Spring is the perfect time to refresh your bedroom. As the seasons change, many people open their windows, clean their homes, and swap out winter bedding for something lighter and fresher.
If you sleep on a Japanese sleep system, spring is also the ideal time to reset your entire sleep environment.
The traditional Japanese floor mattress, known as a shikifuton, is designed to be aired out, refreshed with clean sheets, and paired with breathable tatami mats. These simple seasonal habits help keep your bedding fresh, comfortable, and long-lasting.
A few small changes can make a big difference: fresh sheets, a renewed foundation, and a quick refresh of your sleep space.
Start with Fresh Japanese Cotton Sheet Sets
One of the easiest ways to refresh your bedroom is simply changing your sheets.
Fresh sheets instantly transform how your bed feels. Crisp, breathable fabric helps regulate temperature and creates a clean sleep environment—especially as spring weather begins to warm up.
Our Japanese Cotton Sheet Sets are designed specifically for the Japanese sleep system, fitting perfectly over your shikifuton and pairing beautifully with traditional pillows.
Simple, comfortable, and easy to care for, they’re the perfect way to begin your seasonal refresh.
Renew Your Foundation: Shikifuton & Tatami Mats
Sometimes a spring refresh goes deeper than sheets. If your bedding has been with you for years, spring can also be a great time to consider refreshing the foundation of your sleep system.
Many people choose to upgrade their bedroom with:
• A new shikifuton mattress for renewed support
• A fresh tatami mat to restore airflow and comfort
• Updated bedding that brings the whole system together
Tatami mats made from natural igusa grass provide subtle cushioning, airflow, and the calming scent of natural materials. When paired with a shikifuton, they create a simple and grounded sleeping environment inspired by traditional Japanese homes.
Even small changes—like adding a new tatami mat—can make your bedroom feel completely refreshed.
Watch: How to Care for a Japanese Sleep System
If you're new to Japanese bedding—or simply want a quick refresher—we created a short video showing how to properly set up and care for your sleep system.
In this quick guide you'll see:
• How to air and sun your shikifuton properly
• How to clean tatami mats
Short videos like this make it easy to understand the Japanese sleep system in just a few moments.
Airing Out Your Shikifuton
A traditional practice in Japan is airing out the shikifuton regularly. Because natural cotton bedding can absorb moisture while you sleep, allowing the futon to breathe helps keep it fresh and comfortable.
Many people simply hang their shikifuton over a balcony railing, porch, or futon rack on sunny days. Fresh air and sunlight naturally release moisture and dust while helping maintain the loft of the mattress. Even airing your futon for a short time can help maintain its comfort and longevity.
Cleaning Tatami Mats
Tatami mats are surprisingly easy to maintain and can last many years with simple care. Because they are made from natural igusa grass, a few gentle cleaning habits will help preserve their structure, scent, and appearance over time.
A few habits help keep them in excellent condition:
• Vacuum gently along the grain of the grass
• Wipe lightly with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• Avoid soaking the mat with water
• Allow fresh air to circulate in the room
Because tatami is made from natural igusa grass, it helps regulate humidity and contributes to a calm, natural sleep environment.
A Simple Spring Ritual
Refreshing your bedroom doesn’t require a full redesign. Sometimes, the most meaningful changes come from small seasonal rituals that help reset your space and restore a sense of calm.
In traditional Japanese homes, caring for bedding is part of the natural rhythm of the seasons. A few simple habits can keep your sleep environment fresh, breathable, and comfortable throughout the year.
Often, it's the small steps that make the biggest difference:
• Fresh sheets
• A sun-aired shikifuton
• Clean tatami mats
• Natural bedding that breathes with the seasons
These simple steps help maintain the comfort and simplicity that make the Japanese sleep system so special.
Refresh Your Japanese Sleep System
Spring is the perfect time to reset your sleep space and bring new life to your bedroom. Whether it's fresh sheets, a renewed shikifuton, or a new tatami mat, small seasonal updates can make a big difference in comfort and atmosphere.
Explore the essentials:
• Japanese Sheet Sets (Save 10%)
• Shikifuton Mattresses
• Tatami Mats
Even small changes can bring new life to your bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you air out a shikifuton?
Many people air their shikifuton weekly or every few weeks. Fresh air and sunlight help release moisture and keep the bedding fresh.
Can tatami mats get wet?
Tatami mats should not be soaked with water. Instead, clean them with light vacuuming and occasional gentle wiping.
Are Japanese sheet sets different from regular sheets?
Yes. Japanese sheet sets are designed to properly fit a shikifuton mattress and traditional kakefuton duvet used in a Japanese sleep system.
What is a Japanese floor mattress?
A Japanese floor mattress, called a shikifuton, is traditional bedding designed to be placed on tatami mats or directly on the floor. It is lightweight, breathable, and easy to store during the day.