The world of tatami rooms

Tatami rooms are an integral part of Japanese culture and perfectly embody the harmonious coexistence of aesthetics, functionality and tradition. These special rooms have defined the atmosphere of Japanese homes and community spaces for centuries. In this blog post, we will tell you about the history and characteristics of tatami rooms, and how you can experience this authenticity in our restaurant!

What is a tatami room?

A tatami room (Japanese for "washitsu") is a traditional Japanese room with a floor from tatami carpets available. The tatami mats are made of rice straw and are made of a smooth, durable igusa (weed) layer, which is soft to the touch and has a natural fragrance. The atmosphere of the room is further enhanced by the wooden elements shoji (paper-covered sliding doors), natural light and clean minimalism.

The tatami rooms are not cluttered with furniture, reflecting the Japanese culture's desire for simplicity and functionality. Sitting on the floor, talking around low tables, people come closer together - the true essence of a tatami room.

The history of tatami

The tatami originally symbolised the luxury of the Japanese aristocracy. The first tatami carpets appeared in the Nara period (710-794), but at that time they were only used by the nobility for sitting or reclining. By the Edo period (1603-1868), tatami had become common in middle-class homes, and a uniform size and arrangement of rugs had developed.

The tatami floor was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical: rice straw was an excellent insulator, keeping the room warm in winter and cool in summer. Today, in most modern Japanese homes you will find at least one tatami room, symbolising respect for tradition.

Features and functions

A traditional tatami room includes several elements:

• Tatami carpets: The foundation of the room, which defines the character of the room. Its size is usually standard, so rooms are measured in tatami units (for example, a "6 tatami room").
• Shoji sliding doors: The paper-covered wooden doors that separate the rooms and let in natural light.
• Tokonoma: A small decorative booth where scroll drawings (kakemono), floral compositions or other artistic objects are displayed.
• Futon and zabuton: Mattresses and pillows for comfortable sitting and sleeping on the tatami.

Tatami rooms can be not only living spaces, but also venues for special occasions such as tea ceremonies, meditation or traditional meals.

Authentic tatami experience in our restaurant

Our restaurant offers our guests a special authentic experience in a traditional tatami room, designed for groups of up to 10-20 people. In the tatami room, guests can sit comfortably at low tables while enjoying our traditional Japanese cuisine.

The room is designed to provide the perfect balance of clean Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort. The natural scent of wax, shoji sliding doors and soft tatami flooring ensure that each visitor has a truly Japanese experience.

Whether it's a family dinner, a gathering of friends or a business meeting, our tatami room creates a unique atmosphere that offers a unique experience for our guests.

Interesting facts from the world of tatami

• Standard size: The size of a tatami mat is approximately 0.9 x 1.8 metres, although sizes may vary from region to region.
• Lifespan: With regular maintenance, tatami carpets can retain their beauty for up to 10 years. In Japan, it is customary to replace the padding every year to renew the freshness of the room.
• Barefoot: The tradition of walking on the tatami is part of respect and preservation of the condition of the carpets.

The tatami rooms represent not only a room, but also a philosophy of life: closeness to nature, simplicity and harmony. If you want to be part of this experience, come and visit us and enjoy the essence of Japanese culture in a special tatami room!