About a 10-minute walk west of Sanjo, one of Kyoto’s well-known sightseeing areas, you will find a unique bedding store.
IWATA is one of Japan’s oldest bedding manufacturers, founded in Kyoto in 1830 during the Edo period.

While honoring its rich traditions, IWATA has continuously pursued the ideal of “quality of sleep” and developed finely crafted bedding suited to Japan’s climate. Today, the company is recognized as a true professional in the field of sleep.

 
As you step into the renovated Kyomachiya-style store, your eyes are immediately drawn to the “Human Evolution Bed,” distinguished by its distinctive oval shape and striking red cover. Inspired by the sleeping nests of chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, the bed is known not only for its innovative design but also for its exceptional comfort, which gently conforms to the contours of the body.
 

Exceptional Bedding Experience

Upstairs, you will find a relaxing space with softer lighting, where a variety of IWATA bedding products are displayed.
At the IWATA store, visitors can actually lie down and experience IWATA’s Japanese-made bedding, feeling its exceptional quality and comfort for themselves.
 

Style1 – Japanese Mattress + Mattress Pad

The Kyoto flagship store features a traditional Japanese-style room, where traditional Japanese bedding is displayed and available for visitors to experience.

The foundation is a mattress called “Tatami.” It features a 3D cushion core sandwiched between two specially treated layers made using a needle-punching process. The construction provides excellent breathability while also helping to distribute body pressure evenly.

The perfect companion to this mattress is the “Camel Mattress Pad.”

Made 100% Bactrian camel hair native to Mongolia, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, this mattress pad offers exceptional comfort throughout the year. It keeps you warm in winter while remaining pleasantly dry and comfortable in summer.

When you lie down, you immediately feel the difference. It gently conforms to your body, providing comfortable and supportive contact.

Style2 – Tatami Bed + Mattress + Mattress Pad

Traditional Japanese-style rooms often feature tatami flooring. However, for those accustomed to wearing shoes indoors, it can be difficult to imagine a bedroom with a tatami floor.
A Tatami Bed is a bed with a wooden frame topped with fitted Japanese tatami mats. It offers a way to bring this traditional Japanese sleeping style into modern homes.

 
IWATA’s “ontoko” Tatami Bed is crafted from solid, 100% Japanese-grown wood, including birch from Hokkaido and Japanese cypress from Gifu Prefecture.

The tatami surface is specially developed for use on a bed; it is made from traditional Japanese washi paper.
Durable, breathable, and moisture-regulating, it provides year-round comfort.

The bed is also highly regarded not only for its functionality, but for its elegant and timeless design.
Even without a futon on top, simply sitting on the edge of the Tatami Bed can create a touch of the Japanese “Zen” experience.

Style3 – Slatted Bed + Mattress + Mattress Pad

IWATA also offers a selection of beautifully designed slatted bed frames.

Along with “ontoko,” IWATA’s collection includes slatted bed frames such as “ibuki,” “tamaki,” and “KAGUYA KOKOCHI.”
These elegant beds combine refined design with thoughtful functionality.

Exclusive mattress “LARKOWL”

For both Tatami Beds and slatted beds, IWATA also recommends its exclusive “LARKOWL” mattress, crafted with premium natural fibers.
LARKOWL is a completely custom-made mattress, carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans using meticulously selected materials.
Custom sizes are also available up to 160 cm × 210 cm (Approx. 63″ × 83″).

On the first floor of the IWATA Kyoto flagship store, LARKOWL is displayed in its pre-compression form, revealing its unique layered construction. A firmer core is surrounded by progressively softer layers toward the surface, creating a carefully balanced cushioning system.

LARKOWL features a luxurious blend of natural fibers from camel, yak, and horse hair.
By carefully combining these materials, IWATA creates a sleep experience tailored to each customer’s individual preferences.

LARKOWL is also distinctive in its design.
Decorative tassels in charming colors are sewn onto the mattress, adding a playful touch.
Customers can choose the color of the mattress fabric and tassels to create a look that suits their personal taste.

How to Bring Home Authentic Japanese Bedding from IWATA

IWATA offers international shipping on many of its bed frames, mattresses, mattress pads, duvets, blankets, and other bedding products.

To experience IWATA’s authentic Japanese bedding firsthand, visit one of its stores in Tokyo or Osaka, in addition to the Kyoto flagship store.

IWATA bedding is also used in hotels and traditional Japanese inns throughout Japan, allowing guests to experience its exceptional comfort.
When you visit Japan, why not experience the comfort of IWATA bedding for yourself?
 

Inquiries About IWATA Products and International Shipping
>>> IWATA – Kyoto Flagship Store –

Interview Cooperation
* * *

Bedding specialty store
IWATA