Experience Japanese Tradition Hands-on

01

Discover Tottori’s Artisanal Washi History

A 30-minute journey from Tottori City is where you’ll find Aoya Washi Studio, home of washi paper history. A workshop, gallery space, and gift store all rolled into one, it’s the perfect place to learn about the local craft of washi paper production and try your hand at making some yourself. From interior design to umbrellas, to paper and everything in between, throughout Japan’s artisanal history, washi paper has been utilized for a broad selection of purposes; which you can learn all about at the Aoya Washi Studio.

Aoya Washi Studio, Tottori City

: Tottori Pref. Tottorishi Aoyachouyamane 313

: 0857866060

: 9:00-17:00[Paper making expe…

View All

Go here

GNARLY OWL

気高町山宮237番地 Tottori

02

Fukui Lacquerware at the Urushi no Sato Kaikan

Japanese lacquerware is a craft that has a reputation throughout the globe. One of the best ways to discover the history and beauty of this ancient craft is at the Urushi no Sato Kaikan in Sabae City, Fukui. A gallery and workshop, Urushi no Sato offers three different lacquer classes; drawing, carving, and applying lacquer. With techniques and works that have been passed down through generations, Fukui is a must visit for anyone interested in getting to know Japan’s art history in more depth.

Echizen Lacquerware Hall

4.0

9 Reviews

: Fukui Pref. Sabaeshi Nishibukurochou 40-1-2

: 0778652727

: 9:00-17:00

View All

Go here

03

Koyasan Daishikyokai Temple Sutra Copying

Mt Koya, generally regarded as one of Japan’s most spiritual locations is home to a variety of esoteric Buddhist practices which many visitors are more than welcome to experience. A unique activity worth trying is Sutra copying, the method of hand-copying Buddhist sutras. Led by local monks Sutra copying is an exercise in discovering inner peace, and an essential ritual in the practice of Japanese Buddism. If you’re in Koya, there are plenty of opportunities to try it out at least once.

Koyasan Daishikyokai Temple sutra copying and precept instruction

4.0

90 Reviews

: Wakayama Pref. Itogunkouyachou Kouyasan 347

: 0736562015

: [Sutra copying experience] 8…

View All

Koyasan Daishikyokai Temple sutra copying and precept instruction image

Go here

Koyasan Shukobo Zofukuin

346, Koyacho, Koyasan Wakayama

04

Taiko Drumming at Sado Island Taiko Centre

A familiar rhythm for anyone who’s ever visited a Japanese Matsuri, taiko drumming is not only great to listen to and mesmerizing to watch, but also an incredibly fun activity to try yourself. Head to the forests of Niigata’s Sado Island, east of mainland Niigata Prefecture, and you’ll discover the home of world’s most famous taiko drumming ensemble. Founded in 1981, the ensemble has been based in Kodo Village since 1988. Kodo Village is a 13.2-hectare area which houses a rehearsal hall, residential buildings, workshop and recording studio. The community regularly welcomes visitors, so if you’ve ever had an inclination to try your hand at this hypnotic Japanese tradition, this is the ultimate place to do it.

Sado Island Taiko Centre

4.5

11 Reviews

: Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Ogikanetashinden 150-3

: 0259862320

: 9:00-17:00[Taiko experience …

View All

Go here

05

Taiken Workshop Rokuroza

While Saga Prefecture is practically overflowing with impressive pieces of porcelain wares to admire and buy, the best way to appreciate the Japanese ceramic artform is to try it out for yourself. Book a visit to Rokuro Studio in Arita to get your hands dirty, learn a new skill and craft your own piece of traditional Japanese art. With around 400 years of history in porcelain-making, Artita is home to some of the nation’s most knowledgeable artisans many of whom are more than willing to teach you a thing or two. The workshops are held in both Japanese and English, so there’s no excuse not to give it a go!

Pottery Studio Rokuroza

5.0

2 Reviews

: Saga Nishimatsuura-gun Aritacho Izumiyama 1-30-1

: 0955411302

: 10:00-16:00 (This Sunday exp…

View All

Go here

06

Tobemachi Ceramics Creation Center in Matsuyama

From the southern corners of Okinawa in the northern points of Hokkaido, Japan has no shortage of pottery towns, but if you’re in Shikoku, head for Tobe not far from Ehime’s capital of Matsuyama. In Tobe, add a visit to Togei Sosakukan to your itinerary for an in-depth, hands-on exploration of the fascinating ceramic form known as Tobeyaki. Under the guidance of the local experts, sign up for one of three workshops; a pottery painting experience, hand molding experience, or the pottery wheel experience. If you’re in the area for a while, you can make this one of your first stops on the way and have the piece fired and finished within a few days.

Tobemachi Ceramics Creation Center

4.0

11 Reviews

: Ehime Pref. Iyoguntobechou Gohonmatsu 82

: 0899626145

: 9:00-17:00(Last entry16:00)

View All

Tobemachi Ceramics Creation Center image

Go here

07

Chopstick Engraving Experience in Wajima

Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture is famous for Wajima-nuri lacquer stunning, black and red tableware typically covered in with intricate gold designs. The Wajima Kobo Nagaya workshop is a great place to let out all your creative energy getting busy crafting your own chopsticks, just sign up for one of their popular engraving experiences where you can come up with your design and decorate your chopsticks by scraping into the lacquer and then painting the engraving with gold leaf. The workshops are run in Japanese, but the beauty of the process is that it’s straightforward and easy to copy. Also, it’s a great way to practice your Japanese skills while you’re at it!

Wajima Kobo Nagaya

3.5

33 Reviews

: Ishikawa Pref. Wajimashi Kawaimachi 4-66-1

: 0768230011

: 9:00-17:00

View All

Go here

08

Discover Hyogo’s Ceramic History at Tachikui Sue-no-Sato

Stroll the streets of Tamba in Hyogo Prefecture, and it’s near impossible to miss Tamba ware, a localized form of pottery that has been passed perfected through generations. Originating in Korea, this form of pottery is fired at extreme temperatures, which creates some extraordinary and unique designs. When you’re in the area, pay a visit to Tachikui Sue-no-Sato, the home of Tamba pottery, where you can try making some Tamba ware for yourself. They have many different workshops on offer for all pottery making levels. You can make your own piece from scratch or design a pre-shaped creation depending on your time and confidence level.

Tamba Traditional Art Craft Park Tachikui Sue no Sato

4.0

14 Reviews