Make Your Own Mini Tatami in Osaka: Traditional Japanese Craft

Tatami-beri patterns carry meanings (prosperity, protection, longevity), and you pick yours to build into a craft.

Make your own mini tatami or ring case in Osaka using traditional Japanese tatami-beri fabric in a beginner-friendly workshop with no sewing needed. Choose from over 200 patterns, create a one-of-a-kind souvenir, and learn how tatami-beri evolved from a practical mat edge into a symbol of Japanese culture. The workshop runs about 90 minutes and includes all materials and tools.

The experience

You've got a free afternoon in Osaka and want something more than a souvenir shop. This workshop puts you in front of over 200 patterns of tatami-beri (the decorative fabric that edges traditional Japanese tatami mats), and lets you build a small piece to take home. Tatami-beri started as a practical trim for durability, then became a marker of status and tradition, with each pattern carrying its own meaning. You pick the one that speaks to you and create either a mini tatami mat, a ring case, or one of several other small items, all without needing to sew.

The whole thing takes about 90 minutes and requires no prior craft experience. Materials and tools are provided, so you walk in empty-handed and leave with something you actually made. Kids from age 5 can join with their own options (a tie keychain or ribbon hair accessory) that take around 30 minutes. A live guide speaks English and Japanese, so language is not a barrier.

Workshop options let you choose what to make at checkout: mini tatami, ring case, phone strap, suitcase belt, or shimenawa wreath, each priced separately. If you're bringing children, there are dedicated kids' projects that fit into a shorter timeframe. Public transportation is nearby, and the space welcomes strollers and service animals.

What’s included

• All materials for making your chosen artwork.
• tools needed for the craft.
• a live guide in English or Japanese to walk you through the process.

Options for this experience

7 options

Kids' Keychain with TieGuide in English or Japanese · 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00Make a fashionable tie keychain from tatami-beri. It is lightweight, durable, and an ideal accessory for everyday use, for children aged 5 to 10.

Children's Hair Accessory with RibbonGuide in English or Japanese · 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00Create a charming ribbon hair accessory with tatami-beri. It is lightweight, stylish, and suits any occasion, for children aged 5 to 10.

Smartphone Shoulder StrapGuide in English or Japanese · 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00Design a fashionable smartphone strap using tatami-beri, the decorative edging of tatami mats. Pick from over 200 patterns.

See 4 more options

Mini TatamiGuide in English or Japanese · 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00Make your very own miniature tatami mat! It can serve as a foundation for seasonal decorations or a vase mat, or you can stand it upright to showcase photos.

Ring CaseGuide in English or Japanese · 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00A ring box with a distinctly Japanese character. The paulownia box is adorned with traditional Japanese paper and tatami-beri.

Suitcase BeltGuide in English or Japanese · 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00Personalize your suitcase with a distinctive belt crafted from your favorite tatami-beri. It is fashionable, hard-wearing, and simple to fasten!

Shimenawa WreathGuide in English or Japanese · 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00Craft a lovely Shimenawa wreath using tatami-beri, mizuhiki, and pine. A classic decoration suited to any season!

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs Tuesday to Saturday at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00, from JP¥ 2,500 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese, in groups of up to 4 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:008 on other days ›

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 畳縁クラフトワークショップ

Is this one for you?Choose the mini tatami or ring case if you want a finished souvenir in under an hour with zero craft experience required. Pick the shimenawa wreath if you have a bit more time and want a larger piece to display. Kids from age 5 can join with their own quicker projects, making this work for families with mixed ages.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is tatami-beri and why does it matter in Japanese culture?

Tatami-beri is the decorative edge trim of traditional Japanese tatami mats. Originally designed for durability, it became a symbol of status and tradition over time, with each pattern representing meanings like prosperity, protection, and longevity. In this workshop, you work with tatami-beri as a modern craft material, blending that historical tradition with something you create yourself.

Do I need any sewing or craft skills to make something here?

No sewing is required, and the workshop is beginner-friendly. All the tools and materials you need are provided, and the guide walks you through the process step by step in English or Japanese.

What can I actually make, and do I choose before I arrive?

You choose your project at checkout from options including a mini tatami mat, ring case, phone strap, suitcase belt, or shimenawa wreath. Each takes about an hour (the wreath takes 1–2 hours) and costs between ¥6,000 and ¥9,000. Kids have their own faster options (a tie keychain or ribbon hair accessory) that take around 30 minutes.

How long does the whole workshop take?

The workshop runs about 90 minutes for the main projects (mini tatami, ring case, phone strap, suitcase belt). The shimenawa wreath takes 1–2 hours. Kids' projects are shorter, around 30 minutes.