Shikifuton
J-Life All-Natural Japanese Futon
J-Life All-Natural Japanese Futon
The traditional Japanese floor mattress: 100% American-grown cotton inside an unbleached cotton duck cover. No foam, innersprings or wool, and it folds away by day.
Couldn't load pickup availability
- Ships in 1–2 business days
- Made in the USA with American-grown cotton
- Arrives compressed. Allow 1–2 weeks for it to fully expand.
- Questions? Call 508-413-6517, Mon–Thu 9–5, Fri 9–1 EST
What it's made of
What it's made of
- Cover: 10 oz. unbleached 100% cotton duck
- Fill: 100% American-grown cotton batting, for natural airflow
- Fire safety: a naturally derived boron material that meets US standards
- No wool, latex, foam or innersprings
- Made in the USA
Care
Care
Air it in the sun regularly, and flip and rotate it every 1–2 weeks to prevent dents. On a bare floor, fold it into thirds each day so moisture can't build up underneath. Spot-clean with a damp cloth only, and never soak it.
Full description
Full description
THE J-LIFE ALL-NATURAL SHIKIBUTON: AN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE FUTON
Years ago, we decided to offer Americans a true Japanese style mattress; one constructed of quality materials, without foam or innersprings - pure and simple. So, we deconstructed Japanese shikibutons, worked with master shikifuton craftsmen in Japan, and developed the design of the J-Life Shikifuton. Now, over 20 years later, our futon is a trusted choice for those looking for a reliable, authentic Japanese style sleep experience.
All-Natural Materials
True to Japanese custom, our futon is made from pure cotton. The J-Life Shikifuton has no wool, foam or innersprings. The cover is 100% unbleached cotton duck. The fill is also made from 100% American-grown cotton batting for comfort and natural air-flow. In addition, this authentic Japanese futon meets US fire retardant standards by using a natural boron material.
J-Life Futons & Tatami Mats
Traditionally, a Japanese futon mattress is meant to be used on a flat, solid surface. This can be a tatami mat, a floor, or a platform bed. While J-Life Shikifutons are sized to fit American bed frames, please note that they are not meant for American style futon frames.
Scroll through the product images to find the tatami and futon size guide. This guide shows the right tatami mat sizes for your shikifuton.
Futon Firmness
The J-Life Shikifuton is available in two thicknesses: a popular 4-inch option and a more traditional 3-inch. Firm sleep surfaces, like that of a Japanese style floor mattress, help to improve sleep posture, resulting in rewarding sleep and pain-free mornings.
FAQ
What is a shikifuton?
A shikifuton is a traditional Japanese floor mattress made entirely from cotton batting—no foam, springs, or synthetic materials. Key features:
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100% American-grown cotton fill with unbleached cotton duck covers
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Firm support that promotes proper sleep posture and spinal alignment
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Breathable design that allows natural airflow during sleep
How thick should a Japanese futon be?
Japanese futon thickness affects firmness and comfort:
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Traditional thickness: 3 inches for authentic firm support
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Popular option: 4 inches for slightly more cushioning
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J-Life range: Both 3-inch and 4-inch options available
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Purpose: Thicker futons offer more initial comfort while maintaining Japanese sleeping principles
Are J-Life futons made with natural materials?
J-Life Shikifutons use only natural, chemical-free materials:
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Fill: 100% American-grown cotton batting (no polyester, foam, or synthetic fibers)
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Cover: 100% unbleached cotton duck fabric (no chemical whitening)
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Fire safety: Natural boron compound (not chemical flame retardants)
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Certifications: Meets US fire safety standards without toxic chemicals
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What's NOT included: No wool, latex, memory foam, or synthetic materials
What surface should I place my shikifuton on?
Shikifutons work on multiple surfaces:
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Traditional placement: Tatami mats (authentic Japanese experience)
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Modern options: Hardwood floors, carpeted floors, platform beds
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Avoid: Soft or uneven surfaces that reduce support
The J-Life Shikibuton mattress can also be ordered with a custom removable cover. We also offer a Shikifuton Protective Cover for extra protection against dirt and moisture.
Visit the J-Life Blog to find our Shikifuton Care Guide, FAQs, and more product resources.
Ships within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
Please Note: Due to compression caused by the packing and shipping process, futons may be smaller than their actual size upon delivery. Please allow your shikifuton at least 1-2 weeks to expand to its actual size.
Made in the USA with American-grown cotton.
Shipping & returns
Shipping & returns
Shikifutons leave our Massachusetts warehouse within 1–2 business days by FedEx or UPS Ground. Orders that include made-to-order covers or pillows ship together once everything is finished, usually within 5–7 business days.
Because of federal regulations, futons and other bedding can only be returned unopened, in their original packaging. Contact us within 14 days of delivery. Return shipping is paid by the customer and a 25% restocking fee applies. Read the full return policy.
Complete the bed
Tatami underneath, cover over, pillow on top
A tatami mat lets the cotton breathe, and a protective cover keeps it clean. Options match the size you picked above.
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This item
All-Natural Japanese Futon
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UnderneathFolding Tatami Mat
4 items
$571
Futon, folding tatami, protective cover and buckwheat pillow
Or get everything in a complete bundle, from $683Choosing firmness
3″ or 4″?
Both are much firmer than a Western mattress, and made from all natural materials. The difference is one inch of cotton. Most people adjust within about a week.
Specifications
Sizes and prices
Every size comes in both thicknesses, made in the Japanese tradition. Need a tatami to match? Use the tatami size guide.
| Size | Dimensions | 3″ price | 4″ price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cot | 30″ × 75″ | $199 | $219 |
| Twin | 39″ × 75″ | $289 | $324 |
| Twin XL | 39″ × 80″ | $310 | $355 |
| Full | 54″ × 75″ | $341 | $396 |
| Queen Most popular | 60″ × 80″ | $399 | $474 |
| King | 78″ × 80″ | 2 × Twin XL | 2 × Twin XL |
Care
Keep it fresh for years
Let it breathe
Keep it on a breathable surface such as tatami, and air it in the sun regularly so it stays fresh and dry.
Flip and rotate
Flip and rotate it every 1–2 weeks to prevent dents. On a bare floor, fold it into thirds each day.
Clean gently
Wash cotton covers in cold water and line dry. Spot-clean the futon with a damp cloth only, and never soak it.
Reviews
Customer reviews
Does it have to go on a tatami mat?
No, it can go straight on the floor. We do recommend tatami or a similar underlayment over time: natural cotton needs air underneath, or moisture from sleep gets trapped and can lead to mildew. Tatami also adds a little cushioning a hard floor can't.
What is a shikifuton?
A shikifuton is the classic Japanese floor mattress: firm, supportive and breathable, and easy to roll or fold away by day. Ours is pure cotton, with no foam, springs or synthetics. More about the Japanese futon.
My futon arrived smaller than expected. Is that right?
Yes. Packing and shipping compress the futon, so it may arrive smaller than its listed size. Please allow at least 1–2 weeks for it to expand to its full size.
Do I need a cover?
You don't need one, but we strongly recommend it. A cover protects the futon and helps it last, and our cotton covers are washable. Choose a Japanese fabric cover, or our water-resistant protective cover.
Can I return it?
Because of federal regulations, futons and other bedding can only be returned unopened, in their original packaging. Contact us within 14 days of delivery. Return shipping is paid by the customer and a 25% restocking fee applies. Read the return policy.
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