Futon Beds in Japan
Futon Beds: futon are mattresses traditionally placed on tatami floors. They are often found in Japanese inns or ryokan or in some private homes.
Futon Beds in Japan 布団
A common sight on a warm, dry day in Japan are futon beds stretched over balconies to air. The mattresses can also be beaten with a bamboo handle to remove dust.
Mattresses airing in the sun
Futon are declining in popularity in Japan. This is because they are usually associated with tatami-floored rooms, which are becoming less common in new Japanese houses. Plain wooden floors are becoming the new normal.
Futon consist of a padded cotton shikibuton (mattress) and a kakebuton - similar to a duvet.
They were traditionally folded away and stored in a closet to free up space in the Japanese bedroom.
One place you are most likely to sleep in futon beds is in a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan. This is a major reason visitors should seek out at least one ryokan during their stay in Japan.
Ryokan in Japan with futon bedding on a tatami floor
Keywords
Japan beds
tatami
bed
Futon
Japanese Futon
