Second Life: Series 11 !
The wait is over! Series 11 has officially dropped!
Tawara Pillow (Insert & Cover Set) - Cotton
Gentle Comfort, Rooted in Tradition
Inspired by the traditional Japanese straw rice bale known as kome dawara (米俵), once used to transport rice across Japan, the Tawara Pillow is a charming and comfortable companion for restful moments.
Its cylindrical form gently cradles the head and neck, making it perfect for napping or relaxing. Designed with adjustable side ties, the height can be easily customized — simply tighten or loosen the cords to find your ideal support.
Three filling options are available:
-
Soft Pipe – The newest addition, providing a softer, gentler feel with light resilience.
- Buckwheat Husk – A natural and environmentally conscious choice, ideal for those who prefer breathable comfort and traditional materials.
- Hard Pipe – Our original and long-time favorite among Takaokaya customers, offering firm, stable support and excellent durability.
Simple in form yet thoughtful in design, the Tawara Pillow blends Japanese tradition with everyday comfort.
Inner Filling Type
- Size
-
14×25×H8cm
*Size is approximate
*Looking for a custom size? Please feel free to contact us.
- Material (Fabric)
- Insert Pillow and Cover: 100% Cotton
- Filling
- Hard & Soft Pipe: 100% Polyethylene, Buckwheat: 100% Buckwheat Husk
- Weight
- 0.5kg
-
String ties: 100% Polyester
*Please note: Tie colors are selected by Takaokaya. If you have a specific color preference, please leave a note at checkout
Made in Japan (Kyoto)
All of our products are made-to-order. Each piece is handcrafted specifically for you once your order is confirmed. Please allow approximately 14-20 business days for production before your item is shipped.
- Lead times may vary depending on current workshop volume and specific customizations, such as embroidery, Hanakomon, or water-repellent finishing.
- Delivery times vary by country and carrier.
- If you have a specific deadline, please feel free to contact us (intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp). We will do our best to accommodate your request and expedite your order where possible.
Our craftsmen and women carefully craft each piece to ensure the highest level of comfort, and we thank you for your patience while awaiting its arrival.
This product contains either pipe or buckwheat husk filling. To maintain its quality, please follow these care instructions:
-
Hand wash only (Max 40°C): You may hand wash this item at a water temperature of 40°C (104°F) or cooler.
*Special Care for Tassels: If your product has decorative tassels (房), please handle them with care as they may break or come loose during washing. Even if a tassel is damaged or lost, the product remains safe to use. - Do not bleach. / Do not iron. / Do not dry clean.
- Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
- Do not tumble dry.
-
Hang dry in the shade: After washing, moisture tends to remain trapped inside the pipes. Please remove excess water thoroughly—for example, by wrapping the product in a towel and shaking it gently. Then, we recommend hanging the item to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
*For Heavier Items: If your product is heavy due to a large volume of pipe filling, please ensure it is supported properly when hanging to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric or seams.
- Do not wash. Buckwheat husks must not get wet.
- Sun Drying: We recommend drying the product in direct sunlight for a few hours on a clear day. This helps evaporate moisture and dry the husks, which is effective in preventing dust mites, mold, and odors.
- For Products with Covers: We recommend removing the cover and focusing on sun-drying the insert (inner cushion) itself. The cover should be laundered separately according to its specific care label.
If this product comes with a removable cover, please refer to the care label with laundry symbols sewn inside before washing. Detailed explanations for each symbol are provided below:
Washing: Machine wash at or below 30°C using a very gentle cycle.
Bleaching: Do not bleach.
Drying: Do not tumble dry.
Drying: Line dry in the shade.
Ironing: Iron at a maximum temperature of 160°C (medium heat).
Dry Cleaning: Professional dry cleaning is permitted using petroleum solvents.
Wet Cleaning: Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
Important Note on Detergents
For natural (ecru) or light-colored fabrics, we recommend using non-fluorescent detergents. Detergents containing optical brighteners (fluorescent agents) may cause the color to change or look unnaturally pale/bluish.
For natural (ecru) or light-colored fabrics, we recommend using non-fluorescent detergents. Detergents containing optical brighteners (fluorescent agents) may cause the color to change or look unnaturally pale/bluish.
Gentle Comfort, Rooted in Tradition
Inspired by the traditional Japanese straw rice bale known as kome dawara (米俵), once used to transport rice across Japan, the Tawara Pillow is a charming and comfortable companion for restful moments.
Its cylindrical form gently cradles the head and neck, making it perfect for napping or relaxing. Designed with adjustable side ties, the height can be easily customized — simply tighten or loosen the cords to find your ideal support.
Three filling options are available:
-
Soft Pipe – The newest addition, providing a softer, gentler feel with light resilience.
- Buckwheat Husk – A natural and environmentally conscious choice, ideal for those who prefer breathable comfort and traditional materials.
- Hard Pipe – Our original and long-time favorite among Takaokaya customers, offering firm, stable support and excellent durability.
Simple in form yet thoughtful in design, the Tawara Pillow blends Japanese tradition with everyday comfort.
Inner Filling Type
All of our products are made-to-order. Each piece is handcrafted specifically for you once your order is confirmed. Please allow approximately 14-20 business days for production before your item is shipped.
- Lead times may vary depending on current workshop volume and specific customizations, such as embroidery, Hanakomon, or water-repellent finishing.
- Delivery times vary by country and carrier.
- If you have a specific deadline, please feel free to contact us (intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp). We will do our best to accommodate your request and expedite your order where possible.
Our craftsmen and women carefully craft each piece to ensure the highest level of comfort, and we thank you for your patience while awaiting its arrival.
This product contains either pipe or buckwheat husk filling. To maintain its quality, please follow these care instructions:
-
Hand wash only (Max 40°C): You may hand wash this item at a water temperature of 40°C (104°F) or cooler.
*Special Care for Tassels: If your product has decorative tassels (房), please handle them with care as they may break or come loose during washing. Even if a tassel is damaged or lost, the product remains safe to use. - Do not bleach. / Do not iron. / Do not dry clean.
- Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
- Do not tumble dry.
-
Hang dry in the shade: After washing, moisture tends to remain trapped inside the pipes. Please remove excess water thoroughly—for example, by wrapping the product in a towel and shaking it gently. Then, we recommend hanging the item to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
*For Heavier Items: If your product is heavy due to a large volume of pipe filling, please ensure it is supported properly when hanging to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric or seams.
- Do not wash. Buckwheat husks must not get wet.
- Sun Drying: We recommend drying the product in direct sunlight for a few hours on a clear day. This helps evaporate moisture and dry the husks, which is effective in preventing dust mites, mold, and odors.
- For Products with Covers: We recommend removing the cover and focusing on sun-drying the insert (inner cushion) itself. The cover should be laundered separately according to its specific care label.
If this product comes with a removable cover, please refer to the care label with laundry symbols sewn inside before washing. Detailed explanations for each symbol are provided below:
Washing: Machine wash at or below 30°C using a very gentle cycle.
Bleaching: Do not bleach.
Drying: Do not tumble dry.
Drying: Line dry in the shade.
Ironing: Iron at a maximum temperature of 160°C (medium heat).
Dry Cleaning: Professional dry cleaning is permitted using petroleum solvents.
Wet Cleaning: Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
Important Note on Detergents
For natural (ecru) or light-colored fabrics, we recommend using non-fluorescent detergents. Detergents containing optical brighteners (fluorescent agents) may cause the color to change or look unnaturally pale/bluish.
For natural (ecru) or light-colored fabrics, we recommend using non-fluorescent detergents. Detergents containing optical brighteners (fluorescent agents) may cause the color to change or look unnaturally pale/bluish.
How to Enjoy Kutsurogi
Discover the Tawara Pillow
Explore the design, materials, and thoughtful details that make this pillow a gentle companion for your daily moments of rest.
Choose Your Palette & Make It Yours
Customize your pillow to perfectly fit your home. Our cotton collection features nearly 50 distinct colors and patterns—ranging from subtle solids to classic Japanese motifs and Nordic prints—allowing you to tailor every detail to your personal style.
Designed for Your Comfort
This pillow includes an insert and a removable, washable cover with an invisible zipper. Side string ties allow you to easily adjust the height and firmness to support your neck—simply loosen them to lower the pillow, or tighten them for extra support.
*The string color is thoughtfully selected by our craftsmen in an “omakase” style. If you have a specific preference, please feel free to leave a note when placing your order.
Create Your Ideal Feel
Choose from three filling options, each offering a distinct level of comfort
Soft Pipe
Buckwheat Husk
Hard Pipe
Pursue Your Perfect Comfort
The insert pillow features a convenient zipper opening with a foldable fabric funnel, allowing you to easily adjust the amount of filling to customize the height and firmness to your preference. This funnel is also incredibly handy if you want to entirely remove the filling, whether to ensure more thorough drying after washing, or to completely replace it with your own custom filling!
Crafted with Care, Filled with Heart
Each Kangu from Takaokaya is handcrafted by our team of Shokunin (職人), skilled craftsmen and women who carry knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. In our Kyoto studio, we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to creating Kutsurogi — true relaxation.
From the precise cutting of fabrics, to careful sewing, thoughtful stuffing, and the finishing touches, every step reflects the Shokunin’s dedication to detail. With care and sincerity, we approach our craft one piece at a time, ensuring each creation delivers comfort that touches the heart.
A
I'm writing this review after around two years of usage, buckwheat variant.
So far it's been very comfortable to sleep on, the design allows you to customise the height, which is a big plus; the covers are supposed to be washed in 30°C, which for me was a slight inconvenience as the majority of my laundry goes at 40° (probably can just change to 30 every now and then for the whole programme?);
regardless, I wish the pillow had a zipped opening to add more of the filling (buckwheat in my case);
I also need to tie the pillow very tightly so that the height is appropriate for me – this is totally fine, but I feel like it might have stretched the material of the cover over time (that or the fact that I washed it once or twice in 40°) and I can't seem to get it to the right height anymore;
tl;dr can recommend to anyone looking for a buckwheat pillow, I like the height regulation & the pillows look very pretty! (the chigusa colour looks so deep and rich!) would just be careful when washing it (in a temp higher than recommended) as it might cause the material to stretch a little
Hi there! Thank you so much for the review!!
We really appreciate you coming back to share your thoughts after 2 years of using the pillow! Its very insightful for us and I'm sure your review will be very helpful for many who are considering a buckwheat pillow!
Thanks again and Happy Kutsurogi!! \^-^/
Alex,
Team Takaokaya
R
The two Tawara pillows I ordered are outstanding. Their craftsmanship is exceptional—each pillow is clearly handmade with great care and attention to detail. The sleek and natural design fits perfectly into our modern home, giving the space both comfort and style. These pillows are wonderfully comfortable and have made sitting on the floor an inviting experience.
It’s obvious that Takaokaya takes pride in their products—the package even included a thoughtfully personalized handwritten note, which was a very special touch. Thank you to Takaokaya for offering such high-quality, unique items that are not always easy to find. I highly recommend these pillows to anyone seeking comfort, beauty, and genuine artistry in their home décor.
Thank you for leaving this 5* review Rune!
We are happy that you are enjoying the Tawara pillows.
Happy Kutsurogi,
Valery
Team Takaokaya
J
Tawara Pillow
Thank you for rating the Tawara Pillow 5 stars Jan!
Happy Kutsurogi,
Valery
Team Takaokaya
W
Waited three weeks for its arrival and it’s exactly as i wanted. Beautifully made and designed, its outer cover is soft and comfortable to sleep or cuddle. The ties at the end are useful and pretty. The pillows have a little give so not too firm. I’m already planning my next purchase!
Fantastic to know that you are loving your Tawara pillow for its comfort and beauty Iris672. And thank you for sharing about what the pillow's functionality.
We are looking forward to receiving your next order!
Happy Kutsurogi!
Valery
K
We ordered these Tawara pillows for neck and back support. They are really comfortable and firm without being too hard. They are really easy to sleep on and my husband in particular finds them really comfortable and supportive for his neck. They’re also, as all the other Takaokaya products I have purchased have been, really beautiful and made to a high quality. We would definitely recommend and we’ll probably buy two more
Thank you for reviewing our Tawara pillows, and for sharing your experience of using them with more people, so that they know the benefits of using this pillow.
We hope that our pillows will bring you and your husband much comfort and relaxation when you rest on them.
Happy Kutsurogi!
Valery
Team Takaokaya