Explore Tatami Culture in Sakai, Osaka—Heritage Tour and Hands-On Tatami Making

The Path of Ooe Tatami, Woven by Two Generations

Ooe Tatami has been a trusted tatami specialist for nearly 50 years in the suburbs of Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. Once a thriving port town, Sakai attracted wealthy merchants, resulting in many well-preserved historic homes and temples. Known for its expert craftsmanship, Ooe Tatami has installed and restored tatami in these cultural landmarks.

Traditional Japanese houses surrounded by the scent of tatami and the warmth of wood

The store’s founder, Syunzi Ooe, began training at 15 and built the business from the ground up. Now, his son, Toshiyuki Ooe, who previously worked in the apparel industry, carries on the family legacy. With a vision of integrating tatami into modern life, he has expanded the store’s offerings to include accessories and lifestyle goods featuring tatami motifs.

Left: Toshiyuki Ooe (second generation), right: Syunzi Ooe (first generation)

This experience offers a guided tour of the Old Yamaguchi Family Residence, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and the Old Gunsmith Workshop and Residence, a tangible cultural property of Sakai City, followed by a hands-on tatami-making session at Ooe Tatami. Led by one of the two Ooe craftsmen, this is a rare opportunity to explore traditional Japanese culture through the lens of a tatami and Japanese architecture expert.

A Cultural Heritage Tour Through the Eyes of a Tatami Craftsman

The experience begins at the Old Yamaguchi Family Residence, a historic home reflecting the lifestyle of Sakai’s wealthy merchants in the 17th century. On this Wabunka tour, enjoy a tatami expert’s insights into the role of tatami in reception and tea rooms, the design elements that shaped daily life, and the cultural significance of tatami through the ages.

The Old Yamaguchi Family Residence, a historic landmark in harmony with Sakai’s streets

Tatami mats vary in size depending on the region and individual homes. Precise measurements are crucial, especially in older houses where subtle distortions require careful adjustments. Craftsmen visit the site, measure each space, and determine the best placement for every mat.

Learn about traditional Japanese architecture with insights from Ooe

Next, visit the Old Gunsmith Workshop and Residence, a cultural landmark from Sakai’s gun-making era during the Sengoku period (the 15th and 16th centuries) . When firearms were introduced to Japan, Sakai craftsmen quickly mastered and refined the technology, creating a thriving industry. The preserved gunsmith residence stands as a reminder of this history.

Step into Sakai’s gun-making past and experience its craftsmanship firsthand

During a recent renovation, Ooe Tatami crafted high-quality tatami mats for the mansion’s Japanese-style room. Walk through the space, admire the refined craftsmanship, and imagine the lives of those who once lived here, surrounded by history woven into every detail.

Discover the Craft of Tatami at Ooe Tatami

Tatami has been an essential part of Japanese living, valued for both its function and beauty. Soft yet firm, tatami mats help regulate temperature and humidity throughout the seasons, creating a comfortable space. Their natural scent is known to soothe the mind, offering a unique sense of calm. At Ooe Tatami, you'll be welcomed by the fresh aroma of rush grass, a key element in tatami craftsmanship.

Tatami edges are finished with a decorative cloth called "tatami-beri"

As a specialty tatami store, Ooe Tatami handles everything from production and sales to repair and replacement. The process begins with precise measurements and selecting the right tatami for each space. High-quality rush grass is sourced directly from farmers, and skilled craftsmen carefully cut, sew, and assemble each mat to fit seamlessly within a room. By working closely with experts in each field, Ooe Tatami ensures that tatami remains an integral part of Japanese homes.

Craftsmen sew tatami by hand or with specialized machines, showcasing their expert skill

During this tour, you’ll see tatami-making in action and learn about "upholstery"—a process where the surface rush grass is replaced while keeping the tatami core intact. This restoration method revives the mat’s scent and texture, extending its lifespan.
In Japan, there is a deep respect for preserving and restoring materials rather than discarding them. Tatami embodies this philosophy, making it not just a flooring material, but a symbol of sustainable living.

Experience Hand-Stitching a Tatami Mat with a Craftsman

After watching the tatami-making process, you’ll try your hand at hand-stitching a mat under the guidance of a craftsman. While many mats are sewn with machines today, delicate work or historical pieces still require hand stitching.

You’ll wear a "teate" (a protective leather pad used by craftsmen) during the experience. It has a small iron plate inside to shield your hand while using the long tatami sewing needle.

The sewing needles used for tatami mats are long and thick, unlike everyday needles

Ooe’s hand stitching is fast and impressive, but you’ll quickly realize how tough it is to make even one stitch. The process requires strength, giving you a true sense of the skill behind the craft.

Mini tatami mats can create a Japanese ambiance even in Western-style rooms

As an optional paid upgrade, you can also create a palm-sized mini tatami mat (about 18 x 25 cm). Choose your colors and design, then use a stapler to finish it off. Minimal strength is needed, so it’s easy for anyone to make a beautiful piece. Take your mini mat home and use it as a unique room accent.

Accessories from Classica are popular as souvenirs and gifts

Inside Ooe Tatami, you’ll find a selection of tatami-inspired accessories from Classica and washitsu.labo, two brands founded by Toshiyuki, the second-generation craftsman. With fewer people using tatami mats in modern homes, Toshiyuki hopes to share the beauty and charm of tatami with the world.

The Warmth and Creativity of Tatami

This experience takes you through cultural sites to explore the connection between architecture and tatami, along with hands-on activities like hand-stitching tatami and making a mini mat. The traditional beauty and craftsmanship of tatami may change how you see them, turning them from just flooring into a symbol of culture and history.

A Japanese-style room where time slows down

Ooe says, "The charm of tatami mats is that you can walk, sit, or lie down on them... They offer different ways to experience time." Enjoy the feel of tatami mats fully during your visit, and gain a deeper appreciation for the warmth and skill behind this centuries-old craft.