FAQ

All Takaokaya products are meticulously handcrafted in Kyoto, Japan, by our craftsmen and women. We use century-old techniques to preserve and celebrate the rich tradition of fine craftsmanship.

We specialize in handcrafted traditional Japanese relaxation products — called Kangu (寛具). Our collection includes futon mattresses, futon comforters, traditional zabuton cushions, meditation pillows, and tailored home decor items to meet all your relaxation needs.

We coined the term Kangu (寛具) to describe our range of handcrafted relaxation products. It combines the kanji "寛" (kan) from kutsurogi (寛ぎ), meaning "relaxation," with "具" (gu) from dōgu (道具), meaning "tool." Together, Kangu means "tools for relaxation"—perfectly capturing the essence of our creations, which are designed for your ultimate comfort.

Because every item is made to order by hand, fulfillment typically takes 14 to 21 business days after payment is confirmed. Production times may vary depending on order volume and current workshop capacity. Adding custom options—such as water-repellent treatments or Hanakomon embroidery—requires additional processing time.

Please note that this timeline covers production only and does not include shipping duration.

If you need your order by a specific date, please [contact us] before placing your order so we can discuss options.

We offer a wide variety of fabrics in various colors, prints, and patterns—ranging from natural cotton and linen to exquisite Japanese silk and imported interior textiles.

If you have a specific fabric or design in mind that isn't in our current collection, please [contact us]. We are happy to help source a suitable material to create your ideal Kangu.

Before printing, our cotton fabrics undergo a necessary hydrogen peroxide bleaching process. To minimize environmental impact, we do not use chlorine bleaching.

Additionally, our fabrics are completely free of optical brighteners and formaldehyde-based resin finishes. We try to prioritize safe, low-impact processes across our entire supply chain.

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer organic cotton options for either the outer fabric or the inner filling, and we do not hold GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification.

Especially for the inner filling, our cotton supplier has informed us that organic cotton fibers are not fully mature at the time of harvesting. As a result, the cotton has less volume and tends to flatten more easily over time.

For this reason, we do not consider organic cotton to be suitable for our Shiki Futon mattress or topper, which are designed to provide proper support and long-term durability.

We select specific filling materials tailored to the comfort and support needs of each product:

• Futons & Zabuton Cushions: Our traditional Shiki futons (mattresses), Kake futons (comforters), and zabuton floor cushions are filled with 100% cotton. Hada Kake futon blankets are also available with washable polyester or traditional mawata (silk) filling.
• Ojami Cushions: Filled with a blend of 70% cotton and 30% polyester surrounding a supportive polyurethane core, which maintains its distinctive shape and prevents flattening over time.
• Pillows: We offer three pillow filling choices—natural buckwheat husk, soft pipe, or hard pipe—to suit your preferred support level.

For full material breakdowns, please refer to the Product Details section on each individual product page.

No, none of our futons or cushions contain chemical flame retardants.

No, our products receive no chemical finishing or chemical treatments after production.

We offer a variety of products designed for different seating habits, relaxation preferences, sleep environments, and living spaces. Each product page provides detailed specifications regarding size, materials, and recommended usage.

If you need extra guidance choosing the right piece, please feel free to [contact us]. We are more than happy to offer personalized recommendations based on your space and comfort preferences.

Yes! In fact, all our products are handcrafted and made-to-order, giving you endless possibilities to create your ideal Kangu.

We can customize dimensions, fabric combinations, or special details like Hanakomon and Embroidery. If you have a unique product concept or custom idea in mind, feel free to [contact us]—we are always excited to co-create with you.

We do not charge a custom design fee. Final pricing depends on your selected fabric, dimensions, and the artisan labor required to craft your requested piece.

Yes, we ship worldwide. Please check the list below to see if we currently ship to your country.

Countries listed alphabetically:
Australia, Austria
Belgium, Bhutan, Bulgaria
Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland, France
Germany, Greece
Hong Kong, Hungary
Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy
Japan
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg
Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco
Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway
Oman
Philippines, Poland
Portugal,
Romania
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland
Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey
United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States
Vietnam

If you don’t see your country, just contact us—we’ll be happy to help. >>>Contact us now

Please add your selected products to the cart and proceed to checkout. After entering your delivery address, your exact shipping total will be calculated and shown before you make a payment.

Occasionally, shipping rates may not display at checkout for certain countries or complex multi-item orders. If you are unable to view your shipping rate, please [contact us] and our team will gladly provide a custom shipping quote.

We completely understand how you feel—shipping costs for futons can be surprisingly high, and we truly appreciate your concern.

We currently use three shipping providers: EMS (Japan Post), UPS, and DHL, and we choose the most suitable option depending on the destination country and package size.

EMS (Japan Post) calculates shipping fees based on actual weight, not volumetric weight. This makes EMS a more affordable option for bulky items like futons whenever it is available. However, EMS has strict size limitations that vary by country. If the packed futon exceeds these limits, we are unfortunately unable to use EMS and must switch to another carrier.

Shipping providers such as UPS and DHL calculate fees based on volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight). This method takes into account both the size and the weight of the package. The volumetric weight is calculated using the package’s dimensions, and whichever is higher—actual weight or volumetric weight—becomes the billable weight.

For example, a single-size Shiki Futon weighs approximately 10 kg in actual weight, but its volumetric weight can be around 29 kg (box size: 91 × 63 × 30 cm when shipped by UPS). Since the volumetric weight is higher, it is used to determine the shipping cost.
*Please note that the exact calculation method varies slightly depending on the carrier.

We are always doing our best to find the most economical shipping solution available for each order. However, shipping rates are set by the carriers, and unfortunately, reducing these costs is largely beyond our control. That said, if you would like us to check alternative shipping options or discuss possible arrangements, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We would be happy to look into it together with you.

Yes, we ship domestically throughout Japan. Domestic orders are primarily delivered via Sagawa Express.

Note: Standard Japanese consumption tax applies to all domestic products and shipping charges.

Yes, local pickup at our Kyoto showroom is available!

Please [contact us] before placing your order online. We will prepare a custom payment link for you without any shipping fees and coordinate a pickup date and time that fits your schedule.

We ship internationally using EMS (Japan Post), UPS, and DHL.

Please note that we do not offer sea freight due to humidity risks to our fabrics and inner fillings.

Because all items are handcrafted to order in our Kyoto workshop, standard production takes approximately 14–21 business days. Additional processing time is required for special finishes:

• Water-Repellent Processing: +7–10 business days
• Custom Embroidery: +7–10 business days
• Hanakomon Silkscreen Print: +7–10 business days

Note: Lead times exclude Japanese weekends, national holidays, Golden Week, and seasonal factory closures. Additional time may be required during peak capacity.

Once final quality inspections are complete, we dispatch orders within 1 to 2 business days via EMS (Japan Post), UPS, or DHL. Estimated transit time is 3 to 14 business days, depending on the carrier, destination, and customs clearance.

No. Shipping costs calculated at checkout do not include destination-country import fees (such as customs duties, import VAT/GST, or courier brokerage fees). The recipient is solely responsible for paying all local duties and taxes levied by their government upon arrival.

Yes. Once your parcel is dispatched, a shipping confirmation email containing your official tracking number will be sent directly to you by email.

We accept major credit cards—including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express—as well as express checkout options like Shop Pay via our online store.

For custom orders placed directly over email, our team will generate a custom payment link and guide you through your payment options.

Full payment is charged and captured at the time your order is placed. Because all Takaokaya products are custom made-to-order, handcrafted production begins as soon as full payment is confirmed.

Tax handling depends on your shipping destination:

• Domestic (Japan) Orders: Japanese consumption tax applies to both product prices and shipping charges.
• International Orders: Orders shipped outside Japan are exempt from Japanese consumption tax. However, prices and shipping fees do not include local import fees (such as customs duties, import VAT/GST, handling fees, or courier brokerage fees) levied by your destination country.

If an order cancellation request is submitted in writing within our 24–48 hour cancellation window and approved, the refund will be issued minus non-refundable third-party transaction fees (such as credit card processing or currency conversion fees). Once fabric cutting or manufacturing has commenced, orders can no longer be canceled.

Because all Takaokaya products are handcrafted specifically to your individual specifications, all sales are final. We cannot accept returns, exchanges, or refunds for personal preferences, minor natural variations in handcrafted goods, or customer ordering errors (such as selecting the wrong size or fabric).

Orders cannot be canceled once placed. However, under special circumstances, we may accept a written cancellation request sent to [intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp] within 24 to 48 hours of purchase. For approved cancellations, non-refundable third-party transaction costs (such as credit card processing or currency conversion fees) will be deducted from your refund. Once fabric cutting or production has begun, orders can no longer be canceled under any circumstances.

If you receive a damaged, defective, or incorrect item:

1. Contact [intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp] within 3 days of delivery.
2. Provide your order number, a brief description, and clear photographs of the item, tags, and original packaging.
3. Ensure the item remains unused, unwashed, and in its original packaging.

Do not send items back without prior written authorization. Verified defects or fulfilling errors will be replaced or resolved at no extra cost to you.

Yes, absolutely! We warmly welcome you to visit our Kyoto shop and gallery to enjoy a unique Takaokaya Kutsurogi Experience. Come test out our full range of Kangu in person and watch our artisans at work in our workshop.

To ensure a smooth visit and dedicated assistance, we recommend booking ahead by email at [intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp] prior to your arrival.

Takaokaya Workshop & Showroom

• Address: 242 Kintoyokocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8331, Japan
• Tel: +81 (0)75-341-2251
• Email: intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp

We generally do not offer price reductions or volume discounts. Every Takaokaya product is made-to-order and individually handcrafted by skilled Kyoto artisans. Because the time, meticulous care, and craftsmanship required for each piece remain identical regardless of order quantity, our production costs remain fixed. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to supporting traditional craftsmanship.

No, it will not. The treatment preserves your fabric’s original feel and appearance without making it feel stiff, waxy, or rubbery.

Yes! Because monitor displays and lighting can alter how colors and textures appear, we encourage customers to request fabric swatches before placing an order.

Please [contact us] with your mailing address and the specific fabric collection, color, or pattern names you are considering. Our team will gladly prepare and send fabric samples to help you select the perfect material for your custom piece.

In the process of handcrafting, fabric remnants and unused materials are an inevitable reality. Rather than accepting waste as "just the way it is," we constantly ask ourselves: How can we reduce even a little more? What creative solutions can we offer?

We know our actions may seem small. Yet, we hope that the peaceful moments of relaxation we create for your home can connect, even in a small way, to a gentler, more sustainable world.

[Read more about Sustainability]

As a Kyoto-based company, all sales contracts and terms are governed by Japanese law, and all purchases are final. Furthermore, even under European and French consumer regulations (Article L221-28), our handcrafted products are exempt from the 14-day right of withdrawal due to the following legal exceptions:

• Bespoke / Made-to-Order Goods (3°): Every Takaokaya product is individually handcrafted only after an order is placed, tailored to the specific dimensions, fabric, color, and finish chosen by the customer.
• Hygiene & Health Protection (5°): All items that have been unsealed or tested after delivery cannot be returned or resold for health and hygiene reasons.

For these reasons, we are unable to accept returns, exchanges, or trial testing periods once an order has been delivered.

Testing Products in Europe
We understand that choosing the right sleep firmness is an important decision! If you are located in or near France and would like to experience the texture, firmness, and quality of our Shiki Futon in person, you can visit our partner shop:

• Konjaku (Colmar, France) — We recommend contacting the store in advance to confirm their current floor sample display.

You are also welcome to [contact our team] for personalized guidance and fabric swatches before placing your order.