10 Japanese Craft Experiences in Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and More

Japan is known worldwide for both its colorful, hyper-futuristic pop culture as well as its exquisite, ancient cultural traditions. Many feel that a visit to the country wouldn’t truly be complete without delving into its history and culture via a quintessentially Japanese experience such as ikebana or tea ceremony.

Traditional activity experts Wabunka offer an extensive range of such experiences all across the country. Below we detail 10 authentic Japanese craft experiences offered in cities like Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka.

Japanese Craft Experiences

1. Kimono Art at a Kaga Yuzen Dyeing Workshop in Kanazawa
2. Make Kutani Ware Matcha Bowls in Kanazawa
3. Immersive Tea Experience in Sakai, Osaka
4. Japanese Knife Crafting at Wada Shoten
5. Buddhist Painting and Sutra Copying at Ancient Temple in Nara
6. Guided Tour of Kobe’s Historical Sumadera Temple
7. Zazen Meditation and Japanese Rock Garden at Seiganji Temple, Shiga
8. Craft a Nagoya Folding Fan near Nagoya Castle
9. Create a Tapestry with Nagoya Motifs Unsing Noren Curtain Techniques
10. Forge a Samurai Knife at Asano Kajiya in Gifu

1. Experience Kaga Yuzen Kimono Dyeing in Kanazawa

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Developed over five centuries ago in the area that is now Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga Yuzen is one of Japan’s most distinctive and enduring methods of dyeing. Many kimonos are still decorated in bold, ornate, and iconic designs created using this exquisite technique.

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Now visitors to Kanazawa can explore the history of Kaga Yuzen during a private tour of renowned atelier Yuzen Kukan Kobo Hisatsune, and experience the technique for themselves during a Kaga Yuzen handkerchief painting workshop.

The experience is headed by Kaga Yuzen master Toshihara Hisatsune, whose incredible accolades include creating pieces for Japan’s Imperial family. There is perhaps no better guide and instructor to assist in delving into the intricate world of Kaga Yuzen dyeing.

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2. Make Kutani Ware Matcha Bowls in Kanazawa

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Another exquisite traditional craft tracing its origins to Ishikawa Prefecture, Kutani Ware is an intricate style of Japanese pottery dating back to the 17th century.

Renowned Kanazawa-based ceramics artist Masayoshi Yoshioka now offers visitors a unique experience during a hands-on workshop where participants can craft Kutani Ware matcha tea bowls. While these bowls are drying, they will also be able to discuss Kutani Ware in depth with Yoshioka, at the same time enjoying matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets!

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The experience affords participants the rare opportunity to enter into the artist’s inner world, experiencing his unique creative process and delving deeper into the history of this celebrated ceramic craft.

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3. Immersive Tea Experience in Sakai, the Hometown of Sen no Rikyu

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Perhaps one of the cultural aspects most associated with Japan is the nation’s historical relationship with tea. The figure at the forefront of the development of Japanese tea culture and tea ceremony was Sen No Rikyu (1522-1591), a tea master born and raised in what is now Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture.

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Visitors to Sakai can now delve deep into the profound world of tea culture at the renowned tea shop Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo, an establishment with over 170 years of history. Here they can experience roasting and blending tea with top tea masters, using leaves carefully selected from across Japan. They can then enjoy this fragrant beverage amidst the atmospheric surroundings of the shop’s 340-year-old building.

The experience also includes an exquisite lunch with dishes flavored using Japanese tea, as well as an exclusive dessert created using high-quality matcha. A truly elegant feast for the senses!

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4. Japanese Knife Crafting at Wada Shoten – with Personalization!

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Japanese knives are among the most prized worldwide by chefs and culinary experts, being famed for their unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Artisans often train for years to master the complex processes involved in creating knives of the highest caliber, and this dedication is reflected in the quality and keenness of their blades.

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At Sakai’s renowned knife shop Wada Shoten, visitors can now learn how to create their own exceptional Japanese knife, which is then further personalized by engraving.

Participants will also learn the important skills needed for knife maintenance, allowing their treasured cooking implements to be of great service for the years to come. This is a fantastic activity and the ideal keepsake for those with a deep love of the culinary arts!

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5. Buddhist Painting and Sutra Copying at an Ancient Temple in Nara

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Nara, Japan’s ancient former capital and home to countless historical sites, is beloved for its deep connection to history, as well as its charming cultural character. The prefecture’s ancient Katsuragi City is home to Taimadera, one of Japan’s oldest and most historically important Buddhist temples.

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Visitors can now delve deep into the history of Buddhism in Japan via a fascinating tour of this incredible spiritual site, where they can explore some of its most sacred halls. They will also experience the intricate art of Buddhist painting and sutra copying, as well as the chance to enjoy Japanese tea in the temple’s stunning tea room.

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6. Guided Tour of Kobe’s Historical Sumadera Temple, Associated with the Tale of the Heike

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At over 1,100 years old, Sumadera Temple is among Japan’s oldest, and the ancient site is deeply associated with the historical epic known as the Tale of the Heike, themed around the Genpei wars that ended the Heian period in 1185. One of Japan’s most famed stories, the tale is seen by many as reflecting a concept intrinsic to Japanese culture - that is, the inevitable impermanence of everything.

During this deeply historical experience, participants will be able to discover the real-life events related to the epic tale, as they are guided through the temple by a Buddhist monk. This includes the rare opportunity to enter the temple’s inner sanctuary, an area normally off limits to the general public.

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The temple houses multiple important cultural artifacts and historical treasures, including the oldest surviving Sumagoto: a single-stringed koto (Japanese harp).

Visitors will be uniquely immersed within Japan’s ancient history through listening to a Sumagoto performance, and will even be able to experience playing the instrument for themselves!

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7. Zazen Meditation and Japanese Rock Garden at Seiganji Temple, Shiga

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Known worldwide for its potential benefits for mind and body, the ancient Buddhist meditative discipline zazen has been practiced in Japan for centuries, and can now be experienced by those from all walks of life.

Located in beautiful Shiga Prefecture, the ancient Soto Zen Buddhist temple Seiganji is surrounded by nature and is home to a truly beautiful, nationally acclaimed rock garden.

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During this unique activity offered at Seiganji, the temple’s head priest will guide participants around its tranquil and fascinating grounds. The priest will then guide them through a session of zazen meditation, taking place in the temple’s traditional shoin drawing room overlooking the garden.

Guests will then be able to relax while enjoying drinks and sweets in the elegant teahouse, including freshly brewed coffee. Against a peaceful natural backdrop and with the help of zazen practices, allow yourself to be transported to a state of true tranquility.

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8. Craft a Nagoya Folding Fan near Nagoya Castle

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Adorned with exquisite and vibrant designs often depicting nature, Japanese folding fans are an enduring symbol of elegance. As decorative as they are practical, they serve as the perfect accessory for keeping cool during the nation’s famously muggy summers, as well as being incorporated into other facets of Japanese culture such as traditional dance.

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Participants in this exclusive workshop now have the chance to create their own exquisite fan with the assistance of talented artisans from historical fan maker Suehirodo. Located near Nagoya Castle, this renowned company has been handcrafting traditional fans for over a century.

When making their fans participants can choose from various beautiful designs, including exquisite scenery from traditional Japanese paintings.

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9. Create a Beautiful Tapestry with Nagoya Motifs Using Noren Curtain Techniques

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Those who have visited Japan have certainly encountered noren - the distinctive curtains hung on the doorways of many traditional shops and eateries. Noren also function as internal room dividers, and often feature calligraphy and beautiful illustrations.

Those curious about these tapestries now have the rare opportunity to create noren for themselves!

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The workshop is headed by Nagoya-based artisan Yoshichiro Otsubo and takes place at the shop he currently runs - an establishment that has been producing noren for over a century.

With the assistance of this skilled expert, participants can truly personalize their handmade tapestries by decorating them with their own names - written in elegant kanji characters.

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10. Forge a Samurai Knife at Asano Kajiya, a Renowned Blacksmith Workshop in Gifu

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Japanese knives and swords are known worldwide for their history and craftsmanship, and have even become iconic symbols within pop culture.

Renowned swordsmith Taro Asano now offers visitors to his acclaimed blacksmith workshop Asano Kajiya the chance to create their very own samurai knife. With his expert guidance, participants will go through the intricate processes of creating such an implement, including hammering hot iron, shaping it, tempering, and sharpening it.

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The result is a truly unique item influenced by the individual creators themselves, as well as unique factors present on the day it was created - even the weather can have an effect on the knife’s finish!

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Discover Historical Traditions and Crafts Via a Cultural Experience!

Japan’s traditional crafts and ancient customs have captivated people globally, and the incredible beauty and value of these practices cannot be denied. Now visitors can immerse themselves in the nation’s timeless traditions via unforgettable experiences led by true artisans and masters.

Main image courtesy of Wabunka