traditional craft Archives - The Hidden Japan

Experience the Culture of Yamagata Alongside the Locals

This 3-day cultural immersion tour invites guests to discover Yamagata through its people, food, craftsmanship, and spiritual heritage. From hands-on culinary workshops and artisan encounters to guided visits to historic temples and relaxing stays in traditional hot spring inns, this program offers meaningful experiences that can easily be added to a broader Japan itinerary.

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Kashiwazaki Fireworks Festival Group Tour

Festivals and Events / Brittani Ivan

Immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese summer festival experience on this 4-day, 3-night small group tour.

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Zasu Pottery at Hanayama: Gallery and Anagama (Traditional Wood-Fired Kiln) Tour

Experiences, Factory and Brewery Tours, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

Zasu Pottery is one of the few remaining anagama (traditional wood-fired kilns) in the Tohoku region, continuing the tradition of producing unglazed, natural-fired pottery. Tour the old-style anagama kiln while listening to explanations from the pottery master.

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Early Summer Exclusive: Sho-aizome Indigo-Dyeing Experience

Craft Workshops, Experiences, Featured, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

This June 1st – July 15th program offers an opportunity to experience “Sho-Aizome,” one of Japan’s oldest indigo dyeing techniques, passed down in the Monji area of Kurikoma, Kurihara City.

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A Journey into Marumori’s Silk Farming Culture and Silk Heritage

Craft Workshops, Experiences, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

Experience Japan’s traditional sericulture (silkworm farming) in Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture, once renowned for a prosperous silk industry. Through exchanges with local farmers and artisans, you can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities related to silkworms and silk.

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Shiroishi Washi Fan Making Experience

Craft Workshops, Experiences, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

Make a fan using Shiroishi washi paper, a traditional product of Shiroishi City that is registered as a “Traditional Craft of Miyagi Prefecture.” Each piece of washi paper is hand-dyed, making your fan strong, durable, and entirely unique.

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Crafting Katana: A Behind-the-Scenes Private Forge Experience

Craft Workshops, Experiences, Martial Arts, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi has been making swords for 45 years, continuing to refine his skills even to this day. At his workshop, receive a demonstration and explanation of the steps involved in sword making, try your hand at some smithing yourself, and view some genuine samurai swords in a private showing.

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Kokeshi Doll Painting Experience

Craft Workshops, Experiences, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

The kokeshi doll, born in the Tohoku region first as a toy, took on new life as an item travelers visiting the hot springs of the region would take back with them as a souvenir. In this experience, paint your own original kokeshi doll using the same kind of brushes and electric lathe the artisans themselves do.

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Mini Tatami Mat Workshop

Craft Workshops, Experiences, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

Established in 1836, Tadami Kogyosho is a tatami mat maker with a long history. This hands-on experience offers guests the opportunity to use the tools of a tatami craftsman to make their own mini tatami mat.

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Shimenawa Making Experience

Craft Workshops, Experiences, One-off Experiences / info@ds-k.site

As a means of purifying spaces and preventing evil from entering, shimenawa ropes are hung to welcome the god Toshigami into one’s home. This experience offers visitors the chance to make a shimenawa decoration using green wara.

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