noun
raised tatami seating area
A slightly raised, tatami-floored seating section found in traditional Japanese restaurants, izakaya, and sometimes homes. Guests remove shoes before stepping up.
その居酒屋には小上がりの席がある。
That izakaya has raised tatami seating.
小上がりに座ると、足が楽だ。
Sitting on the raised tatami area is easier on the legs.
Compound of 小 (ko, 'small') and 上がり (agari, 'raised place', from 上がる 'to rise'). Refers to a small raised floor area.