What is a Zafu? 10 Things to Know About Zafu Meditation Cushions

SHOP THE LOOK | Asanoha Zafu Cushion

By Laura Pollacco

In Japan, sitting close to the ground isn’t just a matter of tradition, it’s a way of life. The act of sitting on the floor is rooted in Japanese culture, which traditionally values humility and discipline. Sitting on the floor requires both: staying low to the ground is humbling, and keeping the correct posture, such as seiza, requires discipline.

Of course, you can sit directly on a tatami mat, but there are some situations where you might appreciate a cushion. Enter the zafu, a rounded cushion that you may commonly find in temples across the country. So if you’ve ever wondered what exactly is a zafu cushion, or why you might want one in your own home, here we will explore ten things you need to know about the Japanese zafu cushion.

SHOP THE LOOK | Asanoha Zafu Cushion

Monk Hoshi by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1842

Zafu cushions are most commonly associated with seated meditation, especially zazen, a core practice of Zen Buddhism. In some traditions, practitioners bow to their zafu, as well as to fellow meditators and the teacher, before and after each session. Zazen has grown in popularity worldwide, with well-known figures like Apple founder Steve Jobs among its admirers.

But you don’t need to be a Buddhist, or even a meditator, to use a zafu. Many people today use them during seated activities, including yoga, or simply as a more comfortable way to sit on the floor.

In ancient India, where Buddhism began, practitioners often sat on rolled blankets or animal furs for comfort, though these weren’t specifically designed to support posture the way zafu are. The earliest direct predecessor of the zafu appeared in China, where meditation cushions known as putuan were recorded as far back as the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Meditation was central to spiritual practice, and the putuan helped maintain comfort and posture during long sessions.

© Creative Commons by geraldford, Zafu in a Temple

As Zen Buddhism spread from China (where it’s known as Chan Buddhism) to Japan, the putuan evolved into the zafu. As Buddhism took root across Japan, so too did the zafu meditation cushion, eventually becoming a standard fixture in temples, monasteries, and meditation halls, along with their larger cousins, the zabuton.

Today, zafu cushions are not only found in religious settings but are also widely used at home by those seeking a more grounded and mindful way to sit.

SHOP THE LOOK | Making Zafu Cushions

In China, early zafu were filled with the downy fibre of bulrush. In Japan, kapok, a soft but resilient plant fibre, became the preferred material. Traditionally, a zafu is made from three pieces of fabric: two round panels for the top and bottom, and a long rectangular strip around the sides.

Modern zafu meditation cushions are crafted from a range of materials, including cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic blends. Fillings can include kapok, buckwheat hulls, or poly-cotton for easier cleaning and durability.

SHOP THE LOOK | Asanoha Zafu Cushion

The zafu pictured above, for instance, is handmade in Kyoto with a cotton exterior and poly-cotton filling. It's adorned with the classic asanoha (hemp-leaf) motif, once popular on Buddhist statues during the Heian Period (794–1185) and believed to ward off evil spirits.

SHOP THE LOOK | Sitting on a Zafu Cushion

While zafu are closely associated with Zen meditation, their use extends far beyond Buddhist practitioners. Anyone can use a zafu—whether for meditation, yoga, or simply more comfortable floor seating.

SHOP THE LOOK | Asanoha Zafu Cushion

Of course, you can use it for its original purpose, meditation, but that’s just the beginning. Zafu are equally useful for other types of meditation, yoga practice, or even stretching and breathwork.

Some use them to support the hips, knees, elbows, or hands during yoga. In traditional Japanese settings, they’re ideal for sitting while relaxing, eating, or working. If you enjoy spending time close to the floor, a zafu cushion can make the experience far more comfortable.

SHOP THE LOOK | Using a Zafu Cushion

Want to shake up your work routine? Try pairing a zafu with a low desk or coffee table. A simple shift in posture might even bring a fresh perspective to your day.

Even if you’re staying in a chair, zafu cushions can still be helpful. Use one as lumbar support to bridge the gap between your lower back and the seat, or repurpose it as a headrest.

Zafu are ergonomically designed to improve seated posture by raising the hips and creating a more stable base, particularly useful for lotus or half-lotus positions. They help align the spine naturally and reduce strain during extended sitting.

Beyond comfort, the zafu holds deep spiritual meaning for Zen practitioners. For many, it represents a sacred space, a place to leave behind daily distractions and commit fully to the present moment.

SHOP THE LOOK | Using a Zafu Cushion

Outside of spiritual contexts, zafu remain a stylish and functional choice, especially for those who appreciate a Japanese aesthetic. Unlike bulky chairs, they’re easy to move or store, helping you keep your space tidy and flexible.

SHOP THE LOOK | Zafu Cushions

If you're in Japan, you might find zafu in Buddhist goods stores in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Outside Japan, select meditation or yoga stores may carry them.

And of course, you can shop online. At Japan Objects Store, we offer a curated selection of handcrafted Japanese zabuton and zafu cushions made in Kyoto with care and tradition.

To keep your zafu in top condition, air it out regularly, especially if it’s stored in a small or humid space. This prevents moisture buildup and prolongs the life of the materials.

Spot cleaning with a damp cloth is usually enough for routine care. If your zafu has a removable cover, you can wash it separately on a cold cycle—but avoid getting the inner filling wet, particularly if it's made from bulrush or kapok.

Fluff the cushion occasionally to maintain even filling and comfort. Over time, you may need to top up or replace the filling. To preserve the colour of the exterior fabric, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.