Kyoto Zabuton Cushion Insert

Made to Be Enjoyed with Your Favorite Cover
This cushion insert is made to be used together with a cover.

The off-white fabric used for the insert is known as kibata. Its color is naturally created during the hot water washing process, without any dyes or bleaching. You may notice small black specks in the fabric—these are tiny particles from the cotton plant. They are completely natural, safe, and do not affect the quality or performance of the product.

The zabuton (座布団) is a traditional Japanese floor cushion with a history of nearly 1,000 years. Once considered a symbol of status and reserved for people of high rank, it is now widely used in homes across Japan.

A wide range of colors and patterns is available for the covers—enjoy selecting the one that suits your style.

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About Water-Repellent Treatment

Quantity

Kyoto Zabuton Cushion Insert

¥7,500

Shipping costs are calculated automatically and will appear at checkout after you enter your shipping address, before completing your payment.

Product Details (Size, Materials etc)

Size: S: 50x55cm, M: 55x59cm, L: 59x63cm, XL: 64x68cm
*Sizes are approximate
*Looking for a custom size? Please feel free to contact us.

Material (Fabric): 100% Cotton *The white fabrice used for the cushion insert is known as kibata. Its unique color is achieved naturally during the hot water washing process, without the use of any dyes or bleach. You may notice small black dots on the surface; these are natural particles of the cotton flower. They are completely harmless and do not affect the quality or performance of the product.

Filling: 100% Cotton

Weight: S: 1.1kg, M: 1.3kg, L: 1.5kg, XL: 1.8kg

Made in Japan (Kyoto)

Order Processing & Production Time

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.

Handling & Care

This product contains cotton filling. To ensure its longevity, please follow these care instructions:

Washing

Do not wash at home. This item is not suitable for home laundering.
Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, gently dab the area with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing harshly, as this may cause the color to bleed or fade.
Professional Cleaning: If deep cleaning is necessary, please consult a professional cleaner specializing in futons or heavy bedding.

Drying

Sun drying is possible. However, please be aware that dark-colored items may fade if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.

Storage

Store in a well-ventilated area. * Before long-term storage, we recommend drying the item in the sun to remove any lingering moisture.
Moisture Prevention: Cotton filling is sensitive to humidity. To prevent moisture buildup and mold, do not store in airtight plastic bags. Instead, use a breathable material such as a non-woven fabric bag.

Important Notes on Product

Handcrafted Quality: Each of our products is handcrafted by skilled artisans—from cutting and sewing to filling and finishing. As a result, there may be slight variations in size, shape, weight, and firmness between individual pieces. We appreciate your understanding of these unique, handmade qualities.
Natural Wear and Cushioning: Since this product is filled with cotton, the degree of compression over time will vary depending on the frequency of use, the user’s body type, and how the item is handled. Please understand that settling (loss of loft) is a natural characteristic of cotton filling and should be expected over time.
Static and Fiber Migration: Due to the nature of cotton filling, friction against clothing or other fabrics may cause static electricity. This can occasionally cause fine cotton fibers to work their way through the outer fabric. We appreciate your understanding of this material trait.

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 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.

how to enjoy Kutsurogi

Relaxation in Every Style

As times change, this piece of traditional Japanese hospitality remains constant. Today, zabutons are an essential part of daily life in modern Japan, offering comfort and relaxation for floor seating. Beyond the home, they are also widely used in meditation practices to deepen focus and mindfulness.

Welcoming Your Guests

In Japan, offering a zabuton to guests when they visit your home is a deeply rooted custom. It is a core expression of Omotenashi—our traditional heartfelt hospitality.

By providing a comfortable place to sit, we ensure our guests can truly relax and enjoy their time with us.

Daily Comfort & Relaxation

We use zabutons every day to bring a sense of ease to our routines.

A zabuton might be something you can easily live without, but it is also one of those things that brings a little joy just by being there. It offers instant comfort and relief the moment you sit down, and its gentle presence softens the atmosphere of a room even when it is just sitting in the corner. A zabuton quietly adds a touch of peace to your everyday life.

Mindful Living

Zabutons are also gaining popularity worldwide for meditation and self-care. They provide the physical support needed to help you focus on your inner mind, stay grounded, and completely let go of stress.

ALL MADE BY HAND

The Importance of Our Craftsmen

The stuffing stage is one of the most critical parts of our production process. It not only determines the comfort level of the finished zabuton, but it also ensures the product maintains its shape and integrity, even with frequent use. Because the center of the zabuton bears the most weight, our skilled craftsmen intentionally add extra filling there. Deeply invested in the longevity of their creations, they ensure that each piece remains just as comfortable years from now. This level of comfort and relaxation cannot be replicated by machines. It only comes from a craftsman's years of experience and the care that goes into "thinking of the user's comfort."

What remains unseen is where the most time is spent. It is this devotion to the hidden details that transforms a zabuton into something truly special—a place where the body settles, the mind softens, and true Kutsurogi (relaxation) begins.

What Makes a Truly Skilled Craftsman?

Because a zabuton is filled with 100% cotton filling, it will naturally flatten over time with daily use. However, a genuinely masterfully crafted zabuton does something remarkable: it flattens evenly. Even after years of use, it never becomes lumpy or uneven, allowing you to continue to enjoy a comfortable seating experience. In Japan, a craftsman who can create a zabuton that ages so gracefully and lasts for generations is considered a true master.

At Takaokaya, utilizing techniques passed down since our founding, our craftsmen continue to meticulously handcraft every single zabuton today, one by one.

MAKE IT YOURS

Sizes

Available in four traditional Japanese sizes: S, M, L.
Need a custom size? We’d be happy to create one for you—please contact us!

Compact and cozy—perfect for smaller spaces

S: 50x55cm

The modern standard—ideal for contemporary living

M: 55x59cm

A classic, slightly larger than size M.

L: 59x63cm

Spacious and generous—also suitable for a Buddhist altar

XL: 64x68cm

”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.

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.