What Is a Tatami Room?

And Why You Should Absolutely Care (If You’re Buying in Japan)

If you’ve spent even a few minutes scrolling through Japanese property listings or stepped inside an Akiya, you’ve probably seen the words “tatami room” pop up again and again. Maybe it sparked your curiosity. Maybe it confused you. Or maybe you just assumed it was a fancy name for a living room.

Let’s clear that up.

Tatami rooms are a deeply rooted part of Japanese architecture, lifestyle, and tradition. Whether you're buying a countryside fixer-upper or a suburban family home, understanding what a tatami room is (and why it matters) will help you make more informed choices, not just about the property, but about how you want to live in it.

So, What Is a Tatami Room?

A tatami room, often called a washitsu (和室), is a traditional Japanese-style room where the floor is covered with tatami mats, rectangular mats made of tightly woven rice straw or, in modern times, synthetic materials that mimic the original texture and feel.

You’ll instantly recognize a tatami room by its:

• Soft, grid-patterned floor mats

• Sliding paper doors (shoji or fusuma)

• Low furniture (or none at all)

• Alcove area (tokonoma) for displaying scrolls or art

Why Are Tatami Rooms Still Used Today?

Even with the spread of modern Western-style interiors across Japan, tatami rooms are still found in many homes, and for good reason:

• Cultural heritage: Tatami rooms connect modern life with centuries of Japanese tradition. They’re used for tea ceremonies, festivals, and spiritual practices.

• Comfort and flexibility: The soft, breathable nature of tatami makes these rooms ideal for sitting, sleeping, or relaxing directly on the floor.

• Practicality: In family homes, tatami rooms often double as guest rooms, kids’ play areas, or nap zones for grandparents.

Think of it as the traditional heart of a Japanese home. While the rest of the house might feature hardwood, vinyl, or tile, the tatami room is where you:

• Sit directly on the floor

• Sip tea with guests

• Lay out a futon at night

• Pause to take a breath (yes, seriously)

It’s minimalist, functional, and steeped in tradition.

Wait - What’s a Jou (or Jyou)?

Here’s where things get a little quirky and wonderfully specific.

In Japan, room sizes aren’t usually measured in square meters, especially when it comes to tatami rooms. Instead, they’re measured in “jou” (畳), sometimes written as “jo” or “tatami.” This unit literally refers to the number of tatami mats that fit into the room.

One “jou” = one tatami mat.

Tatami mat sizes vary slightly by region, but the most common standard is:

• About 1.8m x 0.9m (5.9 ft x 3 ft)

• Which comes out to roughly 1.62 square meters (17.5 square feet)

So if a listing says a room is “6 jou,” it means you could lay down six tatami mats in that space - give or take, depending on the mat arrangement.

This way of measuring has been used for centuries and still holds strong in real estate, especially for homes with traditional layouts.

Is a Tatami Room Right for You?

Here’s where you get to make some real decisions.

💡 Consider keeping the tatami if:

• You want a multi-use room that can be a home office and a guest space.

• You love the ambience and texture of natural materials.

• You want to preserve the home's cultural identity.

🛠️ Consider renovating if:

• You need durable flooring for heavy furniture or pets.

• You’re going for a Western-style redesign.

• The mats are musty, damaged, or hosting more bugs than memories.

Tip: Replacing tatami isn't too expensive (~¥5,000–¥10,000 per mat) and can dramatically refresh a space.

Final Thoughts: Tatami Is More Than Flooring

A tatami room isn’t just a quirky feature, it’s a portal into Japan’s cultural DNA. Whether you keep it, renovate it, or turn it into a hybrid space, knowing its function and history will help you make smarter, more confident decisions as you move through your Akiya journey.

Want help decoding more listing terms? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️!