Hey Roy,

How much does a ‘proper’ tatami (for sleeping) cost in Japan?

What’s a “proper” tatami for sleeping?

tatami = floor ≠ for sleeping

I think you must mean futon, Senis. However, I don’t know what a futon costs so I’d be curious what a new one tends to run.

I agree with Patrick though. :-p

Shari, if you are talking about futon as in kake-buton (comforter) some can run as much as 100,000yen. If you are refering to the futon you sleep on, they can be equally expensive. But cheaper ones of decent quality can be had for about 20,000yen.

There are beds where the matress is replaced with tatami (seen them in Taiwan) which is what I think Senis is refering too. But I’ve never seen them in Japan.

Hey Roy,

Have a look at this:
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/electric-futon-better-than-motel-magic-fingers-201492.php

Thanks for the info., Roy. Despite living in Japan for a very long time, I’ve never bought a futon. My brother-in-law bought a few second-hand ones for us when we moved in but we rapidly migrated to a bed. I’m surprised they’re so pricey. You can have a sofa bed or a real bed easily within the price range you mentioned.

I guess it’s not really about cost though. It’s about space.

Where was this futon shop? I need to pick one up sometime soon, but have NO idea where to get one! I might try to trek out to Ikea, but it’d be nice to find some place actually in the city!

(By the way, I just found your blog, and it seems really great!)