東京リビング畳文化畳店カフェ＆お寺

Today, we learned about the long history of tatami and how these traditional floor mats are actually made at one of Tokyo’s well-established tatami works, which exists just two express-train stops from Shibuya, Tokyo. Craftspeople in Japan are generally very particular about their work and may not be accustomed to casually explaining their techniques to visitors. Thanks to Aya’s introduction and friendly Tatami shop onwers, however, we were able to enter the works, an area that is normally not open to the public, with sewing needles, large cutting tools, and other equipment all around us. The owner explained the different structures of tatami and how the tatami surface is folded and finished. Being able to see the process up close and ask questions was a truly valuable experience. Another fascinating aspect was the traditional Japanese approach to making the most of resources. Tatami is not simply made from new materials. Old tatami can be taken apart, and the surface covering can be turned over and reused. In this sense, tatami has incorporated ideas very similar to what we now call sustainability and the SDGs for generations. This tour gave us a wonderful opportunity to look beyond the tatami itself and learn about Japanese history, craftsmanship, materials, and the traditional wisdom of making good use of resources. I highly recommend this tour for those who wish to understand the spiritual culture of the Japanese people and the spirit of the Japanese harmony “Wa”. Thank you, Aya, for such an enjoyable and memorable experience!

Ayako, thank you for the Tatami tour! She provided a great experience that made me feel how Japanese culture and history are woven into Tatami. I was so impressed by the nostalgic atmosphere of Tatami, the craftsmanship, the interaction with locals (I mean the staff working at the Tatami shop), and how Tatami has been an important part of Japanese lifestyle.She was very knowledgeable and full of warm hospitality. If you want to explore another side of Tokyo and discover an off the beaten area, I strongly recommend this tour.Thank you, Ayako!

We joined a tatami tour and had such a great time! This tour let us learn about the history and structure of tatami while visiting a real factory where craftsmen are actually making them. As soon as I walked into the store, I caught a pleasant scent of rush grass. And the staff there were incredibly nice—I honestly didn’t want to leave. After the factory tour, we took a break at a café that has a traditional Japanese tea room where you can sit on the tatami and take photos! After that, we walked to nearby temple. It was so beautiful! I love this place! The moment you pass through the gate, the atmosphere completely changes. Highly recommended if you want to enjoy a quiet, natural setting in Tokyo. Thank you Ayako, for the wonderful experience!

I had such a wonderful time on this unique tour! The tour is all about tatami, traditional Japanese flooring. I had seen tatami many times before, but I had never really thought about how it is made or the role it has played in Japanese life and culture. We visited a historic tatami workshop, enjoyed matcha at a lovely café with a Japanese garden, and explored a beautiful Buddhist temple. Each stop gave us a different glimpse into how tatami is made and used in Japanese culture. Jiyugaoka, where the tour takes place, is only about 10 minutes from Shibuya, yet the atmosphere is completely different. It’s peaceful, charming, and much more relaxed. It has definitely become one of my favourite places in Tokyo. And finally, Aya was such a wonderful guide—kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. She created a warm and comfortable atmosphere throughout the tour and made the whole experience even more special. Thank you, Aya!!

Aya’s unique tour focusing on traditional Japanese tatami was a wonderful experience. We visited a 100-year-old tatami specialty shop in Jiyugaoka, where we were able to observe the tatami-making process and learn all about the craft. We also received a miniature tatami mat as a gift. I was surprised to discover that tatami isn’t only something to lay on the floor. Smaller tatami pieces can also make beautiful and unique interior decorations. After visiting the tatami shop, we enjoyed matcha at an authentic traditional tea house tucked away in a residential neighborhood, where we were also able to see the tea room up close. We then took a stroll through a beautiful Buddhist temple with a lovely garden. We were lucky enough to hear Buddhist chanting during our visit, which gave us a deeper sense of the fascinating and profound side of Japanese culture. Highly recommended!

As a big fan of tatami mats, this tour completely satisfied my curiosity. I loved learning about the intricate making process and the history of how these mats are used in Japanese culture. The experience also included a visit to a soothing cafe and a serene temple hall, where we sat on the tatami and quietly observed the Buddha. It was such a peaceful and authentic experience! Thank you so much for the lovely small tatami gift, Aya-san!