Having just arrived in Japan for two weeks, many things surprised me. From the culture to the food, every aspect of the country was an absolute delight – and none more so, like the Sleep Planner, than the beds.
Generally, our city hotel bedrooms in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But when we stayed in two traditional ‘ryokan’ houses, or inns, along the Kumano Kodo hiking trail, the city’s small spaces with rich Western mattresses gave way to large tatami mattresses, sliding shoji doors, and traditional futons, which come out at bedtime.
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I Had the Best Sleep of My Life on a Traditional Japanese Futon
Maybe it was the hours spent walking and looking around the temples, but kicking off my wooden sandals and plopping down on my Japanese futon in the complete silence and darkness of our ryokan in the hot little town of Kawayu Onsen, I fell asleep almost instantly.
I was skeptical – with so little between me and the floor, would this humble futon be enough to support my side sleeping position, and keep me comfortable all night?
The answer, without a doubt, is yes. Come morning, I slept undisturbed all night and woke up without the usual aches, pains, or the usual symptoms of sleeping on a bad mattress. Luckily, you don’t have to go to Japan to enjoy them, with Walmart stocking affordable Japanese futons.
Our hotel room at Fujiya ryokan, Kauyu Onsen.
I found out the same thing the next night, when we stopped at Hotel Urashima, up on the hill in Kii-Katsuura. After our table and chairs were pushed aside, the futons were placed, I had a wonderful night’s sleep again, and I felt well rested and thrown back in the morning, with no pain or stiffness to speak of.
Interested in finding out exactly why, I spoke with Dr. Ron Miller, Licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pursuit Physical Therapy. He explains, ‘Futons provide a firm, evenly distributed surface that helps keep the spine in a neutral position and doesn’t allow the hips or shoulders to sink unevenly. I often find that back pain is associated with excessive sinking into the mattress, especially for lumbar spine comfort.
‘A strong support base can take the pressure off this night. In addition, sleeping close to the ground naturally reduces involuntary movements which can help those with low back pain, given the irritation of the sacroiliac joints.
‘It’s not about hard versus soft but maintaining a stable load that the body can predict and respond to.’
The common misconception that sleeping on a firm, flat surface, such as a futon mattress, will lead to a bad back is not true (in most cases). After all, there’s a reason they’re so common in Japan – a country that’s consistently ranked as one of the healthiest and longest-living countries in the world.
‘Futons encourage daily movement, balance, and strength, leading to increased awareness of your body and the ability to move more efficiently,’ adds Dr. Miller. ‘They reduce pressure points, especially for back sleepers, which means less stiffness in the morning because joints don’t “set and stiffen” overnight.’
Either way, I’m sold, and would definitely consider a futon mattress when I travel later in the year, if I didn’t have a Japanese-style bed, complete with tatami mats, ready to go with me.
What I have learned, however, is that you don’t need a fancy, expensive mattress filled with foam, fibers, and springs, even if you suffer from chronic back pain. Instead, sometimes, simple solutions bring restful sleep.
What you can buy
Whether you’re ready to commit to a futon or just want to add a touch of Japanese style to your bedroom, my shopping picks below have got you covered.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
FULI Tatami Mattress (Queen)
There’s nothing like the natural smell of tatami mats to make a space feel zen and welcoming. This mat is big enough for a Queen size mattress, provides firm cushioning, and pairs well with a futon, too.
Japanese Floor Futon (Queen)
This futon is a little shinier than the one I’ve been sleeping on, and it’s thick, soft, and foldable. It is also convenient for travel and storage, and can double as a play area or a place to sit, too.
To go with a firm futon, you need a comfortable pillow to suit your sleeping style. This is the best pillow I’ve tried, and I love the soft support option as I prefer a soft sleeping position.
ÅGOTNES Foam Mattress (Queen)
This firm mattress comes packed for convenience, even if you live in a small space, and is ready to be used directly on the floor or tatami mattresses, or on adjustable bed bases, mattress bases, or bed frames. It provides strong support.
This futon set includes a folding futon mattress, comforter, and pillow. It is lightweight and designed for easy storage during the day, and is ideal for small apartments and guest use.
Chinoiserie Duvet Cover (Queen)
If you’re not ready to fully commit to a futon, this beautiful sateen duvet set will bring a touch of Japanese style to any space. It’s made of densely woven sateen that won’t heal or fade, and includes hidden ties to keep your comforter in place.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Miller has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pursuit Physical Therapy based in Orlando, FL. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA), American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), and is currently appointed as the FPTA East Central Region Convention Representative.
Interested in more Japanese sleep secrets? I spoke to a Japanese health expert about his advice on building a shrine.