Bedding & Futon
Futon Spreading Service
At traditional Ryokans, there is a dedicated service where staff members come to prepare your Futon (bedding). Generally, this happens while you are away from your room for dinner.
If you are not used to it, you might be surprised that someone entered your room while you were out. However, this is a standard and traditional part of Japanese hospitality, so there is no need to worry.
Please keep your valuables in the in-room safety box or take them with you. If you prefer that staff do not enter your room or if you wish to set up the Futon yourself, please inform the front desk in advance.
How to Sleep on a Futon
A Futon consists of several layers. The basic order from the bottom up is: “Mattress/Shikibuton → Sheet → You → Kakebuton (Comforter).”
The thick layer placed directly on the floor is the “Shikibuton” (bottom mattress). A clean sheet will be spread over it, so please lie down on top of the sheet.
The “Kakebuton” (top quilt) is what you pull over yourself. In colder months, an additional blanket may be placed on top of the Kakebuton. Enjoy the soft, cushioned feel of the Futon as you settle in for a restful sleep.
Don’t Move the Bedding
Ryokan staff carefully place the Futon after considering the room’s layout, air conditioner airflow, and emergency exit paths. For this reason, please avoid moving the Futon or mattress from its original position.
Moving the Futon to see the TV better or pushing multiple Futons together can damage the tatami mats and make it difficult for staff to clean and tidy the room later.
If you must move the bedding—for example, to avoid direct airflow from the AC—please do not drag it across the mats. Instead, contact the front desk for assistance or handle it very carefully to prevent any damage to the flooring.
Sheets and Covers
Futons are equipped with clean sheets and covers where your body and face make direct contact. You may notice a white strip of cloth (Eri-nuno) attached to the top edge of the quilt; this is designed to protect the quilt from skin oils and breath.
These covers are professionally laundered and replaced for every new guest. Please do not remove the sheets or the protective covers from the bedding, even if they seem a bit loose.
The proper etiquette is to sleep between the sheets and under the covered quilt without making direct contact with the inner padding. This ensures a hygienic stay for you and helps maintain the quality of the bedding for future guests.
Pillow Direction (Kita-makura)
In Japan, there is a traditional custom of avoiding sleeping with your head pointing north, known as “Kita-makura.” This stems from funeral traditions where the deceased are placed with their heads facing north; therefore, for the living, it is often considered unlucky.
Ryokan staff will usually set up your Futon to avoid this northern orientation. For this reason, it is not common practice to flip the pillow to the opposite side or significantly change its position.
Of course, this is a cultural superstition rather than a strict legal rule, so you don’t need to worry too much if you prefer a certain direction. However, if you wish to respect local customs, the best approach is to sleep in the direction the staff has prepared for you.
No Shoes on the Bed
In Japan, even in Western-style hotel rooms, there is a very strong cultural standard that beds are strictly “no-shoe zones.” Please avoid lying on the bed or even resting your feet on it while wearing shoes.
Similarly, avoid placing heavy luggage, such as suitcases that have been rolled outdoors, directly onto the bed. To keep the sheets clean, please use the provided baggage rack or place your luggage on the floor.
By keeping the bed a clean space free from outdoor dirt, you ensure a more hygienic and comfortable environment for your rest.
After Waking Up
When you wake up in the morning, there is no need to fold your Futon back into a neat pile. You can leave it exactly as it is.
At Japanese Ryokans, staff members strip all the sheets and check the bedding for any forgotten items (such as smartphones or jewelry) after guests check out. If the Futon is folded too neatly, it can actually make it harder for the staff to spot lost items, and they will have to unfold it again anyway for cleaning.
If the mess bothers you, a light straightening of the covers is more than enough. As a guest receiving hospitality, you don’t need to worry about returning the room to its original state—just focus on enjoying your morning and preparing for your departure.