Tatami mats are traditional flooring typically used in Japanese rooms. Each mat consists of three layers: the base (tatami-doko) made from compressed rice straw, the outer layer (tatami- omote) made from igusa (rush), and the border (tatami-heri) typically now made using synthetic fibers.  

Most traditional tatami mats use 100% natural rice straw to create the base, with certain characteristics, such as quality of the rice straw and rate of compression, determining the quality of the mats. The highest quality mats are usually reserved for use in tea rooms and at religious sites, such as buildings located within Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, with some lasting several centuries. Some manufacturers currently prefer to use a sheet of Styrofoam which is more cost effective and provides better insulation and humidity control. Igusa quality is also determined by length and how it is weaved, with the highest quality again reserved for religious sites. Linen and cotton are typical materials used in the weaving process.

Guesthouse Fujitatami is located in a reformed building that is over 60 years old. It is considered to be the first guesthouse in Izumi city that caters to backpackers. All of the guestrooms are fitted with tatami made of high-quality, domestic materials, which gives each one a feeling of relaxed harmony. The owner, Issei Fujihara, can speak English, and is very happy to share information about the tradition of tatami with visitors, or give them travel advice.

The owners are also keen on promoting eco-friendly lifestyles, and regularly recycle tatami mats into canvases. Fantastic paintings and replicas of famous Japanese art, such as the Wind God and Thunder God Screens by the famous artist Tawaraya Sotatsu (birth and death unknown; active from 1600-1640), are displayed in the common room.

Guesthouse Fujitatami has both private and shared rooms. Shared rooms, separated by gender, are around ¥2,000 per night, and private rooms are around ¥3,000 per night, making each affordable options for backpackers. There are also communal showers and toilets (also separated by gender). There is a shared kitchen that visitors can use, and a convenience store nearby, as well as an unmanned vegetable stand (which works on the honor system) where visitors can purchase local produce.

A small tatami factory is located adjacent to the accommodation, which is run by the owners of Fujitatami Guesthouse. Father Hiromasa Fujiwara and son Issei Fujiwara continue to make tatami mats in the local area and have opened up their space to international visitors in the hope of showing a global audience the process that goes into making these traditional mats. This experience will teach visitors how to make a small version of tatami, which makes an incredible souvenir to commemorate your time in Japan.

Most tatami mats are machine woven, which can also be seen at this factory. However, very few craftsmen in the industry obtain the knowledge of making tatami mats by hand using thread and large needles; those who do so are considered true professionals. The owners will show you how to make the mats using both methods.