Top Aichi Prefecture Classes & Workshops - page 2

Nishio, is a small town located in the south-central part of Aichi Prefecture. Nishio is known for being one of the major production areas of matcha along with Uji (Kyoto) and Kyoto proper. The quality of Nishio matcha is highly recognized throughout the country and overseas. This one day experience starts with a video introduction of the matcha production process. Your local guide will explain to you about the history of Nishio Matcha. Then, you will head to the tea fields and you will be able to take photos while wearing the traditional tea outfit. After tea field tour, you will take a brief factory tour to watch how the leaves are dried and prepared for tea-making. This will give you a good understanding of the process required to develop the harvested tea. Once you finish the tea factory tour, you will make your matcha cup for drinking with the guidance of the local tour guide. Finally, you will be able to enjoy the green tea with sweets.

Tour highlights -Create your own authentic Japanese knife with a blacksmith in service for 200 years -Pound iron with your own two hands in the historical setting of a rural Japanese living museum -Learn the rural lifestyle techniques of a seasoned craftsman -Stroll through Asuke’s historic townscape with its roots in prehistory -Finish your totally unique, handcrafted knife in one day, ready to take home. Tour details This Toyota Green Life Experience tour invites you to craft your own knife in historic Asuke under the guidance of seventh-generation blacksmith Yuto Hirose. Learn traditional forging techniques as you shape a blade from scratch over open flames. In the afternoon, explore Asuke’s Edo-period streets and enjoy local specialties such as wild boar dishes or gohei mochi. Finally, pick up your finished knife—sharpened by the master—and complete the handle to take home a unique memento of your experience.

Highlights - Explore a family-run woodworking workshop crafting sacred furnishings for Japanese traditions. - Learn how handcrafted wooden furnishings and ritual implements are created for Shinto and Buddhist traditions. - Meet a seventh-generation artisan preserving generations of traditional craftsmanship. - Create your own pair of Kiso cypress chopsticks using professional woodworking tools. - Take home a handcrafted souvenir made from Japan’s finest cypress wood. Overview Discover Nagoya’s traditional woodworking with an exclusive visit to the Iwata Sanpo workshop near Atsuta Shrine. Learn about Owari Butsugu from a certified Traditional Craftsman, then create your own pair of Kiso hinoki chopsticks using professional tools. Take home your handcrafted chopsticks as a unique souvenir. An optional traditional lacquer finish is also available.

Highlights - Learn to prepare three types of sushi perfect for entertaining back home - Experience sushi-making in a charming retro café run by a long-standing tea shop - Enjoy a homemade sushi lunch with miso soup in a warm, welcoming setting - Explore a local shopping arcade and shop for fresh sushi ingredients like a local - Take home the knowledge to recreate sushi parties with ease and flair Overview Discover the art of sushi-making with a local twist in the nostalgic streets near Nagoya Station. This hands-on experience is perfect for learning how to prepare authentic sushi in a relaxed, friendly environment. Visit a local supermarket to pick up fresh ingredients before heading to a cozy retro café run by a long-standing tea shop. Learn to make three types of sushi: Temari sushi (bite-sized sushi), Maki sushi (traditional rolled sushi), and Temaki sushi (hand-rolled sushi cones). Finish by enjoying your handmade sushi with a warm bowl of traditional clear soup.

Unlike standard mass-market tastings or automated factory tours, this private experience grants rare, behind-the-scenes access to Sawada Sake Brewery—a 170-year-old heritage producer near Nagoya in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, where traditional hand-craftsmanship thrives. What sets this exclusive sake tasting apart is the multi-sensory ceramic pairing. Guided personally by the brewery owner, you will explore six distinct Japanese sakes and craft plum wine (umeshu) using four differently shaped, handcrafted Tokoname-yaki artisan pottery cups to discover how ceramic shapes transform flavor profiles, before selecting your favorite handmade cup to take home as a souvenir. By combining owner-led heritage storytelling, a 6-variety sake tasting paired with local fermented snacks, and an authentic Tokoname ceramic gift, this experience delivers an unforgettable cultural highlight for travelers exploring Greater Nagoya and the Chita Peninsula region.

Practice the time-honored arts of samurai swordsmanship during this exclusive, hands-on Kendo workshop. Work one-on-one with an experienced Kendo instructor, with all equipment and armor included. Learn practical skills and put your new moves to the test during a tournament-style combat game. All experience levels are welcome, and participants receive complimentary drinks and a souvenir Kendo towel. Highlight=Samurai culture instruction/Practical guidance by over 20 years of Kendo experience guide/Hitting to instructors/Combat game/Guide demonstration/Free Japanese Kendo towel/Acceptable 2 people~

Walk through the town dressed in a kimono and savor matcha in a tea room. By combining these two experiences, you can gain a deeper appreciation of the charm of Japanese culture. In the tea room, you can actually try making matcha yourself. Enjoy a special moment that is not only perfect for photos but also leaves a lasting impression on your heart.

Craft Your Own Legacy in a Historic Textile Town Experience the magic of Arimatsu Shibori, a nationally designated craft with over 400 years of history. Kuno Dyeing Factory hosts private workshops guided by a master artisan, you will use traditional tie-dyeing techniques to transform plain fabric into a vibrant work of art. Whether you are creating a gift or a personal treasure, this hands-on workshop offers a peaceful retreat into the refined aesthetics of Edo-period Japan. Bring home your handcrafted creation as a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your journey through Nagoya.

Experience Nagoya’s rich food culture in a hands-on cooking class led by a local grandmother who’s passionate about traditional cuisine and fermentation. Learn how to make authentic dashi from kombu and bonito flakes while discovering her deep knowledge and cooking wisdom. You’ll prepare and enjoy three popular local “Nagoya-meshi” dishes, and with the included recipes, you can recreate them at home. After the meal, take part in a tea ceremony experience — whisk your own bowl of matcha and enjoy it with a seasonal Japanese sweet. This small-group class (up to four people) offers an intimate and unforgettable way to connect with the heart of Nagoya’s culinary traditions. please feel free to get in touch if you have questions.

Discover the spiritual heart of Japan through its most elegant New Year tradition. While many observe Japanese culture from afar, this workshop invites you to participate in it. Why this activity is unique You will craft a Shimenawa Wreath, a sacred rope traditionally hung at shrines and homes to purify the entrance and invite good fortune. This is not just a craft; it is a meditative experience rooted in the philosophy of Ikebana—emphasizing harmony, seasonality, and the beauty of empty space (Ma). What you will experience Mindfulness: Step away from the busy travel rush and find focus in the rhythm of weaving. Symbolism: Learn the hidden language of nature as you work with materials like Rice Straw (gratitude), Pine (evergreen longevity), and Mizuhiki cords (unity). Authenticity: Create a talisman that protects your home and symbolizes a fresh start. Don't just buy a souvenir. Create a personalized symbol of luck, longevity, and joy to carry with you into the New Year.

You will have the opportunity to taste the unique umami of each type of dashi. Please savor a taste of kombu dashi (prepared three days in advance). Next, experience the umami of the finest dashi by shaving bonito flakes. We take pride in using water from Yoro, Gifu Prefecture. You'll witness the preparation of dishes such as dashi-maki tamago (rolled omelette with dashi) and miso soup right in front of you across the counter. Engage in lively conversation with the chef as you experience an immersive demonstration.

Craft Your Own Unique Miso In this workshop, you’ll create a custom miso blend using your choice of beans, grains, and salt levels, allowing you to tailor its sweetness, depth, and saltiness. ・Participate in a hands-on miso-making workshop to create Japan's staple rice-based miso, representing 80% of all miso made in the country. ・This family-friendly activity welcomes all ages, with a special tradition that children’s hands add unique flavors to the miso. ・The workshop lasts about two hours, with a total time of up to three hours, including preparation. ・Enjoy a warm bowl of homemade miso soup made with our family’s own miso for an authentic tasting experience. ・For Japanese culture lovers ; Miso has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for over a thousand years. ・Ideal for Japanese culture enthusiasts, this workshop offers a memorable dive into traditional culinary heritage. ・Take Home a “Living” Product；Bring home your miso to continue fermenting!

Owari Butsugu are traditional Japanese crafts that have been produced since the early Edo period, with Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture at their cultural center. For over 50 years, Kobo Noyori has dedicated itself to crafting Kazarikanagu, the finely detailed decorative metal fittings that form an essential part of this heritage. Prior to the hands-on experience, guests are introduced to the history of Owari Butsugu, its traditional craftsmanship, and the meticulous process of creating Kazarikanagu. The workshop then proceeds using the traditional chokin metal engraving technique, in which patterns are carefully carved into metal plates with chisels (tagane), following methods passed down through generations of artisans. Available Items & Prices Copper Incense Holder / Incense Plate – ¥10,000 Brass Bangle – ¥10,000 Silver Ring (Sizes 1–20) – ¥18,000 Silver Ring (Sizes 21–30) – ¥20,000 Silver Pendant Top – ¥18,000 Silver Pendant Top with Chain – ¥23,000 Silver Bangle – ¥35,000

Refined Dining Above the City Skyline The highlight of this plan is the exceptional setting—30 floors above ground, offering a panoramic view of Nagoya. From this exclusive vantage point, you can enjoy the city’s evening lights while relaxing in a sophisticated, private atmosphere. This is not a typical dinner; it is an opportunity to experience "Japanese-French fusion" at its finest. The menu features premium local ingredients, such as Mikawa Isshiki eel and Nagoya Cochin, prepared with meticulous French techniques. Each dish is designed to highlight the natural flavors of the season, providing a true taste of the region's culinary culture. To conclude your evening, a signature cocktail awaits at the top-floor bar. Combined with the stunning scenery, this experience offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and local hospitality. It is the ideal way to spend a memorable final night in Nagoya.

Ramen is now one of the most popular Japanese foods! In this lesson, you will try making miso ramen with lots of vegetables. Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning, and there are many varieties. Nagoya has a thriving fermentation culture, and there are many stores that have been producing miso, soy sauce, and mirin for centuries. The miso from nagoya is called “aka-miso” (red miso), which is darker in color and slightly salty in contrast to Kyoto's white miso, but when made into ramen, it is very mild and goes very well with vegetables and noodles. In this lesson, we will show you the recommended recipe and how to make a flavorful ramen soup. After cooking, it is time for tasting! Please enjoy the hot, freshly made ramen. While enjoying your meal, let's talk about Nagoya, the wonderful sightseeing spots around Japan, your country, and much more! We look forward to seeing you there!

Endoji Shopping Arcade is a charming arcade near Nagoya Station that embodies the nostalgic atmosphere of an old town dating back to the Meiji era, blended with the allure of new culture. Within the arcade, at the tea room Wasuikouan, you can enjoy a Zen meditation experience along with a simple meal of one soup, two dishes, and tea with sweets.We offer a Zen (meditation) experience led by an instructor with 15 years of meditation experience.

You can recreate the potter's wheel experience as many times as you like. You can create it as many times as you like until you are satisfied. Please create your favorite utensils such as rice bowls, plates, tea cups, etc. You can also choose the color when finished. The craftsmen's talk will be unique and it will be a fun time.

The Art of Jet-Black: Nagoya Kuromontsuki Dyeing Discover the elegance of Nagoya Kuromontsuki Zome, a traditional craft born from the samurai era. This exclusive tour is led by the master of Yamakatsu Senko, a distinguished studio preserving the art of "jet-black" dyeing since the Edo period. You will go behind the scenes to learn from a certified craftsman before creating your own masterpiece. Using iconic motifs like the Golden Shachihoko, you will dye a fabric item to take home—a unique memento of Japanese spirit and refined formal culture.

Aichi prefecture is known as one of Japan’s leading areas for traditional seasonings, including soy sauce, mirin, sake, vinegar and miso. In this hands-on lesson, you will discover how traditional fermentation transforms simple ingredients into a rich, complex flavor. You will use premium local seasonings–artisan soy sauce, authentic brewed mirin and local sake–to create the ultimate Teriyaki Chicken. To complete the meal, we will also prepare traditional side dishes; Miso soup made with Aichi’s famous red miso, a refreshing side dish using local vinegar, and Dashimaki Tamago (rolled omelet) seasoned with white dashi. After the cooking session, sit down and savor the delicious meal you’ve created! The lesson is beginner-friendly and suitable for all skill levels. This experience is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Japanese home cuisine and take home practical cooking skills to share with your family and friends! We look forward to cooking with you!

Highlights -Meet master Nagoya Buddhist altar and Owari cloisonné artisans shaping living traditions -Craft your own chopsticks from premium Kiso cypress using authentic artisan tools -Observe delicate cloisonné brushwork and the rare moment of kiln opening -Savor classic Nagoya regional dishes served on handcrafted lacquerware and cloisonné tableware -Take home handcrafted chopsticks and a cloisonné chopstick rest as lasting mementos Tour Overview Nagoya’s craftsmanship still thrives today. This experience offers hands-on workshops with master artisans. Craft Kiso cypress chopsticks with seventh-generation artisan Yasuyuki Iwata of Iwata Sanpo, then enjoy a Nagoya-style lunch in lacquered boxes. In the afternoon, watch live Owari cloisonné demonstrations by Satsuki Nonaka of Ota Shippo, revealing these crafts as living traditions near Nagoya Station.

The allure of Owari Shippo lies in its indescribable "depth of color." The thickness of the glaze, the temperature of the fire, the brilliance of the metal base... Even slight variations in conditions can cause the appearance to change like a kaleidoscope. It would be a shame to simply admire this art form, which Nagoya is proud of, and leave it at that. After observing the masterful work of skilled artisans up close, it's finally your turn. The vibrant glaze is applied, the piece is placed in the kiln, and the elation of seeing the brilliance come to life is felt. The finished piece is a "crystal of light" that is uniquely yours. Enjoy a moment of immersion in the delicate and luxurious magic of color.

A 140-Year Heritage of Protection and Artistry Step inside a historic doll studio with deep ties to Atsuta Jingu Shrine to craft a "Kariroku," the legendary incense charm of the samurai. 　Under the expert guidance of the proprietor, you will create a personalized amulet designed to protect your home and bring good fortune. This unique hands-on experience offers a rare glimpse into the elegant world of Japanese dolls and the timeless traditions of warding off misfortune.