The Traditional game of Kendama in Nagai City
Kendama is a traditional Japanese folk game played with a wooden handle with a large wooden ball attached by a string. Its origins trace back to the 1,700s with it gaining widespread popularity in the Edo Period and even spreading across the world with its own world championship competition.
Nagai City, located in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture, is not only the largest producer of this craft, but it also has one of the largest concentration of skilled players. Here in this city kendama is taught in elementary schools and even is a strong point of pride for its local residents.
There is even a facility right in front of Nagai Station that offers lessons by english speaking players for visitors where you can take home your own Nagai kendama after learning the basics and seeing a pro at work.
Kendama Experience
Cost
From ¥4,000 per person (with a minimum of 2 participants)
Availability
Year-round
10:00am to 2:00pm
Details
This experience lasts for about 60 minutes to 80 minutes.
Participants will also take home their own kendama made in Nagai to continue practicing at home.
Address
SPIKe, in front of Nagai Station
Booking Deadline and Important notes
Requests for reservations for this experience must be made at least three business days in advance.
This experience requires an advanced reservation to ensure the availability of the English-speaking kendama players who will lead and teach the experience.
Reservations
You can send a booking inquiry for your experience below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least 3 days before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserve an experience straightaway.
Cancelation policy
Our general cancelation policy for our experiences is below.
3 business days before date of experience
Free
2 business days before date of experience
30% of total price
1 business day before date of experience
50% of total price
Same day
100% of total price
