Tatami Mat

Tatami mat is the traditional Japanese flooring made up of woven straw mats. A room with tatami flooring is called a washitsu (Japanese room). Some Japanese- style restaurants have Tatami floorings made of hand-pressed woven straw mats bordered by linen strips. In most Japanese-style restaurants, everyone is expected to leave their shoes at the entrance, and then change into the restaurant slippers. However, when stepping on the tatami floor of a room, slippers should be taken off. One is allowed to enter only wearing socks or with bare feet.　Tatami rooms usually have low tables with cushions, instead of chairs, where guests can sit on. It is rude for women to sit in the cross-legged manner or with legs spread out.