Frequently Asked Question

F A Q

About Ordering & Purchasing

How do I place an order?

Please refer to our “How to Order” page, which explains the full process—from initial inquiry to quotation, order confirmation, and delivery.
We kindly ask you to review this page before contacting us.

How to Order

What is the standard size of a tatami mat?

The standard Kyō-ma tatami size is:

  • Length: 191 cm
  • Width: 95.5 cm
  • Thickness: 5.5 cm

Our pricing is based on this standard size.
(Please note that this does not apply to modular tatami or certain custom and specialty products.)

Can I order tatami mats in custom sizes?

Yes.

  • Smaller than the standard size:
    Custom sizing is available at no additional cost.

  • Larger than the standard size:
    Pricing starts at 1.5 times the standard price, depending on the dimensions.

Please note that due to manufacturing constraints, the width cannot exceed 95.5 cm.
However, the length (191 cm) can be extended to your desired measurement.

How long does production take?

After receiving advance payment, production typically takes approximately 1–2 months.
The exact timeframe depends on the tatami grade, quantity, and size.

About Tatami

Can tatami mats be re-coverd?

Yes. About 60% of my business is re-covering tatami.

Offcouse, re-covering a tatami mat is cheaper than buying a new one, but a re-cover tatami looks like a new one.

About the material of Tatami toko(Filling).

You can choose.

〈Straw : Strong Points〉・natural ・traditional ・highly moisture absorption

〈Straw : Week Points〉・heavy @35kg ・mold problem

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〈Kenzai : Strong Points〉・light @14kg ・durable

〈Kenzai : Week Points〉・not traditional ・slightly harder than straw

About Heri(border)

It’s possible to choose the material and color of heri.

As for material, cotton (no additional fee) and hemp (addtional fee @ *8,000 per tatami.)

If you prefer a patterned one, it is basically made of polyester.

More about Heri

What is Kamachi?

The short side of the tatami is called the “kamachi.

Simply wrapping the toko around the tatami causes the corners of the tatami to become damaged or bulged.

In the past, “kamachi boards” were sewn onto the wood, but today, thanks to advances in technology,

these boards can be sewn by machine. Traditional hand-sewn wooden kamachi are superior in appearance and quality.

You can choose material from timber, plastic. timber is available @ *40,000, plastic is free of charge.

The difference between handmade and machine-made

Basically, the difference is whether we sew the edges (Heri) by hand or by machine.

There is no difference in durability or surface color (omote).

When hand made, the underside of the edge is also made of straw.

If it is machine made, it will be something like white cloth tape.

Although handmade and machinemade don’t look much different.

The difference in the materials used in these small details and in the fact that the craftsman sews each stitch according to the stitches on the omote.

Handmade is our tradition of kyoto tatami.

Even if it is machinemade, the quality of the omote remains the same.

Can I have a tea ceremony room in my apartment?

Please see the following link.

Flooring Tatami Mats with Removable Sunken Hearth for IH heater

 

Tatami Basics

What is tatami ?

Tatami is the traditional flooring material in Japanese room. Tatami are thick, woven straw mats. About 190 centimeters long by 95 cms wide, and 5.5 cms thick. or Tatami are about 6 feet long by 3 feet wide, and about 2 inches thick. Rice straw is used for the filling tatami mats, and fine thin rushes are woven for the surface.

How many tatami do you need for one room?

Tatami mats are the measuring for Japanese room.

So, for example, we can have a 4-mat room, or a 6-mat room, or an 18-mat room….
A 6-mat room is about 9 feet by 12 feet.
A 4.5-mat room is about 9 feet by 9 feet.

How do you clean tatami mats?

Wipe gently and dry. If vacuuming, do so gently. Do not wipe with a wet towel.

If you have any other different questions or need more information, please feel free to ask.

Contact us

How long does it take to make one tatami mat?

By machine : about 40 minutes.
By hand : about 4 hours.

When did Japanese people start using tatami ?

Japanese people started using tatami about 13 hundred years ago.

In the past most Japanese homes used tatami in every room expect the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet. These days, fewer Japanese homes have tatami room, than in the past. Now, many homes have only one tatami-room. Why do Japanese homes use fewer tatami now?

The main reason is construction costs. Wooden floors are cheaper than tatami floors. But many people feel wooden floors are cold in winter, so special tatami that cover wooden floors are popular. Traditionally, Japanese people sit on the floor at home – not on chairs – tatami are much more comfortable than hard wooden floors.

Tatami for Removable Sunken Hearth

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we do.

Please review our ordering process for international customers.
Order Flow (To alloverrine world)

How much does it weight?

For example, a half-tatami type with a thickness of 140mm weighs approximately 9.8kg, while a full-tatami type with a thickness of 200mm weighs approximately 24kg.
The half-tatami type is light enough for a woman to carry.

I have my own portable hearth. Can you make tatami to match its height?

Yes, we can adjust the height of all tatami to match your hearth’s height.
Since the price varies depending on the thickness, please feel free to contact us.

What are the dimensions of a Kyoma (Kyoto-style) 4.5-tatami room?

2865mm × 2865mm.
The size per sheet is 1910mm x 955mm.

Can you shorten the length of the Sadoguchi tatami?

Yes. We can adjust the width and length of any tatami, including the Sadoguchi tatami, to match your preferences or room size. (Additional charges may apply if the size exceeds the standard dimensions.)

Can I replace the tatami omote (goza mat surface)?

Yes, you can have a new tatami omote replaced.
Please inquire for pricing. (We do not offer “uragaeshi” (flipping the existing tatami omote to the other side).)

Can I choose the color of the tatami border (heri)?

The standard colors are black and indigo.

If you would like other colors, please consult us first.

Do the tatami have non-slip backing?

Yes, anti-slip backing is attached to the underside of the tatami.

Can I use charcoal with your tatami?

If you have a charcoal-compatible portable hearth, then yes, you can.

Can I perform Hachiro (Eight-hearth arrangement)?

Yes, by rearranging the portable tatami, it is possible to set up Hachiro.
Since multiple types of ro tatami are required for Hachiro, please contact us first for details.

I want to use the tatami for Mukaikiri or Kakuro. Can you make a small board (koita)?

Yes, we can.

Can you create a Tokonoma (alcove)?

We offer Tokonoma placing tatami, which are slightly elevated to resemble a traditional tokonoma.
More details on Tokonoma placing tatami.

Additionally, our original Tokonoma screen allows you to hang scrolls and comes with flower and muso hooks, making it even more authentic.

More details on Tokonoma screen.

For permanent Tokonoma construction, our affiliated company can also design and build an entire tea room.

Does the Nakaita(middle board) have a cutout for the ro (hearth)?

Yes, it does.
It is designed to switch between ro and furo.

I live in a rental property. Do I need any construction work?

No special construction is needed.
Since it is a portable tatami, you can simply place it on the floor and take it with you when you move.

Do you sell portable hearths?

Yes, we offer original portable hearths for IH heaters (140mm thick), electric heaters (200mm thick), and charcoal (240mm thick).

Do you sell flat kettles for IH heaters?

Yes, we carry them.
Yakibuki Hakeme Portable Hearth Kettle: JPY 40,000

Can I request other renovations, such as replacing shoji, fusuma, wall painting, or wallpaper, when updating my tatami?

Yes, we offer comprehensive tea room consultation services, and our affiliated company’s craftsmen can handle all renovations.
Please feel free to consult us.

Please visit the website of our group company, SHISHOAN, which specializes in the construction of tea rooms.

Visit SHISHOAN
(Japanese Website only)

We ship our products to all over Japan and worldwide

We take care of the whole process, from the beginning (your order) to the end (installation).