As I recently found out, Japan is a place where everything just feels better. The streets are cleaner, the food is more flavorful, and the pillows are cooler.
Putting aside memory foam, down, and synthetic materials, every pillow I slept on in Japan was defined by a distinctive layer of buckwheat husks. They were surprisingly comfortable and supportive, with impressive breathability and cooling properties.
After just a few nights, it didn't take long for me to realize that my previous assumption of what makes the best pillows had changed drastically. Now, I'm looking to buy one for my own bedroom back home.
Centuries-Old Japanese Sobakawa Pillows Are the Secret to Cool Pillows All Night
There's no doubt that pillows are taken seriously in Japan − I even stayed in a hotel in Kyoto that featured an entire pillow wall for selecting your desired loft, fill, and fluffiness, with a 'Ladies only' section and eight different types to choose from, including one made from Japanese Hinoki cypress wood. But it was the buckwheat pillows, also known as Sobakawa, that I grew to love.
Admittedly, during the first part of my 15-day trip around Japan, I wasn't always even sure what it was that was filling my pillows with small, hard lumps, and I thought they were likely the same beans that you'd usually find in a beanbag. It was only when I kept finding myself sleeping so comfortably, and waking without any neck pain, even in my side-sleeping position, that I decided to look into it.
As Maiko Shimazaki, the founder of Revitalist15, a New York-based wellness brand rooted in Japanese relaxation rituals, explains, 'Sobakawa pillows are traditional Japanese pillows filled with buckwheat hulls. They are a great alternative to conventional pillows and may provide better sleep for those who prefer a firmer feel, sleep hot, or struggle with allergies.'
She's right − the husks allow air to circulate to keep the pillow dry, helping to keep a bed cool in summer, and warm in winter. For that reason, they're suitable for year-round use.
Those hypoallergenic and natural qualities are important, too. Down may feel luxurious, but it does come with ethical concerns for animal welfare (a reason I always avoid it) and is often not best recommended due to its ability to trap dust, too.
And, while synthetic alternatives may be cruelty-free, suitable for vegans, and usually far more affordable, the polyester, polyester fiberfill, or memory foam filling comes with a significant carbon footprint, and isn't biodegradable, either.
In contrast, natural Sokabawa pillows are highly sustainable, eco-friendly, made from natural, renewable materials, and they also last significantly longer than other alternatives.
'Buckwheat hulls do not compress or break down like down, foam, or synthetic fiber fills,' adds Maiko. 'As a result, sobakawa pillows provide consistent support throughout the night and over the years,' meaning you can use them for far longer before your pillow begins to ruin your sleep quality.
There's just one drawback to consider, highlights Maiko, but it's not something I ever noticed in my experience, which is that Sokobawa pillows are firmer, and therefore not suitable for those who prefer softer pillows.
However, I actually only ever opt for extremely soft, flat pillows, and never found them too firm or too lofty, and, in any case, you can always remove some of the filling to find your preferred height.
Instead, much like how the Japanese traditional futons I slept on kept me comfortable and supported all night long, despite my initial reservations, my experience with Sokabawa pillows had me sleeping better than ever before.
What to Shop
If you'd like to try a Sokobawa pillow for yourself, I've found a selection available to ship to the US. I've also included my favorite bedding and pillowcases for the perfect cooling sleep setup this summer.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This traditional Japanese sobakawa pillow is filled with buckwheat hulls for breathability and comfort, and features an adjustable fill that allows for custom support for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
This pillow features an organic cotton shell and is filled with tartary buckwheat hulls, which support your neck and spine alignment as you sleep. The pillowcase is conveniently machine-washable.
This buckwheat pillow features a baffle box construction to ensure an even distribution of filling. This also prevents the pillow from deforming over time or getting indented by your head.
These linen-blend pillowcases are suitable for all seasons, and are woven from 55 per cent European linen and 45 per cent long staple cotton. They come prewashed for extra softness.
This bed blanket is perfect for adding a pop of color to your bedroom space. It's specifically designed to be lightweight, airy, and breathable, and is yarn dyed for extra vibrancy without harsh chemicals.
This pillowcase set is woven to be lightweight yet durable, with a tight weave to ensure smoothness. The set also includes a fitted sheet and a flat sheet, and is cool to the touch.
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