Tokyo Living Tatami Culture Tatami Shop Café and Temple
Description
The purpose of this tour is to explore the foundational part of Japanese culture that has influenced many other cultural practices - tatami. By learning about tatami, you can experience some elements of traditions related to Japanese craftsmanship, hospitality, and aesthetics. Remember that you have to take your shoes off on tatami! First, you will learn about tatami in a local, independent, specialized tatami shop and factory. Here you will learn about the traditional material used, especially for household items and interior design in Japanese houses, and gain insight into Japanese culture and living. Afterward, we will go to a cafe with a tatami space to enjoy Matcha in a unique environment. Here you will experience genuine Japanese hospitality and practice how to sit traditionally on tatami. Finally, we will visit a beautiful, local temple with calming natural grounds. At this location, you will be immersed in a sacred space filled with authentic tatami flooring.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Guests will visit a specialist tatami shop and factory- with over 100 years of history - with guided information about how tatami is made and used in Japanese culture. Here, you can observe how tatami is made in a factory and see a range of household decorative items, that you can also buy.
Just a short 15-minute walk from the tatami shop, there is a small and cozy café. In one corner of the café, you'll find a charming tatami space with a traditional tokonoma (alcove). Guests can relax in a space with tatami flooring and enjoy a delicious bowl of matcha.
This historic temple was founded in the late 17th century. Guests can admire its beautiful main hall with tatami flooring as an example of how tatami is used in traditional temples. While here, guests can also stroll through the peaceful Japanese rock garden, and enjoy the seasonal beauty of the trees as you spend a quiet and relaxing time.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers with knee problems
Reviews(3)
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!
Thank you so much for joining the tour and for your lovely message! I'm so happy to hear that you really enjoy tatami in your daily life!
