If you’ve recently moved to Japan or are planning an extended stay, chances are you’re wondering: “Where can I buy a futon in Japan?” Whether you’re setting up your apartment, outfitting a guest room, or want a sleeping space for one more person, futons are an essential part of Japanese living!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a futon is, why it’s perfect for life in Japan, and—most importantly—how and where to buy one online easily, even without Japanese fluency.
What Is a Futon (布団)?
In Japan, a “futon” refers to a traditional bedding system made up of two main components: a mattress called a shikibuton (敷布団) and a comforter or quilt called a kakebuton (掛け布団). These are typically laid directly on a tatami mat and are stored away in a closet during the day to free up space.
While Western-style beds have become more common in modern Japanese homes, futons, like the ones shown in the picture above, are still widely used due to their practicality, compactness, and ease of setup.
However, the word “futon” has taken on a different meaning in Western countries—especially in the United States. There, a “futon” often refers to a foldable mattress mounted on a low, often wooden or metal, frame that doubles as a sofa. These Western-style futons are generally lighter and easier to move than traditional bed frames, making them popular in small apartments and multipurpose spaces.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on where and how to buy futons in the Western sense—foldable, mattress-style beds suitable for everyday use or occasional guests—delivered right here in Japan.
Where to Buy a Futon in Japan : Why Buy One Online?
If you’ve walked into a local store like Nitori or a department store, you may have noticed the futons but also felt a bit lost if the labels were only in Japanese.
Buying online solves many problems:
- Product listings often include images, size charts, and reviews.
- You can use automatic translation tools to understand descriptions.
- Home delivery means no need to haul bulky items on trains or in taxis.
- Some products even come with full setup support.
- You can compare prices and styles more easily.
Rakuten and Amazon Japan are the two most reliable e-commerce platforms where you can find quality futons at various price points.
Recommended Futons Available Online
Here are some of the best-selling and highly-rated futons you can buy now, with delivery available across Japan.
If you are new to Rakuten’s e-commerce platform: To view the Rakuten pages in English, please follow the steps below.
- Click on the “ellipsis” menu on Google Chrome (the three vertical dots on the top right of the window, circled red in the screenshot below).
- Select “Translate.”
- Click on “English” in the rectangle that appears at top right of the screen.
Meuble: Gorone Sofa
This is one of the most reliable picks, and comes highly recommended 💡
Meuble is a contemporary furniture brand from Ohkawa Furniture, a company with nearly 500 years of craftsmanship rooted in Fukuoka Prefecture. Known for blending tradition with modern living, Meuble offers high-quality pieces designed for both style and functionality.
One standout item is the Gorone Sofa—a sleek 3-seater couch that easily transforms into a single bed. It comes in different sizes and designs, so please follow the link below and explore the wide variety of the model.
With just a gentle pull and push, you can switch between sofa mode and sleep mode in seconds, making it perfect for small apartments, guest spaces, and minimalist interiors.
Dimensions
- As a Sofa: 175 cm (W) × 57 cm (L) × 74 cm (H)
- As a Bed: 175 cm (L) × 102 cm (W) × 68.5 cm (H)
Crafted from natural wood, the frame is available in two stylish finishes: Oak Brown and Vintage Natural. The cushioned mattress cover comes in Light Gray or Dark Gray, allowing you to match it effortlessly with your interior decor.
Best of all, delivery includes full setup—no need for self-assembly. The manufacturer will carry the sofa into your home and set it up for you, hassle-free.
▼ Please click on the pics below to explore the details
You can also find it on Amazon here.
If you prefer a larger bed, please check out the semi double version of the same product.
Dimensions
- As a Sofa: 195 cm (W) × 65 cm (L) × 85.5 cm (H)
- As a Bed: 195 cm (L) × 118 cm (W) × 85.5 cm (H)
▼ Please click on the pics below to explore the details
You can also find it on Amazon here.
Sèvres – Modern Design Sofa Bed
Sèvres is a simple and lightweight futon with an attached headboard. It comes in three colour varieties: Gray, Dark Navy, and Brown.
It comes in three different widths: 100cm / 120cm / 140cm.
Dimensions
- As a Sofa: 100cm / 119cm / 140cm (W) × 71 cm (L) × 59 cm (H)
- As a Bed: 200 cm (L) × 100cm / 120cm / 140cm (W) × 17cm (H)
▼ Please click on the pics below to have it delivered to you
Sunoko 3-Way Sofa Bed
This model features a simple, easily convertible design with a sturdy wooden frame—making it one of the closest options to what many Westerners think of as a “futon.”
It can be used as a sofa, a bed, or a lounge-style couch with extra legroom, offering the same practicality and space-saving convenience that Western-style futons are known for.
Simply adjust the wooden frame to suit your preferred setup!
As a bonus, the mattress is crafted from 100% cotton by a trusted futon maker based in Kyoto, known for its quality and tradition.
Dimensions
- As a Sofa: 120cm (W) × 63 cm (L) × 88 cm (H)
- As a Bed: 200 cm (L) × 120cm (W) ×20cm (H)
▼ Please click on the pics below to have it delivered to you
What to Consider When Buying a Futon
Before purchasing a futon in Japan, keep the following points in mind to ensure it fits your needs and living space:
- Size: Most Japanese futons come in Single (シングル) or Semi-Double (セミダブル) sizes. If you’re more familiar with Western sizing, be sure to double-check the dimensions to avoid surprises.
- Door Width: Measure the width of your front door, hallway, and bedroom entrance before ordering. Depending on your building layout, it might be difficult to carry a bulky futon or frame into your room if space is tight.
- Thickness: A thicker futon provides more cushioning and comfort, especially if you’ll be sleeping on a hardwood or non-tatami floor every night.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Some futons come with removable, machine-washable covers, while others may require occasional sun-drying, which is a common and effective method for keeping bedding fresh in Japan.
- Assembly: Many futons and sofa beds require some self-assembly. If you’d rather avoid the hassle, look for models that include setup service, such as the Gorone Sofa series mentioned above.
Tips for Non-Japanese Shoppers
- Both Rakuten and Amazon Japan accept credit cards issued abroad.
- Amazon.jp directly supports English interfaces.
- Rakuten pages can be displayed in English with the “Translate” function on Google Chrome.
- Look for futons that offer “free shipping” (送料無料) to avoid surprise fees.
- If you decide to use Amazon Japan to shop for larger furniture items like futons, please be sure to read the cautionary note below.
A Note of Caution When Buying on Amazon
When browsing futons on Amazon Japan, be wary of listings with prices that are dramatically lower than comparable products. These deals often seem too good to be true—and usually are. The item you receive may look nothing like the photos and may be of noticeably poor quality, often shipped directly from overseas (commonly China).
Unfortunately, returning such items can be difficult or even impossible due to the complexities and costs of international shipping. While you might be able to obtain a refund by filing a complaint, you’ll likely be stuck with the low-quality product, and responsible for disposing of it yourself.
To avoid this kind of trouble, it’s best to choose reputable sellers and avoid listings that seem suspiciously cheap. This issue is far less common on Rakuten, where most sellers are Japan-based businesses that are easier to contact and more consistent in quality.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Japan—even temporarily—investing in a comfortable futon is one of the best things you can do for your sleep and space. Using e-commerce platforms like Rakuten and Amazon, you can have a futon delivered to you and with some manufacturers, even have it assembled!
Check out our top picks and get your new futon delivered to your door within days 😊
Find Recommended Futons Here:
- 👉 Gorone Sofa Series（Amazon link here)
- 👉 Sèvres – Modern Design Sofa Bed
- 👉 3-Way Sunoko Sofa Bed
