Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring material and an essential item for creating a Japanese-style space. It is popular among those who wish to incorporate a Japanese atmosphere into their homes overseas. However, many people have questions such as, "How much does a tatami mat cost?" and "Is international shipping available?" This article provides a detailed explanation of tatami pricing and shipping costs.
Basic Tatami Prices
Tatami prices vary depending on size, material, and quality. Below is a general price guide for different types of tatami.
Types of Tatami and Their Prices（The price of one tatami mat）
| Tatami Type | Features | Price per Mat |
|---|---|---|
Premium Japanese Igusa Tatami | High-grade tatami made with top-quality domestic igusa | 50,000 JPY |
Standard Japanese Igusa Tatami | Regular-grade tatami made with domestic igusa | 30,000 JPY |
Chinese Igusa Tatami | Budget-friendly tatami made with Chinese igusa | 20,000 JPY |
Daiken Washi Tatami (Synthetic Paper) | Highly durable and resistant to mold | 25,000 JPY |
Sekisui Migusa Tatami (Resin-based) | Wide variety of colors and stylish design | 25,000 JPY |
*Prices are approximate and may vary. Custom-made or special-order tatami may incur additional costs.
International Shipping Costs for Tatami
When shipping tatami overseas, additional shipping costs apply apart from the tatami price.
Major Shipping Methods and Estimated Costs
Due to their large size, tatami mats are mainly shipped via EMS (Express Mail Service) or sea freight.
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost (for 6 mats) | Delivery Time |
| EMS (Air Freight) | Around 200,000 JPY (varies by region) | 3-7 days |
| Sea Freight | Around 100,000 JPY (varies by region) | 1-3 months |
| *For exact shipping costs, please check the official Japan Post website. | ||
| *Shipping costs may be higher or lower depending on the destination country. Please request a quote for accurate pricing. |
Reducing Shipping Costs with Foldable Tatami
Tatami mats are highly popular overseas. However, due to their large size and weight, high international shipping costs have been a challenge. To solve this problem, Higuchi Tatami Shop offers foldable tatami mats.
Since these tatami mats can be folded, even those over 150 cm are not classified as special cargo, significantly reducing shipping costs. This innovation allows us to provide high-quality, premium tatami mats at an affordable price to customers worldwide.
For more details, please check out our blog post:
Read more here
Export Restrictions on Tatami
Since tatami mats are made from "igusa" (rush grass), some countries have import restrictions due to plant quarantine regulations. Countries such as the United States and Australia may not allow the import of natural igusa tatami. However, regulations may change over time, so it is advisable to check with local plant quarantine authorities or customs offices.
Countries Where Japanese Igusa Tatami Can Be Exported
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Singapore
Countries Where Japanese Igusa Tatami Cannot Be Exported
- United States
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Some Southeast Asian countries (e.g., the Philippines, Indonesia)
However, tatami made with Daiken Washi or Sekisui Migusa materials can be exported. These materials use synthetic fibers or washi (Japanese paper), making them less likely to be subject to import restrictions. They are a great alternative for those living abroad.
Important Points When Purchasing Tatami
1. Check the Size
Standard tatami sizes in Japan vary. Since room dimensions differ by country, it is essential to measure your space beforehand.
| Tatami Size | Width × Length (cm) |
| Kyoma (Kyoto Size) | 95.5 × 191（100×200） |
| Edoma (Tokyo Size) | 88 × 176（90×180） |
2. Learn About Maintenance
Different types of tatami require different maintenance methods.
- Igusa Tatami: Prone to moisture; ensure proper ventilation regularly.
- Daiken Washi & Sekisui Migusa Tatami: Water-wipeable, resistant to mold and mites.
Conclusion
When using tatami overseas, consider not only the cost of the mats but also shipping fees and import restrictions. Since natural igusa tatami cannot be shipped to some countries, alternatives like Daiken Washi and Sekisui Migusa tatami are great options.
If you are looking to create a Japanese-style space abroad, be sure to use this information as a reference!
