromise the product simply to make the package smaller. My Shiki Futon had the additional cotton filling, and they explained why they preferred not to excessively vacuum-compress it just to reduce shipping dimensions. I appreciated that enormously. I would much rather receive the product properly packed and in the condition the craftspeople intended.
When everything finally arrived, the quality immediately justified the entire experience. The order was packed exceptionally well, everything arrived in perfect condition, and the fabrics, stitching, cotton filling, and overall craftsmanship are beautiful. These products have a completely different feeling from mass-produced bedding.
But perhaps my favorite detail was something that cost nothing: inside the shipment was a handwritten card addressed to me personally from the Takaokaya team.
After so many emails back and forth, seeing a handwritten message from Kyoto when I opened the package was genuinely special. It perfectly represented the kind of company I felt I had been dealing with throughout the entire process — a small team of real people who actually care about what they make and about the person who will be using it.
Even after receiving the order, I still had questions about properly washing the covers, caring for the futons, airing them, and storing the extra buckwheat husks that I removed from one pillow to make it lower. Once again, I felt completely comfortable contacting them because of how helpful they had been throughout the entire process.
Ordering handmade bedding internationally is obviously very different from clicking “buy” on a mass-produced mattress. There are more decisions, more details, production time, international shipping, and customs. But if what you are looking for is authentic Japanese craftsmanship and personal service, that difference is precisely what makes Takaokaya special.
I am extremely happy that I chose them. The craftsmanship is outstanding, but equally important to me was the level of service, patience, communication, honesty, and personal attention I received from beginning to end.
A very sincere thank you to Nanako, Alex, and everyone at Takaokaya who worked on my order. Your care was noticeable in every part of the experience — from answering my endless questions, to making the bedding in Kyoto, to the careful packaging, and finally to the handwritten card inside the box.
I expect to enjoy this Japanese sleeping setup for many years, and I would absolutely recommend Takaokaya to anyone looking for authentic, beautifully handcrafted Japanese bedding.
Thank you from California!
Egor

Super kind and responsive customer service, beautifully packaged items, incredibly fast shipping (arrived 2 days after they shipped the mattress from Japan!), and most importantly, amazing product!! It’s so soft!

US QUEEN SIZE Shiki Futon Mattress

Great quality and wonderful craftsmanship

The materials are simply the best, the smell is the best. Sleeping on the futon has even improved my sleep, i sleep less hours and I feel well rested. I just want to say Domo Arigato!!!