The Artisans of Uetsu: Encounters with silk, steel, and more
Craftsmanship and artistry in the Uetsu region
A 4-day, 3-night deep dive into traditions and techniques passed down through generations of craftsmen
From Niigata Prefecture’s Tsubame-Sanjo to Yamagata Prefecture’s Shonai area, experience the charm and beauty of traditions of craftsmanship in the Uetsu region. Interact with craftsmen and artisans at their workshops, visit factories known worldwide for their metalworking craftsmanship, and learn about and try manufacturing techniques passed down and refined through generations. Experience Japan’s “monozukuri” tradition for yourself while learning about the history and charm of creation in each region. Observe production processes for products such as hammered copperware and the construction of kitchen knives, and create your own paper knife from a five-sided nail. Learn about the history of Tsuruoka’s silk industry and production process in the place of its birth, and try your hand at creating a traditional kasafuku ornament, a traditional craft passed down in the Sakata area since the Edo period.
Tour at a glance
Inclusions:
- Accommodations at hot springs hotels (3 nights)
- Breakfasts on Days 2-4
- Lunches on Days 1-4
- Dinners on Days 1-3
- Workshop and factory tour experiences
- Hands-on paper knife and kasafuku making experiences
- English-speaking interpreter-guide
- Arrangement fees
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Food and drink in addition to the prix fixe meals included as part of the package
- Transportation to starting location
- Other items not explicitly listed as included
We can also provide the following options for an additional fee:
- Interpretation in other languages (please inquire)
- Customization
Minimum number of participants
2 participants
Cost
From ¥550,000 per person (with a minimum of 2 participants)
Tour Length
4 days, 3 nights
Tour availability
Please inquire
Tour Start Location
Tsubamesanjo Station
Important notes
Dietary Restrictions:
Day 1
Tour Highlights
- Meet at Tsubamesanjo Station to start the tour.
- Tour two well-known factories in the area, starting with a company producing cutting tools. Learn about the steps in the process of creating everyday tools of exceptional quality.
- Stop for lunch at the factory restaurant, and move on to a second factory to see the craftsmen at work and learn about how high-quality kitchen knives are created.
- Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at a traditional hot spring inn in the peaceful Iwamuro Onsen area.
Day 2
Tour Highlights
- After breakfast at your accommodations, visit Yahiko Shrine, one of Niigata Prefecture’s most well-loved and respected spiritual sites.
- Visit Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo, where you will learn more about the steps in the process of knife manufacturing as you create your own paper knife from a 5-sided nail under the instruction of a local craftsman.
- Stop for a lunch of Se-Abura ramen, a specialty of the Tsubame-Sanjo area.
- Visit a hammered copperware workshop, founded over 200 years ago, to see the craftsmanship techniques and artistry refined and passed down through the generations.
- Stop by a roadside station for a break and shopping from among a carefully curated collection of kitchenware and other items from local manufacturers.
- Travel to Yamagata Prefecture’s Tsuruoka City, to have dinner and stay overnight in a hot springs town.
Day 3
Tour Highlights
- After breakfast at your accommodations, transfer out to the peaceful fields of Tsuruoka City, to the Matsugaoka Silk Farms.
- Tour the facilities to learn more about the history, production methods, and weaving technique of the samurai silk tradition.
- Stop for lunch and a tour at a local winery with a view over the vineyards and fields.
- Tour a local sake brewery.
- Travel to your onsen accommodations for dinner and rest.
Day 4
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a leisurely morning in your accommodations, then visit a former high-class restaurant turned museum and center celebrating local culture and crafts.
- Try your hand at making a kasafuku ornament under the instruction of a friendly local teacher, colorful sewn objects such as small animals, vegetables, and flowers, each with a unique meaning and traditionally displayed hanging in long strands from bright red umbrellas.
- Enjoy a lunch of fresh sushi.
- Compete your tour at Sakata Station or Shonai Airport and move on to your next Japan adventure.
Reservations
You can send a booking inquiry below. After we receive your inquiry, we will check on availability for your request and contact you by email.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy for this tour is below. Cancellation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.
4 business days or more before date of tour
No penalty
3 business days before date of tour
20% of total price
2 business days before date of tour
30% of total price
1 business day before date of tour
50% of total price
Day of the tour
100% of total price
