Frequently Asked Question

F A Q

Please see our “How to Order” page for the complete process — from your initial inquiry to quotation, order confirmation, and delivery.
We recommend reviewing that page before contacting us.

How to Order

The standard Kyō-ma (Kyoto-style) tatami measures:

• 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.)

Yes.

• Smaller than the standard size: No extra charge.

• Larger than the standard size: Price starts at 1.5× the standard rate, depending on size.

Please note the width cannot exceed 95.5 cm due to production limits, but the length (191 cm) can be adjusted.

After advance payment, production usually takes about 1–2 months, depending on the grade, quantity, and size of your order.

es. Re-covering tatami is common (about 60 % of our work) and is less expensive than buying new ones. A re-covered tatami looks like new.

You can choose between:

• Straw: Natural and traditional with excellent moisture absorption, but heavier (approx. 35 kg) and susceptible to mold.
• Kenzai (modern filling):  Lightweight (approx. 14 kg) and more durable, though not traditional and slightly firmer.

Yes. You can select the material and color.
Cotton borders are free; hemp borders cost extra (about ¥8,000 per mat).
Patterned borders are typically polyester.

More about Heri

“Kamachi” refers to the short edge of a tatami mat.
Wrapping the filling directly can cause bulging or damage at the corners.
Traditionally, wooden boards were sewn on; now machine sewing is common.
Hand-sewn wooden kamachi looks nicer and feels more authentic. You can choose timber (extra cost) or plastic (no extra).

Q: What’s the difference between handmade and machine-made tatami mats?
A: The difference lies mainly in how the border (heri) is attached.
With handmade tatami, the heri is sewn by hand using traditional techniques, including a layer of natural straw beneath the border and carefully aligned stitches. Machine-made tatami mats are finished using modern sewing methods, giving the edges a neat appearance similar to white fabric tape.

In terms of durability and the surface appearance of the mat itself, there is no difference. The choice comes down to whether you value traditional craftsmanship and authentic detailing, or modern production methods.

Please see the following link.

Flooring Tatami Mats with Removable Sunken Hearth for IH heater

Tatami mats are traditional Japanese flooring made of thick woven rush(igusa) over a straw filling(toko).
Standard size is about 190 cm × 95 cm × 5.5 cm (approximately 6 ft × 3 ft × 2 in).

Japanese rooms are measured by the number of tatami mats. For example:

• 6-mat room: ~9 ft × 12 ft
• 4.5-mat room: ~9 ft × 9 ft

Wipe gently and keep dry. If vacuuming, do so lightly. Avoid using a wet cloth.

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

Contact us

• Machine-made: about 40 minutes.
• Handmade: about 4 hours.

Tatami have been used in Japan for about 1,300 years.

Tatami flooring is generally more expensive than wooden floors, which is why many modern homes choose wood instead.
However, tatami mats provide better warmth in winter and help regulate indoor humidity throughout the year, and are still favored as a comfortable and highly functional flooring option.

Yes — we ship worldwide. Please review the international order process.

Order Flow (To alloverrine world)

• Half-tatami (140 mm thick): ~9.8 kg
• Full-tatami (200 mm thick): ~24 kg

Yes — we can adjust the height to fit your hearth. Price varies with thickness.
please feel free to contact us.

2865 mm × 2865 mm (each mat ~1910 mm × 955 mm).

Yes. We can adjust width and length to fit your space (Additional charges may apply if the size exceeds the standard dimensions).

Yes — new omote can be installed. We do not offer flipping existing omote.

Standard colors are black and indigo; other colors may be arranged on request.

Yes — all tatami include anti-slip backing.

Yes — if your hearth is compatible with charcoal.

Yes — contact us for details, as this requires specific tatami types.

Yes — we can make custom small boards.

We offer elevated tatami for a Tokonoma feel, plus optional scroll hangers and accessories.
Full tea-room construction is also available via our partner.

Yes — designed for easy switching between ro (sunken hearth) and furo (portable hearth).

No — portable tatami can simply be placed on the floor and taken with you when you move.

Yes — we offer portable hearths for IH, electric, and charcoal, plus flat kettles for IH models.

Yes — we provide comprehensive tea-room consultations and renovation services.

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

Visit SHISHOAN
(Japanese Website only)