Why I Don’t Own a Bed in Japan

 

Introduction

When I tell people I don’t own a bed, they often look confused—or even a little concerned.
But since moving to Japan and embracing minimalism, sleeping without a bed has become one of the most freeing decisions I’ve made.

Instead of a bulky frame and mattress, I sleep on a simple Japanese futon that I roll out each night. It saves space, reduces clutter, and has unexpectedly improved my sleep quality.

Let me explain why I gave up the bed—and why I don’t plan on going back.

Beds Take Up Too Much Space

Japanese apartments are small. My living space is just under 10 square meters.
Owning a traditional Western bed would dominate the entire room.

By switching to a futon, I reclaim that space during the day. I can work, stretch, or sit on the floor with no bulky furniture in the way. The flexibility of a bed that disappears every morning is something I never imagined loving so much.

What I Sleep On Instead

Here’s my minimalist sleep setup:

  • Futon mattress (foldable, medium thickness)

  • Pillow (memory foam, washable cover)

  • Single blanket (all-season cotton)

  • Yoga mat (optional layer for colder nights)

Every morning, I fold the futon and store it in a closet. This five-minute habit adds calm and clarity to my day. There's something deeply satisfying about starting each morning with a clean, open space.

Benefits of a Bed-Free Life

1. More Floor Space

Without a fixed bed, I can move freely and use my room for multiple purposes: yoga, writing, meals, or hosting friends.

2. Better Posture & Sleep

Futons are firmer than most beds. At first, this felt strange. But after a few weeks, I noticed less back pain and deeper, more consistent sleep. My body now adjusts naturally without sinking into soft padding.

3. Lower Cost

A quality bed and mattress can cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
My entire sleep setup cost around ¥12,000 (roughly $80) and has lasted over a year with no issues.

4. Easier Cleaning

No dust under the bed. No heavy furniture to move.
I shake out the futon once a week and vacuum the floor—it’s effortless.

Cultural Inspiration

Sleeping on the floor isn’t strange in Japan. Traditional Japanese homes often use tatami mats and shikibuton (foldable bedding) as the norm.

When I adopted this practice, it felt new and a little extreme—but over time, I realized it was a natural fit for both the space and the culture around me.

Minimalism and Japanese tradition often align beautifully: form meets function with quiet purpose.

Downsides? A Few

  • Futons need maintenance: airing out and occasional sun-drying prevents mold

  • Hosting guests can be tricky without extra bedding

  • Cold floors in winter may require extra padding

But these are small inconveniences compared to the freedom and simplicity I’ve gained.

Final Thoughts

Not owning a bed may seem radical—but for me, it’s simply practical.
In Japan, I’ve learned that comfort doesn’t come from what you own, but how you use your space and live with intention.

If you're curious about minimalist living, consider ditching the bed—even temporarily. You might discover, as I did, that the floor is not only enough—but better.

Related Posts

👉 https://simplelifeabroadyama.blogspot.com/2025/07/minimalist-life-in-japan-how-i-live.html
👉 https://simplelifeabroadyama.blogspot.com/2025/07/minimalist-grocery-shopping-in-japan.html


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