Futons from Japan Shikibuton Mattress im Test

The Futons from Japan Shikibuton is a traditional Japanese floor futon, hand-made to order in a family workshop in Kochi and shipped to UK buyers with freight included. It is filled entirely with cotton, either unbleached natural cotton or organic cotton, and is designed to be laid on the floor or on tatami, then folded away and aired.

Sizes, fillings and prices

These are the lowest prices per size; some prints cost about £30 more, and the organic filling adds between £70 and £210 depending on size. The shop recommends its natural cotton as the most authentic, and the organic filling, certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard, as denser and firmer.

Sleeping on a shikibuton

A shikibuton is about 12cm of cotton with no springs or foam, so it is firm: we put it at about 7 out of 10. Back sleepers who like a flat, solid surface take to it quickly; side sleepers often find it hard at the hip and shoulder. Cotton breathes and does not trap heat, which makes it the coolest futon in our comparison. On the floor it must be aired, ideally folded away every morning, because moisture under a mattress feeds mould, and UK government guidance warns that damp and mould affect the airways and lungs.

Ordering from Japan

Each futon takes 5 to 7 days to make and another 5 to 7 days to arrive, with a vacuum storage bag and airing clips included. Sales are final once shipped, with an exchange only for damage or defects, and UK buyers may occasionally pay import charges.