Tokyo Living Tatami Culture Tatami Shop Café and Temple

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

specialist knowledge
a bowl of matcha
any items bought

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

South exit - please meet the guide outside the south exit, in front of MELSA-2 department store. You'll see your guide holding a 'tatami tour' sign.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Kuhombutsu Joshin-ji Temple

    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.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by Aya

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Seasonal
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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