What Is a Kotatsu? How Japan's Heated Table Works

October 26, 2026

A kotatsu is a heated low table draped with a blanket. Learn how it works, what it costs to run, and whether you can use one in the US.

A kotatsu is a traditional Japanese heated table: a table with an electric heater on its underside and a blanket over the frame. If you're new to kotatsu, this page gives you a quick look at how one works and answers common questions.

Table, Blanket, and Heater

The parts of a kotatsu: tabletop, blanket, heater, and legs

A kotatsu has three simple parts:

Table: a table with an electric heater on its underside
Blanket: a thick quilted cover (the kotatsu blanket) that goes over the frame, with the tabletop set on top of it
Heater: a small electric heater fixed under the table

Kotatsu were once heated with charcoal, but most today use an electric heater. Because a kotatsu warms only the space around your legs, not the whole room, it keeps you warm on little power.

In Japan, people slip their legs under the kotatsu to eat, watch TV, or work.

Common Questions

Is a kotatsu safe?

Yes, when you use it correctly. The heater holds a steady, gentle temperature and has built-in safety features. Turn it off before you go to sleep, though, and don't sleep under the kotatsu through the night.

Is a kotatsu expensive to run?

The heaters in our kotatsu run at 500–600 W. That's half the power or less of a typical US space heater, most of which draw up to 1,500 W. Because a kotatsu warms only the space around your legs, not the whole room, it uses little electricity.

What do I do with my kotatsu in summer?

Take off the blanket, and it works as a coffee table or dining table all year round.

Can I use a Japanese kotatsu in the US?

Yes. Our kotatsu are built for Japan's 100 V power supply, so you'll need a voltage converter. To choose one, see Can I Use a Japanese Kotatsu Abroad?

Do I need to buy the blanket separately?

No. You can buy a kotatsu as a set with a Japanese-made kotatsu blanket, or buy the table on its own.